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San Diego on a Rainy Day

It’s difficult to think of all that many places in the United States more beloved for their beautiful weather than San Diego. Year in and year out, no matter the season, people flock to San Diego from all over the world to experience the city’s sun and sand for themselves. When we think of San Diego, in fact, that’s quite often what comes to mind first: sun, sand, and smiles.

Alas, nothing in life is perfect, and even in San Diego a little rain must fall from time to time. And so the question comes to mind: what to do when you find yourself visiting San Diego on a rainy day? Fear not, there’s still much to do in San Diego on a day when the weather is not your friend. Keep reading for a list of some suitable solutions to this rainy-day riddle.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Lovingly referred to by locals as “The Nat,” the San Diego Natural History Museum is every bit as neat of a place as you would expect a museum with a hip nickname to be. There’s so much to experience at The Nat that it’s likely you’ll struggle to decide where to begin your adventure, but when in doubt, follow this simple rule and you’ll be just fine: Dinosaurs. That’s right, the San Diego Natural History Museum is home to some wonderful dinosaur-centric exhibits. These include Fossil Mysteries—which catalogs a staggering 75 million years’ worth of locally discovered remains—and a prominently displayed Allosaurus fragilis skeleton fondly known as “Al.” Al would have been a cousin of the mighty T. rex, so yeah, he’s pretty cool.

Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps (helpful shorthand for the “Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego”) will help you shake your rainy-day blues in no time at all. Over 5,000 different sea creatures, spread out across nearly 60 unique exhibits, call this charming facility home. It’s impossible in this short space here to describe everything there is to discover at Birch Aquarium, but some favorite attractions would have to be Tidepool Plaza, Shark Shores, and the Giant Kelp Forest exhibit, a two-story, 70,000-gallon tank that lets you experience these “underwater forests” like never before. Not only does Birch Aquarium make for a great visit, but its remarkable physical setting gifts it with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is housed on the retired aircraft carrier Midway, which means that parts of the museum experience here are located outside. “Wait, what?” you’re asking right about now, operating as you are under the belief that this article is about rainy-day suggestions. Hear me out, though, as there’s a certain method to the madness of suggesting visiting the USS Midway Museum on a rainy day. The USS Midway Museum is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions—it’s more often than not a really busy place. However, since some of the museum is located outside, that’s liable to scare away guests on a day when the weather is a bit crummier. Yet a great deal of the USS Midway Museum’s exhibits—features like the Hangar Deck and Below Deck exhibits—are found indoors. So, if you aren’t afraid of a little bit of rain, you can enjoy this fine attraction and all it has to offer while also beating the crowds—all by visiting on a rainy day!

Fleet Science Center

Just because the weather outside is not cooperating, that doesn’t mean you and the kids will be prevented from “being active” on a rainy day in San Diego. That’s because a terrific place to visit in San Diego is the Fleet Science Center. This popular attraction is full of interactive marvels that’ll cheer up any one feeling blue at the prospect of not being able to run around the beach all day. Take in a movie at the Giant Dome IMAX Theater, prepare to be an astronaut at the Space Gallery’s Off-World Training Base, learn about the power of water in the San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap exhibit, and inhabit an alternate reality with the Pulseworks Virtual Reality Transporter ride.

San Diego Museum of Art

The heart of the matter is that the San Diego Museum of Art is well worth your time regardless of the weather outside, but if you can slot it into your schedule on a day when outdoor conditions are less-than ideal, then that’s even better. The San Diego Museum of Art’s permanent collection alone is reason even to visit, as it contains works by brilliant artists as diverse as Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, El Greco, and Henri Matisse. Beyond those fine holdings, though, the San Diego Museum of Art regularly hosts live performances, educational events, and special exhibits from all over the world. Whether you’ve got an hour to kill, or desire to spend an entire afternoon losing yourself in the power of art, this San Diego attraction is for you.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum makes for a great place to spend the day—and, if we’re being honest, that’s true whether it’s raining outside or not! Here you’ll find all sorts of educational exhibits and cultural artifacts pertaining to the history of flight. The museum’s collection of historic airplanes and space craft is second to none, and includes highlights like a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 9 command module Gumdrop, and multiple reproductions of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s early experimental gliders. In addition to these treasures, visitors can enjoy touring an assortment of rotating special exhibits, as well as grab a bite to eat at the tasty Flight Path Grill.

