SAN DIEGO’S “CROWN JEWEL” EMBODIES ART, ARCHITECTURE AND ANIMAL ATTRACTION – Nestled among palm trees and botanical gardens, ornate Spanish Colonial buildings house many of the 1,200-acre park’s museums and art exhibits. Several buildings were constructed as part of two world fairs: the Panama- California Exposition in 1915–16, and the California- Pacific International Exposition in 1935–36.
ARTS & CULTURE
Opened in 1935, The Old Globe theater showcases superior theatrical talent with its renowned plays and musicals. The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre hosts whimsical puppet shows. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, with 5,017 pipes. The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages promote the heritage of countries around the world by hosting open houses and weekend festivals. Neighboring World Beat Center uses art, music, dance and education to celebrate African and indigenous cultures; while Centro Cultural de la Raza is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the preservation of Chicano and Latino culture.
Known for its stunning traveling exhibits, The San Diego Museum of Art has a trove of Renaissance and Baroque-era works, a large Asian art collection and much more. MOPA@ SDMA presents stellar photography exhibits. Comic-Con Museum is an ode to comics and pop art, with exclusive exhibits.
Mingei International Museum is dedicated to art from cultures around the world; while Timken Museum of Art houses the Putnam Foundation’s collection of European and Byzantine art, including exquisite Russian religious paintings. The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist presents exhibitions by contemporary local artists; and the historical Spanish Village Art Center is a collection of 37 studios representing 200-plus artists—working in media ranging from sculpture to blown glass.
The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist presents exhibitions by contemporary local artists; and the historical Spanish Village Art Center is a collection of 37 studios representing 200-plus artists—working in media ranging from sculpture to blown glass.
SCIENCE & HISTORY
The San Diego Air and Space Museum salutes aviation with 68 original, reproduction and model airplanes and spacecraft. The Fleet Science Centerhas interactive exhibitions and an IMAX Giant Dome theater. From antiques to hot rods, the San Diego Automotive Museum’s collection depicts the evolution of the automobile. The life-size dinosaur skeletons, fossil exhibits, and giant screen theater at the San Diego Natural History Museum let visitors explore the natural world—with a focus on SoCal and Baja.
The Model Railroad Museum boasts scale models and interactive features for children. The San Diego History Center features interactive and engaging exhibits show- casing the city’s storied past. At the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, find military uniforms from World War I, the Vietnam War and the Korean War; as well as maritime artwork.
The Marston House, a Craftsman Prairie-style mansion designed in 1905 by noted architect Irving Gill, is a must for history and architecture buffs; the grounds feature a carriage house and gardens.
ATTRACTIONS & GARDENS
The park’s main attraction is, of course, the 109-year-old San Diego Zoo, with 4,000 rare and endangered species. There’s also the Balboa Park Carousel and the Miniature Railroad, which spans 4 acres.
The park features sev- eral gardens, a legacy left by its founding “mother,” botanist Kate Sessions. Complete with ornate fountains and colorful tiling, the Spanish-style Alcazar Garden blooms with 7,000 flowers. The Japanese Friendship Garden features a Zen- like meditation garden and bonsai exhibit; while the sunken Zoro Garden has an interesting history: It was designed as a nudist colony during the 1935 California-Pacific Inter- national Exposition, but is now a butterfly habitat. The Old Cactus Garden has succulents and exotic plants. Housing 2,100 rare plants, the Botanical Building, reopened after extensive renovations, is among the world’s largest lath structures—fronted by the famous Lily Pond.
RECREATION
From hiking to tennis to bocce ball, you’ll find it in the park. The Balboa Park Activity Center comprises facilities for badminton, table tennis, volleyball and more; while Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course offers sweeping views of downtown and Coronado.
At Texas and Upas streets, on the park’s northeast end, the Morley Field Sports Complex is a haven for disc golf fans and other sports nuts— boasting a velodrome, archery range and bocce court. Check in here for information on the many hike and bike trails through Florida Canyon, a popular workout spot for joggers.
Balboa Tennis Club, open to the public, has 25 courts and a pro shop. The dapper, white-clad members of the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club, which dates back to 1931, play seven days a week.
And dogs are welcome. Find leash-free dog parks at Balboa Drive and El Prado, south of Cabrillo Bridge, and Morley Field, near the tennis courts.
To learn more about things to do in San Diego, read ARRIVED SD’s Spring Edition
Image Credits: COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO, ALAMY STOCK PHOTOS. Balboa Park perspective courtesy of
Leslie Yu. Photo Images courtesy of business and venue.
