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With 14 museums, four theaters, a sporting complex, numerous gardens, an open-air pipe organ, and the world's most famous zoo on its premises, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park is the cultural and tourist center of San Diego. The official entrance to the park is from the west on Laurel Street, which turns into El Prado, a tree-lined boulevard that is also the park's main pedestrian mall. One of the first buildings to greet the arriving visitor is the California Tower, whose facade is adorned with carved statues of famous Californians. The tower houses the Museum of Man, an anthropological museum documenting the Southwestern and Mexican cultures. Next to the museum, the Simon Edison Center for the Performing Arts houses the venerable Old Globe Theatre.

Continuing east on El Prado, you will soon come to the Plaza de Panama. On the south side of the square is the House of Charm, home to the delightful Mingei International Museum. The San Diego Museum of Art and the Timken Museum of Art are also located on this square, as well as the House of Hospitality, which functions as the Balboa Park Visitor's Center.

The Pan American Plaza is another highlight in Balboa Park, featuring the Japanese Friendship Garden complete with koi pond and tea room. If you are here at the right time, you may even be able to hear the lilting strains from the 4,445-pipe Spreckels Organ next door in the Spreckel's Organ Pavilion. Of course, Balboa Park's most notable feature is the world-famous zoo. As the premier attraction in the city, the top-notch San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 species of rare and endangered animals.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Balboa Park


San Diego
United States
No visit to San Diego would be complete without a trip to Balboa Park. Home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the park is much more than a beautiful place to see exotic animals. Gardens and grounds in Balboa Park were established as a city park for the people in 1868. In preparation for hosting the Panama-California Exposition of 1915, a celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal, founding fathers, architects and master gardeners collaborated to create the fine Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings and gardens that still grace the grounds today. Additional buildings were raised on the site in the early 1930s, this time incorporating the look and feel of the Mayan civilization and California's early indigenous peoples.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Balboa Park photo by John Finley
Photo: John Finley
Balboa Park photo by Jo Leovy
Photo: Jo Leovy
Balboa Park photo by Dru Kelly
Photo: Dru Kelly
Balboa Park photo by Dru Kelly
Photo: Dru Kelly
Balboa Park photo by John Finley
Photo: John Finley
Balboa Park photo by Maryanne Rodriguez
Photo: Maryanne Rodriguez
Balboa Park photo by Laura Meyers
Photo: Laura Meyers
Balboa Park photo by Jo Leovy
Photo: Jo Leovy
Balboa Park photo by Jim Carson
Photo: Jim Carson
Balboa Park photo by Mike Gonyou
Photo: Mike Gonyou
Balboa Park photo by Nolan Lamb
Photo: Nolan Lamb
Balboa Park photo by Maggie Phillips
Photo: Maggie Phillips
Balboa Park photo by Gene Lazo
Photo: Gene Lazo
Balboa Park photo by tobias.graf87
Photo: tobias.graf87
Balboa Park photo by Jeroen Priester
Photo: Jeroen Priester
Balboa Park photo by Laura Hawker
Photo: Laura Hawker
Balboa Park photo by Matt
Photo: Matt
Balboa Park photo by livewithintention
Photo: livewithintention
Balboa Park photo by Nicholas Ng
Photo: Nicholas Ng
Balboa Park photo by Simon99
Photo: Simon99
Balboa Park photo by Jesse R Zamora
Photo: Jesse R Zamora
Balboa Park photo by tigrecanela
Photo: tigrecanela
Balboa Park photo by Martin Ritter
Photo: Martin Ritter
Balboa Park photo by Kyung K. Park
Photo: Kyung K. Park
Balboa Park photo by Zubin Patrawala
Photo: Zubin Patrawala
Balboa Park photo by oscar jaime
Photo: oscar jaime
Balboa Park photo by Ricardo (Sr.)
Photo: Ricardo (Sr.)
Balboa Park photo by Jackson Hays
Photo: Jackson Hays
Balboa Park photo by Wayne S. Grazio
Photo: Wayne S. Grazio
Balboa Park photo by Pete
Photo: Pete
Balboa Park photo by Will Kinchlea
Photo: Will Kinchlea
Balboa Park photo by Camila Nicolau Bibas
Photo: Camila Nicolau Bibas
Balboa Park photo by Steve
Photo: Steve
Balboa Park photo by Ashish Gandre
Photo: Ashish Gandre
Balboa Park photo by Kurt Deardorff
Photo: Kurt Deardorff
Balboa Park photo by Gary D Hall
Photo: Gary D Hall
Balboa Park photo by metrognome0
Photo: metrognome0
Balboa Park photo by nattie norman
Photo: nattie norman
Balboa Park photo by Jason Gorsh
Photo: Jason Gorsh
Balboa Park photo by MountLaurel
Photo: MountLaurel
Balboa Park photo by Liz Grady
Photo: Liz Grady
Balboa Park photo by Tim Service
Photo: Tim Service
Balboa Park photo by corradophotography
Photo: corradophotography
 