Filed Under: Balboa Park, Things to Do, Tourist Attractions

Eight Things to Do in San Diego in Spring

Are you worn out from winter and in need of a refreshing spring getaway? Then perhaps you’re looking for a special place to visit, somewhere you can relax, unwind, and recharge the batteries. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right spot, because you don’t need to look any further than sunny San Diego, California. Keep reading for eight great things to do in San Diego this spring.

Get Lost in Balboa Park

To be clear, we’re not actually encouraging you to get lost in San Diego’s spectacular Balboa Park, but rather just trying to make a point about how many different remarkable things there are to do here. Considered by many to be the very heart and soul of San Diego, Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres are home to everything from flower gardens and hiking trails to museums, theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Many of San Diego’s most popular attractions are found within Balboa Park, including several highlights that’ll be mentioned in a moment, and yet these headliners only scratch the surface of the fun that can be had here on a beautiful spring day.

Go on a Safari

Located in Balboa Park, it doesn’t get much more quintessentially San Diego than the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and though the universally beloved giant pandas no longer call the zoo home, you’ll still find here all manner of fun and games perfect for the whole family. And if you’re in the mood for something even more adventurous, you’ll want to make the 35-mile trip northeast from the zoo to its sister operation, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There you’ll observe, spread out across 1,800 glorious acres, over 3,600 animals numbering some 300 or so unique species. The Safari Park features a tremendous collection of botanical specimens, too, so put on your good walking shoes and prepare to spend a spring afternoon getting in touch with nature!

Travel to Outer Space (Sort of . . .)

For roughly 50 years now, San Diego’s Fleet Science Center has been delighting children of all ages while bringing out the curious kid in us adults, too! The Fleet Science Center contains over 100 interactive exhibits spread out across a number of permanent galleries, including perennial favorites like Kid City, So Watt! (“an illuminating look at energy”), and the Pulseworks Virtual Reality Transporter, which lets you experience the sensation of floating in space or venturing forth on a moonwalk without ever even having to leave San Diego. While you’re at the Fleet Science Center, you’ll also want to make time to catch an IMAX movie and a planetarium show.

Luxuriate in LEGOLAND

As long as you’re invested in treating the kids to the time of their lives during this springtime San Diego adventure, indulge them with a visit to LEGOLAND California Resort. This unique destination is located about 30 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad, California, and it’s another one of those terrific attractions that helpfully has a little bit of something for the entire crew. The centerpiece of LEGOLAND California Resort would have to be its amusement park, which includes scores of rides, shows, a water park, and a branch of the popular SEA LIFE Aquarium franchise. However, there’s also plenty of dining and shopping options, as well as two LEGO-themed hotels available for you to stay at. The LEGO-centric guest rooms at these places are wildly creative, too, and worth a stay just for the novelty.

Contemplate a Work of Art

Once the children have worn themselves out enjoying LEGOLAND California, you’ll be more than justified in spending a little time on yourself. Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, don’t worry, you’ll still love the San Diego Museum of Art. This fine institution has an outstanding permanent collection of art from all over the world. It’s especially strong in 19th and 20th Century American art, 17th and 18th Century European paintings, and South Asian art, and routinely hosts special temporary exhibits each spring.

Ramble On

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? If you happen to find yourself in the greater San Diego area come this spring, you will not want to miss the chance to explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. You’ll need to budget a healthy amount of time for this adventure—Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is approximately 75 miles northeast of downtown San Diego—but it’ll be well worth the effort. The largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a natural treasure, and it’s especially wonderful during the spring months when wildflowers bloom in the midst of the rocky desert, lighting up the arid landscape with dazzling pops of color.

See SeaWorld

No matter the time of year, SeaWorld San Diego is one of the city’s foremost attractions. Here you’ll encounter all types of fascinating creatures, big and small, but year in and year out the stars of the show are the ever-popular whales, sharks, penguins, and dolphins. You’ll for sure want to carve out time to watch in awe as the mighty orcas do their thing. SeaWorld San Diego also offers guests access to a variety of additional attractions like rollercoasters, rides, the Sesame Street Bay of Play, and much more.

