Balboa Park

Nestled among palm trees and botanical gardens, ornate Spanish Colonial buildings house many of the 1,200-acre park’s museums and art exhibits. Several buildings were constructed as part of two world fairs: the Panama-California Exposition in 1915–16, and the California-Pacific International Exposition in 1935–36.

A park staple since 1935, The Old Globe theater showcases superior theatrical talent with its renowned plays and musicals. The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre hosts whimsical puppet shows. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, with 5,017 pipes. The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages promote the heritage of countries around the world by hosting open houses and weekend festivals. Neighboring WorldBeat Center uses art, music, dance and education to celebrate African and indigenous cultures; while Centro Cultural de la Raza is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the preservation of Chicano and Latino culture.

Known for its stunning traveling exhibits, the San Diego Museum of Art also has a trove of Renaissance and Baroque-era works, plus a large Asian art collection. The Museum of Photographic Arts presents compelling photography and films; and Comic-Con Museum is an ode to comics and pop art.

Mingei International Museum is dedicated to art and cultures around the world; while the recently remodeled Timken Museum of Art houses the Putnam Foundation’s collection of European and Byzantine art, including exquisite Russian religious paintings.

The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist presents exhibitions by contemporary local artists; and the historical Spanish Village

Art Center is a collection of 37 studios representing 200-plus artists—working in media ranging from sculpture to blown glass.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum salutes aviation with 68 original, reproduction and model airplanes and spacecraft. The Fleet Science Center has interactive exhibitions and an IMAX Giant Dome theater. From antiques to hot rods, the San Diego Automotive Museum’s collection depicts the evolution of the automobile. The life-size T-Rex skeleton, fossil exhibits and 3D theater at the San Diego Natural History Museum let visitors explore the natural world—with a focus on SoCal and Baja.

Focusing on the human experience that connects us, the anthropological Museum of Us explores cultures worldwide.

The Model Railroad Museum boasts scale models and interactive features for children. The San Diego History Center features interactive and engaging exhibits showcasing the city’s storied past. At the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, find military uniforms from World War I, the Vietnam War and the Korean War; as well as maritime artwork.

The Marston House, a Craftsman Prairie-style mansion designed in 1905 by noted architect Irving Gill, is a must for history and architecture buffs; the grounds feature a carriage house and gardens.

The park’s main attraction is, of course, the 107-yearold San Diego Zoo, with 4,000 rare and endangered species. There’s also the Balboa Park Carousel; and the Miniature Railroad, which spans 4 acres.

The park features several gardens, a legacy left by its founding “mother,” botanist Kate Sessions. Complete with ornate fountains and colorful tiling, the Spanish-style Alcazar Garden blooms with 7,000 flowers. The Japanese Friendship Garden features a Zenlike meditation garden and bonsai exhibit; while the sunken Zoro Garden has an interesting history: It was designed as a nudist colony during the 1935

California-Pacific International Exposition, but is now a butterfly habitat. The Old Cactus Garden has succulents and exotic plants. With 2,100 flowers and rare plants, the striking Botanical Building (closed for renovations) is among the world’s largest lath structures—fronted by the famous Lily Pond

From hiking to tennis to bocce ball, you’ll find it in the park. The Balboa Park Activity Center comprises facilities for badminton, table tennis, volleyball and more; while the Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course offers views of downtown and Coronado. At Texas and Upas streets, on the park’s northeast end, the Morley Field Sports Complex is a haven for disc golf fans and other sports nuts— boasting a velodrome, archery range and bocce court. Check in here for information on the many hike and bike trails through Florida Canyon, a popular workout spot for joggers. Balboa Tennis Club, open to the public, has 25 courts and a pro shop. The dapper, white-clad members of the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club, which dates back to 1931, play seven days a week. And dogs are welcome. Find leash-free dog parks at Balboa Drive and El Prado, south of Cabrillo Bridge, and another at Morley Field, northwest of the tennis courts.

Known for its Baja-focused, house-made Mexican fare and laid-back vibe, The Blind Burro recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Menu hits include the bacon-wrapped jalapeños to start; a wide array of tacos, such as the surf ‘n’ turf, cilantro-lime grilled shrimp, and coffee-rubbed salmon; specialties like the Burro-ito Barbacoa; and craft margaritas (try the caramelized pineapple). 639 J St., East Village, 619.795.7880

CAFE SEVILLA > Spanish $$$

Celebrated staple of the Gaslamp since 1987 offers live flamenco dancing, Spanish tapas, seafood specialties, an array of paella dishes, and both traditional and specialty sangrias. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.5979 Map R16

LAVO SAN DIEGO

> Italian $$$

Trendy spot serves pastas, brickoven pizzas and the popular Meatball; plus Old World wines, cocktails and a spacious dining room with 15-foot ceilings. 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.762.5286 Map Q16

LUMI > Japanese $$$$

Two-time Michelin-star celeb chef Akira Back fronts this upscale hotspot by RMD Group —an outdoor rooftop oasis serving modern Japaneseinspired fare, sushi, A5 Japanese wagyu, Japanese whisky and cocktails. Entrees include seared salmon and Jidori chicken. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.329.5864 Map Q16

NOBU > Japanese $$$$

The reigning hotspot at Hard Rock Hotel by the legend Nobu Matsuhisa serves authentic sushi, the chef’s famous jalapeño-yellowtail sashimi and excellent miso black cod. 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.814.4124 Map Q16

STK SAN DIEGO > Steak $$$$

Steak is the star here. Choose your size and cut, from a 6ounce fillet to a 128-ounce dryaged tomahawk; then choose a topping, such as Alaskan king crab and truffle butter; and add a side of sweet corn pudding. 600 F St., Gaslamp, 619.354.5988 Map Q16

WATER GRILL > Seafood $$$

Nautical-inspired fine-dining spot serves fresh seafood and features a raw bar with more than 15 types of oysters. Extensive menu includes shellfish platters, jumbo lump blue crab cakes, sushi, sandwiches, king crab legs and whole fish preparations. 615 J St., Gaslamp, 619.717.6992 Map Q16

CAFE 222 > Breakfast $$

Locals love the quirky American cuisine and whimsical decor. Popular dishes include the

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 44-47. The compendium consists of editors’ recommendations, as well as a small number of advertisers.

peanut butter waffles with bananas for breakfast; and the tuna melt and salads for lunch. 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902 Map R15

CALLIE > Mediterranean $$$

Dine on refined Cali-Med cuisine inside a chic yet warm, urban space. Dishes include uni toast, lemon-saffron rigatoni and harissa-grilled lamb chops. 1195 Island Ave., East Village, 619.255.9696 Map Q17

COWBOY STAR > Steak $$$

Boasting cowhide barstools, this stylish spot is decked out in Old West adornments. Try the buttermilk-fried sweetbreads, seared scallops, excellent meat selections and craft cocktails. 640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880 Map Q17

(V) LOTUS THAI > Thai $$$

Award-winning Thai restaurant and bar honors regional recipes from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Southern Thailand, including curries, noodles, entrees and vegetarian dishes. 906 Market St., East Village, 619.595.0015 Map Q17

> Info subject to change: Call restaurants or check websites for safety protocols and hours of operation before visiting.