When it comes to things to do in April, Balboa Park is not fooling around. From secrets to star gazing to sonnets in celebration of Shakespeare, there is plenty to see and do all throughout the park. Continue reading
It’s February and love is in the air and there is plenty to love in Balboa Park, too. From the science of love to pop-up Latin art to strolling Japanese gardens in a kimono, the park is alive with experiences you won’t want to miss. Continue reading
In 1916, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, a local physician, exclaimed “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo! You know…I think I’ll start one.” With a rag-tag collection consisting of a row of cages along what is now Park Boulevard, with wolves, coyotes, bears, monkeys, lions, and a few other small species, plus groups of bison, elk, and deer in Balboa Park, Dr. Wegeforth and others established what would become the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
A century later, the San Diego Zoo is known for its two world-class facilitates in San Diego County, cutting-edge conservation efforts that span the globe, its pioneering concept of cage-less animals, panda and California Condor re-population programs, kids outreach and education programs, and more.
In 2016, the San Diego Zoo invites everyone to share their memories and celebrate 100 years of conservation, research, and most importantly, inspiring generation after generation to care for the world and the animals around us.
The San Diego Zoo is turning 100, and we’re ready to celebrate. This is the Zoo’s way to say “thank you” to the community for a century of support! Join us for a spectacular evening filled with excitement and fun, including:
Participating Food Trucks:
Where: Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park
When: May 14, 2016
Time: 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Wegeforth Bowl
During 2016, the history of the San Diego Zoo is part of the daily Centennial Show at Wegeforth Bowl. It opens with a film sharing 10 reasons to celebrate the San Diego Zoo’s 100th birthday – including the amazing animal collection and world-class Safari Park – leading into an exciting new animal show that incorporates special video clips and features some of the Zoo’s most beloved animal ambassadors.
Where: San Diego Zoo
When: All Year
Centennial Plaza and San Diego Zoo History Mural
After the show at Wegeforth Bowl, a new costumed character experience designed especially for children features performances on a gigantic birthday cake stage in Centennial Plaza. Characters include Dr. Harry Lion, Bamboo Panda, Churchill P. Bear, Matilda Koala, and Sydney Koala. Kids join in a rousing chorus of “You Belong in the Zoo” and have the chance to dance with the characters. Then take a stroll down memory lane with the San Diego Zoo History Mural: a 75-foot-long graphic art installation located next to the birthday cake stage, which features historical photos from the San Diego Zoo archives with descriptive captions of 10 extraordinary decades.
Where: San Diego Zoo
When: All Year
Centennial Theater and Guided Bus Tour
For their 100th birthday, the San Diego Zoo has opened the Centennial Theater at the bus depot. Before boarding a double-decker tour bus, groups of guests enter a standing theater and are treated to a beautiful short film about one of San Diego Zoo Global’s many conservation field projects. The 40-minute guided bus tour then shares details about the Zoo’s history, and efforts underway to end extinction by saving one species at a time. The Guided Bus Tour is included in the 1-Day Pass admission price. A Spanish version of the bus tour is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM.
Where: San Diego Zoo
When: All Year
Nighttime Zoo
The summer nighttime activities for 2016 will carry the theme from the community event throughout the summer. Nighttime Zoo will include special presentations and a fun procession to add centennial dazzle, plus a special centennial-themed show from zany Dr. Zoolittle and lively musical entertainment.
Where: San Diego Zoo
When: June 19 – September 5, 2016
> Find out more about Nighttime Zoo
In collaboration with the San Diego Zoo, this celebration of the Zoo’s centennial explores its evolution to the World-Famous San Diego Zoo. Lore explores the Zoo’s contributions to popular culture, to San Diego and to the animal world, from the pioneering concept of cage-less animals to the high-tech Frozen Zoo.
Where: San Diego History Center – 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through January 1, 2016
Cost: Included with Admission
> Find out more about The Lore Behind the Roar
In this episode of Destination San Diego, we’ll introduce you to City Heights – an urban neighborhood that is a true melting pot of different ethnic groups. Home to authentic ethnic restaurants and markets, hidden artworks and live music venues, City Heights is an undiscovered destination in San Diego. We’ll also check in at the beautifully restored Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town, and explore another historic building restoration that “electrified” the downtown skyline. World-renowned conductor of the San Diego Symphony, Jahja Ling, shares his most inspirational sites and favorite art and cultural experiences around town. And, we have your tickets to watch the many evolutions of Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre.
