Art, music and performance bloom year-round.

Spanning 1,200 acres of lush, beautifully landscaped terrain, Balboa Park is home to San Diego’s thriving cultural scene. Nestled between palm trees and botanical gardens, ornate Spanish Colonial buildings house many of the park’s museums and art exhibits. Several of the buildings were constructed as part of two world fairs: the Panama-California Exposition in 1915–16, and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935–36.

Performing arts abound here, from world-renowned productions at The Old Globe Theatre to musical favorites at the Starlight Bowl to whimsical puppet shows at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses the largest ­outdoor pipe organ in the world (with more than 4,500 pipes) and offers free concerts each Sunday at 2 p.m.

great find
HEAVY METAL
What would modern society be like if humans had never developed the technology to smelt and refine metal? This is the focus of a new exhibition on view through February 2008 at the San Diego Museum of Man. Journey to the Copper Age: Archaeology in the Holy Land is based on an expedition of international scientists who traveled by donkey across the deserts of the Middle East, tracing the footsteps of the ancient traders who developed metallurgy more than 6,000 years ago. Featuring many artifacts never before seen outside of Israel, the exhibition is a complement to the Dead Sea Scrolls, now on view at the Natural History Museum nearby. In addition to relics like the one pictured above, the show features photography by National Geographic’s Kenneth Garret. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001.

The park is also home to groups celebrating culture. The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages promotes the heritage of countries around the world by hosting open houses and weekend festivals. Neighboring WorldBeat Center uses art, music, dance and education to celebrate African and indigenous cultures. Spanish Village is a collective of artists and ­galleries in a charming courtyard setting.

It can take more than one day to see and enjoy each museum, garden and attraction. The Visitors Center (619.239.0512) in the House of Hospitality offers a Passport to Balboa Park, allowing admission to any of the park’s museums for one week. (Keep in mind some museums are closed on Mondays.) Deluxe ­packages include passes to the neighboring San Diego Zoo.

These are just a few of the many museums found in the park:

Known for its presentation of eclectic traveling exhibitions, the San Diego Museum of Art also has a trove of Renaissance and Baroque works, plus a vast Asian collection. The world-class Museum of Photographic Arts , one of only a handful in the U.S. dedicated solely to film and photography, presents films in its state-of-the-art theater. The Mingei International Museum celebrates folk art, while the Timken Museum of Art is home to the Putnam Foundation’s renowned collection of European art, including Russian religious paintings.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum salutes aeronautical pioneers with memorabilia and numerous restored ­airships. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has interactive science exhibitions, a motion simulator ride and an IMAX Dome theater. The country’s largest multi-sports museum, the San Diego Hall of Champions, has interactive displays inviting sports fans to test their athletic and broadcasting skills . Exhibits honor local greats like Gail Devers, Dan Fouts, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton and Ted Williams. From antiques to hot rods, the San Diego Automotive Museum’s collection illustrates the evolution of the automobile.

The San Diego Natural History Museum’s fossil exhibits and hands-on learning give visitors a chance to explore the natural world. Dedicated to the study of anthropology, the San Diego Museum of Man explores cultures of the world, especially the Americas. The largest of its kind, the Model Railroad Museum boasts scale models and interactive features for children. The Museum of San Diego History features traveling shows and exhibitions culled from the Historical Society’s vast collection.

Click HERE for a detailed map of Balboa Park.