San Diego, California, is renowned as one of the biggest cultural focal points in the entire nation. The Balboa Park is the main highlight of it and will give you an unforgettable adventure. Over a hundred years old and spanning an area of about 1200 acres, the park presents a sure recipe for a thrilling quest.

By starting at the Park visitors' centre, you could get some much needed assistance on how to plan your tour.

With up to 15 museums, you may have a hard time picking which one to visit. The Automotive Museum featuring almost 100 different historical models is a good pick for vehicle and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages.

San Diego Zoo will give a nature lover a rare opportunity to view a variety of endangered and other rare animal species.

Various performances for your entertainment can be found at the Organ pavilion, one of its kind, as well as at the puppet theatre and junior theatre for the young ones.

For lunch, you could stop at the Prado restaurant and delight your palate with an array of Mexican and other cuisine options. Opposite the visitors' center, Daniel's Coffee Cart offers you refreshments before lunchtime.

Your tour must also include a visit to some of the exotic gardens present. The Botanical House is worldwide renowned for its charming beauty; the desert garden also merits your attention, with drought resistant varieties of plant life from around the world.

You could go golfing, hiking, biking or even take a stroll on one of its splendid nature trails for a calm break from city life.

And there's even more you may want to check through the following sites.

Balboa Park Official Website

http://www.balboapark.org.html

Directions to and Highlights of the Park

http://www.san-diego-attractions.10-best.info/balboa.html

Balboa Park is a 1200-acre entertainment complex in San Diego, housing an awesome number of museums, gardens, art venues and other fun destinations. No matter when visitors drop in at this fantastic land, tons of daily awe-inspiring or entertaining events will keep them engaged. Therefore, there is no wonder why Balboa Park is acclaimed to be the crown jewel of San Diego and the must see for visitors of all ages. You can visit its website to learn more about this entertainment kingdom.

Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/

However, how can we call it a complete recreational paradise if without any golf course? On the park's East Mesa is seated the Balboa Park Golf Course, the only recreational golf complex in the park. It offers a striking view of Downtown San Diego and quenches the thirst of golf enthusiasts in the city.

As one of the city's finest golf course, Balboa Park Golf Course is the home to a quite affordable 18-hole championship course, and highlights the undulating greens with steep canyon drop offs. This all-in-one golf complex includes an amazing par-72, 18-hole course, a 9-hole executive course, a dedicated driving range, indoor practice putting greens, coffee shop and the halfway house, and many other facilities to put guests on an easy and cozy golfing experience regardless of the levels and skills.

In the following, we are going to nourish you with an informative guide on this golf course, including its location, directions, rates, closures and maintenance schedules, and other basic info. You are encouraged to take a look for your next visit.

Balboa Park Golf Course Website

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/bpgolf.shtml

Balboa Park Golf Course is located at 2600 Golf Course Drive, San Diego, at the southeast end of Balboa Park, and close to the Bob Wilson Naval Hospital and Golden Hill Community Park. It is very easy to navigate via Russ Blvd, Florida Drive/26th Street, Pershing Drive, as well as Date Street. Drivers can take I-5 towards Pershing Drive, and exit from Pershing Drive and turn right onto 26th Street. Stay on 26th Street and take a left onto Golf Course Drive. Then you will find the clubhouse sitting on your left side.

If you are the one with weak sense of directions or not familiar with the Park, please refer to Google Maps to discover directions to the golf course from your point.

Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2600+Golf+Course+Drive,+San+Diego,+CA,+92102+(Balboa%20Park%20Golf%20Course)

Balboa Park Golf Course offers a convenient on-site parking facility for the patrons. This parking lot has ample spaces and charges affordable parking fee. However, this facility has been undertaken repairs recently. Except any emergency, weather or other unknown reasons, the work will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until it is completed. During this work, specific parking areas may be barricaded and marked as No Parking Area! Please make sure to check these areas carefully, for if you park in any of these no parking areas, you vehicle will be towed at your own expense. Specific dates in May for the parking lot repairs or resurface include: May 13 and 14, May 20 and 21, May 27 and 28.

When it comes to the Green Fees, Balboa Park Golf Course charges different rates for San Diego residents and non-residents, as well as on weekdays and weekends. Listed below are Balboa Park Golf Course rates effective from July 1 to June 30, 2011.

Weekdays (Monday through Friday):

- San Diego Residents are charged $32 for 18-hole, and discount rates are available for seniors and juniors. Seniors aged 62 and more just have to pay $22, and fee for the juniors of 17 and less is $28. What's more, special 18-hole Twilight program benefits the locals with a big bonus: $19! Please note this program is only valid at designated hours, respectively:

12:30 pm November 7 through March 13

2 pm March 14 through May 31

3 pm June 1 through August 31

1:30 pm September 1 through November 6

For 9-hole course, San Diego residents are charged $14. Seniors of 62+ can receive a $4 discount and juniors get $1 off the regular price. Junior Twilight tickets, which include 30-day admission for San Diego juniors of 17 and under, are $10.5, valid at 3 pm Monday through Friday except holidays.

- Non-resident rates of Balboa Park Golf Course are a bit higher. For 18-hole course, non-residents have to pay $40. Junior rate is $28, and the 18-hole Twilight fee for non-residents is $24. Please take particular note that senior rates for both 18-hole and 9-hole courses are not available for non-residents! As for the 9-hole course, the common rates for non-residents is $18, and $13 for juniors aged 17 and under.

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday, and Holidays):

During the peak days, Balboa Park Golf doesn't offer much specials for guests, and in contrast, the rates on weekends and holidays are nearly $10 higher than common days! Moreover, senior and junior discounts are cancelled, and only regular Green Fees for 18-hole and 9-hole courses and 18-hole Twilight are provided. Clear rates are listed as follows:

- San Diego Residents:

18-Hole: $40

9-Hole: $24

18-Hole Twilight: $18

- Non-Residents:

18-Hole: $50

9-Hole: $30

18-Hole Twilight: $23

Please keep in mind that current 18-hole course is undergoing a full-scale replacement of its irrigation system. This project is scheduled to finish around July 2011. During this work, the 18-hole course continues to offer for all guests. When the 18-hole is completed, the 9-hole course will undergo the same work which is expected to be finished by September 2011.

If you have any enquiry about the info above, like directions, parking, rates and maintenance projects, please contact the Course Administration Office at 619-235-1184.

To secure your golfing opportunity successfully, you are encouraged to make reservation in advance, via phone, internet, or by visiting the box office in person. All reserved tee times from 6 am to 7 am are issued on a first come, first served basis. Phone call reservations are available 7 days in advance at 619-570-1234. You can call to reserve your tee times on any day throughout the week through the automated system. Otherwise, you can speak with Balboa Park Golf Course staff to make reservation by calling 619-235-1184, or visit the Balboa Park Golf Course Manager's office from 7 am to 3 pm every day.

By the way, if you forget to take your golfing equipment to the complex, or want to choose yourself a good set onsite, the Golf Shop is willing to do you a favor. This shop offers a wide collection of golf merchandise, and provides rentals of clubs, hand and power golf carts. For further info about the shop, please call at 619-239-1660.

As an urban cultural park of the city, the Balboa Park does a wonderful job in promoting richer and more colorful city life and providing an excellent spot for citizens to relax themselves. Boasting a wide range of attractions, including a number of unique museums, state-of-the-art theatres and beautiful gardens and so on, the Balboa Park is undoubtedly a perfect vacation destination for both tourists and local residents.

Apart from amusing attractions and incredible scenery, the Balboa Park also features a historic location which once performed as the site for the Panama-California Exposition. In addition, the California Pacific International Exposition used to be located in this area until 1935. It seems that this prime location is doomed to be arrestive, since the Panama-California Exposition as well as the California Pacific International Exposition and the Balboa Park are national landmarks.

