Balboa Park
El Prado with museums and buildings, Spanish Village
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Duration: 2 hrs or longer depending on your plans and interests
Distance: 1 mile (1,6 km) walk + 3.5 mile (5.6 km) drive Easy to combine with San Diego Zoo and Coronado Island
Getting there From Del Mar: Use Interstate 5 South and change to Interstate 805. Leave I-805 at Cabrillo Freeway (163) and continue on 163 towards San Diego Downtown. Exit 163 at University Avenue/6th Avenue and follow 6th Avenue until El Prado to make a left onto Cabrillo Bridge and the park’s entrance. From Coronado Island: Cross Coronado Bay Bridge and merge onto I-5 North. Please exit at 6th Avenue/ Downtown and make a right into 6th Ave. At El Prado make another right and you reached the park’s entrance. |
From Point Loma: Drive along Rosecrans Street and turn onto N Harbor Drive. Follow N Harbor Drive until W Laurel Street. Make a left into Laurel and continue until Laurel becomes El Prado, which leads you to the park’s entrance.
From Downtown: Drive up 5th Avenue and make a right at Laurel Street. Continue on Laurel until Laurel becomes El Prado, which leads you to the park’s entrance. From Mission Bay: Take W Mission Drive to Interstate 8 and merge later onto Freeway 163 (Cabrillo FWY) towards Downtown San Diego. Exit 163 at University Avenue/6th Avenue and follow 6th Avenue until El Prado to make a left onto Cabrillo Bridge, the park’s entrance. |
This trip is a combination of a short drive and walk since not all areas are accessible by car and certainly you will catch more details by walking the area.
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Balboa Park San Diego - http://www.balboapark.org San Diego’s city leaders hold back the area of todays Balboa Park in 1868 as a recreational park for future residents. Despite their early plans for the park it took 20 more years before the first landscaping took place on Cabrillo Canyon. The contributor and botanist Kate Sessions donated trees to the park and asked for a public nursery area within the park in return. Because of her not only native but also exotic plants found their way into the park. In 1910 park comissioners finally named the park after Vasco Nunez de Balboa, a Spanish maritime explorer and decided on a master plan, including roads to improve and develop the park and make it attractive to visitors. At the same time the city of San Diego planned a big exposition to promote themselves as closest U.S. port for ships passing the newly opened Panama Canal. The 1915 Panama-California Exposition took place in the park and parts were used as event venue. |
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The decision to use the park as venue affected today’s park architecture and appearance. The venue’s lead designer Goodhue decided to create buildings in a Spanish Colonial Revival Style based on the cathedrals of Seville and Mexico City and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
With a second exposition in 1935 the existing buildings were expanded and new buildings that were matching the present design were added.
When you enter Balboa Park over El Prado, the former exposition boulevard, you will pass many of the historic buildings. Nowadays the structures and gardens are used as recreational areas, museums, and performing arts venues. I will describe them further in the following.
Balboa Park is also the home of the San Diego Zoo, in my opinion one of the best zoos in the world. You easily can combine a zoo visit with the historic area and maybe even with Coronado Island.
The admission to Balboa Park is free; this also applies for the Botanical Garden and the Timken Museum of Art. If you are planning to visit the zoo or one of the many museums please check with their websites regarding admission and hours.
Entering the park first do a short drive through the park to get an area overview. Later I recommend a walk along El Prado passing various museums and impressing architecture up to the Spanish Village.
With a second exposition in 1935 the existing buildings were expanded and new buildings that were matching the present design were added.
When you enter Balboa Park over El Prado, the former exposition boulevard, you will pass many of the historic buildings. Nowadays the structures and gardens are used as recreational areas, museums, and performing arts venues. I will describe them further in the following.
Balboa Park is also the home of the San Diego Zoo, in my opinion one of the best zoos in the world. You easily can combine a zoo visit with the historic area and maybe even with Coronado Island.
The admission to Balboa Park is free; this also applies for the Botanical Garden and the Timken Museum of Art. If you are planning to visit the zoo or one of the many museums please check with their websites regarding admission and hours.
Entering the park first do a short drive through the park to get an area overview. Later I recommend a walk along El Prado passing various museums and impressing architecture up to the Spanish Village.
Short drive (3.5 miles/ 5,6 km) through Balboa Park
1st stop: Cabrillo Bridge
You are entering the park over Cabrillo Bridge that was erected as main entrance for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. The bridge was used by pedestrians and cars and connected the isolated Cabrillo Canyon with Uptown San Diego.
You are entering the park over Cabrillo Bridge that was erected as main entrance for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. The bridge was used by pedestrians and cars and connected the isolated Cabrillo Canyon with Uptown San Diego.
