Palm Canyon (BalboaPark.com)
Palm Trees, National Geographic, Balboa Park

Did You Know…

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

…that National Geographic recently named Palm Canyon in Balboa Park as one of the top nine “must-see” places in San Diego?

Aside from numerous walking trails, gardens and museums throughout the park, the media outlet points specifically to Palm Canyon, a tucked-away enclave of more that 450 palms encompassing 58 different species. Many are shockingly tall, and some date back to 1912, such as the canyon’s “Mexican fan” palms.

The area is accessed by descending a couple flights of stairs from a wooden footbridge leading from the parking lot of nearby Alcazar Gardens. On hot days the canyon is a welcoming sanctuary of cooler air and ample shade.

Other must-see places on the list include The Salk Institute for its grounds and architecture; the historic streets of Old Town; and an unexpected shout out given to Ceramic Heights pottery workshop in San Diego’s El Cerrito neighborhood.