Courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden
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The San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) covers 37 acres in Encinitas, California, boasting over 5,000 plant species throughout 29 themed gardens. One of the most underrated is the Bamboo Garden, which is incidentally the largest living bamboo collection in all of North America.
You can reach the garden in about 1.5 hours by car from Los Angeles and enjoy the gorgeous coastal refuge by walking along 4 miles of trails.
Here’s a closer look.
The largest living bamboo collection in North America
SDBG’s Bamboo Garden was the first garden planted there as a collection, and it contains an impressive 100+ different species and cultivars of bamboo. The American Public Garden Association officially accredited the Bamboo Garden in 2013 as a key resource for bamboo research and preservation.
Some of the bamboo varieties extend dozens of feet into the air, creating towering canopies that can grow several feet in a day. Paths wind through dense bamboo groves with interpretive signage that points out the features and uses of each variety around the world.
Visiting the San Diego Botanical Garden 
Courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden is located near the coast in Encinitas, meaning guests can enjoy ocean views from the 4+ miles of meandering trails. There are 29 unique gardens to explore, representing 15 different regions from all over the planet.
From the 60-foot waterfall and misty environment in the rainforest garden, to the Kumeyaay homesite on the Native Plants & Native People Trail, the outdoor displays include much more than just thriving plants. Families are also welcome to come spend time at the three children’s gardens, which have interactive tree house and jungle elements.
You can reach the SD Botanic Garden from L.A. in less than 2 hours by car without traffic, although it’s worth planning in some road trip stops in Dana Point, Carlsbad, and Newport Beach.
📍 Location: 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024
🌐 Website: San Diego Botanic Garden