The Water Conservation Garden - El Cajon, California

Cleaverious C.

Went my family to this hidden gem. Such a nice garden with so many informative things about gardening and native plants. They have done such a wonderful thing with this place. There's nice areas for the kids to run around, plenty of benches and rest areas, dog friendly, and would be a nice area to have a picnic. They also have a stage area where they sometimes do events. Also I've been told that at night it gets all lit up. Definitely recommend this place for a nice peaceful stroll in nature.

Toni A.

Kiwanis of Fletcher Hills and La Mesa had our annual Twilight Tasting Fundraiser event here last Saturday 9/21/24. It was an amazing place to host an event, the grounds are so beautiful and well kept, the staff was so accommodating to our needs with everything. They even moved furniture and potted plants, signs etc. We did not have to add any lighting, we also saved money by not having to rent tables and chairs.
We were able to start setting up before they closed to the public which was also extremely helpful. They had a person on staff stay there the entire night in case we needed anything, Hannah was excellent and very attentive to our needs.
Highly recommend this venue for your event.

I also went back today, Friday 9/27 with my friend’s 2 year old son. It was the perfect place for him to run around and explore. He loved the butterfly enclosure even though we didn’t see any.
He also loved all the water features, big blocks on a kid size picnic table, sand box, John Deer Tractor and play house.
And they also provide free ice pops and drinking water. The gift shop has super cute handmade items too.

We stayed for about 2 hours and he absolutely loved it and then took a 2 hour nap!! We didn’t even walk the entire park.

Monique Y.

The Water Conservation Garden is so beautiful and peaceful! A great place for a walk, about a mile round trip. There are a couple of places for kids to run around and explore. Also quite a few beautiful places to relax. Gorgeous plants and trees. There is a gift shop with awesome handmade crafts, and the proceeds go directly to the conservation.

Christina N.

If you are at all interested in native plants and gardening for your local environment, this is an excellent resource. Very educational and lovely place to walk. Complimentary popsicles too. I do wish they had more than just succulents for sale though.

Selena G.

It’s a tiny little garden. Free every second Friday of the month. We only saw one butterfly in the butterfly house. There are a lot of tips on gardening skills. They also have 3 tortoises. My favorite part is the heritage museum.

Megan M.

I didn’t know what to expect but the Water Conservation garden turned out to be a beautiful oasis in the middle of San Diego. Very informative signs along the path provide information about gardening as well as water conservation and just general outdoor planting advice. Also all the plants are labeled which is very helpful if you are trying to learn the different species. There are many different areas in the garden with different themes. Also numerous areas to sit in the shade under canopies both natural and man made. Very pretty overall! $11 for adults or $8 with military ID or for students or seniors. Under 2 free.

My L.

Free admission second Friday of every month. Suggested donation of $5 per person.

Parking lot at the main entrance is limited. People started to parallel along the curve but there are additional parking in rear.

We spent a total of one hour following the dirt path to hit every station. Each area relates to landscaping and gardening. Such as compost, vegetation, irrigation, retaining walls, types of grass, plant size, pot size, etc.

If you have kids, it’ll take more than an hour because they will enjoy the children dirt play area and games. This place is very educational and has pretty flowers blooming everywhere.

We enjoyed the butterfly pavilion and saw caterpillars. Also saw turtles eating.

Pets are allowed. You may bring food and drinks for a picnic. Plenty of shade and tables. They do not sell food.

On this particular event day, there were vendors with informational booths and hands on activities for the kiddos.

Cookies and drinks were being offered based on donation.

There’s an amphitheater and gazebos. You also get free admission to Heritage of the Americas Museum. It’s a short walk across the street by the amphitheater.

MP R.

Xeriscape garden. Still a very nice place to visit on the second Friday of each month when admission is free. I believe the cost is $11 per adult now, and I don't feel it is worth paying for.
They still conduct workshops and Ms Smartyplants conducts classes for children about what is found in this environment. Still a nice place to visit with your children or attend workshops.
Located on Rancho San Diego Pkwy East in El Cajon as you enter the drive to Cuyamaca College. Limited parking.