Yes, but exchanges are subject to a transaction fee per exchange and may only be made through November 14. This fee applies to all ticket holders. Exchanges require a $10 fee through October 31 and increase to $20 from November 1 to November 14. If San Diego Botanic Garden cancels the event, you will be rescheduled – please see below. If needed, please contact the Lightscape team at lightscape@sdbgarden.org  or (760) 436-3036  to request an exchange. Tickets are subject to availability.

We ask that you arrive no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled entry, allowing time to park and check in. Your entry time is a 15 minute window from the time printed on your tickets (i.e., 5:30 – 5:45 p.m.). After you are admitted, you may stay as long as you would like, or until 10 p.m., when Lightscape closes.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry and will accommodate late arrivals in the next time slots based on availability; late arrivals cannot be guaranteed. There is no entry after 8:45pm.

Flex tickets are available for those who are interested in having the flexibility to arrive anytime between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 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 Flex tickets you will need to arrive and check in by 8:30 p.m.

Walk-up admission tickets are limited based on availability and cannot be guaranteed. Most nights of Lightscape sell out, so online reservations are strongly recommended to ensure entry on your preferred date. 

Yes, to ensure that only ticket holders for Lightscape have entry to the evening event and parking, daytime visitors must exit the Garden and parking areas. During Lightscape evenings, the Garden will close at 4pm and will reopen at 5pm for ticketed guests only. Designated Lightscape parking areas will open by 4:30pm once daytime vehicles have departed.

Lightscape is a special ticketed event so we are unable to accept guest passes, reciprocal admission passes or Museums for All discounts. San Diego Botanic Garden Members do receive a discount.

Member tickets can only be transferred to other Members, Member card and I.D. required at entrance. General Admission tickets and Flex Tickets can be transferred to anyone.

This event is rain or shine. Of course, if the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, the Garden’s decision to cancel the event will be made at 2 p.m. on the day of the event. You will be notified via the email you used to book your tickets of any cancellation and the re-booking process. Please check our website and social media pages for updates. Rebookings will only be allowed if the Garden cancels the event; otherwise, the event will take place.

Tickets are non refundable after purchase. Choose your date and time carefully at booking.  If you are unable to use your ticket, please consider your purchase a donation to San Diego Botanic Garden a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID number 95-6120581.

The trail is a 1-mile path around the Garden, with various downward and upward slopes including a steep incline through the center of the Garden.

The time visitors spend on the trail will vary based on pace and time spent at specific installations. However, you should allow at least 1 hour to walk the entire trail.

In some areas, the lighting will be at a low level as part of the experience. You may use a flashlight in the event of an emergency. The path is not covered as this is an open air outdoor event. Please wear appropriate outdoor footwear and clothing. 

San Diego Botanic Garden is situated along the rolling hills of Encinitas, California. The 1-mile Lightscape path includes trails with various downward and upward slopes, including a steep incline through the center of the Garden. While some portions of the path are paved, it also includes dirt pathways and short staircases that are not considered ADA accessible. Alternate routes without staircases are available and can be taken as needed. 

Wheelchairs are not provided and cannot be rented onsite. Regular shuttle service will not be running during Lightscape. If experiencing difficulty with the path, Lightscape staff can direct visitors to alternate paved pathways to avoid stairs and steep dirt trails.

All those with Handicap parking and mobility issues please let our parking attendants know when arriving so they can direct you to designated parking with easier access to the Blue Entrance path. Please contact Visitor Services for further inquiries: VisitorServices@sdbg.org or (760) 436-3036 and dial 5.

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. Mobility aids such as scooters, walkers, and canes are welcome. Please carefully read the section “Are the pathways wheelchair accessible?” above.

Lightscape features multiple concession stands along the trail to purchase food, snacks, and seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted, no cash. 

Only food and drinks purchased on-site are permitted at Lightscape. Tailgating is not allowed.

If your group is arriving in separate cars, drive in together (caravan style) to park in the same lot and begin at the same trail entrance. Tailgating is not allowed in the parking lots, please do not bring outside food or any kind of beverages. Glassware is not allowed. 

Restrooms are located along the trail by Hamilton Children’s Garden, the entry of the Subtropical Fruit Garden and the Cork Oak Cafe.  Temporary restrooms are also located at the Blue and Orange parking lots.

The Gift & Plant Shop will not be open during Lightscape. Please visit the Shop during regular daytime hours.

Yes!  While waiting for that perfect shot, please do not block pathways or views of others. We do not allow tripods, monopods or drones or props. Professional or commercial photoshoots are not permitted during the event. Photographs and videos may not be used for commercial  purposes.

This is an outdoor event, come prepared for the elements by wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear and by dressing warmly. Umbrellas are allowed, but we ask that you are courteous of other patrons when using them.

No pets are allowed at San Diego Botanic Garden. Only service animals (dogs), as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed. California state law prohibits leaving animals in any unattended motor vehicle that endangers their health or well-being. SDBG will expel all violators and report them to the authorities.

There will be some light installations with flashing lights; however, there is no strobe lighting.