Tune in to this edition of Destination San Diego to learn more about two of Balboa Park’s neighbors – North Park and South Park. These revitalized urban neighborhoods are fueled by art galleries, diverse restaurants and nightlife, and North Park proudly holds claim to being “the best beer neighborhood in the nation.” In North Park’s north end, we’ll travel down El Cajon Boulevard for a quick history lesson. Over in Balboa Park, we’ll take a look at the many faces of the Ford Building and show you a miniature wonderland inside the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Plus, the San Diego Zoo’s animal trainer, Rick Schwartz, takes you behind-the-scenes at some of San Diego’s best spots for kids of all ages.
Take a step back in time and explore San Diego aboard everything from steam locomotives to exquisite model train exhibits to coastal views to die for.
View from the second story seating on North County’s Coaster from Oceanside to San Diego.
Visitors to San Diego County can ride the rails on double-decker Coaster and Amtrak California trains along the coast with not-to-be-missed views of the ocean. The trains also travel through seaside surf towns like Encinitas and intersect the Pacific Ocean and Del Mar Race Track and fairgrounds (“where the turf meets the surf”) on each side of the train, making taking San Diego’s “commuter” trains vacation-worthy excursions.
> Find out more about San Diego’s Trains & Trolleys
Is this a real town or a model?! Step back in time to the old San Diego at the Model Railroad Museum
Once in the city, visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (SDMRM) in Balboa Park. The world’s largest operating model railroad museum, this unique venue contains four enormous scale and model layouts that will delight young and old with their accurate and playful re-creation of famous railways throughout the southwest. In addition, the museum features a Toy Train Gallery with an interactive Lionel layout for children, and seasonal visiting exhibits, such as the John D. Spreckels: Building San Diego’s Crown Jewel exhibit currently on display.
A portion of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum’s new Centennial Railway Garden Exhibit to debut April 25, 2015
Balboa Park is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year and the SDMRM is creating a 2015 Centennial Railroad Garden to be unveiled in late April. This open-air model railroad features a miniature recreation of Balboa Park as it existed in 1915 and showcases new technology that enables visitors to interact with the layout directly by using a smart phone or tablet.
I did a double take the first time I saw this vintage car on the tracks of our trolley line downtown. Photo by By Nehrams2020 (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
If you want to actually ride in vintage trains, opportunities abound. Even our city trolley system has a restored green 1946 vintage car on the tracks running limited service on a downtown loop among the modern red trolley cars.
> Find out more about the San Diego Vintage Trolley Project
My daughter rides the rails at a train-themed birthday party at Old Poway Park.
Family fun can be had at Old Poway Park where the Poway Midland Railroad offers weekend rides on various vintage trains, including an original steam locomotive, a speeder and a trolley depending on the weekend and season. The park plays host to many community events and festivals year round and is a great place to bring a picnic.
Where: 14134 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064
> Find out more about the Poway-Midland Railroad
All aboard the PSRM’s Golden State Limited Train!
A trip to Campo in San Diego’s southeastern regions lets visitors experience the Old West at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. The 40-acre interpretive museum at Campo and a small satellite museum in downtown La Mesa educate visitors about the rich history of rail travel in the U.S. At the Campo venue, PSRM operates real, old-time trains on 14 miles of the mountainous San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway, a historic rail line built by John D. Spreckels in the early decades of the 20th century. Passengers can take weekend, select Tuesday, and seasonal rides aboard the Golden State Limited locomotive during a one hour round trip train ride on the historic railway. The PSRM offers special event excursions for private groups, school field trips and seasonal rides such as “The Bunny Train” and “The Polar Express” during the winter holidays, offering rides to The North Pole to visit Santa.
Where: 750 Depot Street, Campo, CA 91906
> Find out more about the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
And finally, if you are interested in buying vintage model trains, San Diego’s Frank the Train Man retail store opened in 1943 and is still going strong in its current North Park location. Or if you’d like to sip one of San Diego’s famous craft beers while sitting in an old trolley stop, check out Station Tavern for a burger and a family friendly play area that includes a model trolley car for the kids to play on. The site was originally a trolley station for San Diego’s No. 2 line from 1929-1948. Make your last stop The Whistle Stop Bar, a hangout for locals that dubs itself “the little bar that could” and is only a few steps away from Station Tavern.
You know what you should do? Spend the last weekend in March relaxing and enjoying all San Diego has to offer including these amazing top things to do.
Entering its sixth year, the 2015 Kia Classic will be held at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California. The Kia Classic features 144 of the best women golfers playing for the $1.7 million purse. The field features 2014 Kia Classic Champion Anna Nordqvist and crowd favorites Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson.
