Happy Wednesday

Balboa Park is truly a unique place. You and I have walked through many a park and gardens and I will admit that the Golden Gate Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. Hmmmm, as I'm writing this and getting ready to compare one garden to another, I'm thinking, maybe I shouldn't do that. There are so many beautiful places throughout this great country of ours and there are outstandingly beautiful places in most, if not all, of them. I love the gardens in Balboa Park and I'm sure you will too when you decide to RetireInSanDiego. Thank you for allowing me to think and write at the same time. Please enjoy a few pics of mine that I'm hoping will brighten your Wednesday.

Have a fabulous day. :-)

Balboa Park

Today’s journey begins near the Hillcrest Farmers Market. They aren’t quite set up yet so, since Balboa Park is just a short walk south, off we go. Approaching The Park from the north, we first walk past the San Diego Zoo. I found The Zoo inspiring when I first arrived in San Diego in 2002 and I still do. I purchased an annual pass every year for the first decade I lived here. There is always something new going on at The Zoo. I haven’t volunteered at The Zoo - yet, but who knows.

Walking south on the east side of The Zoo is the Miniature (small gauge) Railroad. Every night after all the big and little kids have gone home, the rail cars are parked in their barn for safe keeping. Continuing south we walk through Spanish Village which is the home of over 200 artists. One of my features of Spanish Village are the colorful tiles that carpet the large courtyard which is surrounded by artists studios. When you’re there, buy something! When you do, you're support local artists and their art.

Just to the south of Spanish Village is a huge Ficus Macrophylla that was planted in 1915, prior to the Panama-California International Exposition.

It’s over 100 years old and stands over 80 feet. Many folks find this a great photo opp, including me. Even though it is only February 7th, Spring seems to have sprung in San Diego. White blossomed trees line many of the walks and roads around the park and zoo, all in full bloom. 

If you turn south on Village Place, or rather continue on the walk south from Village Place, you will walk through Zoro Garden. For some reason this is a spot that is overlooked by most. If the frenetic pace of life in the Park becomes a little overwhelming, this is a great spot to take a breather and enjoy the flowers and hummingbirds. Continue walking south and turn right at the end of the building. Continue walking west and you will see a beautiful vista across the Japanese garden. Continue and you will walk through the garden behind the Prado Restaurant. Another favorite, quiet spot to get a break from the crowds, when it’s available. This garden is used frequently for weddings and other events.

Exit the garden to the west. You will be walking into the south end of the Plaza de Panama. Watch out for the colorful dragon which guards the Mingei International Museum. Turn left and walk south toward the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. The Pavilion was constructed in 1914, opened in 1915 and still books events year round.

Are your feet getting sore and tired? Watch for the green trams. They run from Plaza de Panama down to the Air and Space Museum then over to the Old Navy Hospital, now the San Diego Parks Administration building. 


Personally, I think the magnificent grounds on the east side of the Old Hospital are spectacular. There are several fountains and beautiful domed structures that are unique and have been preserved in excellent condition. This is another area that, for some unknown reason, people ignore. I’ve been in the beautiful grounds behind the hospital several times and rarely see anyone.

Well, it’s time to head back to the Hillcrest Farmers Market because I’m getting hungry. Rather than going back through the park, I’m going to walk up Park Blvd. through the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden and Desert Garden.

After a delicious pulled pork sandwich at the farmers market, its time to head for home.

Why don’t you RetireInSanDiego? Maybe I’ll convince you in time to take a closer look. By the way, I wrote most of this blog at a picnic table near the old Navy Hospital. Enjoy the following pics.

Balboa Park to the Farmers Market in Little Italy

Our routine is to go for a walk every Saturday morning and frequently that walk will take us to or around Balboa Park. Lauren, unfortunately can't join me this morning. The Park is a place you simply cannot tire of. I parked on Balboa Drive about half way between Upas Street and El Prado. The activities in and around the park seem endless for those working or retired. Have you tried Lawn Bowling? Neither have I, but I will give it a role sometime in the near future. Is Horseshoes or Chess more to your liking? There is both a Horseshoe and Chess Club in the park just off of 6th Street south of Juniper Road. 

A short walk southwest brings me into Little Italy and one of the most spectacular Farmers Markets in San Diego, perhaps all of Southern California. Fresh organic produce is brought into the market every Saturday morning ready to tempt your taste buds. My favorite breakfast food are the crepes made right in front of you. How does he do that? And so fast. There is always a line which, in my book, means that this is where you want to eat. A fresh squeezed orange juice for the return walk, a couple minutes listening to a street performer sing a lovely melody and it's time to head back to the Park.

We've always wanted to play guitar and sing to an audience. Some of the street performers are so good. We always stop and listen or watch the performers when walking around the Prado. Their presence encourages us to find out what permits are required to play in the Park. I stop by the Information Center when I get back and find out where and when to get in line for a permit. While digesting the information I sit and enjoy a bottle of water in Plaza de Panama and listen to the carillons ringing out the quarter hours from the California Bell Tower. Another magical Saturday morning walk and it's time to head back home to take care of a few chores. But, we'll be back.