Photos of San Diego's crown jewel, Balboa Park and some things to do while you're visiting the landmark.
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Monica Garske
Balboa Park's iconic Botanical Building and Lily Pond.
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Monica Garske
The main walkway, right down the middle of Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
The fountain at Balboa Park, just outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
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Monica Garske
The fountain at Balboa Park, just outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
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Monica Garske
Little details are sprinkled about the park, you just have to keep your eyes peeled.
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Monica Garske
Walking trails for all fitness levels can be found all over the park. These trails are located near Balboa Park's Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
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Monica Garske
Once you cross a small pedestrian bridge, these breathtaking views and beautiful blooms await at the legendary Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
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Monica Garske
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden at Balboa Park is maintained by dedicated volunteers.
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Monica Garske
The award-winning Rose Garden featured 2,400 rose bushes in 180 varieties.
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Monica Garske
The garden is in peak bloom during April and May, although many roses are in bloom from March through December.
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Monica Garske
The garden is a popular spots for weddings. Here, a view from the garden toward the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
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Monica Garske
Stop and smell the flowers at Balboa Park's Rose Garden.
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Monica Garske
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is an award winning All-American Rose Selection Display Garden.
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Monica Garske
More trails, located just off the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
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Monica Garske
There are so many paths once can choose at Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
The fountain is a favorite gathering spot for families. It's a great place to take a break or enjoy a picnic.
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Monica Garske
The San Diego Natural History Museum is one of many museums in Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
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Monica Garske
The Balboa Park Visitors Center is at the heart of the park. There, you can pick up maps and speak with knowledgeable volunteers who can point you in the right direction.
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Monica Garske
The Plaza de Panama offers some seating options for visitors. This is also a perfect spot for a break or lunch.
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Monica Garske
The fountain at the Plaza de Panama.
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Monica Garske
Balboa Park's arches are intricate. The hallways provide shade as you stroll.
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Monica Garske
Panama 66, located at the San Diego Museum of Art in Plaza de Panama, offers craft brews and food. The restaurant also hosts free, all-ages jazz concerts, usually on Wednesday evenings.
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Panama 66
Panama 66, the cool restaurant located at the San Diego Museum of Art on Plaza de Panama, hosts free, all-ages jazz concerts.
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Monica Garske
Panama 66, located at the San Diego Museum of Art in Plaza de Panama, offers craft brews and food. The restaurant also hosts free, all-ages jazz concerts, usually on Wednesday evenings.
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Monica Garske
It's all in the details.
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Monica Garske
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Monica Garske
Another view from the Plaza.
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Monica Garske
Follow the arrows -- they will get you where you need to go.
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Monica Garske
Walking, hiking, running: Balboa Park's many trails are built for it all, for all fitness levels, too.
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Monica Garske
The entrance to one of Balboa Park's most famous spots: the Japanese Friendship Garden.
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Monica Garske
The Japanese Friendship Garden is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission is at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $10 for adults; kids ages 6 and under get in free. The garden is free on the third Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Monica Garske
The Japanese Friendship Garden is known for its cherry blossom trees and tranquil atmosphere.
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Richard Benton
Balboa Park's colorful Spanish Village is home to working artists.
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Richard Benton
Visitors can check out the artists' studios and masterpieces.
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Monica Garske
Built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and given to the City of San Diego by brothers John and Adolf Spreckels, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is located in the heart of Balboa Park. Free concerts are held here at 2 p.m. every Sunday.
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Monica Garske
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion -- another central point at Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
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Richard Benton
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosts free concerts every Sunday, at 2 p.m.
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Monica Garske
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses an open-air organ -- the world's largest, in fact, in an outdoor venue.
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Monica Garske
With over 4,500 pipes, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion boasts the world's largest outdoor pipe organ.
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Monica Garske
Free, public organ concerts by the Civic Organist or guest artists are presented at 2 p.m. every Sunday at Balboa Park's Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
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Robert Lang/Spreckels Organ Society
Crowds fill the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for the Sunday concerts in this photo captured by Robert Lang, of the Spreckels Organ Society.
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Monica Garske
Plenty of seating at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
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Monica Garske
Arch detail at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
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Monica Garske
Architecture at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
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Robert Lang/Spreckels Organ Society
Crowds fill the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for the Sunday concerts in this photo captured by Robert Lang, of the Spreckels Organ Society.
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Monica Garske
The Mingei International Museum is one of many museums that fill Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
Another look at that iconic tower.
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Monica Garske
We dare you not to fall in love with this place.
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Monica Garske
A closer look at Balboa Park's California Tower and dome.
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Getty Images
The Old Globe Theatre is tucked inside Balboa Park.
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Monica Garske
Gorgeous. A closer look at Balboa Park's California Tower, which stands at the San Diego Museum of Man. The intricate tower was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
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Monica Garske
The California Tower.
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Monica Garske
Balboa Park's Alcazar Garden is patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain.
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Monica Garske
Colorful mosaic tiles are sprinkled around Alcazar Garden. There are benches in the shade, too, making this another solid spot to take a break.
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Monica Garske
Balboa Park's California Tower.
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The California Tower, as seen from a small fountain in the Alcaraz Garden.
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Monica Garske
The Alcaraz Garden.
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Another peaceful path for walking at Balboa Park.
