Archive for the culture category
December 18th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re in San Diego visiting family or vacationing for the holidays, here are some attractions that will be open around Christmas and New Year’s to keep you busy.
Head on down to the for beautiful, light-filled gallery spaces, innovative exhibitions, and vast collections of permanent commissions.
With more than 100 interactive exhibits, the is perfect for the whole family. The museum also houses the world’s first IMAX movie theatre, so catch a planetarium or educational film during your visit.
Check out more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species at the . You can also experience “Monkey Trails” and “Forest Tales,” which are only two of the zoo’s fantastic exhibits. The winding pathways through 3 acres of habitat are sure to fill your day with learning and fun.
UPDATE: As Claire’s comment below indicates, the is open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but not on the actual holidays. The Fleet Science Museum and San Diego Zoo are open on December 25 and January 1. We apologize for any confusion!
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December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
Mingei International Museum
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For all you art-lovers out there, here’s a guide to all the amazing art museums in San Diego. Whether you’re more of a contemporary art fan or you love to study the origins of art, there’s a museum for everyone in this city.
Featured in the photograph above, the features timeless art from people from all around the world, igniting discussion that crosses cultural and continental boundaries. With 17,000 objects from 140 countries, this is a true tour of the world through art itself.
At the in historic Balboa Park, discover more than 9,000 images depicting the entire history of the art form. The museum also tackles social, historic, and cultural issues in its exhibits, challenging visitors to strike up interesting conversations about the medium.
Also located in the heart of Balboa Park, the is the region’s largest fine arts museum. There’s everything from the works of the European old masters and important American paintings to a collection of Asian art. This museum also houses the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of South Asian paintings, which is the most significant collection of its kind outside of India.
There’s also the , which presents the region’s foremost forum for the exploration and presentation of contemporary art and creative expression. With over 4,000 works of art, a sculptural garden, and art that kids can interact with in a park-like setting, this is a great way to spend part of your visit to San Diego.
To compliment the MoCa in La Jolla, the provides a look into works by commissioned artists in the renovated historic Santa Fe Depot baggage building. There’s always something going on at this museum, which features a program of nightly events and special events on the first Thursday of every month entitled “Thursday Night Thing.”
For newly created art, check out the presented by the San Diego Art Institute. Located in the House of Charm in Balboa Park, there’s a new exhibition every four to six weeks. Support local artists and the San Diego art community with a visit to this innovative museum.
Last, but certainly not least, is the . This center of art is renowned for its dedication to the study and preservation of the fine arts. Dubbed “Southern California’s “Window to the World’s Richest Cultures,” this museum has organized many significant cultural exhibits during its time, including “Dead Sea Scrolls.”
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December 13th, 2007 by susan j
Planning a trip to San Diego? Check out our guide to events in San Diego for the coming week…
Friday, December 14-Sunday, December 14 (7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, 2 pm on Sunday)
The San Diego Chamber Orchestra performs along with the Chorus of the Bach Collegium.
Friday, December 14-Saturday, December 15
Old Town San Diego gives visitors a taste of the holidays in early San Diego with , live entertainment, luminarias, and more. Tours start at 6 pm with proceeds benefiting the Old Town San Diego Historic Park.
Now through Sunday, December 16
The Port of San Diego presents the 36th annual . This year’s theme “Yo Ho Ho… A Pirate’s Christmas!” which is sure to excite the whole family!
Now through January 6 (various times)
Horton Place hosts for all ages. Prices for a 2 hour session are $12 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Proceeds go to the Cancer Care Treatment Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.
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December 4th, 2007 by jamie a
Here’s a quick guide to at the . With ever-changing events and new traveling exhibits, there’s always something interesting to see and do!
On Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8th, the museum will open its doors from 5- 9 pm for . There will be free general admission to visitors.
December is your last chance to see the , which the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of the scrolls ever assembled. The Ten Commandments, the oldest of the scrolls, are on display, as well as a section of the Copper Scrolls. Walk through exhibits of the text on display with translations, authentic artifacts, excavation equipment, as well as photography and scientific studies.
