Bus Tour
Huntington Botanical Gardens
Hop aboard our private motorcoach for a full-day excursion to the Huntington Botanical Gardens at the height of Spring in San Marino. Immerse yourself in the 207-acre estate that features over a dozen specialized botanical garden. The gardens themselves are a breathtaking exhibition of biodiversity, with over 130 acres of themed spaces that transport guests to different corners of the world. Highlights include the iconic Dessert Garden, home to one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents, and the serene Japanese Garden, featuring traditional architecture and a moon bridge. You can also explore the Liu Fang Yuan (Garden of Flowing Fragrance,The Chinese Garden), which boasts one of the largest Chinese-style gardens outside of China, and the historic Rose Garden, which traces the evolution of roses through centuries of cultivation. The Japanese Heritage Shōya House is a new, 320-year-old historic home at that opened in October 2023. The 3,000-square-foot 18th-century residence was relocated from Marugame, Japan, and features a newly constructed gatehouse, courtyard, and kitchen garden on a 2-acre site. Each garden offers a distinct atmosphere, ranging from the lush, tropical canopy of the Jungle Garden to the aromatic, meticulously labeled displays of the Herb Garden.
Feel free to go it alone with a buddy or stay with a group with your tour leader Kathy Ascher, San Diego Master Gardener, who will lead you through some of the more iconic spaces on the grounds.
Lunch is on your own at one of the Huntington Dining Options .
Afterwards you have the afternoon to explore the rest of the Huntington Botanical Gardens or Museums on your own.
We'll head back to San Diego in late afternoon, arriving early evening.
Transportation: Private motorcoach with small bathroom. Roundtrip from Old Town San Diego Transit Center or I-5/La Costa Ave. Park and Ride.
Schedule:
- Depart Old Town Transit Center 7:30am, arrive La Costa Transit 8:00am
- Depart La Costa 8:15am, arrive Huntington 10:00am
- Tour Huntington from 10am to 3:30pm
- Depart Huntington 4:00pm, arrive La Costa 6:45pm
- Depart La Costa 7pm, arrive Old Town 7:30pm
Tour Details: Arrive/start group tour of the Palm/Dessert Garden.
Balance of day until 3:30 PM at leisure to tour other gardens and museums on your own.
Lunch: On own at Rose Garden Tea Room House (reservations required), coffee shop or Café; there is also the Chinese Garden Tea House. The Huntington does not allow you to bring in your own food. More Information
Water: Please bring your own refillable water bottle for the tour.
Reservations:
- SDHS Members $98
- Non-Members $120
- Select Old Town or La Costa pickup location when registering.
- Payment in full to reserve
- $25 cancellation fee up to March 31st 2026; after then no refund, but you can find a substitute to take your place.
- Full refund if trip cancelled due to inadequate signups.
- Tour operates rain or shine!
