Balboa Park
As mentioned in my previous post, after visiting Mission San Diego de Alcalá, I decided to visit the highly recommended Balboa Park. And now I know why people kept bringing it up. It is nothing short of spectacular and I am forever in love.
From its impeccably detailed buildings to its sprawling gardens, my eyes darted from one spot to another in an attempt to take it all in. I was especially drawn to the Botanical Building, but I was crushed to discover it was closed on Thursdays. However, as we were flying out in the afternoon of the next day, Patrick and I checked out of our hotel early and made a quick return to Balboa Park to visit the Botanical Building. So this post is a combination of snaps I took Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
As I was so enthralled by all of the buildings, I spent much of my time wandering around, and only visited one museum (of the 17 museums they offer!), the Museum of Photographic Arts. I also had a delightful walk through the Palm Canyon Trail.
The Botanical Building was incredible and I loved looking at all of the unique plants. We also saw darling little fluffy ducklings outside the building!
Upon returning home I discovered the park is also home to a cactus garden as well as a desert garden, of which I am heartbroken to have missed. Oh well, I guess that means I’ll just have to visit sometime again in the future! In many ways Balboa Park reminded me of another Californian institution I am so deeply in love with, the Huntington. Another place I would love to visit again, as I haven’t for around ten years or so.
There will be one more San Diego post! Then that’s it! Look for it tomorrow!
I lived just south of San Diego for my last couple of years in high school, and one of my best memories from my time there was when my stepmom took me and a couple of my friends to Balboa Park. It is seriously stunning. It makes me so happy to see your photos of it.
WOW, WOW, WOW! The buildings are crazy gorgeous!!! I’ve never heard of this park; I’ll have to try to visit in someday! Simply amazing!
It’s an architectural dream! There’s an amazing artists’ village that is a must-see as well.
Your pictures are always so beautiful!!!! You can really capture the magic into evry small thing!!!!
Balboa park is so much fun and it’s absolutely free to go walk around. There’s amazing architecture, a gorgeous fountain and always interesting characters to see. Yet another reason I LOVE living in San Diego!
Great photos, looks like an amazing place to visit x
Pretty, pretty! You and your photos. Your hair is getting so long.
Aw, thank you! And it’s funny you say that! I just cut it yesterday actually! I was having such a love-hate relationship with the length.
I’m so glad you loved Balboa Park! The Botanical Gardens are my absolute favorite place to sit and relax when I’m there.
Beautiful! Your pictures capture the atmosphere wonderfully, too. Looks like a lovely day.
Stunning photos of a truly beautiful destination, dear Janey. I always love it when you hit the road and I get to see more of the world through your lens.
♥ Jessica
I just visited balboa park yesterday. It is amazing to see the beautiful architecture.