Lightscape San Diego – Immersive Family Holiday Lights
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SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN

A DAZZLING TRAIL OF COLOR AND LIGHT Tickets are available and selling fast! TicketsPowered by f
One-Mile Trail One-Mile Trail 60–90 Minutes 60–90 Minutes All Ages All Ages Outdoors Outdoors Encinitas, CA Encinitas, CA

Lightscape AT San Diego Botanic Garden

Lightscape is a full night out: a one-mile illuminated trail through San Diego Botanic Garden, paired with music, seasonal food and drinks, and 20+ artistic installations to discover. Bring the kids, bring a date, bring the whole group — wander at your own pace and see why this has become Southern California's favorite winter tradition.
Experience section
5

Years running

20+

New light installations

1 Mile

Illuminated Trail

100,000+

Visitors Each Year

Installations to Discover

Winter Cathedral Winter Cathedral

Back for its fifth year — a glowing tunnel of warm light made from tens of thousands of LED globes, equally spectacular from inside or out.

Moon & Stars Moon & Stars

An enormous glowing moon rises over the peaceful Bamboo Garden, surrounded by hundreds of shimmering stars.

Bluebonnets Bluebonnets

Texas's state flower comes to life in bold blue and white light, twinkling as if dancing in the wind.

Antares Stars Antares Stars

Named for one of the sky's brightest stars — clusters of light rise from the ground and fall from the tree canopy, surrounding you in a constellation.

LightScape map

GETTING READY

What to Bring Ticket QR code in the Fever app Comfortable, sturdy footwear A warm layer — it cools down after dark

  • Practical Info

    Practical Info
  • Date:
    November 20th to January 3rd
  • Duration:
    Approximately 60-90 minutes
  • Location:
    San Diego Botanic Garden
  • Age requirement:
    All ages!
  • Accessibility:
    Some areas include dirt pathways and uneven terrain; wheelchair accessible routes are available. Please reference FAQ section below for more information on trail landscape.
  • Parking:
    There are multiple parking lots and entrances for this event (with parking entrances at 230 Quail Gardens Drive and 300 Quail Gardens Drive).  If your group is arriving in multiple vehicles, drive in together (caravan style) to park in the same lot and begin at the same trail entrance. The trail is a one-way directional path, which will make meeting up with groups difficult once in the Garden.

What to Expect Held entirely outdoors, rain or shine. Self-paced, roughly 60–90 minutes over a one-mile trail with some inclines and dirt sections. Multiple concession stands sell food and drinks along the way.

BOOK NOW

Loved by Thousands

Real reviews from guests who've walked the trail.

4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ Amazing like fairytale!

Kristina S.

“ Fantastic Experience for the whole family. The lights were magical, and the walk was refreshing and invigorating. Loved the Firefly forest, the Poppys, and the Light Tunnel the most, however all the exhibits were incredible. Looking forward to returning!

Grant W.

“ Beautiful light show. Gorgeous lights and music. Well directed and navigated. Staff was friendly, good and drinks were a great touch. Wonderful event for the family!

Erica C.

“ This is experience is just magical every single time.

Julia E.

“ Amazing experience! My 4 year old son loved it.

Evelin G.

“ Very well managed: Pleasant and well organized staff, innovative displays.

Stephen R.

“ A beautiful and unique experience! Amazed at the work needed to create this experience

Mary G.

LOCATION

San Diego Botanic Garden

300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024

GET DIRECTIONS

San Diego Botanic Garden Members save on every Lightscape ticket, all season long.

Garden Members receive 20% off tickets all season long - plus, early access during the presale window before tickets go public

Become a member

GROUP BOOKING

From 10 to 20 guests

Book as a group and save 10% through the standard ticket listing — pick your date, select your quantity, done.

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20+ Guests

Planning something bigger — a school trip, office outing, celebration? Use the self-service group tool to generate one shareable booking link for your whole party.

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FAQs

Do you have any questions?
Maybe you can find the answers here!

About the experience

What can I expect from the event?

✨ Step into a world where light transforms the night.

This holiday season, journey through the 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden as Lightscape returns for its fifth year — a breathtaking one-mile illuminated trail where art, nature, and imagination come alive after dark.

Wander beneath glowing archways, twinkling fields, and towering sculptures designed by international artists. From dazzling new displays like Haze Arches and the sparkling field of Bluebonnets, to beloved returning favorites including the iconic Winter Cathedral, every twist and turn reveals a fresh wonder.

With each step, lights dance to music, colors shift through the trees, and the garden is transformed into a festive dreamscape perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Along the way, enjoy:

- Seasonal bites, festive cocktails, hot cocoa, and more.

- Picture-perfect photo moments to share and remember.

Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing a cherished one, Lightscape is your chance to experience the magic of the holidays like never before.