 
Balboa Park


1200-acre cultural center
Invalidenstraße 3
San Diego, CA 10115
United States
+1 619 239 0512
http://www.balboapark.org
info@balboapark.org
The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings. The California Building was modeled after a Spanish colonial church and is topped off with a polychrome tile dome. The park is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, a Tony award winning theater, an antique carousel and a miniature-scale train. Of particular interest is Balboa Park's Christmas on the Prado that is held the first weekend of December each year. It is a popular event the first Friday and Saturday evenings of December and it is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy pageants, plays, food and music all in the tradition of the Christmas holidays.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Balboa Park photo by Nick Zadrozny
Photo: Nick Zadrozny
Balboa Park photo by Patrick Briggs
Photo: Patrick Briggs
Balboa Park photo by Dan & Sara
Photo: Dan & Sara
Balboa Park photo by Lezlie Lee-French
Photo: Lezlie Lee-French
Balboa Park photo by rob Colonna
Photo: rob Colonna
Balboa Park photo by Kelvin Martinez
Photo: Kelvin Martinez
Balboa Park photo by Ryan R.
Photo: Ryan R.
Balboa Park photo by Mike Maloney
Photo: Mike Maloney
Balboa Park photo by Abraxas3d
Photo: Abraxas3d
Balboa Park photo by Winnie Kwong
Photo: Winnie Kwong
Balboa Park photo by Greg
Photo: Greg
Balboa Park photo by Edward Lee
Photo: Edward Lee
Balboa Park photo by Darren David
Photo: Darren David
Balboa Park photo by Tim
Photo: Tim
Balboa Park photo by sharon
Photo: sharon
Balboa Park photo by David Spear
Photo: David Spear
Balboa Park photo by Rachel Ann Simon
Photo: Rachel Ann Simon
Balboa Park photo by Lisa Messa
Photo: Lisa Messa
Balboa Park photo by Ricky Li
Photo: Ricky Li
Balboa Park photo by Lizapalooza
Photo: Lizapalooza
Balboa Park photo by Guangwei Yuan
Photo: Guangwei Yuan
Balboa Park photo by Rodell Cruz
Photo: Rodell Cruz
Balboa Park photo by Dawn Blanchfield
Photo: Dawn Blanchfield
Balboa Park photo by greenasian
Photo: greenasian
Balboa Park photo by Valerie Smith
Photo: Valerie Smith
Balboa Park photo by and then
Photo: and then
Balboa Park photo by Brooks Elliott
Photo: Brooks Elliott
Balboa Park photo by Braden Tucker
Photo: Braden Tucker
Balboa Park photo by robenbellomo
Photo: robenbellomo
Balboa Park photo by Laura Scroggins
Photo: Laura Scroggins
Balboa Park photo by Valerie Vogel
Photo: Valerie Vogel
Balboa Park photo by Sue Ceglinski
Photo: Sue Ceglinski
Balboa Park photo by Henry Benjamin
Photo: Henry Benjamin
Balboa Park photo by Lovepumpkin
Photo: Lovepumpkin
Balboa Park photo by Brian Logan
Photo: Brian Logan
Balboa Park photo by Marcus
Photo: Marcus
 