Head for La Jolla

No trip to San Diego is complete without spending time exploring La Jolla, and that is even more so the case when spring rolls around again. There’s so much to see and do in and near La Jolla that you’ll practically have to drag yourself away when it’s time to depart. Rent a kayak, go snorkeling, have a swim, sunbathe for a bit, hike some trails, bike some trails. Oh, and don’t forget about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, too. It’s an incredible stretch of rugged coastline that, seen on a perfect spring day, will have you saying “What winter?” in no time at all!

Filed Under: Balboa Park, Tourist Attractions

Hike Like a Local: 9 Spectacular Hiking Trails in San Diego

When people think of San Diego they think of sandy beaches, incredible surf, and a lively city, but what they don’t know is this is also a hiker’s paradise. Its unbelievably diverse backcountry is one of its best kept secrets where everything from a palm oasis to a mixed-conifer forest can be found. Whether you’re a novice hiker, experienced hiker, or somewhere in the middle, it’s easy to find a trail to challenge you and more often than not an incredible view awaits at the end. Below are our top 9 hiking trails in San Diego.

3 Essential San Diego Trails for Beginner Hikers

Borrego Palm Canyon

Borrego Palm Canyon is a 3.2-mile hiking trail within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park located at the foot of San Diego County. This relatively flat trail has hikers traveling through a desert oasis filled with bighorn sheep (Borrego), cactus gardens, and wildflowers in a magnificently isolated area that ends at the third biggest palm refuge in California. It is the ideal sunset hike due to the colorful beauty of the area and perfect for beginner hikers.

Trail Level: Easy

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Hikers can easily access these 1.5 miles of hiking trails at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Ladera Street in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. It is by far the most enchanting and relaxing hike in the city boasting extraordinary views while walking along the majestic sea cliffs in the cool ocean air, and the perfect spot to glimpse the elusive green flash. A sunset hike or evening stroll provides picturesque views and frequent seal and bottlenose dolphin spottings.

Trail Level: Easy

Balboa Park Trails

Balboa Park is known for its world renowned museums, botanical gardens, art exhibitions, and prominent cultural events. Very few realize this is 1,200-acre cultural oasis is also encircled by miles and miles of hiking trails perfect for any level. Their five trails range in length and difficulty, ensuring anyone can find a trail, and it’s easy to navigate. All trails are numbered, with Trail #1 being the easiest at 1.5 miles, to the most difficult Trail #5 at 6.6 miles.

Trail Levels: Easy to Difficult

3 Challenging San Diego Trails for Mid-Level Hikers

Palomar Mountain

Palomar Mountain is a demanding half day hike with a round trip total of 13 miles, and one of the highest peaks in San Diego County at just over 6,100 feet. It offers hikers a Sierra Nevada-like ambiance with cedar trees, massive Douglas firs, and stunning views of the San Jacinto peaks. Those who are ready to take on this challenging adventure should consider making the 4.5 mile hike to the Palomar Observatory where they can see the 200-inch reflecting telescope.

Trail Level: Moderate

Cowles Mountain

Any San Diego hiker will tell you that the hike up Cowles Mountain is the most popular in the city, and it has much to do with the awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the city from the top. It’s known for its steep switchbacks, but is still a relatively manageable hike for most novices and dogs sure seem to love it. This is most commonly a mid-day hike, sneaked in during a busy day. It’s just under 1,600 feet high, 1.5 miles to the top, making it the highest peak within the city limits.

Trail Level: Easy to Moderate

Torrey Pines State Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Reserve offers hikers diversity both in the geological terrain and trail systems that allow visitors to choose the intensity level that is best for their day. The rugged sea cliffs, pine trees, and native flowers showcase the one-of-a-kind beauty San Diego is known for with roughly eight miles of trails that end at stunning lookout points. Among the highlight trails are the Guy Fleming, Razor Point, and the Beach Trail that finishes on the sand allowing hikers to indulge in a leisurely stroll while watching a beach sunset.