Are you ready to walk through the wonder?

Where is the experience located? This experience takes place at 300 Quail Gardens Drive at, Ecke Ranch Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? This experience is held outdoors. If due to the weather forecast the event cannot be held, we will notify you via email at the same address linked to your Fever account. When in doubt, please remember to check your spam folder too.
How long does the experience last? The trail is a 1 mile path around the Garden. The time visitors spend on the trail will vary based on pace and time at specific installations. However, you should allow at least 60 minutes. Lightscape is self-paced, please remember to take your time, create memories and take photos along the way!
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase? Lightscape features multiple concession stands along the trail to purchase food, snacks and seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Credit or debit cards only will be accepted.
Is there parking available? There will be parking available at the event. Buy parking in advance and save. Advance parking is $15 per vehicle; Parking increases by $5 on the night of the event. Parking applies for all vehicles (including handicap/accessible vehicles) or Lightscape after 4 p.m.. We strongly advise you to buy parking online in advance. Parking fee does not apply to ride-share services. Please present rideshare purchases upon entering.
Will there be additional sessions? Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee there will be extra dates. Please refer to the experience page for updated information on availability, as those are the confirmed dates and timings.
Is there a dress code? There's no defined dress code for this experience. We recommend layers and comfortable shoes for the trails.

About tickets

Where can I get tickets? In the Fever App, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. On the Fever website
Can I purchase tickets at the door? We will have a box office on site. However, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event, so we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your spot. You can purchase tickets in the Fever App or on the Fever website.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person? Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket in the Fever App. Please contact us if you need additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number. Tickets cannot be sold to third parties.
Do I need to print my ticket? You can find your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Please remember to log in with the same login method used to make the purchase.
You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email. You may present the QR code directly from your email or, if necessary, bring a printed copy of your confirmation email with QR code.
I can't find my ticket. What should I do? You can view your ticket in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have the app installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us.
Can I change the date of my ticket? Are refunds allowed? This experience allows date changes up to 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make the change, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if this option is available by consulting your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever App where, if enabled, the "Change date and/or time" button will appear. Follow the steps indicated in the link to change the date and/or time of the ticket. No refunds are permitted under any circumstances. For more information, you can consult our T&Cs.
Do you offer press passes? If you would like a press pass, please email lightscape@katalyst-pr.com.
What are Anytime Access tickets? Anytime Access tickets are available for those who are interested in having the flexibility to arrive anytime between 5 p.m. and the final entry time on their scheduled visit date. These tickets are sold at a higher price point, include parking, and do not have a timed entry slot. However, if you have Anytime Access tickets you will need to arrive and check in no later than the last entry time for that evening, which may vary by date. Member discounts do not apply to this ticket type.

About access to the event

Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session? We ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled entry and will accommodate late arrivals in the next time slots based on availability.
Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed? Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in this event’s location, though we do welcome service animals.
Is the venue accessible? San Diego Botanic Garden is situated in the rolling hills of Encinitas, California. The one mile Lightscape path includes trails with various downward and upward slopes including a steep incline through the center of the Garden. The path also includes dirt pathways and short staircases that are not considered ADA accessible. In those cases, there will be alternate routes for wheelchairs. The Garden will not be able to provide wheelchair rentals or daytime shuttle service and our regular shuttle service will not be running during Lightscape. If experiencing difficulty with the path, Lightscape staff can direct guests to alternate paved pathways to avoid stairs and steep dirt trails. Please contact Visitor Services for further inquiries at visitorservices@sdbgarden.org.
Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed? Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. Mobility aids such as scooters, walkers, and canes are welcome. Please carefully read the section “Is the venue accessible?" above.
What are the prohibited items at the experience? Anything which may disturb the other visitors like flash photography or drones are not allowed on the experience. Outside food and beverages, including alcohol, are not permitted. For the safety of all guests, weapons and drugs are also not allowed.
Will there be strobe lights? There will be some light installations with flashing lights; however, there is no strobe lighting
Are there chairs available? Can I be seated during the experience/exhibition? Seating areas are available along the trail for those who may need to rest. We recommend bringing mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters) for those who need them as they are not available at the venue for rental.
Will restrooms be available on site? Yes, restrooms are available along the trail. Staff will be happy to direct you upon request.
Can I take photos or record the experience? Feel free to take photos and share them. When taking photos, please make sure not to disturb other customers. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted.
Is there a Lost & Found? We would recommend asking the staff at the venue if they have found your belongings.
Is coat check available? Unfortunately, this venue has no coat check.
Is there an age requirement? All ages are welcome to this experience and the space is accessible for prams/strollers. Free Access is given to infants ages 0-2.
Will there be an audio guide? Unfortunately, this experience does not include an audio guide.