Let’s stay in San Diego for a bit and explore Balboa Park.  I liken Balboa Park to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.  It’s a large green space near the middle of the city.  Lots of museums, gardens and really lovely places to walk.

I’ll just go through a list of attractions located in the Park and you can click wherever you’re interested.  Note that there is a pass that provides access to multiple museums in the park that might be worth your while if you plan on seeing more than a couple.  Check it out . And BEST of all, parking in ALL of the park is FREE!!

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo: open every day including holidays.  I know, shocking.  Tickets are pretty pricey though, so be sure to check the website to see what type of tickets you want/need.  They suggest setting aside 3-4 hours to get the full experience.  Take note that the Safari Park is not located near the zoo.  It’s 35 miles north of San Diego in Escondido.  Totally separate.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum: also open every day, but not Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Tickets are required. They have a simulator and interactive area which is pretty cool for you folks who missed your aviator/aeronautical calling.  Also check out the 3D/4D Zable Theater.  You can find out which movies are playing at the museum website.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden: The JFG is simply a wonderful place to learn and appreciate Japanese culture.  They completed a recent construction in 2015 which added a cherry tree grove, azalea and camellia garden and water feature.  It’s just a beautiful serene area of Balboa Park to enjoy.  Tickets are required but don’t have a time limit or expiration date and they’re open daily.  Go!  Enjoy!

San Diego Automotive Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum: only open Tuesday through Sundays, but check their website to see if there are any special hours (you never know).  It’s a museum for auto enthusiasts and those who are super curious to know more about the car culture and history.  Tickets are needed and you can use them up to a week from purchase.

Balboa Park Botanical Building

Botanical Building: One of the most photographed scenes in the Park, this is where you’ll find some of the most vibrant seasonal flowers on display.  They are in the midst of restoration and renovation, but are estimating completion sometime this year.  Keep an eye on their website to see if it will be open if you’re planning on visiting the area.

A Few More Museums

Museum of Us: open Wednesdays through Sundays, the Museum of Us is a unique space that intends to give voice to the shared human experience.  My words won’t do it justice.  Check out their mission and vision here and then go experience the museum for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed.

San Diego Museum of Art: open every day except Wednesdays.  It’s an art museum, need I say more?  Here’s their website.

Comic-Con Museum:  Yes, yes, this is part of Comic-Con International, the annual convention that spreads awareness and appreciation of comic books, film and science fiction/fantasy literature.  The museum is open daily except Monday.  You know you want to check it out…

San Diego Natural History Museum: yep, exactly what you think it is.  Open every day except Wednesday.  Here’s their website.

Outdoor Music

And for just enjoying some music…the Spreckel’s Organ Pavilion (the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ) where you can hear free music at 2 p.m. every Sunday.  Even better in the summer they have a Monday evening concert series with visiting artists!

There are TONS of things to see and do in Balboa Park!!  The great thing about a number of them is that they’re free.  Put on your walking shoes, some sunscreen and enjoy one of San Diego’s true treasures.  Let me know what things I missed (I know I missed a few).

Until next time…

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back.