Trail Level: Moderate to Difficult

3 Daring San Diego Trails for Experienced Hikers

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain is a 6-mile hike located in Poway, a well maintained and clearly marked trail system that features the diverse beauty of California. It’s one of the more popular hikes among experienced hikers surrounded by sprawling hills, gigantic boulders, and covered with stunning purple lilacs. The hike itself doesn’t provide much cover from the sun so its recommended hikers begin their journey in the morning. This is a family-friendly trail and passing by a horseback rider or two along the way isn’t uncommon.

Trail Level: Difficult

Mount Woodson

Mount Woodson better known as Potato Chip Rock is a local favorite and photo opt hot spot for San Diegans and visitors alike, and most prominently known for this incredibly unique rock formation at the top. The 6.4 miles of twisting trail is lined with huge boulders as hikers make their way to the top of one of the county’s highest peaks; it ends with stunning views of Palomar Mountain and Lake Poway. While it is one of the most visually stunning hikes, it is also one of the most challenging and visitors are encouraged to bring along plenty of water as well as some protein-laden, energy-inducing snacks.

Trail Level: Difficult

El Cajon Mountain

El Cajon Mountain is by far the most strenuous and exhausting hikes on this list, but also the one that will make hikers feel the most accomplished. IRONMAN triathletes use this 11-mile hike for their training, so it is most assuredly not for novice hikers. The hike follows the route of an old mining trail and traverses up to an almost 3,700 foot peak giving its victors magnificent views of the mountainous range. It can get extremely hot on this trail and even closes during the month of August due to the heat, so hikers need to be careful and plan accordingly.

Trail Level: Extremely Difficult

These are our favorites, but we know there are many more out there we didn’t mention so what are some of yours? Any we’ve missed that you think deserve to be on the list? Let us know.

Filed Under: Balboa Park, Cheap and Free, Parks, Things to Do

Balboa Park December Nights

December Nights started as an event in which ten Balboa Park cultural organizations came together to host a celebration. Since that time, the event has grown into a two-night affair sponsored by the city of San Diego and has more than 350,000 attendees. 

On Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th, December Nights will celebrate its 42nd year with light displays, exciting entertainment, phenomenal food, goods from local vendors, and free admission to many museums, including The San Diego Natural History Museum. Discover all there is to experience at Balboa Park December Nights. 

The Holiday Lights of December Nights

The holiday lights throughout the park shine as one of the most magical aspects of December Nights at Balboa Park. Stroll the park in wonderment while enjoying all the events throughout the festival. The landmark Moreton Bay Fig Tree looks especially decked out for the event. A canopy of energy-efficient LED lights enthralls guests at the center of the Plaza de Panama for the entire holiday season, and is sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric. 

Music and Movement at December Nights 

December Nights offers visitors an eclectic selection of live music and dance performers, which makes it easy for everyone in your family to find something that they’ll enjoy. 

Live Music at December Nights

If you’re looking for a good dose of holiday cheer, you’ll want to check out The Candy Cane Carolers. The group consists of young, professional singers from San Diego County. The Candy Cane Carolers spread the spirit of the holiday season around Southern California. 

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus has performed for crowds at the Super Bowl, the Lincoln Center, and The White House. You can hear them perform at December Nights where they present their Jingle holiday show at the Organ Pavilion for the hometown crowd. 

The December Nights Dance Lineup 

The Motu Nehenehe Polynesian Dancers will dazzle visitors of the festival with their unique Christmas on the Islands show. This presentation features hulas that include Holiday Hula, Christmas Luau, and Hawaiian Santa. 

If you’re looking to be more than just a spectator, make sure to check out Creative Dancers 78 on Saturday afternoon at the Palisades at The Palms at Recital Hall. This group performs fully choreographed routines, and invites you and your family to take part in a free dance class.

The San Diego Cloggers have entertained crowds at December Nights for over 30 years. The group will return this year with their energetic and family-friendly form of dance. The San Diego Cloggers combine traditional clogging with contemporary music for a one-of-a-kind show. 

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at December Nights

What would a holiday festival be without food? The food offerings at December Nights range from exotic to traditional, and there’s something for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions. 

For fun, holiday-themed fare, you should stop by Corn Dog Lemonade Food Booth for a delicious holiday themed-funnel cake. Craveology at the Fleet Science Center will also offer a special menu with items to celebrate the holiday season.