Thanks to its great location and plenty of cultural attractions, the Balboa Park lures to a large number of visitors every year. Actually, it is counted as one of the most visited parks in San Diego. The story of this gorgeous park dated back to 1868 and it was named after a great explorer from Spanish - Vasco Nunez de Balboa. In fact, when it originally opened to the public in 1868, this park was known as the "City Park". Today, the Balboa Park becomes a world-famous park and is considered as a must visit for any visitors coming to San Diego.

Official Website of the Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/

The Story of the Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/info/history

Covering 1,200 acres of land in the city, the Balboa Park is thought to be the largest urban cultural park in the United States. With a wide selection of things for visitors to see and do, the Balboa Park is sure to offer its guests the best park experience ever. Whenever you pay a visit to the Balboa Park, it is no doubt that you will have a great time at this fabulous park. There is so much fun offered by the Balboa Park that you might get exhausted if you plan to experience the park to the fullest. Don't worry! An array of wonderful restaurants can be found inside the Balboa Park. They will be perfect venues for you to take a break and enjoy an excellent dinner at the Balboa Park.

For any visitors to the Balboa Park, restaurants located inside the park are really great options for an unparalleled dinning experience with natural and breathtaking settings. These pretty restaurants always furnish its guests with delicious cuisines as well as dramatic beverages. Well, now let's take a look at all these great dining options you can find at the Balboa Park.

1) Albert's Restaurant

You can find the Albert's Restaurant in the Lost Forest at the San Diego Zoo, in the vicinity of the Gorilla Tropics. Just as it is claimed, the Albert's is a restaurant in a Treehouse and offers every guest an unmatchable opportunity to enjoy dramatic food while overlooking an incredible private waterfall. This full service restaurant features various entrees, like steak, seafood, pizza, salad, pasta and sandwiches and so on. For visitors coming to the park with kids, the Albert's Restaurant offers a children's menu as well.

Special dishes this restaurant provides include gourmet salads, beef entrees and healthful pastas, etc. If you would like to have some drink at the Albert's Restaurant, craft beers and exotic cocktails are wonderful choices. Generally, this restaurant would open for lunch every day. As for dining in the evening, cuisines would only be served during summer months. Currently, the restaurant would open from 11 am until 3:30 pm every day.

The address of the restaurant is Albert's Restaurant, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California. To get further information or make a reservation before your visit, you can call 619-685-3200 or send a mail to the park. As to send a mail, you should remember that inside address is Albert's Restaurant, San Diego Zoo P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, California 92112. If you would like to check out all the cuisines the Albert's has to offer, browse through the following page.

More Info about the Menu of the Albert's Restaurant

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/alberts/menus

2) The Prado at Balboa Park

It is no exaggeration to say that the Prado at Balboa Park is the best restaurant you can find in this region. This fantastic restaurant highlights elegant decoration and engaging atmosphere. Both foods and beverages served by this restaurant are superb. The Prado at Balboa Park features a diversity of cuisines and boasts a prime location. It can be found at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California.

Indoor and outdoor dining areas are offered for you to choose from. Situated in the House of Hospitality in the Balboa Park, the Prado at Balboa Park boasts beautiful surroundings, including an amazing water fountain in the courtyard. Lounge areas of this restaurant are also available both inside and outside. Besides, this award-winning restaurant furnishes a complete menu. Plenty of appetizers, sandwiches and dramatic entrees are provided, while wonderful beverages available at this restaurant include margaritas and sangrias and so on.

If you opt to enjoy lunch at the Prado at Balboa Park, the restaurant would open its door at 11 am and close at 3 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. From Monday until Friday, its opening time is at 11:30 am while closing time is at 3 pm. Dinner would be served by the Prado at Balboa Park after 5 pm, from Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors, who choose to have lunch or dinner at the lounge areas offered by the Prado at Balboa Park, would be able to enjoy extended lunch or dinner hours.

To make an appointment with the restaurant prior to your visit, you can call (619)557-9441. Or visit its official website to catch a view of all the cuisines the Prado has to offer.

Menu of the Prado at Balboa Park

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/index.php

3) Dinosaur Cafe

Sitting in a comfortable seat while having a cup of coffee is definitely the best method for you to unwind yourself and keep energetic during your adventure at the Balboa Park. The Dinosaur Cafe is situated right in the atrium of a famous museum which is known as the San Diego Natural History Museum. At present, this cafe is managed by the Cohn Restaurant Group.

Delicious foods and unrivaled beverages you can find in this cafe involve various sandwiches & salads, different pastries & soups and a number of gourmet coffee & tea. Whenever you are on a trip to the San Diego Natural History Museum or the Balboa Park, consider enjoying food or drink at the Dinosaur Cafe. We bet it would be a wonderful experience for you to remember for years.

The Dinosaur Cafe would be open every day from Tuesday until Saturday. Its opening time is at 10 am while closing time is at 3 pm. But, since July 1, this cafe would open at 10 am and not close until 5 pm. Note that, opening hours of the Dinosaur Cafe are subject to change anytime without notice. For the latest information, you can call (619) 255-0317. Maybe the link given below would also be a great option for you to obtain more details about the Dinosaur Cafe.

More about Dinosaur Cafe

http://www.sdnhm.org/visit/index.html#cafe

4) Flight Path Grill

The Flight Path Grill is a new restaurant you can find in the San Diego Air & Space Museum. As an outdoor restaurant, the Flight Path Grill would furnish you with a one of a kind dining experience for sure. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be if you can enjoy your dinner at a picnic table or covered cabana inside the Balboa Park which is surrounded by amazing scenery?

Will you be interested in having a wonderful dinner with your family members or friends at the Flight Path Grill? We bet it is a fantastic experience. The only catch is that you will need an admission ticket for the San Diego Air and Space Museum to enjoy a meal at the terrific Flight Path Grill.

The Flight Path Grill would be available from 11 am until 4 pm every day. This restaurant can be found at 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California. For more detailed information about the Flight Path Grill or make a reservation prior to your trip, you can turn to the following website.

More Info about the Flight Path Grill

http://www.aerospacemuseum.org/visit/flightpathgrill.php

5) Galileo's Cafe

It might be unbelievable that so many cafes could be found inside the Balboa Park. More amazingly, all of them provide a wide selection of wonderful beverages. Next to the east rotunda of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, you can also find a fabulous cafe which features traditional fast food as well as other healthful items.

This cafe provides its guest with outdoor dinning areas in the neighborhood of an incredible fountain which would ensure visitors a special and enjoyable dining experience. Freshly made hot roast beef, tasty salads, various pastas & pizzas, snacks and ice creams are available at this amazing cafe as well.

In general, the Galileo's Cafe opens at 10 am ever day. However, its closing time will vary by the schedule of the theaters inside the Balboa Park. The address of the Galileo's Cafe is 1875 El Prado, San Diego, California. And it would be very convenient for people to get there from most places in the city. For more details about this cafe, call (619) 238-1233.

6) Home Plate Bar & Grill

The Home Plate Bar & Grill is a full service restaurant situated in the hall of Champions Sports Museum. This is really a cool place featuring various snacks named after a plenty of greatest athletes of San Diego. Other delicious items the Home Plate Bar & Grill offers include a variety of sandwiches, salads and paninis. This restaurant not only offers tasty food, but also provides comfortable and engaging ambiance. Besides, it has a couple of flat-screen TVs for its guests to enjoy sports games or other interesting TV programs while having dinner with their family members or friends.

This dramatic restaurant would be available from 10 am to 4 pm, seven days per week. If you would like to get more information regarding its menu or simply want to make a reservation before your dinner, the Home Plate Bar & Grill can be reached at (619) 702-7438. To pay a visit, you can find this restaurant at 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California. For further information, visit its official website.

