Nestled within 1,200 acres and elaborate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, the park consists of seven performing arts theaters, 15 museums and several cultural centers, the San Diego Zoo, gardens, recreation, attractions and restaurants, not to mention the Spanish Village Art Center. In San Diego's Balboa Park & Zoo the focus is on Balboa Park's history and the renowned San Diego Zoo. But, just past the San Diego Zoo entrance, keep walking to the right into Balboa Park and located on the left-hand side is literally a hidden jewel, the Spanish Village Art Center.

Spanish Art Village

Many residents of San Diego are not aware that this community has thrived in their midst since 1937. The village was born from the aftermath of the second World's Fair: '35 - '36 California Pacific International Exhibition. Concessionaires who sold various handcrafts and sundries originally used the buildings. Sherman Trease was a visionary who contacted artists and executives when the Spanish Village was no longer needed for the fair. Together, with members of the park board and individual artists, this group turned a dilapidated set of buildings into the fabulous art village that it is today.

The colorful Spanish Village is a nonprofit corporation. Its principal purpose is to encourage and promote the work of local artists, offering them a place to work and exhibit their products. Artists are accepted into the village by means of an outside-juried committee. The village is comprised of painters, sculptors, wood and metalworkers, glassblowers, ceramic artists, writers, photographers, jewelry and textile artists. This unique art colony has grown into a quaint, yet beautiful village with multi-colored painted brick walkways, accented with artwork and Spanish stucco buildings topped with red-tiled roofs. The main courtyard is filled with flowering trees, potted plants and is a gathering place for artists and the public to meet and visit. They may watch art demonstrations, discuss art and just sit and absorb the sunlit atmosphere of the enchanting village.

There are 38 studios to date with over 90 artists at work within the different guilds. In addition, the artists sell their work and teach classes for children and adults. The public is welcome to view the artists at work in the studios whenever available. The stunning array of their incredible art is superior in design, quality and originality. Village artists such as Lucy Wang, (studio 4) displays vibrant three-dimensional watercolor on silk that absorbs and captivates the viewer. Wang's varied silk themes would grace any domicile. Don Knapp and Scott Weaver of studio number 3, blend rich artwork of mixed media and vivid glasswork. Knapp and Weaver are a perfect pairing with their use of brilliant color infused throughout their distinctive creations. Cassandra Shepard of studio 32 imbues luminous shades into her flowing Shibori and silk hand-painted couture. Combine this artist's gorgeous fashions with her contemporary jewelry for an elegant and enviable addition to your wardrobe.

All of the artist luminaries in the Spanish Village merit a write up of their extraordinary art and all of the studios are a must-see with their myriad of unique and magnificent creations. The art village is incomparable and one of San Diego's best kept secrets. It isn't a wonder though, as patrons of the Spanish Village revel in the covetous admiration they receive when showing or wearing art from the village.

Balboa Park's Theaters, Museums, and More

After visiting the Spanish Art Village, it's time to explore Balboa Park, which consists of seven performing arts theaters, 15 museums and several cultural centers, gardens, recreation, attractions and restaurants. This magnificently beautiful and historical park is ranked one of the best international parks in the world and offers so much to do and see, it is a cultural trip destination in itself.

Balboa Park's undeveloped origin began in 1868 and today encompasses 1,200 acres. Kate Sessions' early landscape design of Balboa Park (1892) and the elaborate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, constructed for the first World's Fair (the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition), were the genesis of the park's current appearance. Sessions planted 100 trees a year years in the park for many years.

Start with the performing arts. The most famous of Balboa Park's performing arts theaters is the Old Globe. Founded in 1935, the Old Globe encompasses three venues: The Outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theater, The historic Old Globe Theater and the intimate Cassius Carter Centre Stage, located next to the historic Old Globe. The Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theater is internationally acclaimed and one of the most prestigious to the region. This circular theater was where John Lithgow started in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels before it went on to Broadway; the Full Monty took stage here as well.

Besides all of the fabulous performances staged at the Old Globe throughout the year, Christmas is especially enchanting with Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In its eighth year, the Grinch is extremely popular with all ages. The surrounding outside area of the theater is turned into a magical version of Whoville with the gift shop bedecked and selling Grinch, Cindy Lou and Whoville gifts and memorabilia. For an outstanding Christmas family surprise, catch an Old Globe performance of this American classic!

Shakespeare's works are performed often at the Old Globe with several works presented under the stars at the Lowell Davies Theater. There is nothing quite as romantic and passionate as a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Othello unfolding before the audience on a warm, starry summer night.

The gardens that flourish throughout Balboa Park are incredibly beautiful with their graceful designs and supporting water features and flowing fountains. There are a myriad of different gardens to stroll through such as the Alcazar Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Desert Garden and the historical Botanical Building to name a few. Truly, these diverse selections of flora and fauna, from native local plants and trees, to themed designs such as the formal English style of the Marston House Garden are an amazing botanical triumph. If time permits, visit as many of the gardens as possible. Two must-see gardens are the Botanical Building, located in front of the Lily Pond, with over 2,100 plants and flowers and the Alcazar Gardens styled after the Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain.

Museums abound (about 15) in Balboa Park with the San Diego Air & Space Center, the San Diego Museum of Man, to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the renowned Timken Museum of Art. For most visitors, time is again a factor, so the choices of museums come down to personal interests. For young adults and children, consider the Museum of Man, or the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. The Science Center boasts the world's first IMAX Theater and their plethora of interactive science exhibits will keep fussy visitors of any age busy for hours. The center's Kid City is great for children seven and under. For visitors who prefer paintings, The Timken Museum features a fabulous collection of old European Masters (Rembrandt & Bruegel), as well as American and Russian artists. Located adjacent o the Lily Pond and Botanical Building, the Timken is small but outstanding and free to visit.

After visits to better your cultural and artistic appreciations, you're starved. Balboa Park hosts over 12 restaurants, cafes, quick bites and tearooms. For quick nibbles, sandwiches and breakfast, try Caf‚ in the Park. For a lovely traditional Japanese tea, noodles and sushi, try the Tea Pavilion. The Prado at Balboa Park is an excellent restaurant with in and outdoor seating. A bit more on the formal side, the restaurant is often the site of summer wedding receptions and is frequented by locals and visitors alike. Their menu varies, but is diverse and fresh. The Prado is always busy, so reservations are a good idea.

San Diego is a great city for a holiday and after visiting Balboa Park, many guests want to move to the coastal Mecca. Visitors and locals never tire of the magnificent and evolving Balboa Park. With its great cultural and recreational attractions, the park has become an icon for all other cities to emulate. Just strolling through the park and gazing at the architecture and serene gardens makes one wonder if Kate Sessions had any idea of the enormous success and growth that would follow when she first planted those 100 trees...