Tourist Attraction: Balboa Park in San Diego

I once visited, and long to return to, one of the best FREE parks around! Within this park, there is SO much to see and do, you would not believe. So I am going to tell you, so that you too, can go and see what you think!

The park is in San Diego, California. It is called Balboa Park. The acreage it covers is 1,200. And trust me; they have put so much into it, it could keep you busy all day!

For starters, as you walk through the park, the people are friendly! There is often people sitting and talking, reading, and then sometimes there are even peddlers, playing their musical instruments, awaiting a little tip for their serenade. The grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the air smells so clean!

In one area, there is a fountain, (some call it a pool). It spews water from little holes, which you are allowed to run through. Now on a hot summer day, this is quite refreshing.

Both kids and adults enjoy this, to watch, and to play in. There are also other fountains through out, that are for viewing pleasure. This is the only fountain that you are permitted to play in!

They have declared this park as a National Historic Landmark. And when and if you go, you will see why.

There is an outdoor style auditorium; this is called Spreckles Organ Pavilion, with a big pipe organ. This is the World's largest pipe organ! Sometimes there is a man playing it, and it sounds so beautiful, and you can hear it for miles! There is of course a simple roofing over the organ to protect it, but the seating is outdoors, and it is worth the serenade.

On the main walk path, named El Prado, the buildings that line it- are simply beautiful. I was told this is to be considered a Spanish style décor. The buildings are museums, such as the Museum of Man. Then there is a railroad museum called San Diego model Railroad Museum, and then there is the San Diego Museum of Art. There is a science center, named Rueben H. Fleet. Everything is so interesting, and wonderful, and even educational!

There are also many scenic floral gardens, my favorite was the Japanese Friendship Garden, and there are of course many more. They have all kinds of flowers, and there are so many- that all year long there is something blooming!

There is also theatre- Old Globe Theatre. It is an imitation, or replica of the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Inside there are a collection of International Cottages, which are all quite exquisite.

There are also restaurants within this walk park, and also the San Diego Zoo is a part of this; however the Zoo, does cost money. The park is managed by San Diego parks and Recreation, and of course the city of San Diego itself.

As you walk through out this park, it is as peaceful as can be. You feel romantic, and safe. People are smiling, friendly, and the whole time- everything is memorable. You will want to return time and time again.

The upkeep of this park is always clean; you see people walking through out, bagging and picking up trash, seeing to it, it is kept in tip top shape. Mind you, yes there are trash receptacles through out, it's just sometimes- debris escapes the litter bins, or people miss-if you will.

On a rare occasion, there are police men on bikes and on foot, walking through out, also smiling. This park has a lot to offer, and you really need to check it out. You will be talking about it, for months, trust me. And there are many photos to be taken while you are there, everything is just THAT beautiful and exquisite!