Detailed Information about the Home Plate Bar & Grill

http://www.homeplatehoc.com/

7) SDMA Sculpture Court Cafe by Giuseppe

As a family-friendly restaurant, the SDMA Sculpture Court Cafe by Giuseppe aims to offer an opportunity for its guests to enjoy precious family fun while having dinner together. Over the years, this restaurant has strived really hard to provide the best dining experience for people of all ages. And it has done a great job!

Every day, except Mondays, a wide range of sandwiches, salads and desserts would be served by the SDMA Sculpture Court Cafe by Giuseppe. Different beverages would available as well. The operation hours of the eatery are from 11 am to 3 pm. Visitors can find this cafe with ease, since it is seated at 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California. To enjoy a one of a kind dining experience at this cafe, you can make a reservation by calling 619 702-6373. Or you can visit its homepage to learn more about its menu before your visit.

More about the SDMA Sculpture Court Cafe by Giuseppe

http://www.sdmart.org/visit/sculpture-court-cafe

The Tea Pavilion

Guests visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden inside the Balboa Park might have noticed that there is a wonderful cafe located within walking distance or the garden. This cafe features traditional green tea, herbal or other special teas from Japanese. Almost all kinds of Japanese foods that you might be interested in are served at this pavilion. Japanese noodles, along with sushi and miso soup, are only a portion of its menu.

Apart from fabulous food and drink, visitors can also enjoy fantastic views of the courtyard and deck while dining at the Tea Pavilion. Normally, this restaurant would open from 10 am to 5 pm every day. During summer months, its operation hours might be extended. For more information, call (619) 231-0048 or visit its official website. The address of this restaurant is 2215 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California.

More Info regarding the Tea Pavilion

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/index.php

9) Cafe in the Park

Located at 1649 El Prado, San Diego, California, the Cafe in the Park is truly a nice place for visitors to have a short rest during their Balboa Park trip. It is a small cafe you can find in the lobby of the Casa de Balboa which is seated between two museums: the Museum of San Diego History and the Museum of Photographic Arts. In addition to various soft drinks, espresso drinks, iced teas and amazing ice cream, this cafe also provides freshly made breakfast snacks and salads. For people who need takeout foods, delicious sandwiches and other options will be served as well.

Normally, the Cafe in the Park would open for visitors seven days per week and its operation hours are from 9 am until 4:30 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. On Mondays, the cafe opens at 9 am and closes at 2:30 pm. From Tuesday through Friday, its opening time is at 9 am while closing time is at 4 pm. For more information about the Cafe in the Park, call (619) 237-0322.

10) Daniel's Coffee Cart

For any visitors to the Balboa Park, the historic House of Hospitality is surely a must see. And inside the House of Hospitality, you can find the Daniel's Coffee Cart in its beautiful courtyard. You can reach this coffee cart by walking across the courtyard from the Balboa Park Visitors Center. As a fantastic venue for people to enjoy different drinks, the Daniel's Coffee Cart features a wide selection of wonderful teas as well as coffee and pastries and so on.

The Daniel's Coffee Cart would be available every day, from 8 am to 5:30 pm. However, when it comes to Mondays, the coffee cart would also be open at 8 am but closed at 4:30 pm. This cafe is really easy to reach, since it is seated right at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California.

11) Snack Carts

Do not get confused! There is not any restaurant or eatery located inside the Balboa Park named as Snack Carts. Actually, Snack Carts refer to a series of snack carts you can find around the park area. Most of them are situated along the El Prado pedestrian walkway. These carts make it truly convenient for visitors to get snacks as well as drinks whenever they feel hungry or thirsty.

In the neighborhood of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, you can also find a number of snack carts which would furnish you with tasty snacks. Hotdogs, ice cream or soda drinks are also available at these snack carts. The opening hours of snack carts inside the Balboa Park are not clear at present. But in summer, snack carts would have longer operation hours for sure.

12) Lady Carolyn's Pub

The Lady Carolyn's Pub features an outdoor pavilion where you can find various tasty foods and all kinds of wonderful beverages. Its special dishes include crisp salads, warm fruit crumbles and delicious soups and so on. As for drinks, the Lady Carolyn's Pub offers icy juice squeezes, steaming Irish coffee and different wines.

From Tuesday to Friday, the pavilion would be available at 7 pm. When it comes to Saturdays and Sundays, the eatery would be open since 1 pm. The closing time of the Lady Carolyn's Pub would be changed based on the schedule of the theaters. This eatery is located at 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, California. And it can be reached at (619) 231-1941, ext. 2751.

13) Village Grill

Erected at 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, the Village Grill is also a great venue for people to grab a bite to eat during their Balboa Park trip. This eatery only offers hotdogs, hamburgers or soups for visitors. A few other fast food items are served as well. In general, this eatery would be available from 9 am until 4 pm. During summer months, it would be open until 5 pm. If you are interested in this eatery, call (619) 702-2428 to get further information.

Looking to have a wedding with an elegant but unusual setting? Why not host your wedding at Balboa Park at San Diego, a place combining natural beauty, wonderful art, culture and extravagant Spanish Revival architecture in one location. No matter what kind of wedding you want, the Balboa Park can cater to all your needs.

Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is an urban culture park. It takes up 1,200 acre of land, which is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. Placed in reserve in 1835, the park is one of the oldest sites in the nation dedicated to public recreational use. With open space area and natural vegetation green belts, plus a wide variety of cultural attractions, Balboa Park attracts about 14 million visitors to the park per year.

Why is the Balboa Park ideal for weddings?

This cultural complex, just minutes from downtown San Diego, is notable for its vivid displays of seasonal flowers, shady groves of trees and meandering paths through rolling lawns. In the center of the park is a long wide sidewalk and boulevard called El Prado.

Along this EL Prado, there are many historic buildings. Most of these buildings are in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style, originally built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition. It was the first time that this richly embellished, highly ornamental architectural style had even been utilized in the nation.

Many of the park's cultural attractions just line the boulevard. When it comes to the park's cultural attractions, Balboa Park is home to a variety of cultural attractions including 15 major museums (such as San Diego Air & Space museum and Marston House), famous performing arts venues (like Civic Dance Arts and Spreckels Organ Pavilion) and the San Diego Zoo.

There is also a wealth of gardens in the park including Japanese Friendship Garden, Botanical Building, Desert Garden, Zoro Garden, Australia Garden, Marston House Garden and more. To learn more about these gardens, click here:

Gardens at Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/Gardens

Other attractions in various areas of the park include chess and bridge outdoor tables, horsehoe pits, playgrounds, walking and jogging trails, recreation complex and picnic areas.

With picturesque terraces, lush garden settings and elegant ballrooms, most of the park's attractions all could be considered to be a fabulous venue for weddings. The following are some of the select special event venues offered for your reference.

- The Prado at Balboa Park

Covering over 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the Prado at Balboa Park can accommodate groups of 20 - 20,000 guests. The event space features lush historical gardens and a courtyard, elegant banquet rooms and romantic terraces.

Contact Info: (619) 557-9441 *202

Email: doreen@pradobalboa.com

- War Memorial Building

Located at the north end of Balboa Park, War Memorial Building is built to commemorate those who had participated in overseas conflicts. Rentable space in this building for special events includes main auditorium of about 3,150 square feet of wood dance floor and a stage, plus two smaller classrooms. For more info, call 619-235-1169 or visit this page:

War Memorial Building

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/warmemorial.shtml

- Marston House Garden

As a formal English Romantic-style garden with California influences, Marston House Garden will give you a romantic wedding. Situated at 3525 7th Avenue in an early 20th century historic district, the garden is really a beautiful example of the Arts and Crafts style. If you have additional questions, call 619-297-9327 or 619-298-3142.

