While Maria was still in town visiting after the road trip we knew we wanted to go take a look at Balboa Park in downtown San Diego.
We didn’t plan on doing any of the museums there (although there are 17 within the park) we simply wanted to stroll around, look at all of the beautiful architecture, people watch, and absorb a beautiful sunny California day.
We got there before the afternoon rush (I think we arrived close to 9:30-10AM) and parked over by the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which was rather empty when we arrived but FULL a few hours later when we left.
Without hitting any of the museums that left us the ability to really soak in all of the beautiful buildings, peak around some stores, and I got a feel for the museums I want to check back out when I go back. I definitely want to go back to see some of the performances at the theater because they look amazing!! I also plan to head back to FINALLY visit the Zoo as it’s been on my list since we moved here!
I’ll add a list below of the museums, shopping, eating, and sights to see while you’re at the park.
Museums
1. Centro Cultural de la Raza
2. Fleet Science Center
3. Japanese Friendship Garden
4. Marston House
5. Mingei International Museum
6. Museum of Photographic Arts
7. San Diego Air & Space Museum
8. San Diego Art Institute
9. San Diego Automotive Museum
10. San Diego History Center
11. San Diego Mineral and Gem Society
12. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
13. San Diego Museum of Man
14. San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)
15. The San Diego Museum of Art
16. Timken Museum of Art
17. Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Eats / Drinks / Shopping
+ Cafe In The Park
+ Craveology
+ The Flying Squirrel
+ The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden
+ Café Mingei
+ Prado Perk
+ Home Plate Sports Café
+ Helen Edison Gift Shop at The Old Globe
+ Marston House Museum Shop
+ The Collector’s Gallery Gift Shop at Mingei International Museum
+ United Nations Building and Gift Shop