Where: Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club – 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
When: March 24 -29, 2015
Cost: $10-$80
> Find out more about the 2015 LPGA KIA Classic
The Great American Foodie Fest is a compilation of some of the best specialty food vendors, restaurants & gourmet food trucks from all around the country that have been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel. Attendees can also enjoy our VIP Experience Tent, Beer Garden, Tequila Party Tent, Carnival Rides, Live Entertainment, Eating Competitions and other fun & festive activities for the whole family.
Where: Qualcomm Stadium – 9449 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
When: March 27-29, 2015
Cost: $8-$15
> Find out more about the Great American Foodie Fest
Catch the excitement of one of the premier regattas, the San Diego Crew Classic on Mission Bay
Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs from across the United States to participate in this premier rowing event in San Diego.
Where: Corona Oriente Road, San Diego, CA 92109
When: March 28-29, 2015
Cost: $12-$15
> Find out more about the San Diego Crew Classic
Mark your calendar with Play Days at the San Diego Zoo
Come to the San Diego Zoo’s Play Days, and hear about our world-famous animals and plants from the people who take care of them!
Where: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 28 – April 15, 2015
Time: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about San Diego Zoo Play Days
Explore San Diego by bike with 1,500 new friends on an approximately 22 mile group bike ride. After the ride, relax and celebrate your accomplishment with a cold San Diego beer, music, speakers, food and vendors during the post-ride festival at the new Quartyard in Downtown San Diego.
Start and Finish: 1102 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 28, 2015
Time: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $45
> Find out more about Bikes & Beers San Diego, CA
Get up and close and personal with creatures that walk on walls, possess super strength, are invisible to the naked eye, and can even regenerate limbs – all natural adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Some of these animals include the Mexican axolotl, pygmy leaf chameleon, bird poop frog, flying draco lizard, fishing ribbon snake, green basilisk, giant millipede, horseshoe crab, pink-toed tarantula, toco toucan and more.
Where: Living Coast Discovery Center – 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910
When: March 28 – September 7, 2015
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about SuperWild: Discovering Animal Super-Powers
A two-day discovery that celebrates San Diego’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle and aims to inspire the community to rejuvenate its health and fitness regimen, perk up it’s surroundings at home and rediscover the local landscape. Focusing on four elements: Outdoor Living, Health & Fitness, Staycation and Home Style, find events for the whole family throughout the center and in Palm Plaza.
Where: Westfield UTC – 4545 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
When: March 28-29, 2015
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Weekend Escape: Inspiration for Living a Good Life
Hear the World-Famous London Symphony Orchestra here in San Diego
La Jolla Music Society ends it’s Celebrity Orchestra Series with the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra. Program will feature conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2010 by President Obama. He’ll be joined by twenty-six year old pianist and widely recognized as one of the most important artists of her generation, Yuja Wang performing the jazz-inspired Gershwin Piano Concerto.
Where: 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 29, 2015
Time: 8:00 PM
Cost: $27-$97
> Find out more about the London Symphony Orchestra
Artist Unknown, Weary Woman, late 19th century U.S.A., mixed fabrics, leather, Collection of Deborah Neff, Photo by Ellen McDermott
The new “Black Dolls” exhibit at the Mingei International Museum in <a title=”San Diego”s Balboa Park” href=”http://www.sandiego.org/members/visitor-information-centers/balboa-park.aspx” target=”_blank”>Balboa Park manages to be both a touching example of handmade craft and a complicated look at history.
On view for the first time, 125 handmade dolls made between 1850 and 1940 provide a window into the African-American experience from slavery through the Jim Crow era.
Artist Unknown, Woman with Striped Cape, circa 1890-1905. U.S.A., mixed fabrics, Collection of Deborah Neff, Photo by Ellen McDermott
It”s not clear who made these expressive dolls. The provenance of most is unknown, but it is believed they were made by African-Americans for their own children or for white children in their charge.
Today, it”s much easier for families of color to find dolls that look like them. At the time when these figures were made, most manufactured dolls were either white or offensive caricatures of African-Americans. This collection represents an effort by talented and resourceful seamstresses, perhaps after a long day of work, to create toys and mementos that proudly reflect African-Americans.
