I'm pretty sure most San Diego residents have heard of Balboa Park, a beautiful place to explore and to learn. Those who are not from San Diego would more than likely find out about Balboa from friends or attractions sites. Balboa is host to various attractions, some of which consist of the San Diego Zoo, Gardens and many Museums.
What many people don't seem to know about is a beautiful thing called Resident Free Tuesdays. What this consist of is a systems of rotating museums who offer free admission to San Diego Residents on the first four Tuesdays of the month. All that is required to do this is proof that you are a San Diego resident. This can be shown in many ways, such as a bill with your address and name, your ID with a San Diego address on it, or a school ID such as your Red ID. The following is a list of all the museums which participate as well as when.
First Tuesday
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Centro Cultural de la Raza
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (Not valid for 3-D films)
The Timken Museum of Art is always free.
Second Tuesday
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego History Center
Veterans' Museum and Memorial Center
The Timken Museum of Art is always free.
Third Tuesday
San Diego Art Institute
Mingei International Museum
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Man
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Timken Museum of Art is always free.
Fourth Tuesday
San Diego Air & Space Museum (Not valid for special exhibitions)
San Diego Automotive Museum (Last admission 3:45pm)
San Diego Hall of Champions
SELECT House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
The Timken Museum of Art is always free.
Fifth Tuesday
Normal museum prices in effect. The Timken Museum of Art is always free.
Note that for special exhibitions, such as the King Tut exhibition currently at the NAT, which ends the 26 of April, the residents free Tuesday does not apply. This means that you can enter the museum, but cannot enter the special exhibitions unless you pay. There are some which require ID for minors as well, but for the most part if and adult is able to prove residency, then the minor can enter as well. I've done this many times with my little sister, and I have yet to be asked for an ID for her.
Apart from the museums Balboa, has the San Diego Zoo, which is really fun to explore. If you go during blooming season, I would advise you to visit the Rose Gardens, it's both beautiful and relaxing. If you don't make it in time for the Rose Gardens, there is always the Botanical Garden. It beautiful both inside and out, and would be a perfect place for pictures. If you go with a child, or just want to cool off, my recommendation would be the fountain in between the NAT and the Rueben Fleet Museum. You could always dip your feet in.
The performing art in Balboa is amazing as well. Balboa Park boasts an internationally acclaimed, Tony Award in the Old Globe as well as an organ pavilion and many other types of performing arts. I was born and raised in San Diego, but as of yet, I have not fully explored all there is to do there. With my sister, we have made it our mission to do just this, this summer. If you want more information I would advise you to visit their website which is, http://www.balboapark.org/, you can plan an amazing day with friends, family, or anyone really.