If you stick to a plant-based diet, you’ll find plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans as well. Chameleon Catering has many vegetarian dishes and prides itself on creating a gourmet dining experience for everyone. Churriza specializes in handmade vegan-friendly churros and plantains. If you eat a gluten-free diet, you won’t want to miss the desserts of Awafee Gluten Free, designed to combine great taste and texture. 

Find Unique Holiday Gifts at December Nights 

In addition to being great for food and entertainment, December Nights is a wonderful opportunity to find something unique for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

For the scientist in your family, you can find something special at the Fleet Science Center North Star Science Store that has gifts designed to educate curious learners of any age. The Irish Charm store features handmade Celtic jewelry that your favorite fashionista won’t be able to find anywhere else. At Les Crème, you can buy locally made, luxurious soaps and skincare products for the person on your list who enjoys the finer things.

The San Diego Natural History Museum at December Nights 

The San Diego Natural History Museum will open its doors from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. Guests enjoy free general admission and reduced entry to view films in their giant-screen theater. Free admission during the festival includes access to Hidden Gems, Unshelved: Cool Stuff from Storage, Coast to Cactus, Extraordinary Ideas, Skulls, Fossil Mysteries, and Insects Face to Face. Guests of all ages can enjoy learning about the wonders of the world and the animal kingdom.

For a reduced rate of $5, visitors can view Hidden Pacific 3D or Conquest of the Skies 3D in the museum’s theater on their giant screen. Check out their website for showtimes.

Filed Under: Balboa Park

Get the Most from Your Go San Diego Card at Balboa Park with These Sample Itineraries

Beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is so many things. It’s the nation’s largest urban cultural park. It’s an oasis of botanical gardens and natural vegetation. It’s the #1 San Diego historic landmark. It’s home to the famous San Diego Zoo. And it boasts an impressive collection of 15 museums.

Whether you’re in San Diego on a family vacation with the kids, or you’ve come to San Diego with friends for some adult time, you’ll want to pre-plan your visit to Balboa Park to get the most out of your visit. With so many San Diego attractions jammed into one place, you’ll also want to use your Go San Diego Card to save money.

We’ve put together two-day itineraries for both families and singles. They cover a lot of ground in the park, and offer ideas for how to see as much of the park as possible while spending as little as possible. Enjoy!  

Sample Two-Day Itinerary for Families with Kids

Experiencing Balboa Park with children requires careful pre-planning to get the most out of the park and zoo, but also to keep the under 12 crowd enthused and enthralled without getting too tired.

On Day One, you’ll want to enter the park from the 6th Street entrance on the Park’s west side, crossing the historic Cabrillo Bridge and parking in the large lot behind the Organ Pavilion. Your itinerary will start here and circle back to your car.

Day One – Morning:

SD Museum of Man – At the San Diego Museum of Man, your kids will fall in love with the Monsters! Exhibit on the first floor where they can do everything from exploring monster habitats to making monsters of their own. Adventure Kids in Egypt on the second floor is another must for kids.

Mingei International Museum – Before you can even get the kids in the door, there’s a friendly alligator out front of Mingei International Museum waiting for the perfect family photo opp. Inside, kids will find over 3,000 toys, hundreds of musical instruments, and other cool folk art across the museum’s diverse collections.

Lily Pond – After a busy morning, take the kids on a stroll through the Botanical Building and to see the lilies and koi fish in the Lily Pond out front. This is a free stop on the way to lunch at the Fleet Science Center. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Day One – Afternoon:

Fleet Science Center – Before embarking on afternoon activities at the Fleet Science Center, head to Craveology, the science center’s casual food restaurant where they’re serving smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. This hands-on museum was made for kids with activities like trying to touch a tornado, building an invention, and creating a city.

San Diego Natural History Museum – The San Diego Natural History Museum is a place where kids’ imaginations can run wild. Camp-O-Saurus lets kids be paleontologists. They can examine the museum’s Focault Pendulum, learn about San Diego’s biodiversity in Coast to Cactus, and go on a scavenger hunt in Fossil Mysteries.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum – This museum is the perfect place to wind down the day. It’s the largest indoor model railroad museum in North America at 27,000 square feet. You can dive into the worlds of five separate model railroad exhibits that will fascinate everyone in the family from youngest to oldest. Such attention to detail! Kids will also want to check out Mac’s Kids’ Corner.

