San Diego Botanic Garden (Encinitas)

San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas: best for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; $20 adult · $18 military/seniors 60+/students · $12 youth (3–17) · free under 3.

Address300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024

Hours9am–5pm; last walk-up entry 4pm; closed Tue; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (an older garden PDF lists a different street number, 230 Quail Gardens Drive — the current homepage address governs; flagged in the report)

Prices$20 adult · $18 military/seniors 60+/students · $12 youth (3–17) · free under 3

Price notesWalk-ins are available and the garden is cashless (official hours & admissions page).

Age notesTicket tiers: youth 3–17, adult; under 3 free. The garden includes Hamilton Children's Garden, described on the garden's homepage as the West Coast's largest children's garden.

BookingWalk-in entry is available; no reservation required for general admission (official hours & admissions page).

Suggested timeAbout 2.5 hours

AccessibilityNot confirmed on the official pages fetched 2026-11-05.

ParkingMain lot at Quail Gardens Dr & Ecke Ranch Rd; parking is free for most events (official guest services page); the general day-use parking fee was Not confirmed

Hours in detailOpen six days a week 9 AM-5 PM; CLOSED Tuesdays. Last walk-up ticket entry is 4 PM. Open most holidays; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Tickets & bookingThe Garden is CASHLESS (no cash accepted). Reserving online is recommended: the ticket time is an estimated arrival window and guests may stay until closing, with same-day re-entry via a Welcome Center stamp. Walk-in admission is available but waits occur at peak times (weekends/holidays), and walk-in admission is not guaranteed on high-volume days. Member Guest Tickets, AHS reciprocal admissions and Museums for All are in person only and do not require reservations.

ParkingNo additional parking fee during regular daytime admission hours (select events may charge); vehicles must leave by 5:15 PM.

AccessibilityA limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan, first-come first-served, at the Welcome Center during regular daytime hours (not available during the Lightscape evening event). A volunteer-run Garden Shuttle operates during regular daytime hours.

Seasonal notesSeasonal setup: some Garden sections are temporarily closed on select days through November 17 for Lightscape preparation, and the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory closes at noon on November 7 for a private event (official notices). Strict no-pet policy.

Verified perk: Museums for All — $1 admission with SNAP EBT or WIC$1 per person admission with a SNAP EBT or WIC card and photo ID; in-person only (official hours & admissions page).

Verified perk: AHS Reciprocal Admissions — free for member-garden membersMembers of gardens in the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program receive free admission; in-person only (official hours & admissions page).

Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

San Diego Botanic Garden — Encinitas, California