 
Japanese Friendship Garden


Our garden
2125 Park Boulevard
(Balboa Park)
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 232 2721
http://www.niwa.org
jgfsd@niwa.org
These absolutely lovely, tranquil grounds began their long history when the garden was built as part of the World Expo of 1915. Because the public enjoyed it, the garden remained cared for by volunteers for the next 30 years. The permanent spot has been maintained as, 'San-Kei-En', meaning 'our garden'. The Japanese gardens incorporate traditional elements and San Diego regional landscape. The exhibit hall includes objects of Japanese cultural arts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by antone kom
Photo: antone kom
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by la femme jen
Photo: la femme jen
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Allison Tran
Photo: Allison Tran
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by gushernandez
Photo: gushernandez
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Brian Tobin
Photo: Brian Tobin
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Allison Tran
Photo: Allison Tran
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Brian Tobin
Photo: Brian Tobin
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Christie Lutsiak
Photo: Christie Lutsiak
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by la femme jen
Photo: la femme jen
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by antone kom
Photo: antone kom
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by frances gunther
Photo: frances gunther
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Pui Ip
Photo: Pui Ip
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Kelly Amabile
Photo: Kelly Amabile
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Perry Sun
Photo: Perry Sun
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Reina
Photo: Reina
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Reina
Photo: Reina
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Jessica Roth
Photo: Jessica Roth
 

 
Mingei International Museum


Ideas of the people
1439 El Prado
(Balboa Park)
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 239 0003
http://www.mingei.org/
mingei@mingei.org
'Mingei' is a composite word that is now accepted as meaning "art of the people," and this museum is surely that. Housed here, visitors will find an eclectic collection of folk art, crafts and designs from around the world including ceramics, pottery, textiles, dolls, masks, stone carvings and decorative objects fashioned by all peoples. Permanent and rotating collections are on display. Admission: $6 adults; $3 children ages 6-17; children under age six are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mingei International Museum photo by Eugenia and Julian
Photo: Eugenia and Julian
Mingei International Museum photo by Peter Fleck
Photo: Peter Fleck
Mingei International Museum photo by Eugenia and Julian
Photo: Eugenia and Julian
Mingei International Museum photo by michael
Photo: michael
Mingei International Museum photo by michael
Photo: michael
 

 
Old Globe Theatre


Modern and classic plays
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 234 5623
http://www.oldglobe.org
tickets@theoldglobe.org
Modeled after Shakespeare's own theaters, this San Diego establishment is actually part of a complex of three theaters also including the Cassius Carter Centre Stage and the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Sadly, the 1935 original Globe has been replaced since it was destroyed by fire, though it appears that the renovation is a success. In 1984, the 581-seat replica won a Tony award for best regional theater. Predictably, the theater is home to an annual Shakespeare festival, but it is open year round. It also hosts much more than the classics. Its focus is actually the opposite - opening new plays.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Old Globe Theatre photo by Keely Emery
Photo: Keely Emery
Old Globe Theatre photo by **Mary**
Photo: **Mary**
Old Globe Theatre photo by Becky Scott
Photo: Becky Scott
Old Globe Theatre photo by Wendy
Photo: Wendy
Old Globe Theatre photo by lgwilson_uk
Photo: lgwilson_uk
Old Globe Theatre photo by Robert Wilson
Photo: Robert Wilson
Old Globe Theatre photo by Keely Emery
Photo: Keely Emery
 

