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    Alcazar Garden

    4.4 (24 reviews)

    Alcazar Garden Photos

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    Alex D.

    This garden reminds me of a small labyrinth! Hidden, not many people ever come by this. It's a peaceful place to sit and read, eat, or rest.

    Keith A.

    I have been to Balboa park probably 50 times now and never realized this little portion was called Alcazar garden. It is a nice little area, especially when plants and flowers are blooming and the fountains are going. But for the last few years it seems like it is not as well kept, fountains not on, or intermitently, and flowers and plants not as well kept as they used to be. It is still ok but it used to be more beautiful. There is a nice view of the museum of man tower and there is a cool mosaic sculpture from Queen Califa's magical circle garden in Escondido. Definitely worth a few minutes to stop and check out if you are visiting Balboa park.

    Entrance by parking lot
    Margaret A.

    On my most recent visit to Balboa park we happened upon this stunning garden while walking to the Museum of Art. It is located directly behind the Mingei International Museum. And is adjacent to a parking lot with handicapped spaces. Very convenient for the physically challenged. I found myself just wanting to hang out here instead of going to the museum we'd planned on. Beautiful flower colors combined with a peaceful layout of hedges, majestic trees and fountains. Plus the view is spectacular, a must see. Alcazar Garden was named a National Historic landmark in 1988. The garden design is inspired by 14th century Royal Alcazar gardens of Seville, Spain.

    Flowers
    Michelle G.

    Walked through this peaceful garden while my son napped. It wasn't too crowded during the 30-45 minutes we spent here. There is seating through out the walkway which is really nice. All the seating has beautiful art work on it! Super well manicured. I've never seen this garden before, but so happy we stumbled upon it when we did. There is some shading along the edges. Fountains are so peaceful. When the bells start to go off it just adds to the atmosphere of the garden. Small but mighty .

    The Grounds
    Jacques I.

    I read that the Alcazar Garden is modeled after a garden in Seville, Spain, so I loved that immediately once you step into the garden, you get that feeling of being transported somewhere new. Spain, it is. Once you walk around the garden, all of the large to small details are carefully crafted, so as to remind you of its inspiration. We came here while walking around Balboa Park and saw that there was this garden on the map, so made an effort to find Alcazar Garden. Yet, if we had not known about it, we may have missed that there was this garden at the Park, since it's hidden. Do make an effort to visit here though when you're at Balboa Park! It's free and most importantly, beautiful. My favorite part of the garden were the box hedges, that reminded me of growing up in France. Also, the fountain in the center of the garden has beautiful ceramic tiles, which just has that European flair. Take your time through the garden to observe and bask in the well-manicured landscape that whisks you to another country.

    Gillian A.

    I guess call me an uncultured swine, but even after reading the history/background about this garden, the garden itself was a bit lackluster, at least from what I saw today. The geometric hedges were nice, but the flower beds didn't seem to be at their prime. Unlike the flower beds from years ago (looking at past pics), the flower beds today just weren't really remarkable and had no overall pattern to them. Still a nice small stop if you're already at Balboa Park and you can get some nice photos of it with the California Tower in the background, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go to it. I guess I'm just pretty critical about this place because there are other spots in Balboa Park that are more intriguing to see. Totally free.

    Steve F.

    Yesterday was the first time I stopped inside the Alcazar Garden - I had no idea it was based on the gardens of a castle in Seville, Spain. I liked seeing the planting areas and the fountains on the path. The gazebo/overhang area looks really nice - if anything, it lends a romantic air to the place. I like finding these hidden gems in Balboa Park; I can see myself coming here after a stressful day at work to quietly sit and gather my thoughts. Oh yeah, and it's FREE!

    It didn't seem like everything was in bloom when I was there, but there were still beautiful plants. It was a nice little getaway next to the busy main strip of Balboa Park.

    Rosa C.

    This is a small but perfect to sit and relax under the beautiful trees around the garden!

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    4 years ago

    One of my favorite areas in Balboa Park. This garden is so pretty and reminds me of Sevilla Spain . Love the water fountains there too.

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    8 years ago

    I like this place. I took a lot pictures here very nice I and my family had a great time together

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    Review Highlights - Alcazar Garden

    Yesterday was the first time I stopped inside the Alcazar Garden - I had no idea it was based on the gardens of a castle in Seville, Spain.

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    Civita Park

    Civita Park

    4.6
    (175 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Civita Park in Mission Valley has quickly become one of my go-to spots, especially since it's just…read morea short drive from home. It's super accessible with ample parking, and I love that there are multiple entry points and routes you can take depending on how long of a walk you're in the mood for. This park truly has something for everyone. There's a splash pad, basketball courts, a great playground for kids, and even a giant chess game, which is such a fun and unique touch. It's also an amazing place to walk your dog--I bring mine here all the time, and he absolutely loves all the open grass and the variety of paths we can explore. One of my favorite features is the set of stairs that lead up toward the residential areas and the dog park. If you take them all the way up, you're rewarded with really pretty views at the top, which makes the little climb totally worth it. Overall, Civita Park is clean, well-designed, and perfect whether you're looking to be active or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Definitely a Mission Valley gem!

    Pros: Spacious, plenty of walking paths, with nice clean facilities, which include 2 family…read morebathrooms with baby diaper changing stations and several drinking fountains. There's also a row of small fountains for kids to play, run through and splash in. Cons: It's a really nice park ON A COOL DAY. Lately, with temperatures 10 to 19° above "normal average" - or maybe it's just the new normal - it's hard to recall the last time we got to experience a cool day. But here, the way the gazebos, tables, and benches are set up reflects a pretty severe case of denial that this is Southern California, and not quite within walking distance from the beach. It WILL get hot whenever it damn pleases, with or without notice. It did so in February already, in case you missed it. We came a few times for the farmers market. Both days were unfortunately " 80°F" her weather report, which in reality feels like 92°F, and we had to scramble to find a little bit of shade, so that we could eat our street food without passing out from heat stroke. We huddled awkwardly on the curb under a small tree. Other people passing by with food in their hands looked at us with envy. NOT A SINGLE PERSON sat on the readily available benches with tables, because they were in the blazing sun, yet lacked any shade. Never mind an umbrella, not even holes to put one in!! Denial much?? It's really sad, because it's a beautiful place. It just DESPERATELY needs more shade for the visitors to feel comfortable without clinging to trees or the bathroom walls.

    Photos
    Civita Park
    Tunnel Mural
    Tunnel Mural
    Basketball court! Can you make a basket?

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    The Children's Park

    The Children's Park

    4.3
    (36 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    We also enjoyed The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA…read more When you walk towards the Children's Park, you'll be going through a walkway surrounded by water and you'll see birds swimming. The park is gated and safe for kids. Our son loved the playground. The park is across from The Children's Museum. They also have public bathrooms available with security. The park was nice and clean. There are a few picnic tables outside the park. Check it out! Happy Yelping :)

    This is more based on the dog park that's on the same lot as the Children's Park. This one uses…read moreturf, which i find has it's benefits on the days after a rainstorm since it doesn't get muddy. There are four big pine trees with separate retaining walls around three of them for owners to sit down. With it being so close to the bay, there's often a nice breeze that goes through the park. There's no divide between small dogs and big dogs, so it's best to just keep an eye on your dog, and many owners around here are usually respectful. The street parking immediately adjacent to the park is free, however, it has a limit of 30 minutes, and the parking meter workers are strict on it if they're around. I bring my dog here around lunch time because those who live/ work in the area tend to bring their dogs during their break time and my dog gets his socialization time. They close 8am-11am MWF for maintenance/ cleaning. Currently, both gates are broken so it's not as secure as it should be, and who knows when the city will actually fix it. There're a few agility structures and a water dispenser. The children's park itself looks pretty cool for kids with a lot of structures with slides and swings. There's also another separate area with fixed exercise equipment that looks well- maintained. The water feature in the park is a water feature, not a pool.

    Photos
    Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.
    Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.
    Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.
    Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.
    The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA

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    Maruta Gardner Playground

    Maruta Gardner Playground

    4.8
    (29 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    The most amazing park my toddler and I have ever had the pleasure of visiting- thus far!!!…read more As we were driving to Old Town, we passed by a few playgrounds prompting my little monster's request for some play time. After we were doing doing some basic tourist-y things, I hopped on Yelp in search of a few parks located withing the vicinity. Maruta Gardner Playgound seemed to be the most entertaining and appropriate for my wild child. Parking was plentiful and the size of this particular playground was great. Not only was the look and design very unique, you really couldn't ask for a better view. Seating was plentiful and again, the design of things were so cool. Shade is easily found and the play structure is great for children + adults of all ages. Lastly, there are restrooms and water fountain located not too far. Shout out to Ms. Maruta Gardner!! My daughter and I thank you because this place wouldn't have been possible without you. Your dedications and love for your community was undeniable. Thank you for beautifying everything around you and rest in paradise. 5/5 Stars!! Definitely a must if you are in San Diego!!

    My kiddo loves obstacle course type playgrounds, par-core, all the things, so I googled what was…read morenear us and spotted this place. Soo cute in person, big playground, lots of space, grassy area to the little pond lake thing to walk around. Also the parking lot was really big lots of shade. We had a fun morning.

    Photos
    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND
    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND
    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND
    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND
    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

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    Liberty Station NTC Park

    Liberty Station NTC Park

    4.6
    (172 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    We're fortunate to be able to walk to all Liberty Station has to offer. ,…read more Dog walks along the water, shopping Trader Joe's or Vons, Sephora. My optometrist is there and the Scripps clinic takes walk-ins for lab work and other services. Tender Greens, Ikuru sushi is simple and very good. Liberty Public market has all kinds of food options, Con Pane for coffee, bread and yummy carbs! Solare for Michelin recommended Italian food. The Joan performing arts center is home to Cygnet Theater company now in its second season there, it's the perfect date night spot. Kayak rentals in the summer behind the hotels and events of all sorts at the Park - Every weekend there is something going on! Grateful to have all this in walking distance to our house !

    Recently walked throughout the private townhomes available at Liberty Station and was impressed…read more The grounds are meticulously maintained and managed. The inner courtyards have water features and outside patios and communal benches. Private parking for residents is a bonus! The best part is being so close to all the area businesses! Trader Joe's, Vons, Scripps Medical and urgent care, the Joan, the Lot, Sephora, Chick-fil, Tender Greens and many, many more! There are also three schools within walking distance and so many restaurants too! There are also open sports park fields used for soccer and other sports! It's a family friendly and safe neighborhood.

    Photos
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park

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    Alcazar Garden - parks - Updated July 2026

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