- San Diego Zoo

If you are looking to get married among lions and tigers, San Diego Zoo would be a great wedding venue at Balboa Park. From intimate indoor rooms to exotic outdoor terraces and decks, the zoo provides a variety of distinct venues catered to your unique tastes.

Contact Info: 619-744-3350

Email: dmorehead@sandiegozoo.org

- Japanese Friendship Garden

Combining zen philosophy and style in a fabulous setting, the garden will give you a truly unforgettable wedding. Covering 9 acres of land, the garden offers a variety of beautiful areas for your event, including the Koi Pond and Moon Viewing Deck, the Ceremonial Gate, Ceremonial Plaza and Exhibit House. For more info, call 619-232-2721 or visit this page:

Private Events at Japanese Friendship Garden

http://www.niwa.org/private-events-garden

- Redwood Circle

Want a green wedding? Located on the 6th Avenue / West Mesa side of Balboa Park, Redwood Circle is a large lawn area with a number of shade trees, suitable for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The area use hours are from 8am to dusk, with the maximum capacity of 200 guests. You can contact the Permit Center at (619) 235-1169 for details and fee information.

You can find more venues at the Balboa Park for special events on this page:

Special Event Venues

http://www.balboapark.org/info/events/venues

As a bonus, the Balboa Park also offers a wealth of restaurants (like Albert's Restaurant and Cafe in the Park) and amenities (including ATM Machine, Restrooms, WiFi Hot Spots and visitor center) inside the park. These facilities may benefit your guests to some extent.

Note: To explore info about holding a special event in one of the park's cultural organizations, contact individual cultural institution. However, as Balboa Park is managed and operated by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, you need to get the permits for the uses of some of the park's gardens and buildings as well as outside areas from the department. The buildings under the management of the department include:

- Balboa Park Activity Center

- Balboa Park Club

- Casa del Prado

- Municipal Gymnasium

- Puppet Theater

- Recital Hall

- War Memorial Building

All outdoor areas of the park are managed by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department. To keep the park well maintained and safe for guests, the department sets a series of rules and regulations relating to outside areas. To avoid disappointment and hassle, figure out what is required when planning your event in the park.

General Park Use Permit Rules and Regulations

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/rules.shtml

If you plan to have a wedding in either the outside areas of the park or in one of the park's buildings listed above, call (619) 235-1100 or 619-235-1169 for details, or refer to the following page:

Use of Park Buildings

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/permitsites.shtml

Often referred to as the crown jewel for San Diego, the Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park located in the heart of the city just north of downtown. In addition to its beautiful open spaces, natural vegetation green belts and gardens, the Balboa Park is home of the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the historic Old Globe Theater, numerous museums and other cultural attractions, including a variety of shops and restaurants. The whole Balboa Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego and the surrounding areas.

Balboa Park together with the historic Exposition buildings were designated a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark District in the year of 1977. It also earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is operated and managed by the stewardship of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Being in the heart of the city, Balboa Park is accessible from most neighborhoods in the city of San Diego by bus, trolley or train. Visitors from cities in North County, South Bay and East County can have easy and convenient access to the park as well. If you prefer to drive to Balboa Park, plenty of parking is offered at Balboa Park.

- Inspiration Point Parking Lot

The parking lot is located on the east side of Park Blvd and you can find it between the Balboa Park Activity Center and Presidents Way. The parking lot offers free parking 24 hours a day. You can have easy access to the right center of Balboa Park through the free tram, which provides access to museums and attractions at Balboa Park. Just park your vehicle at the Inspiration Point Lot and wait at Tram Central, which is provided by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department.

Trams usually travel through Tram Central every 8-10 minutes and you may need to wait for 20-40 minutes during peak times. During the summer months from June 1 to October 31, the free tram runs from 8:15 am to 8 pm, Tuesday through Sunday and from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm on Monday. From November 1 to May 31, fall/winter hours are from 8:15 am to 5:15 pm. Besides the Tram Central, there're many designated pick-up areas for visitors to take a tram ride around the park. Stop at the Balboa Park Visitors Center in the House of Hospitality and get a detailed park map and a bi-monthly Events Guide.

The Schedule and Route of Tram

http://www.balboapark.org/sites/default/files/trammap-1.pdf

Numerous smaller lots are scattered throughout the park. City College Lots are situated between 16th and "B" Streets. Parking at these lots are free of charge for visitors. The North Lot can be found at 1600 Pacific Highway, just at the corner of Grape Street. Guests to Balboa Park can park your vehicles at the North Lot for free during the operation hours. PETCO Park and Lots around Park Blvd and Imperial Avenue provide more than 2,000 parking spaces for visitors. The parking rate is only $3 each vehicle.

To find out more specific locations for each parking lot, you can check out the map below for places marked P. Once you enter Balboa Park, just follow the parking signs and find the nearest parking spaces for your vehicles.

Balboa Park Map

http://www.balboapark.org/maps-old

Valet parking service is provided in front of the Prado Restaurant at the House of Hospitality. From Tuesday to Thursday, valet parking is offered from 5 pm to 10 pm. On Friday, valet parking is available from 5 pm through midnight. The hours of service are from 10 am to 10 pm on Sunday and from 10 am through midnight on Saturday. Please note that valet parking service is not offered on Mondays.

Balboa Park usually charges for special event parking, like Balboa Park 2011 December Nights, the favorite kick-off to the holiday season in the city. More than 300,000 people attend December Nights every year so that on-site parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly recommended to take public transportation or take advantage of the free off-site shuttle services.

December Nights Shuttles are available at City College Lots, County Administration Building North Lot and PETCO Park and Lots around Park Blvd and Imperial Avenue. The December Nights Shuttle is available from 4:30 pm to 11 pm on Friday, December 4th and from 12 pm to 11 pm on Saturday, December 5th in all locations. The last shuttle departs from all locations at 8:45 pm. If you want to take the last shuttle leaving from Balboa Park, the exact time is 10:45 pm.

The nearest public parking is the Inspiration Point Lot and the San Diego Zoo Lot. Visitors can only enjoy free parking at the Zoo Lot for December Nights. But the lot fills up quickly on the two days. Preferred parking service is available at $20 on the east side of Balboa Park and service is provided at Park Blvd and Village Place, which is located close to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Disabled parking is provided at several designated areas, including Park Blvd & Space Theater Way, Park Blvd & President's Way, Zoo Lot and Laurel Street & Balboa Drive. Please notice that limited handicapped spaces are available. Late-comers may find no available spaces. You must present a valid placard and ID card to enter these designated parking areas.

Directions to Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/visit/directions

Balboa Park is an unrivaled landscape of arts and culture. It is made up of 1,200 acres and is located just minutes away from the best offerings of downtown San Diego. Most visitors to the park are amazed at its brilliant displays of beautiful open spaces, seasonal flowers, shady groves of trees and meandering paths passing through rolling lawns. The urban park also houses various gardens, performing arts venues and attractions, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The magnificent park offers something recreational, educational and historical for everyone. More than 14 million visitors come to the park annually.

Of particular interest is the annual Balboa Park December Nights hosted to celebrate the holiday season. December Nights is the largest free community festival in the city of San Diego and attracts more than 3 million visitors over two days each year. The classic and elaborate celebration continues many long-standing traditions, including worldwide gourmet foods, charming & wonderful entertainment and unique holiday cheers. The grand carnival involves unbeatable fun for everyone.

Visitors can enjoy free admission to Balboa Park, including outdoor gardens, the park grounds, Botanical Building and some attractions. But some cultural attractions charge admission fees, like the San Diego Zoo and some other museums. Balboa Park features 15 major museums, making it a place with something for everyone.