 
San Diego Museum of Art


Finely presented fine art
1450 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 232 7931
http://www.sdmart.org/
information@sdmart.org
San Diego is blessed with a beautifully-housed art collection, which includes the work of Old Masters, American artists and an extensive selection of Asian art pieces. Founded in 1926, the museum originally focused on acquiring American works of art and the collection is still very strong, from "plein air" school California Impressionist paintings to Putnam bronzes. The museum also hosts major traveling exhibitions. Credit cards are not accepted for admission.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Christina I. Wilson
Photo: Christina I. Wilson
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Dan Kit
Photo: Dan Kit
San Diego Museum of Art photo by mezzamera
Photo: mezzamera
San Diego Museum of Art photo by QueenCindy
Photo: QueenCindy
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Mary Harrsch
Photo: Mary Harrsch
San Diego Museum of Art photo by QueenCindy
Photo: QueenCindy
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Mary Harrsch
Photo: Mary Harrsch
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Karen
Photo: Karen
San Diego Museum of Art photo by erin icenbice
Photo: erin icenbice
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Hannah Swithinbank
Photo: Hannah Swithinbank
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Hannah Swithinbank
Photo: Hannah Swithinbank
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Fern Camacho
Photo: Fern Camacho
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Bob Lewis
Photo: Bob Lewis
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Chris Tung
Photo: Chris Tung
San Diego Museum of Art photo by viktor sjöberg
Photo: viktor sjöberg
San Diego Museum of Art photo by Merrily Chopp
Photo: Merrily Chopp
San Diego Museum of Art photo by treven ho
Photo: treven ho
 

 
San Diego Museum of Man


Anthropology Museum, Architectural Marvel
1350 El Prado
(Balboa Park)
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 239 2001
http://www.museumofman.org/
San Diego's only anthropological museum is home to 70,000 artifacts, folk art and archaeological finds from all over the world. With mummies and ancient carved monuments, the treasures inside this museum are abundant, but the building itself is also a San Diego treasure and city symbol. The California Building with its tile-capped tower was designed in 1915 by Bertram G. Goodhue and reflects a whimsical "California Mission" style of architecture. Exhibits inside explore the culture and lives of ancient civilizations of the Inuits, the Mapuche, and the Mayans, among others.

Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children between the ages of 6-17, free for kids below 6 years of age.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Alex Holtet
Photo: Alex Holtet
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Jeroen Priester
Photo: Jeroen Priester
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Spencer Hooks
Photo: Spencer Hooks
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Kevin Tostado
Photo: Kevin Tostado
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Mary Harrsch
Photo: Mary Harrsch
San Diego Museum of Man photo by cal868
Photo: cal868
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Jessica L
Photo: Jessica L
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Kara Shallenberg
Photo: Kara Shallenberg
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Mary Harrsch
Photo: Mary Harrsch
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Emily Gunyou
Photo: Emily Gunyou
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Sally Clark
Photo: Sally Clark
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Carson
Photo: Carson
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Lisa Jacobs
Photo: Lisa Jacobs
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Chris Palmer
Photo: Chris Palmer
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Thomas Levinson
Photo: Thomas Levinson
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Bonnie Crowder
Photo: Bonnie Crowder
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Kate Broerman
Photo: Kate Broerman
San Diego Museum of Man photo by Esteban
Photo: Esteban
 

