San Diego's Blooming Balboa Park
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Up above the city of San Diego, close to the Charles A. Lindberg Airfield, is Balboa Park, one of the most unique large southern California city parks. There is more to do here for the kids and adults than many other attractions in the Southern California area.
The cool breezes blow through the arroyos that are thick with green vegetation and bright flowers in the summer. I have visited Balboa Park on many occasions, and you always see people under shade trees and playing catch and other activities you do at a city park. But Balboa is different. This is a cultural park as well. Maybe because of the richest, most influential people in San Diego lived in an area called Bankers Hill, located right next to the park, has something to do with the prestigious buildings within the park that house art, sciences, culture and the Performing Arts.
This jewel of a city park to me is like Yellowstone is to the National Park System. Possibly only Golden Gate Park competes in the categories of arts and science and and cultural museums such as the Asian Museum. Both parks were completed during a period of American enlightenment, by enlightened powerbrokers, for their local citizens
Balboa Park is also one of the most secure parks in the United States, with a live camcorder in about every bush and tree. It is therefore somewhat of a safe park during the day, and they have security at night roving the grounds. There are a few nice restaurants within and outside the park, including a couple of national chains.
Mrs. Wallis Simpson lived in the neighborhood, and maybe this is where she first met the future deposed King Edward III, but word has it, it was on his royal Yacht berthed in the beautiful San Diego Harbor.
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Following is a listing of the park buildings and themes. Many have a website lixk, so click on the colored heanline to go to the website. The best time is anytime in Balboa Park, and you can see the Pacific from the heights. See you there
THE BALBOA GARDENS —
One of the most largely planted urban parks in America; Balboa Park is a horticultural paradise offering a magnificent backdrop for the cultural attractions. The relaxing atmosphere created by the stately rows of palms, forested lawns, and ever-changing floral displays greatly enhances a visit to the park. The City of San Diego's Park and Recreation Department manages and maintains the grounds of the spectacular public resource.
On approximately 1,200 acres, there are currently about 15,000 trees in Balboa Park, of some 350 different species, including 58 species of palms. The tallest trees are eucalyptus and pines growing along Sixth Avenue, and range in height from 100-125 feet. The park's landmark tree is the Moreton Bay Fig growing north of the National History Museum. This tree, planted before 1915, is over 60 feet tall, with a spread of 120 feet.
THE ALCAZAR GARDEN — Named because the design is patterned after gardens of Alcazar in Seville, Spain, The Alcazar Garden lies adjacent to the House of Charm. It is known for it's ornate fountains, exquisite turquoise blue, yellow and green Moorish tiles and shady pergolas. This formal Garden, is bordered by boxwood hedges and is planted with 7,000 annuals for a vibrant display of color throughout the year. The Garden has been reconstructed to replicate the 1935 designe by San Diego architect Richard Requa. Open daily; free.
BOTANICAL BUILDING — At 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, the building was the largest wood lath structure in the world when it was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. The building, located on the Prado, West of the Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. Open Fridays through Wednesday's (closed Thursdays and city holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Lily Pond, just south of the Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of the use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. This 193- by 43-foot pond and smaller companion pool contain water lilies and lotus as well as varieties of goldfish and Japanese koi. The lilies and lotus bloom spring through fall.
THE DESERT GARDEN — Lies north of the foot bridge across Park Boulevard near the Natural History Museum and encompasses 2.5 acres. There about 1,300 plants, including succulents and drought-resistant plants from around the world. Peak blooming period is January through March. Open daily; free.
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THE OLD CACTUS GARDEN — This historic garden was developed for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition and is located on the west side of the Balboa Park Club. This contains some of the largest cacti and succulent specimens in the Park and has also been developed to include exotic African and Australian Protea plants.
THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN — Located northeast of Spreckels Organ Pavilion,it includes a small entry garden, an exhibit house, a traditional sand and stone garden, and a wisteria arbor reviewing area overlooking the canyon below. The garden is a place of contemplation for visitors. Japanese Garden concepts and symbolism are adapted to the climate and topography of San Diego. New features include an entry plaza with tea stand, koi (carp) pond, activity center, a 60' long fujidana (wisteria arbor) and strolling paths.
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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at [ http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com] To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at [ http://www.jetstreams.com] and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at [ http://www.beachbooker.com]
About the Author:
Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at [ http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com] Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.
