Tag: balboa park

Baseball is Inside/Out at San Diego History Center.

Baseball is being celebrated at the San Diego History Center. While the 2026 season gets underway, the Inside/Out exhibit in the museum’s atrium summons happy baseball memories.

Artifacts and ephemera from the San Diego History Center’s collection are front and center. Most of the memorabilia on display concern the San Diego Padres and professional baseball in our city. Tony Gwynn, Jerry Coleman, the San Diego Chicken and others are lovingly remembered.

There are multiple objects from the 1978 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at San Diego Stadium (pre-Jack Murphy Stadium). Padres players Dave Winfield and Rollie Fingers contributed to the National League victory.

I noticed one shelf celebrates Alice “Lefty” Hohlmayer, a longtime Bonita resident who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1946 to 1951. She was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Very cool!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Sound Tree’s sonic fruits in Balboa Park!

A tall metal sculpture stands behind the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park. It’s called the Sound Tree.

When I learned about the existence of this sculpture several days ago, I resolved to see it myself. I walked to Balboa Park yesterday and was able to take these photos. A fence and closed gate behind the WorldBeat Cultural Center kept me at a distance.

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is usually open on weekends, so that would be the time to grab the sculpture’s hammer and ring those long tubes, which dangle in the air like sonic fruit!

Sound Tree was created by artist and neurobiologist Victor Hugo Minces. He works as a research scientist at UC San Diego. According to the sculpture’s webpage, the dangling metal pipes produce low soothing vibrations that you can hear and feel. The pipes are tuned to interact acoustically, creating harmonies and rich sonic interference patterns.

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a treasure trove of multi-cultural art, on display both inside and outside. Go check it out!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Mexican mummies arrive in Balboa Park!

Several human mummies from Mexico have arrived in San Diego’s Balboa Park!

Okay–they’re replica mummies to be exact. Visitors to the House of Mexico cottage can now view them as well as other artifacts from Guanajuato, a state in central Mexico.

The House of Mexico opened this exhibit a day or two ago. Every three months they celebrate one of Mexico’s many states with a new exhibition.

Not only is Guanajuato famous for its mummies, but the mountainous region is known for mining, its unique culture, and colorful architecture that includes many tunnels. Displays in the cottage include photographs, historical information and crafts from this Mexican tourist destination.

Today I enjoyed a free sample of ice cream unique to Guanajuato! I received a beautiful bilingual magazine titled Roads of Guanajuato, too!

Between the mummies and the ice cream, and all the colorful sights inside the House of Mexico cottage, your family will be sure to enjoy a visit!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

A sunny Easter walk through Balboa Park!

Today is Easter. It’s spring. The sun is out in San Diego. A perfect day for a leisurely walk through Balboa Park!

What did I encounter?

Second day of the Makers Arcade on Balboa Park’s West Mesa.
People enjoying yoga near the lawn bowling green.
Flowers are in full bloom at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
Vendors at the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society’s Annual Show and Plant Sale.
A tortoise in Room 101 of the Casa del Prado.
The Spring Exhibition of Art inside the Village Arts Outreach Gallery.
Here comes the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad!
Many native flowers are showing color along the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Nature Trail.
Beautiful butterflies and a ladybug inside the San Diego Sculptors Guild courtyard.
A small bird enjoys the green grass growing near the Botanical Building.
It’s busy inside the Botanical Building on a sunny Easter day.
The new pergola west of the Botanical Building is looking good!
Uh, oh! Somebody forgot their bunny ears!
Free roses made of corn husks offered by a street performer.
Happy Easter in a window at the International Cottages.
Looks like Quinceañera photos are being taken at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Some cool cars and lowriders have arrived in the park.
Spring beauty at the Alcazar Garden in Balboa Park.

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Photos of Tartan Day in Balboa Park!

The House of Scotland hosted their annual Tartan Day today. They were celebrating their 77th year in Balboa Park!

A good crowd came out to the International Cottages to enjoy cultural entertainment, Scottish food (meat pies!) and a gathering of various clans.

The House of Scotland Pipe Band and the Helix Highlander Pipes & Drums performed rousing music. Traditional dancers took the stage. The Ashworth Academy of Highland Dance and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society were represented.

The festival atmosphere was also educational. It seemed every sort of organization that promotes Scottish culture in San Diego appeared on the lawn.

What is meant by Tartan Day, you may ask?

A tartan is the patterned cloth, traditionally made of wool, featuring crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, originating from Scotland. Different clans and regions have their own unique tartan. San Diego has a special tartan pattern, too!

One more thing. The epic Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans is returning after an absence of a couple years. Instead of in Vista, the games will now be held this June 20 and 21, 2026, at the SDSU Mission Valley River Park! Check out the official website here.

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Award-winning quilt in Balboa Park Visitors Center!

Next time you enter the Balboa Park Visitors Center, move to the left side of the front counter and look up. You’ll see an amazing quilt on the wall!

The quilt, titled THE BOTANICAL GARDENS OF BALBOA PARK, depicts the Botanical Building and Lily Pond. It’s so detailed and exquisite that it won a prestigious national award. It took First Place in the Group Quilts category at the American Quilter’s Society 32nd National QuiltWeek competition in 2016! Here’s the AQS website with all the winners.

