I’m 22 & have just finished a forensic science degree. I love to write. Anyone wondering the "s...
I’m 22 & have just finished a forensic science degree. I love to write. Anyone wondering the "stink badger" is an actual animal check it out!
Member since:12.07.2004
Reviews:13
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Introduction
Not too far from downtown San Diego and right next to the world famous San Diegozoo is the beautiful, much overlooked Balboa Park. I have been here twice and really enjoyed it both times. More of an old town of museums, restaurants, gardens and wonderful architecture, than a park there will undoubtedly be something for everyone here.
Area
Located in El Prado, San Diego buses to and from the park are both frequent and reliable. As the park is located right next to the San Diego Zoo, signs to the park are frequent and easy to follow. There is lots of parking space and most of it is free.
Sights
A visit to the information centre is the best place to start. There is so much to do and see here it really isn't possible to do it all in one day. So the best thing is to visit the information centre, look at the maps and booklets and discuss the park with the lovely people inside. If you fancy a little more help there are the odd free-guided tours. These tours are on Fridays at 1.00 and Saturdays at 10.00. Self-guided tours are also outlined in the centre.
After you have decided where you will be going and what you will be doing you can fully admire the fantastic, Spanish style architecture, which features in the majority of the buildings. This was what I remembered most about the park after my first visit and made me want to go back. Just walking through the park to your chosen destinations you can take a detour through an astonishing array of gardens and parkland. Things that may catch your eye are the international cottages (a group of small buildings with things from various countries), and the globe theatre, a replica of the original in London, where performances actually occur.
Here are just a few of the museums and attractions at Balboa park:
-Centro Cultural de la Raza -House of Pacific Relations -Japanese Friendship Garden -Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre -Marston House -Mingei International Museum -Museum of Photographic Arts -Museum of San Diego History -The Old Globe
Events
Things are always going on at the park, from sporting events, to concerts, to dances. Ask at the visitor centre if you are interested in these.
Recommendations
I'm a bit of a cheap skate but I really think you can't go wrong with the free sights in the park. It's usually very hot and sunny in San Diego, especially if you visit in the summer. To take advantage of the great weather I walked around outside as much as possible. The cactus garden and rose garden are on the edge of the park but are both beautiful and contrast in such a marvellous way. Plus on the way there, there is a really striking fountain. Other gardens such as the Zoro garden and Japanese friendship garden are also good. The botanical building also stands out, like a smaller Taj Mahal almost (well I say that, its just a big greenhouse really) in front of a series of long ponds. If you like art there is a wealth of galleries that change their displays all the time but always have fantastic exhibitions.
Really there's so many excellent things to do and see you cant go wrong and I think multiple visits to this extraordinary park are the only way to appreciate its greatness.
Prices and More information
The park itself is free to get into. The gardens and some of the museums are also free, but a lot cost and prices vary (ranging from below $5 up to around $15). Most things open around 9.30 or 10.00 and close about 4 or 5.
The official Balboa website can be found at www.Balboapark.org
Conclusion
If you are in San Diego I would thoroughly recommend this park to you. Especially if you have just been to the zoo or come from Los Angeles and need some more relaxed time to wind down. There is so much to do and see and as the park is free there is no pressure to spend a lot of time. Families with children, young couples, older people and any other type of person you cant think of can enjoy this lovely park.
Pictures of Balboa Park, San Diego
spanish colonial
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