What To Do Without Spending A Dime In San Diegos Cultural Heart
San Diegos beautiful Balboa Park beckons visitors with its 18 museums, striking Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, gorgeous gardens and sprawling green spaces. But you dont need to spend a lot of money to find a whole lot of fun at this 1,200-acre wonderland in the heart of San Diego. Here are some great ideas for having a blast on a budget in Balboa Park.
Balboa Park Free Artists Village
Spanish Village Art Center is always free. Expect to spend a minimum of 1 hour here walking among the colorful shops in the painted courtyard. You could also easily spend an entire day talking with the artists about their process and products.
Spanish Village isnt an art museum, but it is where youll find artists creating art that you can buy. Every object for sale here has been created by the local artists youll meet working in their studios.
Arrive before 4:00 PM on Wednesdays thru Sundays to see artists shaping molten glass from a hot kiln. Theres also a no-cost historical tour of this artists colony thats worth taking. Read more about this attraction on my Top 7 Things to See & Do at Spanish Village in Balboa Park page.
Free Lawn Bowling Class
Lawn Bowling looks sedate and easy, but its not. Insiders define lawn bowling as a mysterious and ancient game played by people old enough to know better, using oblong balls carefully designed to go in the wrong direction. Schedule a free class at the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club page. And wear flat shoes with no heels to keep the greens flat.
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San Diego Air & Space Museum
As one of only a handful of air and space museums in the country to be an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is home to a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft illustrating the history of flight. The collection includes a flight-worthy replica of Charles Lindberghs Spirit of St. Louis, the actual Apollo 9 Command Module, and the only real GPS satellite display in the world. View artifacts from the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Wally Schirra and other aviation and space pioneers.
Children Get In Free To Museums Throughout San Diego County During October
The concept is pretty simple.
Kids Free San Diego is about kids and families having fun at museums and saving money,” San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman said.
Lehman is charged up. This is the 11th year for the kids free event, but this year theres a lot more to do.
Were twice as big as we were last year, so they can go to over 50 museums all over San Diego County,” he said.
Generally speaking, kids 12 and under get in free. But each museum handles admission a little differently.
Some museums are free for the whole family. Others are you buy a ticket for one adult and two kids get to go in free,” Lehman said.
Several organizations are sponsoring the event, including First 5 San Diego. Alethea Arguilez is the group’s executive director.
First 5 San Diego is a local commission that funds a variety of programs and initiatives for pregnant women and young children first to five throughout the county,” she said.
Arguilez said the Kids Free event fits right into its core mission the healthy development of children.
90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life. And so when children are experiencing hands on, tactile experiences, their brain is developing… And when children are really young, they learn through all their senses… So all of those experiences are really gonna help them learn and eventually just be ready for school,” she said.
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Balboa Park Free Weekly Walking Tour
- Where: Balboa Park Visitor Center
- When: Tuesdays 11:00 AM
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Extended periods of standing and walking on flat terrain
During the Balboa Park Weekly Walking Tour, youll get an experts summary of the parks history and its varied attractions. As you explore the Central Mesa section with your guide, youll learn little known facts, hear humorous stories and see plenty of photo-worthy scenery. Ask your guide at the end of your tour for ideas on what to do next.
Development Of Heritage Properties
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Heritage building specialists |
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Richmond Hill has a list of Heritage Building Specialists in Ontario. The list helps you find qualified people to work on a heritage property or prepare a Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment. They have experience and products specializing in heritage structures. |
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Heritage permits |
| Heritage property owners may need a Heritage Permit in order to complete any work on their property. A permit is needed when changes affect the “Reasons for Designation” listed in the designating by-law. Permit applications are submitted to the Heritage Planner and are approved by Council before any work can start.
Some permits require a fee. Minor changes cost $406 and major changes cost $3,480. Contact the Heritage and Urban Design Planner to find out where your plan fits and how much a permit will cost. Once confirmed, you can submit your Heritage Permit online. |
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Cultural Heritage Assessments |
Cultural Heritage Assessment defines a property’s value using the Cultural Heritage Assessment Terms of Reference. These terms of reference for a CHA explain:
Contact the Heritage and Urban Design Planner at 905-771-5529 for help with getting a CHA. |
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Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments |
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Events At Balboa Park
Depending on the time of year youre in San Diego, you may be lucky enough to visit Balboa Park at a time that an event is being held. There are many festivals and activities set at Balboa Park, but there are some specific events that are repeated annually.
- Cherry Blossom Festival. In , the Japanese Friendship Garden becomes festive to celebrate one of the things Japan is famous for, which is cherry blossoms. In addition to admiring the blossoming trees, its a great opportunity to taste authentic Japanese food in this enchanting setting.