Who created this fantastic work of art? The eight members of San Diego quilting group Bobbin Buddies! The quilt was made to celebrate Balboa Park’s centennial.

The award-winning quilt would go on to be included in the Brigham City Museum’s 46th International Quilt Invitational Exhibit in 2018.

This webpage describes how the beautiful quilt was created, and how it was purchased by the Balboa Park Conservancy and has been on display in its Visitors Center. (Today the Visitors Center is operated by Forever Balboa Park.)

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Historical police cars at San Diego Automotive Museum!

The San Diego Automotive Museum is now showcasing a fascinating slice of our city’s history. Visitors can check out vintage San Diego police cars!

Yesterday, while roaming about the museum, I came upon these vehicles owned by the San Diego Police Historical Association–the organization that operates the San Diego Police Museum. (Years ago I blogged about the police museum here.)

A complete range of old vehicles is on display. I enjoyed a close look at a very unique 1968 Ford Country Squire Police Ambulance, a 1953 Ford Mainline police car, a 1948 Ford Traffic Supervisor’s Car, and even a 1926 Buick Police “Paddy Wagon.” There are police cars from the 70s, 80s and 90s, too.

Perhaps you’ve seen some of these vehicles in parades or at special events. The San Diego Police Museum boasts a large collection of restored police vehicles. All are in working order. They can be rented out for special occasions. To learn more, visit this webpage.

A few photos taken at the San Diego Automotive Museum…

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

War horse, camel, goat and cat in Balboa Park!

Almost a year ago, I posted a blog about the restoration of Balboa Park’s beautiful carousel animals. I walked by today and found carousel caretaker William “Bill” Brown and a smiling volunteer hard at work!

The carved wooden War Horse, Camel and Goat are at various stages of restoration, as you can see. Compare today’s photographs with those I took in June 2025 by clicking here.

First up, here’s the War Horse. The Balboa Park Carousel was originally built in 1910 by Herschell-Spillman, and, fortunately, there is a factory description that still exists. Bill intends to keep the restored version fairly true to that historical appearance.

Here’s an image of how a Herschell-Spillman War Horse appeared in the early 20th century…

Here’s how the restoration appears so far, with a lot of detailed painting still to go…

Here’s a sketch Bill made of the Camel as it may look when finally restored.

Unfortunately, no record exists of how this carousel animal originally appeared over a century ago. The leaves atop the camel’s humps would obviously be green.

The painting of the Camel is getting underway…

The Goat isn’t quite as far along.

As you can see, a lot of sanding is required when restoring these carved wooden carousel animals, they’re so very detailed. Lots of nooks and crannies.

But when the restoration is complete, the animals are amazing! Look how the Persian Cat turned out!

The Balboa Park Carousel is one of San Diego’s great treasures. Thanks to all who are keeping it alive, vibrant, and the source of joy for many!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

HPR Knights first lawn program in Balboa Park!

In San Diego, young Knights gather together in Balboa Park. Today they put on their first ever lawn program at the International Cottages!

The HPR Knights is a relatively new group of young men who represent the diverse nations belonging to the House of Pacific Relations. The group was founded in 2024. This is the HPR Knights website.

Their description: We are a San Diego based, all-male organization dedicated to serving the greater San Diego community. We strive to represent all cultures and encourage the youth to participate in the House of Pacific Relations community at Balboa Park.

At their inaugural lawn program these young men impressed everyone. Several spoke of how the group encourages brotherhood, mutual respect, self-confidence and leadership.

I learned about their community service, including how they’ve worked at Mission Trails Regional Park to remove invasive vegetation and reintroduce native plants. They also help around the International Cottages, representing many cultures, promoting education and friendship.

After the speeches came a variety of performances! I got a photo of Bollywood breakdancing on the stage by young members of the House of India!

Do you know anyone who might like to join the group? Visit their website!

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)

Celebration of Spring at the Old Globe!

The coming of Spring was celebrated at the Old Globe today in Balboa Park!

AXIS, a community engagement program of the Old Globe, presented Celebration of Spring. The free, family-friendly event celebrated and honored local indigenous culture, their language and traditions. Front and center in the Old Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza there was dance, singing, poetry and storytelling!

After wandering past the canopies of several vendors and organizations, I enjoyed the first part of the program, which featured dance performances by Bearpaw Native Dancers and Talent.

The above photo is of a fancy shawl butterfly dance!

A friendly greeting from folks representing AXIS!

Youthful smiles at a table featuring Our Past, Present, and Future comic books.

These optimistic, inspiring comic books were co-written by San Diego State University professor Ethan Banegas (@Ethan-Banegas), a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. Several creators helped to put it together!

The House of Mexico was at the event, too. I purchased a bottle of cold water. Hot again today!

An audience filled the tables at Copley Plaza as the cultural performances continued.

Those present were invited to join a Round Dance honoring mothers. The percussion simulated the heartbeat you heard before birth inside your mother.

In spring the life of the world is reborn.

…

To follow my blog, find the “Follow” box in this website’s sidebar. Or bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

(If you’re viewing this on a phone, open my website’s sidebar by tapping those three parallel lines at the top of the page.)