THERE ARE TWO MAPS IN THIS CHAPTER Balboa Park is the nation’s largest urban cultural park consisting of a forest of exotic trees, well-kept gardens, and a majestic lily pond, which is the most photographed site in the park. Here too is the renowned Old Globe Theatre and 17 outstanding must-see museums, art galleries and… Read more »
Eat FREE On Your Birthday in San Diego Eat Free on Your Birthday in San Diego should be on everyone’s to-do list. Why not make it an annual must-do activity. With so many establishments offering FREE gifts of food or services, one day is not long enough. The obvious solution is to celebrate your entire… Read more »
The San Diego Hall of Champions (29 on the map) is also a must-see Balboa Park attraction. It features San Diego’s sports history and memorabilia. This one-of-a-kind museum honors nationally known athletes with a San Diego connection, including athletes such as Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Florence Chadwick and many more. It is is… Read more »
ARTS TIX is a discount theatre ticket outlet which offers up to 50% off ticket prices for live theatre and other arts performances throughout San Diego County. Their ticket outlets are conveniently located in Escondido and Downtown San Diego. See what’s on sale today! This has been a great resource for San Diego to promote… Read more »
Southern California’s largest collection of art of the people from all eras and cultures of the world. Dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design, and a popular museum store featuring handmade items from around the world. TRUE BLUE: Indigo, Turquoise, Cobalt & Lapis Lazuli. The color blue evokes mystery, beauty… Read more »
Balboa Park is home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. It was first played in Balboa Park in 1915; thus, the organ is celebrating its 99th anniversary this year. Today, it continues to attract audiences with its grandiose appearance and its beautiful music. Best of all, the organ concerts are… Read more »
San Diego Air and Space Museum (619-234-8291) [sandiegoairandspace.org] is in the historic Ford Building in Balboa Park. This impressive museum displays famous aircrafts, engines, spacecraft and aviation artifacts from the dawn of aviation through the space age. The museum’s blockbuster exhibit is “Be The Astronaut”. You’ll have to pay an extra ($5) to see… Read more »
It is an idyllic retreat, radiating serenity, simplicity and beauty. View a Zen Rock Garden from a meditation room in the Exhibit House, which also features Japanese art and crafts. Relax on the moon viewing deck next to a restful koi pond and its soothing waterfall. The garden is truly a treasure you’ll want to… Read more »
This huge Balboa Park treasure, which is the oldest museum in Southern California, is where you’ll find life-sized dinosaur models and hands-on natural history exhibits. The museum’s permanent exhibition is Fossil Mysteries, which takes you on a journey through 75 million years of Southern California’s rich history. One of Balboa Park’s best-kept secrets is the… Read more »
Enjoy free Sunday programs of ethnic song and dance from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on the outdoor stage of the International Cottages. While you are there, be sure to visit The International Cottages, open noon-4 p.m. Sundays, featuring international artifacts, history and international food samples. Call (619-239-0512) or (619-234-0739).
Fleet Science Center, at 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park (619-238-1233) [rhfleet.org]. Admission is ($21.95) for adults; ($19.95) for seniors . (+ 65 years); and ($18.95) for juniors 3-12. They are open daily at 10 a.m. and close at these times on these days: Mon.–Thurs. 5 p.m., and Fri., Sat. and Sun. at 6 p.m. This… Read more »
San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park (619-231-2886). The museum is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and features rotating themed shows that display significant, rare and exotic cars and motorcycles, and vehicles reflecting the history of the automobile. Enjoy the classics of bygone eras as you stroll through rows of cars that are all restored to glittering… Read more »
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum features interactive toy trains, Lionel-style electric trains and a 20-scale mile long rail crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Plus, this museum is the only accredited railroad museum in the entire United States. It is the largest permanent operating model railroad exhibit in North America with 27,000 sq…. Read more »
The Museum of Man features fascinating exhibits on human evolution, Egyptian artifacts, Kumeyaay culture and Mayan monuments. Little ones can also enjoy the Children’s Discovery Center, which allows them to experience living in ancient Egyptian times. With its striking architecture and historic setting, the Museum of Man is a favorite for banquets, corporate functions and… Read more »
The Veterans Museum & Memorial Center (31) houses military artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War to the present. Impressive murals of Pearl Harbor and significant historical military events adorn the walls. The bold faced number in the text corresponds to it’s location on the Balboa Park Map. A tour of Balboa Park would not… Read more »