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Dolls – Mingei International Museum” width=”640″ height=”340″ /> Coconut-Head Doll, circa 1900-1930, U.S.A., Butler County, Kentucky, mixed fabrics, coconut shell, animal fur, Collection of Deborah Neff, Photo by Ellen McDermottThe dolls are made with leftover materials and whatever remnants were readily available. Some dolls have heads made of coconuts, others of wood. Bodies are made of leather or socks and stuffed with scraps or pieces of cork. Their hair is made from scraps of yarn or animal fur.
The dolls” clothing offers some clues as to when each doll was made. Some dresses are made from sackcloth, others from scraps of elaborate curtains or sleeves of fancy dresses. They are trimmed with bits of lace and ribbon.
The dolls depict girls, boys, men and women. With stitched expressions, paper or button eyes, and wooden noses, it”s startling how much emotion is conveyed by the dolls, some of whom look like determined matriarchs, noble gentlemen or mischievous boys.
Artist Unknown., Sisters, circa 1890s U.S.A., mixed fabrics, metal, Collection of Deborah Neff, Photo by Ellen McDermott
Two dolls seem to be sisters and are very finely made. They wear silk dresses with umbrella skirts, high necks and cuffs, in the fashion of the 1890s. They have tufted mohair wigs and eyes made of beads with embroidered eyebrows and lashes. In fact, both the dolls are slightly cross-eyed. Collector Deborah Neff believes if the crossed eyes were intended by the maker, “it suggests the dolls may have been portraits of real women – or perhaps made for a cross-eyed child or by a cross-eyed woman,” explained Neff in an email. She believes many of the dolls were meant to represent real people.
“Black Dolls” also includes a selection of rare 19th and 20th century photographs of dolls, posed alone or clutched by their young African-American or white owners. Surprisingly, and disturbingly, the white children are holding black dolls while the African-American children are posed with white dolls. The images provide a historical context for these handmade toys.
The exhibit incites wonder at the resourcefulness and care that went into making these dolls. It”s also a powerful reminder of a painful past.
The Mingei has related programming that helps provide more context for the exhibit, including a documentary, a performance art piece, and a medical expert who explains the forensics behind dating the dolls.
Where: Mingei International Museum – 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through July 5, 2015
Cost: Included with Admission
> Find out more about the Black Dolls Exhibit
Warm up by spending the first weekend of March in San Diego and revel in the beautiful weather and these top things to do.
The San Diego Bird Festival celebrates the birds and habitats of San Diego County, which truly offers some of the best birding in the United States. In a world where social media and smart devices seem to be taking over, birds are a lovely reminder that the world is full of real experiences. All you need to do is Look Up!
Where: Marina Village Conference Center – 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109
When: March 5-8, 2015
> Find out more about the 19th Annual San Diego Bird Festival
Converge on Figi Concourse, the historic colonnade located between MCASD’s downtown location and adjacent train tracks
Join MCASD as they celebrate the opening of Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui at TNT: Remixed! This lively evening which will include two performances by Jimmy LaValle of famed San Diego band The Album Leaf, as well as interactive performances and art-making experiences with artist Keenan Harsten and his sound sculptures, food, drinks and more.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – Downtown – 1001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 5, 2015
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Cost: $8-$10. Members – Free
> Find out more about TNT: Remixed
Three full-length masterworks choreographed by George Balanchine
City Ballet of San Diego presents three full-length masterworks choreographed by the 20th century genius, George Balanchine. George Balanchine’s ballets are presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust. City Ballet of San Diego is honored to be recognized by The George Balanchine Trust as having the technical skills and artistic quality to present these George Balanchine ballets.
Where: Spreckels Theatre – 121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 6-8, 2015
Cost: $29-$79
> Find out more about City Ballet’s Balanchine Spectacular
Join Jack Hanna and Julie Scardina the weekend of March 7-8 for exciting animal presentations in the Mission Bay Theater
During SeaWorld Wild Days, get up close with SeaWorld’s zoological team and learning firsthand the ways they can make a difference with their own everyday actions. At the Wild Days Amphitheater, SeaWorld vets and animal care specialists will interact with guests and share information about the way they care for animals. Scientists from Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute will also be on hand, as well as representatives from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
Where: SeaWorld San Diego – 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
When: Weekends March 7-29, 2015
Cost: Included with Admission
> Find out more about SeaWorld Wild Days
Step Right Up! See amazing feats of human strength at the Spring Busker Festival
The celebration brings colorful street performers from across the country to perform their bizarre talents like sword swallowers, jugglers on unicycles, escape artists and comedic stuntmen to the cobblestone streets of downtown’s Seaport Village. The extraordinary and bizarre talents will provide outdoor amusement for all unlike any other festival in the region.
