Balboa Park San Diego
One of the largest urban cultural centers in the USA, Balboa Park is home to over 85 Performing Arts and International Culture Organizations,
15 Museums, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, Gardens, Hiking and Biking Trails, Theater, Recreational Facilities and Restaurants.
Balboa Park was established 1868 when the population of San Diego was only
a mere 2,000 souls. It consists of 1400 acres of beautiful gardens, grassy picnic area
and groves of exotic palm and eucalyptus trees. The original groundswork
was done by famed horticulturalist Kate Sessions.
Two major "World's Fairs" have added substantially to Balboa Park.
First, in 1915 the park hosted the Pan-American Exposition.
Then, in 1935 the park hosted the California Pacific Exposition.
Most of the facilities and museum buildings date back to these grand events.
The San Diego Zoo
Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the
100-acre World-Famous San Diego Zoo cares for more than 4,000
individual animals representing 800 different species. Its collection,
as well as its collection of over 6,500 species of plants, is acknowledged
as one of the finest in the world.
Rueben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center
Included here are the World's first OmniMax Theater, exhibit galleries, planetarium shows and science summer camps.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Balboa Park
Worlds largest operating model railroad museum. Besides
four enormous scale model railroad layouts, there are many other
exhibits and interactive displays. Includes Toy Train Gallery,
working semaphore, and interactive Lionel layout for children. Great for train fans.
San Diego Hall of Champions - Balboa Park
A must see for all sports fans with over 70,000 sq.ft. of display area on three floors. This
exciting, entertaining and enthralling museum celebrates athletic accomplishments of hometown heroes.
Natural History Museum - Balboa Park
Photos and text provide great education for kids and adults.
Located at east end of Balboa Park. Exhibits on plants, animals
and geology of So. Calif.
San Diego Childrens Museum
Since 1981 the museum has offered an assortment of dynamic, arts-based education programs and exhibits that cultivate creativity, originality and individuality, the Museum seeks to
uncover hidden talents, raise new questions, and encourage creative thinking. Frequented by elementary schools and family visitors, the Museum is designed to
engage all ages — including toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents.
Museum of Unnatural History
The Museum of Unnatural History features a variety of cursed and mysterious artifacts from around the world. These treasures help to unfold stories of the
past—from Europe’s oldest documented literature to the unknown origin of crystal skulls that some say predict the end of mankind to well-known Egyptian curses.
Museum of San Diego History - Balboa Park
San Diego Historical Society
This museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions on the colorful and diverse history of the region.
Public lectures, workshops and educational programs are presented in the museum's 100-seat Thornton Theatre.
Museum of Man - Balboa Park
Explore the mystery, beauty, and excitement of San Diego's only anthropological museum.
One of the nation's best collections of artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds that tell the heritage of mankind and ancient cultures.
Museum is located in the California Building (1915).
San Diego Automotive Museum - Balboa Park
Located at south end of park, this museum is a showcase for
over 80 classic and historically significant vehicles. Exhibits
range from horse carriages to 50's favorites, muscle cars and motorcycles.
Several futuristic inovactive designs also on display. Email about upcoming
special exhibits.
San Diego Aerospace Museum - Balboa Park
The museum brings to life aviation's rich heritage through dazzling
collection of over 65 U.S. and foreign aircraft and spacecraft.
Exhibits range from the down of powered flight thru both world wars
and into the modern jet age.
Old Globe Theatre
Part of the Simon Edison Centre for the Performing Arts. 581-seat outdoor
bard-playhouse style theatre modeled after Shakespeare Globe Theater in
London. Originally built in 1935 and rebuilt in 1982 after being
destroyed by fire. Features 14 shows each year, a variety of drama, comedies and
musicals. Located north of the Museum of Man,
facilities also include the following:
Spreckles Organ Pavillion
Open air theatre with the largest pipe organ in San Diego housed in a magnificent landmark structure.
The centerpiece is a 1915 Austin Organ.
Starlite Musical Theatre
San Diego's Original Theater Under the Stars
Large outdoor theatre founded in 1945. Beginning in 1992 Starlight became a year-round producer of quality theatre both
at the Starlight Bowl and at indoor venues including the Civic Theatre and the Spreckels Theatre.
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