On Day Two you’ll want to head straight to the zoo parking lot off Park Boulevard and park there for the morning. After your zoo visit, hop in the car and continue a couple blocks south on Park Boulevard to Presidents Way. Turn right and park in the lot on the right, across from the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Day Two – Morning:

The only thing on deck for the morning is the San Diego Zoo. It’s at the north end of Balboa Park, just past the carousel and miniature train ride. This world famous zoo could take you all day to explore, but with some pre-planning and your Go San Diego Card, you’ll see the most in the shortest time. You won’t want to miss the San Diego Air & Space Museum in the afternoon.

San Diego Zoo – The kids may never forgive you if they find out you skipped the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park. Do yourself a favor and be ready at the gate with your Go San Diego Card when the zoo opens first thing in the morning, then head straight for the panda exhibit. Save some walking by taking the zoo’s free Guided Bus Tour. Grab a mid-morning snack or breakfast in a treehouse at Albert’s Restaurant.

Day Two – Afternoon:

San Diego Air & Space Museum – If you worked up an appetite from your morning at the zoo, lunch at Flight Path Grill is the perfect solution where the kids will get nourished and rejuvenated as they watch planes coming into San Diego pass overhead. Kids get inspired to reach for the stars at San Diego Air & Space Museum with rockets and planes, space simulators, and the Kids’ Aviation Action Hangar.

Sample Two-Day Itinerary for Adults

Your Go San Diego Card allows you discounted admission to 12 museums in Balboa Park. With this two-day Balboa Park itinerary, you can theoretically spend four hours visiting three museums and the Japanese Garden in the morning, have lunch at the Tea Pavilion Café, and visit three more museums and the Botanical Building and Koi Pond in the afternoon on Day One.

If you’re the type who lingers in museums, this schedule may seem unrealistic. You could cut one museum from the morning and one from the afternoon for a more leisurely experience. All the museums for Day One are conveniently lined up along El Prado.

Day One – Morning:

San Diego Museum of Man and California Tower – If you love beer, you’ll love the Beerology Exhibit on the first floor of the San Diego Museum of Man. Other exhibits include ancient cultures, race, living with animals, and more. If you’re lucky, you can plan your museum visit to coincide with a climb to the top of California Tower where you’ll enjoy epic panoramic views. (California Tower offers guided tours only; it’s an extra cost. If you can’t coordinate the two, it’s worth a second visit)

Mingei International Museum/San Diego Art Institute – The Mingei International Museum shares space with the San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist in the House of Charm. At MoLA, you’ll see the brilliant work of emerging SoCal artists. The Mingei presents stunning collections of international daily use art objects from diverse eras of human history. (These are separate tickets.)

San Diego Museum of Art – If it’s fine art you crave, the San Diego Museum of Art has one of the best collections in San Diego. You’ll experience collections by old masters of Spain and Italy, prominent South Asian paintings, and contemporary American paintings, among others. The museum regularly hosts significant exhibitions from around the world.

Japanese Friendship Garden – Need a Zen place to rest and rejuvenate? You’ll be captivated by the Japanese Friendship Garden. The koi ponds, stone arrangements, water features, unique landscaping, blossoming cherry trees (springtime), and sukiya-style buildings provide a magical experience. Guided audio tours are available.

Tea Pavilion Café – Either before, or after your time in the Japanese Friendship Garden, it’s time for lunch. The Tea Pavilion Café near the garden’s entrance serves an Asian-fusion menu and a wide range of imported teas. The lovely outdoor patio overlooking the garden is the perfect place to nourish your body and catch your breath before the afternoon museums.

Day One – Afternoon:

Museum of Photographic Arts – Just east of the Tea Pavilion, you’ll find the gorgeous Museum of Photographic Arts showcasing photography, as well as film and video. The museum is dedicated to presenting exhibits that address historical, cultural, and social issues. They have nearly 9,000 images in their contemporary collection alone, and 24,000 in all.

