Queen Califia's Magical Circle

This is an amazing spot but unfortunately has been closed for a number of years due to vandalism and restoration projects. Niki de St. Phalle was a prolific mosaic sculpture artist and had many sculptures in and around San Diego. Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden is a mosaic sculpture garden encircled by serpents. You enter through a mirrored "maze" to the center where a large goddess sculpture stands to one side, facing two different totem sculptures. If you look closely below the goddess you can see a tiny mosaic homage to Botticelli's Birth of Venus.

I discovered this with some friends in my junior year of college. It was still open to the public as late as 2009 but when I tried to return for my engagement photos in 2013, it was closed due to vandalism. I was recently there for a Fatger's Day photo shoot and it's still closed.

Beautiful, went just because it’s 9 minutes away from my house. And I never knew! Lol!
A man opened it up, he stays there if you have questions about the sculptures. Time is limited, so I would definitely look on the internet to see what time it closes and opens. Usually from 9am-12pm on a good day. Everyone is friendly, and kids are definitely welcome!

Hours as of 2018 Nov:
Tues/Thurs: 9a-12n
2nd Saturday: 9a-2p