- The San Diego Museum of Art

Being the largest and oldest art museum in the region, the San Diego Museum of Art is widely renowned for its fine collection of European old masters, growing collections of contemporary & Latin art and 19th & 20th century American art. Museum visitors can also view many great art exhibitions from around the world and take part in various cultural and educational programs.

The San Diego Museum of Art is located at 1450 EI Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. The mailing address is PO BOX 122107, San Diego, CA 92112-2107. Its regular hours of operation are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. The museum is closed on three major holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission tickets to the museum cost $12 for adults and seniors over 65 & military personnel enjoy discount tickets of $9. Children aged 7-17 only need $4.5 and college students with ID need $8. For more museum info, please call 619-232-7931.

San Diego Museum of Art

http://www.sdmart.org

- Mingei International Museum

Located at 1439 EI Prado in the heart of Balboa Park on the Plaza de Panama, Mingei International Museum owns six spacious galleries, which highlight dynamic and engaging exhibits of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design. The museum is committed to art of mingle from all eras and cultures throughout the world. The museum is also home to a multi-media education center, a theater and other venues.

The Mingei International Museum is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It's closed on Mondays and major national holidays. There's no need to worry about admission fees if you're planning to stop at the museum for a visit. General admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors. Discount tickets of $4 are offered for children between 6 and 17, students and active military personnel with ID. If you're visiting with groups of 10 or more, you only need to pay $3 per ticket. Please contact the museum at 619-239-0003 or fax to 619-239-0605 for more details on the museum. You can also send an email to mingei@mingei.org.

Mingei International Museum

http://www.mingei.org

- San Diego Automobile Museum

For automobile enthusiasts, San Diego Automobile Museum at 2080 Pan American Plaza is the right destination. The museum has more than 80 historic autos and motorcycles on display. Some featured exhibits include Louie Mattar's $75,000 car and Drank Sinatra's 1967 Austin Petrol Hire Car. The daily operation hour for the museum is from 10 am to 5 pm. For more museum info, please call 619-231-2886.

San Diego Automobile Museum

http://www.sdautomuseum.org

- San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Covering an area of 28,000 square feet, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is ranking as the largest operating and model railroad museum in the world. The museum consists of four large scale and model layout, depicting the Southwest railroads in O, HO and N scales. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum also has a Toy Train Gallery with an interactive Lionel layout, which is specially made for children.

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum can be found on the lower level of the Casa De Balboa on the Prado in Balboa Park. Its mailing address is 1649 EI Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. Admission is required to enter the museum. Ticket fares are $7 for adults and seniors only need $6. Students with ID can purchase tickets at $3 and active military with ID are admitted to the museum for $2.5. San Diego County residents can enjoy free admission to the museum on first Tuesday of the month. If you want to learn more info on school and community group tour admissions and schedules, please call the Educator, Olga Cortes at 619-696-0199, ext.9.

Before visiting the museum, you also need to figure out its operation hours. From Tuesday to Friday, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is open from 11 am to 4 pm and it's available for visitors from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. It remains open by 4 pm on some holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. For more tours info, please call 619-234-2544.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.com

- Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

Situated in the historic Old Navy Chapel, the Veterans Museum & Memorial Center is dedicated to veterans of all conflicts. It was built to preserve and honor the precious memory of men and women of the Armed Forces, Wartime Merchant Marine and Coast Guard. An extensive collection is housed at the museum, including memorabilia, artwork, artifacts and documents from the Civil War to the present. Temporary exhibits at the museum showcase veterans' experiences and dedications throughout history. The physical address for the museum is 2115 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.

The museum opens at 10 am and is closed at 4 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It's closed on Mondays. General adult admission price is $5 and the admission fare is $4 for veterans and seniors over 65. Students with valid ID are admitted to the museum for $2. Children aged 12 and under, active duty military & their dependents and museum members can receive free admission. Please call 619-239-2300 for further museum info.

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/veterans-museum-memorial-center

- Timken Museum of Art

Timken Museum of Art is recognized as one of the greatest small museums in the world. It's home to world-famous Putnam Foundation Collection of European old master paintings, including Russian icons and American paintings. All these paintings and icons come from distinguished artists, like Rembrandt, Rubens, Eastman Johnson and John Singleton Copley. Special exhibitions are also hosted at the museum.

From Tuesday to Saturday, Timken Museum of Art is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm. On Sundays, you can visit the museum from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. It's closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the museum is always free. The museum is located at 1500 EI Prado and it's just adjacent to the San Diego Museum of Art and the Botanical Building Lily Pond. For more museum info, please call 619-239-5548.

Timken Museum of Art

http://www.timkenmuseum.org

- San Diego Museum of Man

The San Diego Museum of Man is the only museum that is dedicated to anthropology in the city of San Diego. It's located just beneath the grand 200-foot California Tower at 1350 EI Prado. The museum features Spanish colonial and mission style architecture, which was originally built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition. Now, the landmark building in Balboa Park is committed to creating and showcasing diverse and instructive exhibits on anthropological people and places from every corner of the world.

The hours of operation for the museum are from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily. Remember the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is required. Adult tickets need $12.5. Youth aged 13 - 17 will be charged $7.5 and tickets for children between 3 and 12 cost $5. Seniors, students with ID and active military enjoy discounted admission to museum at $7.5 per person. Members and children less than 3 are admitted for free. For more exhibits info, please call 619-239-2001.

San Diego Museum of Man

http://www.museumofman.org

- San Diego Air & Space Museum

As California's official air & space museum, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. An extensive collection of historic aircrafts and spacecrafts from all over the world are housed at the museum. Featured displays include the actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft, the only existing real GPS satellite and a working flying replica of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Various interactive exhibits are also offered for museum visitors, like MaxFlight and Space Shuttle simulators and hands-on rotating exhibitions. The museum also boasts the only 3D/4D Theater and Interactive Air & Space Technology Kid Zone in Balboa Park.

The museum is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm every day with the last entry at 4 pm. It's closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. You can find the museum at 2001 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. Please note that you cannot enjoy free admission to the museum. Tickets for special exhibition are priced $24 for adults and $21 for seniors, students and retired military personnel. Youth between 3 and 11 years old are charged $12. For active duty military personnel, discounted admission of $7.5 is available. For both SDASM adult and youth members, the space admission is $7. All the listed admission includes general admission to the museum. For more info on museum tours and upcoming exhibitions, please call 619-234-8291.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org

- San Diego Art Institute: Museum of the Living Artist

Located at 1439 EI Prado, the 1000-square-foot gallery displays a new exhibition of artists' works every four to six weeks. The art gallery aims to improve visual arts through various efforts, including education and exhibition. The gallery also features solo artist exhibitions. Youth art from local schools are displayed at the David Fleet Young Artists Gallery. You can find unique jewelry and gifts at the gallery store.

Please visit the great art gallery during its operation hours from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. On Sunday, it's open from noon to 4 pm. The museum is closed on Monday. The museum charges $3 for adults' admission and $2 for seniors, military and students with ID. Children under 13 are admitted for free. To find out more museum info, you can either call 619-236-0011 or fax to 619-236-1974.

SDAI: Museum of the Living Artist

http://www.sandiego-art.org

- San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum

Being the largest multi-sport museum in the nation, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum boasts a memorial that reflects San Diego's sporting legacy. Sports fans can call play-by-play for Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn in the grand media center. Or you can just follow the historic evolution of the surfboard and soar with skateboard Tony Hawk. The three-floor 7,000-square-foot facility is also a wonderful center for visitors to be participants and observers.

The San Diego Hall of Champions Museum is located at 2131 Pan American Plaza and it's open from 10 am to 4:30 pm. To learn more museum info, you can visit their website or you can call 619-234-2544.