2nd stop: San Diego Museum of Man, El Prado
Behind the bridge you are approaching a monumental gate that belongs to the courtyard of the California Tower and Dome. During the 1915 exposition this was called the California State Building and Quadrangle and made the formal entrance. Today the building houses the San Diego Museum of Man formerly known as San Diego Museum Association, a cultural and physical anthropology museum. http://www.museumofman.org/
Behind the bridge you are approaching a monumental gate that belongs to the courtyard of the California Tower and Dome. During the 1915 exposition this was called the California State Building and Quadrangle and made the formal entrance. Today the building houses the San Diego Museum of Man formerly known as San Diego Museum Association, a cultural and physical anthropology museum. http://www.museumofman.org/
3rd stop: Historic House of Charm, El Prado
Leaving the courtyard you are passing a colonnade at both sides. To your right follows the Mingei International Museum and The Museum of the Living Artists both located in the former Historic House of Charm. The Mingei Museum features folk art, crafts and design from all parts of the world. http://www.mingei.org The Museum of the Living Artists (MoLA), part of SD Art Institute, concentrates on work from San Diego artists. http://www.sandiego-art.org/
During the exposition in 1915 the House of Charm was showing Indian Arts and received its name not until the second Panama exposition in 1935.
Although the building looks old you are looking at a new construction since the original was in a poor condition and was demolished and rebuilt in 1996.
Leaving the courtyard you are passing a colonnade at both sides. To your right follows the Mingei International Museum and The Museum of the Living Artists both located in the former Historic House of Charm. The Mingei Museum features folk art, crafts and design from all parts of the world. http://www.mingei.org The Museum of the Living Artists (MoLA), part of SD Art Institute, concentrates on work from San Diego artists. http://www.sandiego-art.org/
During the exposition in 1915 the House of Charm was showing Indian Arts and received its name not until the second Panama exposition in 1935.
Although the building looks old you are looking at a new construction since the original was in a poor condition and was demolished and rebuilt in 1996.
4th stop: Plaza de Panama, San Diego Museum of Art
Coming to Plaza de Panama there is no way of continuing on El Prado with your car. This is why you have to explore the second part of the Balboa Park by feet.
But first of all let’s continue driving. To your left you see the San Diego Museum of Art. The museum was completed in 1926 and opened its doors to the public showing Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures.
Make a right into Plaza del Panama towards Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
5th stop: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The pavilion is housing the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ with 4518 pipes and was originally constructed for the 1915 Panama – California Exposition. With the second Panama Exposition in 1935 the seating area was increased and a fountain was added to the layout.
If the organ is not in use, it is protected by a steel curtain. So it might be that the organ is hidden during your visit. If you are visiting Balboa Park on a Sunday you can attend a free organ concert at 2 pm or you check with the San Diego Event Calendar if there are extra concerts taking place during your visit.
Take Pan American Road West towards House of Iran and Balboa Park Club.
6th stop: Balboa Park Club
Along Pan American Road West you are getting to the Balboa Park Club. It was constructed to host the state of New Mexico during the 1915 exposition. For the second event in 1935 it was enlarged and remodeled. Nowadays the Club can be rented as event venue. It also hosts a dance club.
From the backside of the building you have a scenic view over Cabrillo Bridge and Downtown San Diego.
Further south along Pan American Plaza are the San Diego Automotive Museum (http://www.sdautomuseum.org/) and the San Diego Air & Space Museum (http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/).
Along Pan American Road West you are getting to the Balboa Park Club. It was constructed to host the state of New Mexico during the 1915 exposition. For the second event in 1935 it was enlarged and remodeled. Nowadays the Club can be rented as event venue. It also hosts a dance club.
From the backside of the building you have a scenic view over Cabrillo Bridge and Downtown San Diego.
Further south along Pan American Plaza are the San Diego Automotive Museum (http://www.sdautomuseum.org/) and the San Diego Air & Space Museum (http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/).
7th stop: Municipal Gymnasium
The only ‘somewhat’ historic building along the Pan American Plaza was created for the 1935 Exposition as "Palace of Electricity and Varied Industries". During World War II the Navy started to use the building as a gym.
At Presidents Way turn right and continue to the left at Park Boulevard. At Stitt Ave make a right and follow the road along the beautiful park of the Old Navy Hospital. At the hospital turn around and drive back on Stitt Ave.
Back at Park Boulevard turn left and make a right into Presidents Way. Back at Pan American Plaza make a right onto Pan American Road East and continue towards Plaza del Panama.
Around the plaza you have several parking lots. The most convienient is in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
The only ‘somewhat’ historic building along the Pan American Plaza was created for the 1935 Exposition as "Palace of Electricity and Varied Industries". During World War II the Navy started to use the building as a gym.
At Presidents Way turn right and continue to the left at Park Boulevard. At Stitt Ave make a right and follow the road along the beautiful park of the Old Navy Hospital. At the hospital turn around and drive back on Stitt Ave.
Back at Park Boulevard turn left and make a right into Presidents Way. Back at Pan American Plaza make a right onto Pan American Road East and continue towards Plaza del Panama.
Around the plaza you have several parking lots. The most convienient is in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Walking tour through Balboa Park, 1 mile (1,6km)
Inside the ‘House of Hospitality’ to your right in front of the fountain at El Prado and Plaza del Panama you have the visitor center, which provides you with more information about all buildings and the park.
Inside the ‘House of Hospitality’ to your right in front of the fountain at El Prado and Plaza del Panama you have the visitor center, which provides you with more information about all buildings and the park.
1st stop: House of Hospitality (to your right)
The building was created as centerpiece of the 1915 exposition and later enlarged for the 1935 event. The fountain belongs to the enlargement and became one of the most popular photo sites in the park.
What you might not realize is that this isn’t the original building. Similar to the House of Charm it was rebuilt in 1995. The original was not earthquake resistant and in such a bad shape that it was replaced with a twin. The visitor center and public restrooms are located inside.
2nd stop: Timken Museum of Art (left on El Prado)
On the opposite of the House of Hospitality along El Prado is The Timken Museum of Art. It opened its doors in 1965 and established itself as small fine art museum. The admission is free and features the permanent Putnam Foundation Collection of European and American Art plus other exhibitions, which are changing regularly. http://www.timkenmuseum.org/
3rd stop: Balboa Park Botanical Garden and Lily Pond (left on El Prado)
The lath-house next to Timken Museum of Art is one of the largest lath structures in the world. Together with the ‘La Laguna da las Flores’ (pond) in front it was also built for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition. The pond is nowadays known as Lily Pond and became THE photo scene in Balboa Park. The pond that was constructed as reflection pond usually reflects the lath-house but the park has issues with alga and animal waste that makes the water cloudy.
The Botanical Garden is open to the public from Fri – Wed and free of admission.
Btw – during World War II the Navy used the pond as swimming pool.
The lath-house next to Timken Museum of Art is one of the largest lath structures in the world. Together with the ‘La Laguna da las Flores’ (pond) in front it was also built for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition. The pond is nowadays known as Lily Pond and became THE photo scene in Balboa Park. The pond that was constructed as reflection pond usually reflects the lath-house but the park has issues with alga and animal waste that makes the water cloudy.
The Botanical Garden is open to the public from Fri – Wed and free of admission.
Btw – during World War II the Navy used the pond as swimming pool.
4th stop: Casa de Balboa (right on El Prado)
The casa is one of the newer buildings in the park but matches the historic architecture. It was constructed in 1980 on the former site of the Old Electric Building and houses nowadays the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.com/), the Museum of Photographic Arts (http://www.mopa.org/), the Balboa Art Conservation Center (http://www.bacc.org/), and the Museum of San Diego History
(http://www.sandiegohistory.org/san_diego_history_center.html).
The casa is one of the newer buildings in the park but matches the historic architecture. It was constructed in 1980 on the former site of the Old Electric Building and houses nowadays the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.com/), the Museum of Photographic Arts (http://www.mopa.org/), the Balboa Art Conservation Center (http://www.bacc.org/), and the Museum of San Diego History
(http://www.sandiegohistory.org/san_diego_history_center.html).
5th stop: Casa del Prado (left of El Prado)
Today’s Casa del Prado was the original food and beverage building during both expositions. It was partly reconstructed over the decades and houses the San Diego Botanical Foundation, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, San Diego Floral Association, San Diego Junior Theater and the San Diego Youth Symphony.
6th stop: San Diego National History Museum (left on El Prado)
Shortly after the 1915 exposition the San Diego Society of Natural History purchased a vacant building in Balboa Park and moved all items to the new site.
The Society is the oldest scientific institution in southern California and occupied several buildings in the park, before in 1933 a completely new building was created for the museum. http://www.sdnhm.org/
To continue your walk make a left into Village Place that leads you directly to the Spanish Village.
Shortly after the 1915 exposition the San Diego Society of Natural History purchased a vacant building in Balboa Park and moved all items to the new site.
The Society is the oldest scientific institution in southern California and occupied several buildings in the park, before in 1933 a completely new building was created for the museum. http://www.sdnhm.org/
To continue your walk make a left into Village Place that leads you directly to the Spanish Village.
7th stop: Spanish Village
For the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935 the Spanish Village was built to showcase an old charming Spanish town square. The exhibition was so popular that the city kept the complex and reopened the village as art center.
Today you will find the largest community of artists in the village with 35 art studios and galleries. http://www.spanishvillageart.com
The Spanish Village is the last sight along the former exposition sites. However, feel free to return to the House of Charm and the California Tower and Dome since you past them so far by car only.
For the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935 the Spanish Village was built to showcase an old charming Spanish town square. The exhibition was so popular that the city kept the complex and reopened the village as art center.
Today you will find the largest community of artists in the village with 35 art studios and galleries. http://www.spanishvillageart.com
The Spanish Village is the last sight along the former exposition sites. However, feel free to return to the House of Charm and the California Tower and Dome since you past them so far by car only.
