Balboa Park in San Diego, California, offers so much to do and see, but it can be hard to fit it all in during a visit. Fortunately, the park has plenty of free or affordable attractions. Take a stroll through the rose gardens, check out the museums, or catch the Musical Instruments Museum’s free concerts. From world-renowned symphonies to world-class theater and general entertainment, there is no better place in Southern California if you want to experience concerts, plays, and fireworks.
HIKING TRAILS
Hiking trails are an amazing hobby. The exercise, the fresh air, the views, the wildlife, the exercise, and the chance to connect with nature! Hiking trails can be found all across the United States. But being outdoors in the elements can still be dangerous if you aren’t prepared with the right apparel, equipment, and tools. Learning how to survive in the wilderness is an important step to enjoying the many trails.
GOLDEN HILL TRAILS GATEWAY
The Golden Hill Trails Gateway is the city’s newest park, and it’s a great spot to take your dog for a brisk walk or run. Although the park is located right outside of Los Angeles city limits, it’s easily accessible from the City of Industry using I-605, the Artesia Freeway. The park, which is part of Los Angeles’ Foothill Recreational Trails System, is between Azusa and Glendora.
MARSTON POINT TRAILS GATEWAY
The Marston Point Trail Gateway, located near the mouth of the Connecticut River at the east end of East Haddam, is a gateway to many recreational and tourism activities. The Gateway is located at the Connecticut River’s Delta, formed by the convergence of three rivers and their tributaries. It offers boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and bird watching.
MORLEY FIELD TRAILS GATEWAY
The Morley Field Trails Gateway is slated to be completed this spring and will provide a spectacular gateway experience for visitors traveling east and north through Morley Field. The new gateway features a bridge designed with angled girders, enabling visitors to take in the view of Morley Field without having to twist their necks, as well as a large viewing platform with a stone and glass wall for stunning views of the Fraser River, Whistler, and the Sea to Sky Corridor.
PARK BOULEVARD TRAILS GATEWAY
The Parks Boulevard Trails are short, paved paths that wind throughout Forest Park, providing residents, families, dog walkers, and bicyclists with a convenient way to get outside and get active. The trails can be found behind the Albert Loeb Tennis Center and along Randolph Avenue. The shortest trails are just under two miles long, but there are plenty of opportunities for improvements and expansions, such as the Albert Ashe Trail, which would connect the parks of Forest Park in a comprehensive loop. The Albert Ashe Trail is currently undergoing design, with construction expected to begin in 2017.
CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS
Children’s playgrounds are important for several reasons:
- They are fun places for kids to play. Playgrounds allow children to exercise, interact with others, build friendships, and develop motor skills.
- They are a place for children to learn through play. Children learn about the world of possibilities when they play on a playground. They learn about social skills, interacting with other children, and sharing and playing with others.
- Playgrounds are important to the overall health and well-being of children.
Our modern (increasingly toxic) world is so fast-paced and stressful that kids need time to play. Physical activity promotes health and happiness, and playgrounds give kids the chance to get moving.
MUSEUM HOPPING
The Museum Picasso is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world, so it’s no surprise it attracts millions of visitors every year. While some visitors simply come to see and marvel at Picasso’s famous works, others learn more about the artist. If you’re visiting Barcelona, the museum is just a short drive from the city center, making it convenient to stop by before or after you explore the city.
Balboa Park is a spacious, multi-use park (with the added benefit of being located in the city of San Diego) that is home to museums, gardens, theaters, and an array of other attractions. A visit to the park will undoubtedly keep you entertained for a whole day, and it’s one of the most affordable attractions in San Diego. If you are visiting San Diego, make sure to visit Balboa Park.