San Diego History Center – The San Diego History Center shares space with the Museum of Photographic Arts. This stunning museum is the caretaker of San Diego’s past. The Smithsonian Affiliate museum highlights the outstanding aspects of San Diego history from its tuna fishing past to its current craft brew scene, and so much more.

San Diego History Center

Natural History Museum – This beautiful museum is a must-see. Among the many exhibits and collections at the San Diego Natural History Museum is Coast to Cactus where you can examine the plants and animals of San Diego’s biodiversity – mountains, chaparral, deserts, and beaches. San Diego is one of 35 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. After your visit, check out the giant, ancient Moreton Bay Fig Tree next to the museum.

Botanical Garden – You don’t need your Go San Diego card to visit the Botanical Building & Lily Pond, because it’s free. On your walk back toward the car, take a few minutes to admire the orchids and other plants indoors, as well as the outdoor Lily Pond and koi fish.

The Prado at Balboa Park – Before you go, use your Go San Diego Card one last time for discounts at The Prado at Balboa Park. This National Historic Landmark restaurant can be found in the House of Hospitality, across the street from the Timken Museum of Art. Their outdoor terrace set in lush gardens is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail or dinner.

*Note: the Timken Museum of Art, across the street from the Prado restaurant, is a must. If you have it in you for one more museum before dinner, this one is free. The fine art museum showcases American and European masterpieces, and closes at 4:30 p.m.

Day two has the San Diego Zoo on deck for the morning, and two more Balboa Park museums for the afternoon. Don’t worry, after all that walking at the zoo, these last two museums are away from the main cluster of museums from yesterday, and are right next to each other.

Day Two – Morning:

San Diego Zoo – The best way to visit the San Diego Zoo is to be at the gate when it opens in the morning and beeline it to the Panda exhibit. This exhibit always has a line – a long one, so you’ll be in the shortest line of the day. Next, hop on the Guided Bus Tour to get a narrated overview of the zoo. Preserve your energy by taking advantage of the Kangaroo Express Bus and Skyfari aerial tram to get around. All three are included in your ticket price. Plan your zoo visit before you get there, and skip the ticket office lines with your Go San Diego Card.

Day Two – Afternoon:

San Diego Air & Space Museum – If you didn’t grab lunch at the zoo, you’ll probably want to eat first before diving into the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Grab an affordable meal with a lemonade or a San Diego craft beer at the museum’s Flight Path Grill. Eating outside puts you in the flight path of incoming planes, which is pretty awesome. Expect replicas of historic planes, including the 1901 Wright Glider. The Apollo IX Command Module is also on display, and it’s the real deal. This is a fascinating museum you won’t want to miss.

San Diego Automotive Museum – This museum explores the evolution of motorized vehicles from a 1927 Bentley to Steve McQueen’s 1953 Allard. Automotive exhibits are always changing, so if you’ve been here before it will feel like a new experience. New exhibits are created three to four times per year. San Diego Automotive Museum is driven by their love for cars.               

Tips for Visiting Balboa Park

Go San Diego Card – You’ll see the most attractions and save the most time and money at Balboa Park when you pre-purchase your tickets online with your Go San Diego Card and plan your day. As you approach each museum entrance, simply show your ticket via your smartphone and pass on in.

Getting there – To visit a majority of the museums with the least walking, enter from 6th Avenue on the east side and park behind the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Choose Park Boulevard lots for visiting San Diego Zoo and the Air & Space Museum, among others.

Parking – There are numerous parking lots throughout the park and zoo at Balboa Park – all free. Street parking surrounding the park and zoo is also free.

Visitors Center – If you find you need a little friendly advice (or a souvenir) during your day, stop by the Visitors Center in the House of Hospitality on El Prado. It’s next to the Prado Restaurant.

Closing Time – Some museums close at 4:30 p.m., so we’ve accounted for that with these itineraries. Some have later hours or extend hours during summer and holidays; check the operating times while planning.

Get your Go San Diego Card here to start your exploration of Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.

