Of all the beautiful places in SoCal, San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is known far and wide for its amazing gardens and beautiful architecture. One of the lesser-known gardens in Southern California is actually one of the most interesting, though. Zoro Garden is an incredible sunken rock garden in Southern California that has beautiful sights and sounds all around it, and you’re definitely going to want to visit this season.

You’ll be charmed as soon as you walk into Zoro Garden. The striking greenery combined with the artful rock design will make you want to stop and take in every little detail.
Balboa Park
Zoro Garden has quite a colorful history. It was originally a nudist colony in the 1925 California-Pacific-Exposition! Today, it’s a much more quiet and low-key place to go!
The garden is not just for rocks! You’ll be taken with the vibrant, bright flowers as well. Zoro Garden is also a haven for butterflies. If you love butterflies, this is definitely the right place for you. You can see the full life cycle of these lovely creatures.
JD R/GoogleMaps
There are nectar plants as well as little holes in the rocks made specifically for catching water for them to drink. You’ll find three butterfly species in Zoo Garden- monarch, sulfur, and swallowtail.
The lovely trees just feel historically significant with their grand root structures and towering branches. Among the pretty varieties, you’ll get to see some spectacular ficus trees.
Balboa Park Zoro Garden

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The bridge is the perfect place to get a nice view of the garden and, of course, a very nice photo opportunity. You’ll want to get this one framed to remember your trip to Balboa Park’s lovely garden.
Balboa Park Zoro Garden
Don’t forget to explore the rest of Balboa Park while you’re there. There are lots of great activities in the park, from other themed gardens to the lily pads in the koi pond to the elegant Prado restaurant.
Balboa Park/Facebook
A trip to Balboa Park is definitely the time to stop and smell all the roses you can find.
Balboa Park/Facebook

Enjoy your trip to the coolest rock garden and grotto in San Diego! Zoro Garden in Southern California is a gorgeous escape, so whether you go for the peaceful atmosphere, the butterflies, or the interesting rocks, you’re sure to have a beautiful day.

For more info and to plan your trip, check out Zoro Garden’s website and the Balboa Park Facebook page.

Feeling hungry? Check out some of the best brunch spots in SoCal while you’re at it. These spots go perfect with a day spent surrounded by nature!

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Featured Addresses
Zoro Garden, El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA