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    Lily Pond

    4.6 (17 reviews)

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    Maria V.

    Beautiful pond in Balboa Park. A must see if you come.Lily pads , ducks , people playing guitar ... sunshine :)

    A view of the lily pond, complete with turtle swimming by.
    Steve F.

    The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is probably the most photographed location in San Diego, and it's mostly due to the beautiful Lily Pond. Located in front of the building, this pond is home to a number of koi, a few turtles, and even a couple ducks that rest here during the day. I'm glad to see the lilies and other plants making a comeback after what those hooligans in that ill-planned water gun fight last summer did when they tore up the area. Given the public outcry over the desecration of a local landmark, I don't think they'll be doing that again (hopefully).

    Oops, can't escape those darn Legos
    Lesley M.

    I love coming here and watching the koi. It's something I always do when I come to Balboa Park. My son gets a kick out of running back and forth searching out the 'giant' ones. The Lily Pond is one of the prettiest and most recognizable areas of the park. Every time I go I see tourists or women dressed to nines posing for photos in the front. It always makes me chuckle. I love seeing kids on field trips enjoying the pond, it makes me smile. And of course turtle and duck watching is ideal at the pond. If you have a budding photographer, this is a great spot to bring them. My little guy loves taking photos here. I know a lot of people think the pond is just a place to visit on the way to the Botanical Building, but I kinda see it the other way. I sometimes just go in there to get it over with first, then come back out so I can enjoy the pond properly.

    Leroy T.

    Well First of All Date Of Visit : May 27 , 2019 and After I Walk the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge I felt like Hay how about The Lilly Pond which is located in Balboa Park which is a couple blocks away and close by so I would say about 10-15 Minutes away . So I went to Balboa Park and I would say it is a great area to take pictures because of this pond . It has Green Leaves in the pond and it gives you the fill of like Lilly's in the pond . It is right in the middle of Balboa Park and as you are walking you will see it . Not hard to find also lots of visitors tend to take photos in front of the pond so you might have to wait your turn . But be patient and you can snap away !! Also there are benches for you to sit around the pond . The cool thing is there are ducks floating in the pond . Pretty cool !! Every time I come here I always have to take a photo in front because it is a beautiful pond to take in front of . My overall Satisfaction is good and I shall Return and snap more pictures here !!

    A beautiful pond in Balboa Park. It is another iconic location of the park that usually has a lot of people. The koi fish, ducks and flowers really make the pond special and beautiful.

    Lily Pond facing Botanical Building
    Mi W.

    This is really a beautiful place to sit and view the scenes. The Lily Pond as it is known has quite the variety of lilies throughout and actually some lotus plants too. There are several large koi (Japanese fish) and 1000's of small tiny fish, possibly baby koi?! The pond is directly in front of the Botanical Building along El Prado. A few things I learned on a history tour in Balboa Park that this pond was used for military training during World War I and World War II!!

    Lena Y.

    Looking to take an iconic Balboa Park picture? Well, this is the place with the Botanical Building as your back drop. During the summer months, the pond has koi fish, blossomed lily pads and cute ducks. Adjacent, open grass areas for the perfect picnic under the sun.

    Michelle P.

    Between the perfect weather, the fish and the ducks, I could have spent hours at the Lily Pond just taking in the sites. If you like nature, small animals that live or hang out in the water and ascetically pleasing things, the Lily Pond is a must-see on your visit to Balboa Park. You could read my review, look at my pictures, or better yet, just go see it yourself.

    Beautifu day

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    Ask the Community - Lily Pond

    What doesThe Park do with the fish that THEY did not put in the pond come winter?

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    Review Highlights - Lily Pond

    This pond is located right in the middle of Balboa Park in front of the Botanical Building with fish, flowers, and beautiful lily pads.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Balboa Park

    Balboa Park

    4.8
    (2.9k reviews)
    0.1 mi

    The many times that Balboa Park has been used as the events center from the Christmas on the Prado…read moreand the Earth Day Festival that when you have a lot of people the park is a sea of people. Through the many years Balboa Park has been the site of many investigations the early years of the late 70s and the early 80s. With the first worlds fair that was one of the largest introductions to the Panama Canal the city of San Diego was the first inland port from the Panama Canal. From my day trip to the many areas of San Diego going to Balboa Park brought back so many memories of the school trips when you came on the school bus you had the whole day to be at the park the park you find some of the earliest dates of the 1800s . Balboa Park was one of the largest places when you come to the museums that showed the great art works with the international jewelry museums that showed so many. When you go to Balboa Park you can go to the many restaurants that sit in the midst of museum row with some of the museums that have their own snack shops with the larger restaurants that you could find near the botanical and the museum of art that were the most popular for the restaurant row was located at the museum row. When the worlds fair came to Balboa Park it was here to introduce the many to the new things that were invented for the city was still in the early years. Balboa Park has been the educational and the botanical center of San Diego when the Zoo was built the many plants that were brought over from the Islands of Hawaii with the many palm trees you see on the Island of Coronado. With the many gardens that the park has you find the architecture of the older buildings of the park. Being a Yelp Reviewer the many places have been some of the great places for the history of Balboa Park the city was started the many buildings that were from Alonzo Horton and Spreckles. Balboa Park has been one of the best places for education the museums hold so much from the start of the city the museums will keep you coming back for more.

    I have so many fond memories of Balboa Park and I look forward to making more, from Halloween…read moreparties at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and my friend's wedding to exploring Spanish Village Art Center for the first time, visiting the Botanical Building, going to the Japanese Friendship Garden, discovering the museums, and experiencing December Nights. San Diego wouldn't be the same without this beautiful landmark!

    Photos
    Wedding at Balboa Park
    Wedding at Balboa Park
    Nativity Display
    Nativity Display
    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

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    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)
    Civita Park

    Civita Park

    4.6
    (174 reviews)
    3.2 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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    Basketball court! Can you make a basket?
    The Children's Park

    The Children's Park

    4.3
    (36 reviews)
    1.8 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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    The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA
    Maruta Gardner Playground

    Maruta Gardner Playground

    4.8
    (29 reviews)
    6.4 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!!

    This is a fantastic park! Truly has activities for all ages and lots of seating for parents. The…read moreswings and climbing structure are so fun! I also love that it's right across the street from mission beach. We love to walk along the beach then come and play or vice versa. Generally safe area and haven't seen many homeless loitering about. Pretty clean and minimal litter.

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

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    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND
    Liberty Station NTC Park

    Liberty Station NTC Park

    4.6
    (171 reviews)
    3.9 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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    Lily Pond - parks - Updated June 2026

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