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 »
Military friendly San Diego is a great duty station. The reason for this website and the reason for the publishing of the SAN DIEGAN was that the publisher of the SAN DIEGAN was a naval officer stationed here in San Diego. He also had the good fortune of growing up in San Diego. Thus, when… 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 »
This awesome, historically significant museum is dedicated to preserving the glorious history and rich tradition of the United States Marine Corps. This historical museum is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. “A Walking Tour of the MCRD Command Museum” features fourteen galleries, which encompass dozens of exhibits featuring everything from weapons, uniforms, equipment, paintings… 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 »
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 »
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park shows IMAX films that are both awe-inspiring and educational almost everyday in their Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Regular adult admission to each of the IMAX films is $17. Discounted admission is available for members of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center,… Read more »