- Earth Fair. The fair dedicated to the Earth and the environment takes place in and the park becomes full of stands with artisans, international food, and activities for children.
- . If youre in San Diego on the first weekend in , dont miss an evening tour of Balboa Park. There are dancers, singers, and street performers performing in various parts of the park as well as music and lights.
Ride The Balboa Park Free Tram
Take one of the green Balboa Park free shuttles to move quickly from your parking spot around the heart of Balboa Park. You can access a route map and more information on the Balboa Park tram page.
There are 5 stops that put you within a 10-minute stroll of the Parks most popular attractions. Three of the stops are next to the largest parking lots. The main pickup point is at Tram Central which is located at the Inspiration Point parking lot. Even on the busiest days, you can usually find parking here.
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Veterans Museum & Memorial Center
Dedicated to showcasing the history of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, and honoring those who have served, the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center is a civic institution that offers permanent, rotating and visiting exhibits of patriotic, military and war-related memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and other items.
La Jolla Cove And Scripps Park
La Jolla Cove and Scripps Park are two of San Diegos most photographed areas. Snorkel in the calm water to see a variety of colorful fish and an abundance of other sea life. Situated on the cliffs above, Scripps Park is a wonderful setting for a picnic or to just lounge around enjoying the marvelous views of the Pacific Ocean.
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The First Tuesday Of Each Month
As a thank you to San Diego County residents, the Fleet offers Residents Free Day on the first Tuesday of each month.
Free Gallery Admission Free gallery admission is offered to San Diego city and county residents, local students and active-duty military. ID is required. If you do not have a valid driver’s license or passport, please bring a copy of a recent utility bill or another document that shows your zip code. Note: During holidays and summer, lines may form as building capacity is reached, and you may have to wait to enter the building. Often, a stroller parking area will be provided to minimize congestion inside the building.
Reduced Film AdmissionOn the Fleet’s Residents Free Day, Giant Dome Theater show tickets are $9.95 for county residents, local college students and military with proper ID. Please proceed to the Ticket Counter upon arrival to purchase show ticketsyou get to bypass the line outside!
Museum MembersFleet members and ASTC members receive free gallery admission without waiting in line. Proceed to the member window at the Ticket Counter to show your member card for free gallery admission and to purchase Dome Theater tickets. Show tickets for Fleet members are just $8.95 for adults, juniors and seniors. Avoid the lines and become a member today! .
Out-of-County VisitorsRegular pricing applies for all visitors from outside of San Diego County. Please proceed to the Ticket Counter upon arrival.
The Museum Of Photographic Arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts has no general admission, but you are encouraged to make a donation. Plan to spend at least 1 hour viewing the exhibits here.
This small space will appeal to anyone whos ever admired a great photo or wanted to take better pictures. Its one of only three museums in the United States that focuses exclusively on the collection and preservation of photography, film, and video.
Explore cultural, social and technological advancements in imaging through historical, social documentary and photojournalism artworks. Youll leave knowing how to tell better stories with your camera.
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What If I Cant Make It On Tuesday
If getting a day off of work on a Tuesday and braving the crowds sounds daunting to you, youre not alone. Dont worry, there are other cost-friendly alternatives to seeing your favorite Balboa Park museum. The most popular option is to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass. This offers year round access to many of the parks museums for an annual fee. Many museums also offer group discounts and participate in multiple programs throughout the year to make admission more affordable.
There is also the Museums For All program which offers museum admission at $2 per person with an EBT, SNAP or WIC card. This is not available at all museums so call ahead to find out if they offer the discount at the places you would like to visit.
Third Tuesday Free Museum Admission
- San Diego Art Institute: Originally called the San Diego Business Men’s Art Club, this museum was founded in 1941. It shows the work of artists from across Southern California.
- San Diego Museum of Art: This museum, which opened in 1926, grew out of a desire for a permanent public art installation following the Panama-California International Exposition of 1915. It was formed from the merger of the San Diego Art Guild and the Friends of Art. Its permanent collection includes works by El Greco, Goya, Monet, Matisse, Dali, and O’Keeffe.
- San Diego Museum of ManJapanese Friendship Garden
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Free Folk Dancing Lessons For Beginners In Balboa Park
Learn a new dance at the Balboa Club Building, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m on the 3rd Sunday of every month. These sessions are family friendly and all ages are welcome.
Céili
Céili is an Irish dance party. The Pride of Erin Irish Ceili Dancers welcome beginners who want to learn the distinctive threes and sevens footwork that characterize Irish dance. Its easier than it looks and youll be dancing in no time. They meet every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in rooms 204 and 203 of the Casa Del Prado building in Balboa Park.
