If you’re ever in the San Diego area, I highly recommend you stop for a quick visit at Balboa Park. It’s really close to the San Diego Zoo. My particular favorite garden there was the Japanese Friendship Garden which offered a variety of unique settings, stone arrangements, koi ponds, water features, sukiya-style buildings and landscapes. There were more than 17 different museums you could also visit, sadly they did come at a bit of a small extra cost. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond were also a favorite of mine. The Lily Pond is a great place to sit and relax on a blanket in the sun for a bit with friends or loved ones. Then when things get a bit hot, head into the Botanical Building that will give you a bit of shade with a variety of seasonal flowers to see. If you get hungry there are many different choices throughout Balboa Park.  Sip specialty coffee and teas in the Plaza de Panama under an umbrella.  Sample soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, for a sit down lunch. However, personally most of the options seemed more of a snack option to me. It might be best to just drive to one of the many amazing better places to eat in San Diego for a better real meal.