Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond

For a peaceful escape, visit the Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond in San Diego. Built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, this serene spot features vibrant water lilies and lotus blossoms in a shallow reflecting pond.

The Botanical Building, one of the world’s largest structures made of lath, uses uncovered redwood strips that allow sunlight to filter through its walls. Proposed by Alfred D. Robinson, founder of the San Diego Floral Society, the structure's elegant arches and large central dome are supported by steel. Outside, the lily pond, also created for the exposition, is the largest body of water in Balboa Park and was even used for Naval training during World War I.

The interior of the Botanical Building is set to reopen after renovations in fall 2024. The lagoon and walkways remain open and accessible. Smooth, paved paths and shaded rest areas provide a tranquil retreat year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the park. Surrounding gardens and museums are also open to visitors.