San Diego Hall of Champions Museum

http://www.sdhoc.com

- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Home to the only IMAX Dome Theater in Southern California, the Reuben H. Science Center also prepares more than 100 hands-on fun science exhibitions for visitors of all ages. The Dome Theater invites you to watch terrific giant-screen films and striking planetarium shows. The science and technology museum also features seven galleries of instructive and educational exhibits. The North Star Science Store at the museum delivers a collection of unique educational games & toys, books and more items.

Located at 1875 EI Prado, the science center opens at 10 am every day and the closing times vary. General admission to the museum for gallery experience is $10 for adults and $8.75 for seniors over 65 and juniors between 3 and 12. The IMAX films and planetarium shows need extra admission. For detailed admission prices, please contact the museum and call 619-238-1233.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

http://www.rhfleet.org

- San Diego History Center

The museum displays unique, colorful and diverse history of the local areas and highlights artifacts, photographs, textiles, art and many other aspects of development of the area. The Library and Booth Historical Photograph Archives contains one of the largest photograph collections and it's also home to various documents, books, oral history and maps documenting local history.

The detailed address for the museum is 1649 EI Prado, Suite 3. The general museum hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is not available for visitors on Monday. The Library and Booth Historical Photograph Archives is open from 9:30 am to 1 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. To learn more museum info, please feel free to contact the museum by calling 619-232-6203.

Other museums are listed as below:

- Centro Cultural de la Raza

Hours: 12 pm - 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It's closed on Mondays.

Address: 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.

Phone Number: 619-235-6135.

- WorldBeat Center

Address: 2100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.

Phone Number: 619-230-1190.

- San Diego Natural History Museum

Daily Hours: 10 am - 5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Address: 1788 EI Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.

Phone Number: 619-232-3821.

As the largest urban cultural park in the nation, Balboa Park is home to various famous performing arts venues, breathtaking gardens and renowned museums. Balboa Park also boasts an ever-changing calendar of concerts, classes, museum exhibitions and performances. This must-see San Diego attraction welcomes approximately 14 million visitors every year as there's always something new for guests. You may find it difficult to decide what to do during your visit to the park.

The great urban cultural park encompasses 1,200 acres and is one of the nation's oldest sites used for public recreation. The park was built on the original location of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. Both of them created architectural landmarks for the entire park.

Balboa Park is a primary tourist attraction for visitors to the city of San Diego. Working at the park involves much fun and pleasure undoubtedly. As a city park, Balboa Park is operated and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department of San Diego. Balboa Park also hires employees through the City of San Diego's Personnel Department. You can find job postings and applications at the City of San Diego Employment Information Center. It's located on the first floor of the City Administration Building, which is situated at 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The job hotline for the city of San Diego is 619-682-1011.

City of San Diego Employment Information Center

http://apps.sandiego.gov/pjaol/currjob/open.jsp

Balboa Park consists of numerous cultural attractions. Each cultural attraction at Balboa Park is a separate organization, which has its own job listings and hiring policies. You can find position postings on the Balboa Park Beat blog. Or you can visit your interested cultural attractions' websites for job and volunteer info. Most cultural attractions at Balboa Park offer job and volunteering opportunities currently.

- Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts has two job openings currently: Gallery Attendant and Special Event Staff. The position of Gallery Attendant will work in the Museum Store, in the galleries and in Admissions. Candidates must be able to work on weekends and holidays, including some evenings. Demonstrated experience with excellent customer service is required. Excellent verbal and writing skills are essential. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter with experience relevant to graphic design, web design, photography, retail sales, business management or retail merchandising. You also need to submit your resume and list of three references. Please send your application materials to Megg Sohn, Store & Visitor Services Manager.

Special Event Staff works to provide support for the successful execution of both internal and external events. Other responsibilities include assistance with vendor and client load in and load out. The position also works with Special Events Lead to meet clients' special requirements and needs throughout the event. To qualify for the jobs, minimum of one year experience in event coordination and excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required. Essential application materials include cover letter, resume and list of three references. Please email your materials to Melissa Pfeiffer, Special Event Manager. Or you can mail to Museum of Graphic Arts, 1649 EI Prado, San Diego CA 92101 or fax to 619-238-8777.

MOPA Employment Opportunities

http://www.mopa.org/join/employment.htm

- Mingei International Museum

The Mingei International Museum is now seeking a Multimedia Designer, taking responsibility for the advancement of museum's visual identity. The job position works directly with several departments and staff members and is responsible for creating and carrying out print, web and environmental design projects. Applicants must possess minimum of 4 years of professional graphic design and web experience and must show proficiency in major design, web and business applications. To qualify for the job title, a Bachelor's Degree in design, new media or communications is essential. Please send your resume, cover letter and portfolio samples to jobs@mingei.org.

Employment and Volunteers at Mingei International Museum

http://www.mingei.org/about/opportunities.php

- San Diego History Center

San Diego History Center is dedicated to creating a working environment for all employees and volunteers to reach their highest potential. Currently, a Director of Collections is needed. The position directly reports to Executive Director and works from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The Director of Collections takes care of SDHC's museum and library holdings. Part of requirements includes:

- MA or graduate certificate in Museum Studies or History.

- Minimum of 5 years' experience as Curator or Collections Manager.

- Excellent interpersonal skills.

- Knowledge of database management.

- Valid California Driver's License and reliable vehicle.

If you're interested in the position, please send your resumes and cover letters to Aurora.Zabish@sandiegohistory.org. No phone calls please.

SDHC Employment Opportunities

http://www.sandiegohistory.org/employment_opportunities.html

- San Diego Museum of Man

Now, the San Diego Museum of Man has three job openings: Security Officer, Curatorial Director and Director of Development. Any qualified candidates can send resume and cover letter to Brian Andrews at brandrews@museumofman.org. Let's just focus on one of the available job postings.

The Curatorial Director is the senior manager that reports to Executive Director and cooperates closely with leadership team. The position is responsible for the anthropological department, including physical, archaeological, library and ethnographic. The Curatorial Director also takes responsibility for the staff members that care for these collections. To apply for the position, candidates must have a Ph.D in Cultural Anthropology or Archaeology. Minimum of 5 years of collection experience is essential, including 5 years management experience in any of AAM accredited museum.

The San Diego Museum of Man also offers a variety of opportunities for volunteer and interns, like event volunteers, gallery guides and docents etc. You can fill out the online volunteer application or docent application and email to Heather Kovacevich at hkovacevich@museumofman.org.

Employment at San Diego Museum of Man

http://www.museumofman.org/employment

- San Diego Natural History Museum

There're no available paid positions for the San Diego Natural History Museum currently. But volunteer and internship opportunities are offered, including internship in Development and Marketing and docents. To apply for any available positions, you need to first complete the volunteer/intern application online. For more volunteer info, please contact Director of Volunteer/Intern Services at 619-255-0245 or send an email to volunteer@sdnhm.org.

Job Positions at San Diego Natural History Museum

http://www.sdnhm.org/about/jobs.html

- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is now accepting applications for various positions. Several part-time jobs are available, including Sales Associate, Cafe Team Member, Science Educator and After School Programs Coordinator. A temporary Event Production Crew Member is also needed now.

The Event Production Crew Member helps with the preparation and execution of any special events hosted at the museum. The position needs to work on weekends, evenings, holidays, late nights, early mornings and occasional overnight shifts. To be qualified for the position, applicants must be able to have good communication and speaking skills. Experience in customer service and customer assistance is a surplus.

To apply for any posted positions, you can email your resume in DOC or PDF format and completed application to Human Resources at hr@rhfleet.org or you can fax to 619-685-5771. Resume and application can be mailed to Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 33303, San Diego, CA 92163.