Where: Seaport Village – 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 7-8, 2015
Time: 12:00 to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Spring Busker Festival
You. Beer. Music. Food trucks. San Diego Bay. Taste beer from nearly 100 of the West Coast’s craft breweries, enjoy the sweet sounds of local bands and possibly enjoy a sensible lunch from our food truck alley. The whole shebang. According to Will Ferrell, there is no physical way in the universe you can enjoy a day better than this. He has done the research. It’s science.
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South – Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 7, 2015
Time: 12:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: $20-$125
> Find out more about Best Coast Beer Fest
Enjoy the sights and smells of cherry blossoms this weekend
Celebrate spring and the blooming of the Japanese Friendship Garden’s 150 Cherry Tree Grove with cultural performances, traditional food, unique local vendors, children’s corner and a beer tasting! Guests may partake in Hanami, the traditional custom of picnicking under the cherry trees.
Where: Japanese Friendship Garden – 2215 Pan American Way, San Diego, CA 92101
When: March 8, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $5-$6
> Find out more about the 10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Join the Women’s Museum of California as they screen films that will educate and inspire future generations about the experiences and contributions of women through the art of film.
Where: Women’s Museum of California – 2730 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
When: March 4-22, 2015
Cost: $8-$40
> Find out more about the 2015 Women’s Film Festival
This weekend in San Diego will be full of Valentine’s Day love, Mardi Gras bon temps and more while you are out enjoying these top things to do.
Fall or Fall Back in Love during a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in San Diego
Romance is in the air and San Diego is the perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous. From the finest cuisine and unparalleled views of the Pacific to a hip singles cruise to find your true love, there’s something for everyone on the sweetest holiday of the year.
> Browse Valentine’s Day Offers, Packages and Events in San Diego
Let Loose at a Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration in San Diego
The rhythm of Brazil comes to San Diego during Mardi Gras. Let loose, dance and indulge at carnival celebrations ranging from massive block parties bumping with music from the best DJs to more traditional festivities with feather-adorned dancers in samba shows, performances of the Brazilian martial-arts dance form capoeira, caipirinhas, and more.
> Browse Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration in San Diego
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Marvel at amazing acrobatics during SeaWorld San Diego’s Lunar New Year celebration
During Lunar New Year at SeaWorld, the park’s Lunar New Year Festival area will feature Asian-inspired culinary offerings and a stage featuring cultural performances celebrating Asia, such as taiko drummers, lion dancers and fan dancers. Also, the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei will perform 25-minute acrobatic shows at Mission Bay Theater.
When: February 13 – March 1, 2015 (Select Dates)
> Find out more about Lunar New Year at SeaWorld
See top carvers, wildlife artists and art lovers from all over the United States, Canada, Russia and Japan
Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts, is proud to present the “California Open Wildlife Art Festival.” The exhibition and competition attracts top carvers, wildlife artists and art lovers from all over the United States, Canada, Russia and Japan.
When: February 12-15, 2015
> Find out more about California Open Wildlife Art Festival
KuumbaFest is San Diego’s longest running and premier celebration of African-American expression, culture, and heritage
The three day festival will include traditional African art and pageantry, drama, educational workshops, community leadership awards, an African marketplace, a health fair, Hip Hop Showcase, tribute to the famed Apollo Theatre “Live at the Lyceum,” a Gospel Concert, and powerful guest speakers and artists.
When: February 13-15, 2015
> Find out more about KuumbaFest
2015 marks the Year of the Goat, an animal that represents elegant, charming, artistic, gifted and creative characteristics. Goats encourage us to engage and entertain our own sense of curiosity by sampling a little bit of everything in order to know more deeply the world around us – a perfect match for this year’s theme: Taste, See, Hear, Touch, Smell and Feel the Asian Experience.
When: February 13-15, 2015
> Find out more about the Lunar New Year Festival
For the 34th Annual Black History Month Celebration, The Worldbeat Cultural Center is proud to present Tribute to the Reggae Legends – Exodus: Movement of Jah People. This two day music festival will feature more than 25 of the best reggae bands in Balboa Park’s new cultural plaza.
When: February 14-15, 2015
> Find out more about Tribute to the Reggae Legends
Support Women’s health while enjoying the best of San Diego’s craft beer at Brewbies
This year will be better than last year, featuring breweries from all over the country sharing some rare and delicious beers all in the name of boobies. There will be a VIP session that will feature some beers and breweries not available in the general session.
When: February 14, 2015
> Find out more about Brewbies 6th Annual Beer Festival