The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens are designated ecological landscapes containing collections of plants native to areas around the globe.
They are designed to both educate and inspire visitors.
Come explore the Gardens! Our Trail Map has all points of interest clearly marked.
Garden Map
The Botanical Gardens
Australian Garden- The “Down Under” garden is located near the front gate and surrounded by several species of eucalyptus trees. It holds a variety of plants native to Australia and a beautiful rock billabong.
California Natives Garden- A newly planted garden of California natives is located near the Labyrinth. It is a display of plants indigenous to the San Diego area. A nearby hillside also holds origional native plants.
Ceremonial Garden– This large open area is located west of the Garden House and surrounded by trees and shrubberies. It contains a pond with live turtles and edged with aquatic plants, A memorial gazebo with climbing roses offers views of the Vista valley. It is a perfect location for weddings.
Children’s Garden and Discovery Trail– This garden, found just inside the front gate, is both whimsical and educational. It contains a variety of interesting plants including cotton shrubs and proteas. The Discovery Trail allows children and adults to learn about unusual plant features.
Culinary Herbs Garden– The Sharon Kern Culinary Herbs Garden is located near the Garden house. It is composed of five raised beds bordered by rock walls and contains a variety of herb including oregano, sages, rosemary, basil and more.
Garden Labyrinth – Rosemary and lavender plants ring the circular path leading to the labyrinth center. Benches provide opportunities to meditate or enjoy the ocean view.
Jungle Shade Gardens- A lush, tropical garden surrounds the Palapa Patio and contains a variety of palm species, agave, Mexican Weeping Bamboo, Bird of Paradise, Coral Tree and more. A Lower Jungle Garden with shaded paths is located in the south eastern corner of the Gardens.
Mediterranean Garden– Next to the Labyrinth, this a garden includes olive and fig trees, cistus, and flowering Pride of Madera. A Grape Arbor with stone bench offers expansive views.
Medicinal Herb Garden– This noteworthy garden can be found next to the Ceremonial lawn. It contains a wide variety of plants and trees that have been used for hundreds of years to cure head aches and other ailments.
Pan Asian Garden– This garden is currently under development. Follow the paths down from the Ceremonial Garden to discover this large open area with a natural pond surrounded by black pines, cedars and flowering chicory. Enjoy the view from benches.
Prehistoric Cycad Garden: The cycad collection is located on the hillsides around and below the Labyrinth. It contains several species including rare blue cycads.
Rare Fruit Garden– The Garden’s rare fruit collection is found east of the lower Jungle. Species include Cherimoya and Sapota.
Reception Garden– Tucked in behind the Garden House, this newly renovated lawn and patio area is surrounded by Heritage Roses and serves as a community gathering place.
South African Garden– A garden of plants native to African countries can be found by following paths down from Palapa. It is still under development.
Upper and Lower Ponds and Gardens– The Upper Pond and stone bench are located next to the Jungle Garden. A waterfall lush with tropical plants leads down to the Lower Pond and patio below the Palapa. Lily pads and small fish make this pond a favorite with children.
Welcome Garden– This teardrop shaped garden is located in front of the Garden House. The beautiful landscaping holds a combination of plants and trees found throughout the gardens.
The grounds are absolutely beautiful. So many plants, flowers, and garden art to look at. Definitely take your time to really walk all the gardens and discover every alcove.
-Alyssa H.