Current Job Postings

http://www.rhfleet.org/site/jobs/careers.cfm

- San Diego Youth Symphony

The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is now seeking a new full time Program Director to support and manage the ongoing access to artistic excellence. The position is responsible for the administration and management of the artistic programs and participates in the education and teaching of chamber groups and sectionals. To be considered to be qualified for the job, candidates must at least have a Bachelor's degree in instrumental music education or instrumental music. At least five years experience in organizational and staff management in arts or education is preferred.

Please note that this is a full time exempt position and requires working on Saturdays during rehearsal season. To apply for the position, you're required to send your resume with names of three references and cover letter including your salary history to Sheila Walker, Associate Director, swalker@sdys.org.

Careers at San Diego Youth Symphony

http://www.sdys.org/employment-opportunities

- The Old Globe

As the sixth largest professional theater throughout the nation, the Old Globe provides various great employment, volunteer and internship opportunities currently. Now, the theater seeks a Marketing-Audience Development Manger. Candidates must have at least fours years experience in performing arts and be experienced in telemarketing, internet advertising, ticketing and direct mail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word are essential. Interested applicants can send cover letter, resume and three writing samples to Human Resources, The Old Globe, PO Box, 122171, San Diego, CA 92112-2171. You can also email your application materials to HR@TheOldGlobe.org or fax to 619-235-2185.

Several other full time positions are also offered, including Major Gifts Officer, Stage and Properties Master, White Theater and Subscription Sales Representatives. Two internship positions are available: Stage Management Internship and the Old Globe Technical Center Internship. For more detailed info on jobs descriptions and applications, please visit the following website.

The Old Globe Job Opportunities

http://www.oldglobe.org/aboutus/jobs/index.aspx

- Balboa Park Visitors Center

The Balboa Park Visitors Center is located just across from the Prado Restaurant in the House of Hospitality. It offers the most comprehensive and current park info on attractions and activities. Now the Visitors Center is seeking volunteers. Candidates must have lived in the city of San Diego for several years and show passion for Balboa Park and customer services. Volunteers must do volunteering work during the operation hours from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please email Susy at visitor@balboapark.org for a volunteer application.

Jobs at Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/info/jobs

Balboa Park, which traces its origins back to 1868, is a 1,200-acrea land with flowing arts and cultures located close to Downtown San Diego. This park is the home to 15 major museums in the city, picturesque gardens, award-winning art venues, high-quality restaurants, famous attractions and just a few to name here. Its ever-changing event calendar nourishes visitors with a diversity of fun every time they drop in at this land, and new offers are added frequently to update visitors' experience.

Moreover, arrays of historical and featured constructions and buildings inside the park have displayed the architectural marvels over century-plus years and placed the park onto the list of National Historic Landmark in 1977. Just to say that only a visit to it will be enough to demonstrate all amazement about this world-renowned public recreational park. In order to know more about this landscaped oasis, please visit its website and check every aspect engaging to you.

Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/

Every day, a large number of events happen at various venues within Balboa Park, such as inspiring exhibitions in museums, exciting films at modern movie theaters and educational lectures. Therefore, visitors often get difficulties in deciding which to do or to see among these tremendous options. As a result, visitors are advised to work out a clear tour schedule before their trips. Check the following website to find out what is going on at Balboa Park during your visit:

Event Calendar

http://www.balboapark.org/calendar

If you are concert enthusiasts and do not want to skip any opportunity to enjoy an unbeatable live concert in this stunning park, just go with our article which includes an in-depth guide on Balboa Park concerts. Bear in mind what we have mentioned in the article and you are ensured to get a musical tour in the park!

The park houses 9 venues for performing arts, dedicated respectively to dances, youth ballet, theatres, symphony and concerts. If you would love to appreciate a live concert or immersive dancing or musical theatre, be sure to view the event info for each venue online and discover the one that interests you or your family. Listed below are nine performing arts venues inside Balboa Park:

- Bon Temps Social Club

- Civic Dance Arts

- Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater

- San Diego Civic Youth Ballet

- San Diego Junior Theatre

- San Diego Youth Symphony

- Spreckels Organ Pavilion

- Starlight Theatre and Starlight Bowl

- The Old Globe

Performing Arts

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/Performing%20Arts

After knowing the frequent sites for concerts and other performing arts, next we are going to focus on Spreckels Organ Pavilion, one of the most celebrated concert venues in San Diego. This state-of-an-art building is located at 1549 EI Prado #10, nearly in the center of Balboa Park and close to San Diego Museum of Man. Starting from 1917, every Sunday there are Free Organ Concerts in this optimal arena, and coming to Spreckels Organ Pavilion each Sunday and watching free organ concerts have become a tradition for San Diegoers as well as travelers from all over the world.

These concerts begin at 2 pm and last one hour on Sundays. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Park and Recreational Department and Spreckels Organ Society, these concerts are mostly performed by Dr. Carol Williams, one of the most prominent civic organists and artistic directors of the Spreckels Organ Society. Upcoming Free Organ Concerts include:

- May 29: Carol Williams

- June 5: Youth Organists Concert

- June 12: Carol Williams

- June 19: Carol Williams

- June 26: Carol Williams

- July 3: Robert Plimpton

- July 10: Carol Williams

Besides the regular Free Sunday Organ Concerts, each year Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosts the International Summer Organ Festival which happens every Monday evening at 7:30 pm from mid-June to August. All the concerts are FREE! This special festival brings dozens of world-recognized concert or theater organists and artistic directors to the Pavilion. When it comes to 2011, this year's Summer Organ Festival will begin from Monday evening on June 20 and come to the finale on August 29. On the following website, you can find a complete concerts schedule.

2011 Summer Organ Festival

http://sosorgan.org/festival2011sked.htm

If you have any enquiry about the concerts above, please contact Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 619-702-8138m, or visit its website for further introduction.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion Homepage

http://www.sosorgan.com/

Balboa Park in San Diego is an expansive park for visitors to unwind both their body and soul after a busy and tired day. As an urban cultural park, the Balboa Park occupies 1,200 acres and consists of a number of cultural San Diego Attractions like museums, gardens and theaters, etc. As there are so many amusement facilities and delightful amenities inside the park, it is no doubt both adults and children can have a great time at the park. Whenever you come to the park, you will be able to find something interesting for you to do or see.

Named after a great Spanish maritime explorer - Vasco Nunez de Balboa, this fantastic park is regarded as one of the oldest sites in the nation which have been dedicated for public recreation. When the park was originally open to the public in 1868, it was only 1400 acres in size. However, today, it houses some of the largest zoos or museums in the world. And one of the features of the park really worth mentioning is that over the years the Balboa Park has created a load of wonderful memories for lots of visitors.

Together with magnificent buildings located in the surrounding areas, the Balboa Park is thought as a national historic landmark. This area is blessed with great landscape which is well suited for various trees and rare groves, which has become one of the most beautiful sights in San Diego and the region. Being such a home to a plenty of attractions, the entire park is an unparalleled venue that offers something historical, cultural and educational for everyone.

Official Website of the Balboa Park in San Diego

http://www.balboapark.org/

Learn More about the History of the Park

http://www.balboapark.org/info/history

If you are planning your next vacation, the Balboa Park would be really a wonderful option. Apart from a host of museums, gardens or other attractions for you to hang out, the park also features of living shows and excellent performances for you to take park in. When you are tired during your trip, take a seat at a stone bench at the park and meditate for while. Then, both your body and spirit will be relaxed.

So, would you like to hit the Balboa Park on your next vacation? Before you go, remember to figure out where the park is and how you can get there. This information is extremely necessary, especially when this is your first trip to the city or this region.

