Things to Do in San Diego

It's been said that hands-on, experiential learning enhances education, and if that's the case, then the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is helping to educate every person who walks in the building's door. Especially enjoyable for families with children, this interactive science center has permanent exhibits on everything from energy to California's water to the journey of cells in our body. Work with your hands at the "Tinkering Studio" inspired by famous inventors, or watch one of the live experiments conducted by the center's staff. Learn about genetics and DNA and what's inside of an atom, or channel your inner architect with the collection of 15,000 building blocks. The biggest treat, however, is the enormous IMAX domed theater with movies on everything from Humpback whales to the most mysterious corners of our Universe. This is the only domed IMAX theater in Southern California, and the movies displayed provide visitors of all ages with an enthralling visual feast.

Humans, in a word, are utterly and truly fascinating. Creating art is a human tendency as old as humans themselves, and here at the Mingei International Museum, folk art from over 140 countries is on intriguing and captivating display. Though exhibits here are constantly changing, examples of work include handmade dolls that date to the 19th century, to exquisite, hand turned, wooden bowls and weavings from grass and leaves. There have sections devoted to global headdresses and an extensive collection of tequila bottles, and"”in true San Diego fashion"”a large exhibit made entirely from surfboards that explores the art of surfing. Above all, it's human creativity itself on display that's manifested in thousands of forms, and there's an uplifting, unifying, and inspiring spirit that accompanies a day spent browsing the genius of our planet's myriad cultures. 

San Diego's El Prado is located in the center of Balboa Park and is considered by many to be the heart of this most beloved San Diego park. The beautiful Spanish Colonial House of Hospitality is located here, and fully restored to its 1915 splendor. Inside you'll find visitor information and historical highlights of the park. The El Prado courtyard holds The Prado restaurant, famous for its cuisine and outdoor seating. Just steps away you'll find the Spreckels Organ Pavilion "“ an open space containing the world's largest pipe organ and home to free concerts during summer Sundays. This is the best of Balboa Park, and it would be a shame to miss it.

There's more to sports in San Diego than the Padres, Aztecs, and Chargers. Sport has played an enormous role in this California city's history, and here at the San Diego Hall of Champions, exhibits display how sailing and surfing have also shaped the town's heritage. Inside the halls of what's officially the nation's largest multi-sport museum, visitors will find everything from the history of the America's Cup to a collection of the 100 different San Diego athletes who have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. This is also the site of the Breitbard Hall of Fame"”a display that recognizes native San Diegans who have excelled in professional sport. Currently, the hall of fame recognizes 135 athletes from 20 different sports, and over 42 sports in total are represented in this soaring, three-story museum.

Maritime enthusiasts should spend some time visiting San Diego Harbor. The many attractions here include the Maritime Museum, U.S.S. Midway Museum, the Seaport Village, and Embarcadero Marina Park. The well-manicured waterfront promenades stretch along Harbor Drive and are perfect for strolling or jogging.

On the north end of San Diego Harbor is the Maritime Museum, where a number of antique trading and passenger vessels are moored in the water. South of the museum, The U.S.S. Midway Museum, a museum housed in a Navy battleship, has loads of exhibits and a stellar collection of fighter planes. South of the U.S.S. Midway Museum is Seaport Village, which has a collection of novelty shops and restaurants. Embarcadero Marina Park, with its public fishing pier and open-air amphitheater, lies south.

The year of 1911 was historic for the field of aviation. In an even that would shape the aviation as we know it, the Vin Fiz Flyer"”piloted by Calbraith Perry Rodger"”completed the first transcontinental crossing of the United States in an airplane. The flight required 82 hours of total time in the air"”although the entire trip, including ground time, was a remarkable 84 days. Today, commercial jetliners make the trip in a little over five hours, and with the ease of transport that aviation has provided, it's almost too easy to forget the steps that brought us up to this point. At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, however, every visitor, both young and old, can see how the craft of aviation has changed since its early years. Gaze on an intricate reproduction of the original Vin Fiz Flyer, or examine a replica of Charles Lindbergh's famous Spirit of St. Louis. Military enthusiasts will love the collection of Hellcats and early fighter planes"”including an exhibit on early aircraft that flew in World War I. There are educational placards that date all the way back to 18th-century hot air balloons, and also look forward to the next frontier of exploring the corners of space. For kids, a large, 3D movie theater offers thrilling movies from the air, and there's even the chance to take the joystick on the simulator of an F15. 

When is a park more than a park? When it houses the lion's share of the cultural and entertainment attractions of the city. That is what Balboa Park offers, and the noted Old Globe Theater resides here. Built to resemble Shakespeare's Globe Theater from the south bank of London, the San Diego Old Globe Theater is an internationally acclaimed, Tony award winning theater, hosting a year-round season of 15 plays on three stages, including the highly regarded Shakespeare Festival. Numerous Broadway plays start and stop here, at this icon of theater production. Easily one of the best representations of the the craft on the west coast, the Old Globe Theater is a must for any theater lover.