Zoro Garden: From Nudist Colony to Butterfly Sanctuary in Balboa Park

Balboa Park is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of San Diego, a sprawling urban park and a public treasure for the whole family to enjoy. Discover how this place went from being a nudist colony to a butterfly sanctuary.

Located next to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, the Zoro Garden is a sunken stone grotto dating back to 1915, reminiscent of a fairy tale. Its whimsical design, now a butterfly garden, boasts an array of attractive plants and fluttering butterflies. But did you know there was once this part of the park was once home to a nudist colony? Learn more about its peculiar history below.

History of Zoro Garden as a nudist colony

In 1935-1936, during the California Pacific International Exposition in the park, Zoro Garden was actually a nudist colony (although both men and women wore nude-colored shorts). For 25 cents, visitors could enter the garden and watch as actors sunbathed, socialized, played games, and even performed a quasi-religious play called “Sacrifice to the Sun God.”

If you didn’t want to pay to get in, no problem. Due to numerous holes in the fence, spectators could peek in for free. The colony was created by sideshow promoter Nate Eagle. His pitch for the attraction was that it was “designed to explain to the general public the ideals and advantages of outdoor natural living.” It’s worth noting, though, that all the nudists were actually hired actors and actresses.

The colony officially closed in 1936 due to alleged financial disputes with the exposition officials. But even before its official closure, it was surrounded by much controversy. There were protests from the San Diego Council of Catholic Women, the Women’s Civic Center, and the San Diego Braille Club. Despite many attempts, none of these complaints succeeded in shutting it down.

The transformation of the Zoro Garden into a butterfly sanctuary

In 2007, it was transformed into a butterfly sanctuary that has delighted visitors ever since. This garden provides an ideal refuge for a variety of butterflies, creating a unique visual and educational experience for all who visit.

Open daily from 10:00 am, this free space allows visitors to closely observe the complete lifecycle of butterflies. Monarchs, sulfurs, buckeyes, and swallowtails enjoy nectar plants like butterfly bush, blanket flower, verbena, and lantana. Additionally, there are larval plants such as milkweed, foxglove, sunflower, monkey flower, and California lilac. This flora ensures that butterflies have everything they need for their development at every stage of their life.

The Zoro Garden’s rock crevices collect small pools of water, providing an ideal habitat for these creatures. Visitors can enjoy the sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering among the colorful plants and majestic trees. To preserve the garden’s natural environment, no food or drinks are allowed. However, dogs are welcome, allowing the whole family, including four-legged friends, to enjoy this wonderful space.