It just doesn’t make sense to join a gym when, like us, you live near Balboa Park, a sprawling, 1,2oo-acre park in the middle of the city, where museums, cultural centers, and rose gardens mingle amongst dog parks, archery courses, lawn bowling, and miles of trails. For a city without a lot of traditional attractions, Balboa Park makes for a pretty impressive sight, whether you’re a tourist or not.
I remember the first time Eaman and I walked around Balboa Park after moving here—I was basically giddy. I couldn’t believe that all this beautifully manicured space was at our disposal whenever we wanted. And since I’m a sucker for Spanish-style architecture and bougainvillea, this place has become a fast favorite.
The Park hosts tons of events throughout the year, including free yoga on Sundays, free outdoor movies in the summer, and multicultural programs at the International Houses, but I love it most at quieter times—during my morning runs, walking with Teddy in the evening*, or picnic-ing in one of the many, many grassy areas.
Take a look:
Balboa Park’s central focus is the botanical building and its adjacent lotus pond.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, a huge open-air theater with the largest outdoor pipe organ, offers free concerts every Tuesday at 2 p.m. I know, who can actually make a weekday concert at a random time in the afternoon? But if you’re on vacation, you know where to go on Tuesdays…
*As cute as the dogs are at Nate’s Point dog park, this place gives me bad juju. I always see more dog fights here than any other dog park and don’t love that nearly all of it is dirt. Teddy is so light-colored that a romp in this park leaves him dirty and smelly. That said, so many people consider this park their mainstay. Me? I just can’t argue with juju.
I don’t quite understand the point of sister cities, but apparently Yokohama, Japan is one of San Diego’s. This Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park is a tribute to its sis and is in its final phase of renovations. Come 2015, there will be a cherry tree grove, tea and herb garden, and outdoor amphitheater. I’ll wait until then to pay the $6 entrance fee.
Visiting the Spanish Village Art Center feels like you’ve stepped into a cozy European artisan quarter. The walkway is paved in colorful tiles, and the area is filled with craftspeople of different skills—painters, metalsmiths, jewelry makers, etc. It does feel a little touristy, but I can’t deny the charm. Plus, there’s a painter there who always has biscuits for Teddy!
One of the many trails that run through Balboa Park. This one above is just a block from our apartment and kicks off a beautiful 3.2-mile loop that takes me through all the best stuff in Balboa Park. Yep, I feel lucky.
im soooo jealous right now.
I’ve lived in San Diego for a whole year now and for some reason or another, my family has never ventured to Balboa Park. We went to the zoo, but that’s it. Thanks for the lovely pictures. We’re definitely going to check it out this summer.
You’ve gotta go!
Balboa Park is my favorite spot in San Diego. Wish I lived closer. :)
Next time you’re there, let me know!
Hi there! I’m so happy to have found your blog! I feel like your’s is the Southern California version of my Northern Californian one! I can’t wait to see more of your blog and photos, it’s certainly making me want to take a trip south! xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/
Thanks, Tiffany! Your blog is making me excited for my upcoming SF trip. And a girl who loves The Cravory is a girl after my own heart :)
I love Balboa Park. I need to check out that trail. We usually just picnic there.
Great photos! I love living by Balboa Park, and often refer to it as the Versailles of San Diego haha my daughter takes (extremely affordable!) ballet classes in the casa del Prado building, it’s pretty surreal.
They also have organ concerts at 2 on Sundays, I recommend grabbing a pastry and an iced coffee or tea from Daniel’s coffee cart tucked away by the visitor’s center– best coffee in the park!
Here are some pics I took in the fall at the park… I really need to update my blog more– yours is so inspiring! :) http://barbarasmithwilke.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/at-balboa-park/
I love Daniel’s coffee cart! We go there all the time with our dog, and they offer a discount if you bring your four-legged friend. Thanks, Barbara!