The Balboa Park can be found at 1549 EI Prado, San Diego, California 92101. It is only minutes away from downtown San Diego. Actually, it is very convenient for people to get to the park from most places around the city, since there are a number of major buses and other public transportation options serving this area. If you opt to get to the Balboa Park using public transportation, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is highly recommended. It is convenient, efficient and every affordable.

The Metropolitan Transit System offers easy access to the park from downtown San Diego, San Diego International Airport and Mission Valley areas. You can take Route 120 or Route 7 to arrive at the Balboa Park. For more details about bus and trolley systems which give service to the Balboa Park, you can visit the website of the San Diego Commute. Or you can call 511 to obtain more information.

However, if you would rather drive all the way to the park than ride buses, you should keep in mind that driving and parking would be a nightmare during rush hours in mornings or evenings. Things would get even worse when it comes to event days. If possible, you should consult the Traffic Alerts of the Balboa Park before your trip to make sure your self-driving tour would be hassle-free.

Additionally, you might also need to know about the driving times or transit routes of freeways located in the vicinity of the park prior to your visit. For related information, you can dial 511 directly. This is a free consult number for you to keep yourself updated with the latest information about local freeways. Or you can visit the following page instead.

Detailed Information about Freeways for You to Reach the Park

http://www.511sd.com/

You should really take it seriously that information on freeways and parking facilities would be essential when you are going to drive to the Balboa Park by yourself. Besides, driving directions will also play an important role in ensuring you a wonderful self-driving trip. Before you start your car, take a look at the following driving directions to the park to see if there are any suitable routes for you.

1) Southbound from I-5: People coming from the North should proceed on Interstate 5 and then take the 10th Avenue Exit to off I-5. After that, make a left turn onto A Street. When you arrive at Park Boulevard, bear to the left again. Then you will see signs leading you to the park. Just follow signs and keep proceeding to get to the park.

2) Northbound from I-5: Visitors from the South also need to take I-5. Continue straight on I-5 until you see the B Street/Pershing Exit. Take the Exit to off Interstate 5. Turn onto Pershing Street and stay straight for a while. As you arrive at Florida Drive, make a left turn. Proceed on Florida Drive and you will reach Zoo Place within minutes. Bear to the left on Zoo Place and continue. Follow Zoo Place to Park Boulevard. Stay straight on Park Boulevard and the Balboa Park would be right ahead.

3) Southbound from Highway 163: Driving visitors from the North can also choose to take Highway 163. Keep proceeding on Highway 163 and then take the Park Boulevard Exit to off Highway 163. When you see Park Boulevard, make a left turn. Continue on Park Boulevard and you will see signs on both sides of the boulevard. Follow signs to get to the park.

More Driving Directions to Reach the Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/visit/directions

If none of the driving directions given above is suitable for you, then you will have to turn to Google Maps or other online tools. Google Maps offers complete and exact information about the Balboa Park. No matter where you are from, it would be a breeze for you to get a referable driving direction to arrive at the park. Besides, lots of nearby attractions, hotels or restaurants can be found on Google Maps.

The Balboa Park on Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Balboa+Park

As the Balboa Park is a little too expansive, you might get lost in it incidentally. A couple of maps of the park itself would help a lot. Hopefully the map given below would be useful.

Map of the Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/visit/maps

A PDF Map for the Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/sites/default/files/balboaparkmap_0.pdf

What's the scariest Halloween trail that you have been on? Dare to challenge yourself at one of the most haunted outdoor spectacles? Welcome to Haunted Trail of Balboa Park if you'd like to pick up the gauntlet. As the only All Outdoor Hunted Attraction in San Diego, Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is the out-of-bounds area for cowards and milquetoasts. And people with heart conditions or prone to seizures had better stay away from it!

How scary can Haunted Trail of Balboa Park be?

Haunted Trail of Balboa Park provides one-of-a-kind grisly experience which never fails to people tremble with fear. It's actually a trail winding through gnarled oaks and twisted grove of pines. The terror is likely to knock them cold when intruders are off base. Outdoor terror is much more difficult to take precautions against. So watch your back anytime and anywhere. The ghost seems to be able to smell your fear. It will catch you even when you're in the middle of the group.

Apart from the main attraction, another highlight of the Haunted Trail is the Carnival of Carnage maze. If you have survived the hunted trail, bring your scaring to a new level by exploring the 3500 sq ft of carny infested terror. Frightening laughter goes after you all the time and you can only count on yourself to find a way out. Unexpected chaos appears now and then.

Would like to give it a shot? Check what others say about Haunted Trail of Balboa Park:

Reviews from Yelp

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-haunted-trail-of-balboa-park-san-diego

Haunted Trail of Balboa Park Visiting Info

Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is open to public from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Generally the Haunted Trail is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for October 25 and October 26. Since Halloween is getting closer, there will be more and more visitors. So you're strongly recommended to come earlier and beat the crowds. Or the waiting line can be just horrible. To skip the waiting line, you can purchase a Fast Pass (included in the VIP Admission) online or at the Ticket Booth.

How long does the tour take? Well, it depends on your pace. On average, it will take you around 20 to 30 minutes to go through the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park. If the Carnival of Carnage Maze is part of your schedule, it might take some additional time till you get out of the maze.

General admission of the Haunted Trail varies with the days. Ticket options and prices are as follows:

Sunday through Thursday

General Admission: $15

GA COMBO (Admission to Trail & Maze): $20

VIP Trail (Trail admission and the Fast Pass): $25

VIP COMBO (Maze, Trail, and Fast Pass): $30

Fridays and Saturdays

General Admission: $17

GA COMBO (Admission to Trail & Maze): $22

VIP Trail (Trail admission and the Fast Pass): $27

VIP COMBO (Maze, Trail, and Fast Pass): $32

For Groups of 10 or more, discounted group tickets are available. Plus, a FREE glow necklace will be presented to everyone in your group as a gift. Group tickets must be purchased in advance through their office. Cash or Company Check will be accepted. To place your order, please contact their office at 619-231-0131. Or you can mail to Vanessa@hauntedhotel.com to order.

To save two or three bucks off the general admission, you can collect some discount coupons. Haunted Trail of Balboa Park coupons can be found through participating PartyCity Stores, Little Caesars as well as radio stations. A promo code is needed if you purchase tickets online. Note that they are unlikely to accept coupons on Fridays and Saturdays in late October since Halloween is around the corner.

Not sure about the location of Haunted Trail? It can be found just south of the Laurel Street Bridge, at the intersection of 6th & Juniper at Marston Point. Parking can be a breeze in Balboa Park. Its street address is 424 Market Street, San Diego, Ca 92101. The closest parking to Haunted Trail is available near 6th & Laurel. To help you navigate it better, directions and map can be found at:

Directions & Map

http://www.hauntedtrail.net/pages/trail_directions

For additional visiting info, click here:

Visiting Info

http://www.hauntedtrail.net/pages/trail_about

Easy tips to enhance your tour:

- Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is not recommended for people with heart conditions, children under 10, pregnant women and other individuals with low fitness levels. Otherwise the venue owners and sponsors won't be responsible for any harm or injure. There will be security and EMT on duty each night. Emergency exits can be found throughout the venue.

- Cameras, pets, weapons, laser pointers, flashlights, food, alcoholic beverages and babies are not allowed to bring into the site. Smoking is allowed outside only. Bottled water, sodas, snacks as well as glow novelties can be bought there. You can wear Halloween costumes as long as they are not offensive.

- All characters at Haunted Trail of Balboa Park won't grab or touch you. Yet they might get closer. So don't get over scared. You can touch their props or costumes if you're brave enough to interact with them.

- Accommodation needs to be arranged in advance since it's an evening activity. Some highly recommended hotels such as Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn, Sheraton Suites and Days Inn are within 2 miles from the Balboa Park.