Filed Under: Balboa Park, Tourist Attractions

Making the Most of Your San Diego Zoo Visit

Originally founded in 1916, San Diego Zoo has become one of the city’s top tourist attractions even after 100 years. Home to the famous Giant Pandas for over two decades, the pandas returned to China in April, 2019. But, this animal sanctuary still has plenty of attractions waiting to be discovered.

Covering 100-acres and home to over 3,500 endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo represents one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Holding over 650 species and 700,000 exotic plants, a visit here is not to be missed during a trip to San Diego.

The facility contains an impressive group of habitats including: 

  • Australian Outback
  • Africa Rocks
  • Northern Frontier
  • Discovery Outpost
  • Outback
  • Elephant Odyssey
  • Lost Forest
  • Urban Jungle
  • Asian Passage

Each area simulates the animal’s natural habitats and ensures they feel right at home; some sharing space just like they would in the wild. 

Must-see Attractions 

You will have no shortage of things to do and see at the San Diego Zoo. People usually spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the grounds. Designed as an arboretum, the zoo contains rare plant food for the animals and gives that truly exotic experience for visitors. Even though the list goes on for all the great attractions at this animal hot spot, here are some that you shouldn’t miss:

Where Are the Giant Pandas?

If you have previously visited or had any insight into San Diego Zoo, you will know it used to be home to the Giant Pandas. Sadly, these precious species lived here on a 23-year loan agreement with China which has now expired. Therefore, the Panda exhibition has now closed, and the two pandas returned to China as of April 2019.

Gorilla Tropics 

During your visit to the San Diego Zoo, you should venture through the Lost Forest, home to the lowland western gorillas. Upon entering this natural landscape, you will believe you are in an African rainforest with the native plants all around you. They even have a surround sound system to make the gorillas feel right at home! 

Polar Bear Plunge

Come and see these Arctic animals from an underwater view through the “Polar Cam”. You can get up-close and personal with the polar bears through the glass tank where they swim around playfully The Polar Bear Plunge also includes various life-size statues, perfect for a family photo. Get your cameras ready!

Skyfari Aerial Tram

As San Diego Zoo covers a wide space and is naturally uphill, Skyfari Aerial Tram offers an appealing attraction which transports you from one side of the zoo to the other. Not only can you take a rest from walking, but you will also enjoy a stunning birds-eye view of the entire grounds while gliding over the arboretum. It’s a good idea to hop on Skyfari early in your visit for an overview of all there is to experience.

GSD Insider Tips 

San Diego Zoo can become very busy, especially during peak seasons such as summer or spring break. It is important to preplan your trip, so you don’t miss out on anything you hope to see. If you want to avoid endless lines, the best time to visit is any weekday during school hours. 

By arriving a few minutes early before the zoo opens, you can beat the crowds and even have the chance to witness feeding time. Before reaching the zoo, you can create a personalized itinerary online which allows you to select the areas you’re interested in and map out your route, ensuring you spend your time wisely. You can access all of this from your mobile device while inside the zoo.

The San Diego Zoo itself spans a large area so give yourself plenty of time to roam around the grounds and visit each habitat. 

Standard admission is quite pricey but worth it. This includes a Guided Bus Tour, perfect for those who prefer to relax and learn more about the animals on this double-decker.

Family passes are available if you plan to visit with kids. Children will also enjoy the Children’s Zoo, a walkway with a closer view of the animals. If the zoo has recently welcomed any newborn animals, you’ll find them here. 

If you want to see specific shows at the zoo, they have a scheduled list at the main entrance of times and locations of where you can view these. The main entrance also displays any sections closed for that day. 

Go San Diego Card 

A Go San Diego Card is one of the best ways to get the most from your zoo visit. You’ll save up to 55% off regular admission prices, and skip lines. Admission includes the Skyfari aerial tram, Kangaroo Express Bus, Guided Bus Tour, and scheduled shows.

Add-ons that are worth purchasing are the Backstage Pass tour with animal encounters, the 60-minute Discovery Tour detailing conservation efforts, and Inside Look, an exclusive two-hour behind-the-scenes tour of off-exhibit areas.

Don’t forget to check out Zoo at Night (summertime), petting zoo, children’s camps, zookeeper talks, sleepovers, 4-D theater, and so many other fun experiences.

Filed Under: Balboa Park, Tourist Attractions

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