Breathe Deep at One of America’s Top 10 Gardens
o g e i San D n e d r a G c i n a t o B Story and Photos by Kris Grant
Here’s a day-trip suggestion that’s just a few minutes up the
coast, and one where you can socially distance in a totally outdoor
environment that will transport you like magic to all parts of the globe. San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas is an urban oasis. Its 37 acres are located on a sandstone ridge, with undulating canyons and mesas, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which lies about two miles to the west. Here you will encounter more than 5,000 plant species from around the world. Four miles of walking trails will lead you into 29 separate garden environments that each entice you to linger, breath deep and unwind. You are also likely to come away inspired with ideas to spruce up your own private oasis. I spent a pleasant morning and early afternoon meandering through the garden on Thursday, July 2. Even at the height of summer tourism, I encountered few other visitors, as the reservation system caps visitors at just 90 per day. A visit to the gardens begins at a new entrance at what was once the rear of the property; there’s ample free parking. Opposite check-in is the new Dickenson Family Education Conservatory, an 8,000 square-foot glass-enclosed facility housing rare and unusual tropical plants with an adjacent outdoor amphitheater. A highlight of the conservatory are six floating “plant islands” reminiscent of the movie “Avatar” that hang from the ceiling. These “living chandeliers” were the brainchild of the garden’s first President and CEO, Julian Duval, who retired in January 2019 after 24 years of service. Duval took the former quail refuge to a nationally recognized tourist attraction, which was named in 2019 as one of the “Top 10 Gardens Worth Traveling For” by the American Public Garden Association. Page 42
Coronado Magazine
