Balboa Park
Balboa Park began as 1400 acres of land set aside in 1868 by San Diego civic leaders. Just after the turn of the century, a master plan for Park improvements and beautification was formally introduced. The name Balboa Park was chosen in honor of Spanish-born Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, the first European to spot the Pacific Ocean while on exploration in Panama. Balboa Park boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions with an incredible diversity of collections. Lush gardens, entertainment venues, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo can also be found at the park. It is San Diego Historic Landmark No. 1 in the Historic Districts in San Diego County and a National Historic Landmark District in the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego, San Diego County
Images by John Bare