“Balboa Park, San Diego’s great…cultural and recreational asset has gone to war along with the nation,” reported a newspaper on December 12, 1941, five days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Some buildings on the park’s grounds were requisitioned for military use during World War II, including the one housing the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA). Paintings and other works were removed to make way for an operating room and beds for wounded soldiers when the grandiose edifice was transformed into a makeshift hospital.
After fulfilling its wartime mission, the building reverted to its original purpose as a destination for art enthusiasts. Opened to the public in 1926, the SDMA is one of the draws at Balboa Park, which packs more cultural punch in its 1,200 acres than do most entire towns.
In our first 31 months on the road, we visited 32 museums. If we had the stamina and unlimited funds for admission fees, we could have added another 17 to that tally—all at Balboa Park, dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West.” Throw in nine indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, landscaped gardens, Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture, hiking and biking trails, the San Diego Zoo, restaurants, and more, and visitors could craft a vacation entirely around the park.
Rather than take the museum-lover’s endurance test, we visited the two that beckoned to us most: the SDMA and the Timken Museum of Art, where the likes of Rembrandt’s Saint Bartholomew and seventeenth-century French tapestries can always be admired free of charge. (Admission to the SDMA is $12 per person.)
When we visited the park, Dr. Seuss’s curmudgeonly Grinch had temporarily taken over the Old Globe Theatre, a replica of the London venue of Shakespeare fame, or we would have caught a show. Instead we strolled the grounds and marveled at nature’s art—flowers blooming in winter, a strange sight to lifelong Northeasterners. Next time maybe we’ll check out some of the park’s other, more unusual offerings, like salsa and lawn bowling.
Everywhere Once 
My ‘home’ park! When I lived in San Diego, Balboa Park was a favorite spot to walk the dog, picnic, take a break, or catch during the summer months a movie on the grass. Next time make sure to see a show in the Old Globe – although I second your choice of not bothering with the Grinch! But their Shakespearean season draws incredible actors and is worth it!
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I love Balboa Park. A visit there in 2007 yielded some exceptional photos which I have framed throughout my home.
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Going back to San Diego in June. Can’t wait to experience Balboa Park again. It’s the best…really love the artist’s square.
Thanks for the tips! 🙂
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Great pictures and thanks for the historical background. I visited San Diego last summer but neglected this location. I will have to visit again!
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I had no idea all of this history was in San Diego. I visit every summer for a few days to escape the Arizona heat –I will have to make this area a destination this year!
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Balboa Park is absolutely beautiful, and I appreciate the historical background. This park is a real treasure – great photographs!
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I live in SD and Balboa Park is always a treat for me and my family, no matter how often we go! My hubby and I took our engagement pictures at the park many years ago…glad you enjoyed your visit! 🙂
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