Cabrillo International Folk Dancers
Take a free first lesson each Tuesday 7:00 8:00 p.m. in the Balboa Park Club Building. Contact the teachers: Georgina Sham gbsham@gmail.com 858-459-1336 and Chin Yu yuegenia@yahoo.com 858-722-0489.
San Diego Folk Dancers
The San Diego Folk Dancers welcome those who want to learn. The first session is free. Come on Mondays, 7:30-9:00 p.m., at theBalboa Park Club. Contact: Jean 858-278-4619 or .
Morris Dancing
The Moreton Bay Fig Morris dancers jokingly refer to themselves as Drinkers with a dance problem. This is an athletic dance where you hop, skip, wave flags, and toss sticks in complex patterns. Its origins are in the agrarian Cotswold region of England and you dance to Olde English style music. Join them on Tuesday evenings in the War Memorial Building. Everyones welcome to come & give it a try.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Explore the natural history of Southern California from past to present at the San Diego Natural History Museum . From rattlesnakes and flesh-eating beetles to dinosaurs and fossils, to a pendulum that proves the earth is spinning, theres something for everyone at this Balboa Park favorite. The museum offers inventive, interactive exhibitions on five different floors, and features a giant-screen theater with daily showings of 2D and 3D films, as well as rotating exhibitions that bring nature to life.
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Museum Of Photographic Arts
As one of only three independent museums in the nation dedicated solely to the lens-based medium, the Museum of Photographic Arts aims to inspire, educate and engage through the innovative collection and presentation of photography, film and video. Exhibitions are presented in English and Spanish, with work from the museums archive as well as from contemporary artists. The museum also stores a permanent collection of nearly 9,000 images. The Edmund L. and Nancy Dubois Library strengthens the permanent collection with more than 24,000 items, all related to photography.
Which Museums Are Free Which Days
Balboa Park free Tuesday doesnt mean every museum is free every Tuesday. Different Balboa Park museums are free on different Tuesdays of the month.
Below is a list of the typical schedule, but its highly recommended that you double check each individual Balboa Park institution as you plan your day.
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The Following Is A List Of The Free Tuesdays Available**
First Tuesday
Centro Cultural de la Raza
Model Railroad Museum
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Second Tuesday
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Museum of Photographic Arts
Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
Museum of San Diego History
Third Tuesday
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Man
Fourth TuesdayHouse of Pacific Relations International Cottages
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Hall of Champions
Fifth Tuesday
Normal museum prices in effect.
The Timken Museum of Art and the Botanical Building are always free!
**Some museums may offer complimentary admission to their permanent collections only and charge admission to special exhibitions, showings, and events. Please call individual museums for information.
Is It Free To Go To Balboa Park
Yes, it is free to go to Balboa Park. There is no admission fee to enter the park. However, there are some museums within the park that do charge an admission fee.
The Panama-California Exposition was held in Balboa Park in 1868, and it was built in 1868. A large number of these structures were constructed as a result of the Panama Canals opening. If you buy one day admission alone, you can get a one-day zoo pass for $58. You may also be able to take advantage of free days where you can visit several museums and gardens. The duration of a free tour is about 30 minutes. Take a tram ride around the park for a short history lesson while youre there. During the months of June through August, there will be free concerts at Balboa Park.
The San Diego Botanical Garden Fountain hosts a variety of free events. The San Diego Museum of Art is home to a diverse collection of fine art from all over the world. At the Spanish Village Art Center, 200 local artists work in collaboration. The Mineral and Gem Society of San Diego is an organization that raises public awareness about gems, minerals, and fossils.
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Park Your Car For Free In Balboa Park
Free parking spots are easy to find in Balboa Park, unlike downtown San Diego where theyre expensive and scarce. There are 12 large parking lots in the park. Most are located off Park Blvd. But there are also 5 within the park closer to the major attractions like the Zoo. Click on BalboaPark.orgs parking page for an updated map.
During big events park at the Inspiration Point lot and take the free shuttle closer to your destination.
May S Marcy Sculpture Court & Garden
The quality of the 6 works that you can see at no cost in this free balboa park sculpture garden is better than many art galleries that charge entrance fees. People usually take 30 minutes to view the artwork.
Watch The Watchers watching you. Or lie down on the green grass and try to outdo the chill relaxation of Henry Moores Reclining Figure: Arch Leg sculpture. This is a good spot to wait for your order to come up at Panama 66 cafe. And their beer and wine will get you into a reclining vibe in no time.
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