 
San Diego Zoo


World-famous for a reason
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 231 1515
http://www.sandiegozoo.org
This world-famous establishment is clearly no ordinary zoo. Walk or ride a double-decker bus throughout this expansive park, home to over 4,000 rare and exotic animals exhibited in beautiful garden habitats. More than a park, this zoo is a major research facility although it is cleverly disguised with entertaining shows and inspiring exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge and Hippo Beach. General Admission: USD21 adults; USD14 children ages three-11; deluxe packages are also available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Diego Zoo photo by Tyler Austen
Photo: Tyler Austen
San Diego Zoo photo by Tyler Austen
Photo: Tyler Austen
San Diego Zoo photo by Karl H Mueller
Photo: Karl H Mueller
San Diego Zoo photo by Michael Cohn
Photo: Michael Cohn
San Diego Zoo photo by Taylor House
Photo: Taylor House
San Diego Zoo photo by frances gunther
Photo: frances gunther
San Diego Zoo photo by Thomas Sejr Madsen
Photo: Thomas Sejr Madsen
San Diego Zoo photo by Karl H Mueller
Photo: Karl H Mueller
San Diego Zoo photo by Chris Roberts
Photo: Chris Roberts
San Diego Zoo photo by Dan Coulter
Photo: Dan Coulter
San Diego Zoo photo by Cheryl Howlett
Photo: Cheryl Howlett
San Diego Zoo photo by Xin G. Zhu
Photo: Xin G. Zhu
San Diego Zoo photo by Allen Passalaqua
Photo: Allen Passalaqua
San Diego Zoo photo by Bill Dolton
Photo: Bill Dolton
San Diego Zoo photo by Brad Ackerman
Photo: Brad Ackerman
San Diego Zoo photo by Laura
Photo: Laura
San Diego Zoo photo by Victor Solanoy
Photo: Victor Solanoy
San Diego Zoo photo by nic beese
Photo: nic beese
San Diego Zoo photo by Anthony Tang
Photo: Anthony Tang
San Diego Zoo photo by Jenifer Davisson
Photo: Jenifer Davisson
San Diego Zoo photo by tinyfroglet
Photo: tinyfroglet
San Diego Zoo photo by Mumford Moose
Photo: Mumford Moose
San Diego Zoo photo by bolyburg
Photo: bolyburg
San Diego Zoo photo by Dayna Sowd
Photo: Dayna Sowd
San Diego Zoo photo by Justin Duray
Photo: Justin Duray
San Diego Zoo photo by John Thomson
Photo: John Thomson
San Diego Zoo photo by Rita Petita
Photo: Rita Petita
San Diego Zoo photo by Sherry Lowe
Photo: Sherry Lowe
San Diego Zoo photo by Traci Castleberry
Photo: Traci Castleberry
San Diego Zoo photo by Bev Wernli
Photo: Bev Wernli
San Diego Zoo photo by Ann Baldwin
Photo: Ann Baldwin
San Diego Zoo photo by Kelly Corcoran
Photo: Kelly Corcoran
San Diego Zoo photo by The Loyd Family
Photo: The Loyd Family
San Diego Zoo photo by Photo Larry
Photo: Photo Larry
San Diego Zoo photo by Simplesculler
Photo: Simplesculler
San Diego Zoo photo by daniellelouisesatche
Photo: daniellelouisesatche
San Diego Zoo photo by Almei Photography
Photo: Almei Photography
San Diego Zoo photo by Tony Werner
Photo: Tony Werner
 

 
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion


4,445 pipes
2211 Pan American Road
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 702 8138
During your visit to Balboa Park, do not miss this gigantic, world-class musical instrument. Believed to be the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world, this impressive structure was built in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels. Year round, as many as 2,000 people can sit and hear the Sunday afternoon concerts. At other times, local musical talent is displayed. All concerts are free of charge.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by ercy coronel
Photo: ercy coronel
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Brian Teutsch
Photo: Brian Teutsch
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Azucar Shoots
Photo: Azucar Shoots
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Aaron
Photo: Aaron
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Dave Barger
Photo: Dave Barger
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Eleni Gogas
Photo: Eleni Gogas
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Alpha
Photo: Alpha
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Sharath Bulusu
Photo: Sharath Bulusu
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Robert Harrington
Photo: Robert Harrington
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by erik borowitz
Photo: erik borowitz
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Rob Rummel-Hudson
Photo: Rob Rummel-Hudson
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Larry Gilbert
Photo: Larry Gilbert
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by djv69sd
Photo: djv69sd
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by David Sutoyo
Photo: David Sutoyo
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Lingual X
Photo: Lingual X
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Adriene Hughes
Photo: Adriene Hughes
Spreckel's Organ Pavilion photo by Tina Sibley
Photo: Tina Sibley
 

 
Timken Museum of Art


See the old masters
1500 El Prado
(Balboa Park)
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 239 5548
http://www.timkenmuseum.org
info@timkenmuseum.org
Predominantly displaying fine paintings, this museum also exhibits excellent sculpture, 126 paintings on permanent exhibition, and other works rotated throughout the year. Opened in 1965, this museum is home to San Diego's only Rembrandt painting on public display, 'Saint Bartholomew'. The collection also includes other works by European Old Masters, American Artists and Russian icons. There is a free afternoon lecture/gallery talk on Thursdays at 1:30p. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Timken Museum of Art photo by Perry Sun
Photo: Perry Sun
Timken Museum of Art photo by karl151k
Photo: karl151k
 

 
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