Until January 1, explore a collection of , which compliments the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Using interpretive and modernistic color imagery, the traditions and culture of Israel come alive on film. Wood, ceramic, and glass sculptures will also be featured, representing additional modern-day interpretations of Israel.
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November 30th, 2007 by amy c
One of many Mission style homes in San Diego
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Remnants of California’s colonial history still remain today in the Mediterranean flourishes and adobe stucco houses, buildings, and churches that speckle San Diego. Mission style architecture not only offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past, but combined with the palm trees and warm breeze, can make you feel as if you are a world away from a modern city.
Personally, I conjured up my dream home when I visited San Diego for the first time and took in the spacious architecture that seamlessly blends the outside with the inside, the paint jobs that age with increasing beauty, and the mosaic tile adorned rooms that make it easy to imagine you are in a Spanish villa. For all the architecture buffs or those of you wanting to see history through buildings that are more like art, check out these prime locations for glimpsing brilliant architecture.
A stroll through alone will transport you to another time with its Cal-Mex culture. The outside markets, mariachi bands, countless restaurants with authentic Spanish and Mexican food feel at home among a back drop of artfully aged arch ways, individually placed red curved brick, and sun-kissed stucco flanked by luscious bougainvillea.
Father Junipero Serra can be partially credited for bringing this beautiful architecture to the states when he established his first California mission. , built in in the mission style, commemorates Native America, Spanish, Mexican, and American time periods through 1929 with artifacts, featuring housewares, tools and furniture.
Uptown and La Jolla are still home to the work of prolific architect, Irving Gill, who, around the turn of the century, integrated the desert-like landscape into his designs. Some of his homes are on the list. Soon local architects followed in his footsteps, modeling city buildings, such as the County Administration Center, the , and the , after Spanish/Mexican influences, according to Frommer’s.
A wonderful aspect of the San Diego experience is that an adobe church can be found next to a modern office building which could neighbor a Victorian home, showcasing San Diego’s diverse history and influences. If the mission style architecture has drawn out the designer in you, perhaps take the that showcases preserved Victorian homes and office buildings, another famed style of architecture in California.
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November 1st, 2007 by amy c
Old Town
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San Diego’s Old Town exudes Cal-Mex culture with mariachi bands, margaritas, and markets that feature traditional hand-made Mexican arts and crafts. An afternoon in Old Town will take you back to the days of California’s first European settlement and offer a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The Junipero Serra Museum, created in 1929 to commemorate the first mission established by Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola, features artifacts from the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican periods.
Frequented by the ghost of San Diego pioneer, Thomas Whaley, the historic Whaley House is said to be the most haunted house in America, gaining world-famous stature for several paranormal incidents experienced by the visitors. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you’ll appreciate the beautiful architecture and rich history that has made this house a San Diego landmark since 1857.
No Old Town excursion is complete without a taste of the traditional Mexican flavors that have seasoned California cuisine. I recommend El Agave, to get an intoxicating Mexican experience with its variety of fresh seafood, traditional dishes, including “moles” which utilize a wide array of surprising and complementary spices, and their selection of over a hundred tequilas. Not only does the food make this restaurant worthy of its “Best Mexican Restaurant in San Diego” title, but the rustic decor and outside seating will give you the feeling you are dining in a Mexican palace.
Check back for ways to enjoy another one of San Diego’s historical neighborhoods: Coronado Island!
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October 31st, 2007 by amy c
Wednesday, October 31
: Today is your last day to experience the bone-chilling Halloween adventure of Balboa Park!
Saturday, November 3
: The perfect time to explore Old Town is during their weekly market, featuring live music, food, art, and gifts.
Sunday, November 4
: The Maritime Museum of San Diego, celebrates the history of San Diego’s maritime past with this recreation of sail warfare.
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San Diego?
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October 24th, 2007 by jamie a
photo uploaded by Gary J. Wood
A botanical wonder just to the north of San Diego, this park is home to many of the city’s museums. Balboa Park was established in 1886, so you can enjoy the Spanish colonial architecture that most of the modern buildings have also followed. Along the El Prado pedestrian mall, you can spend the day hopping from one attraction to the next!
Start off by spending some time at the San Diego Zoo, rated one of the best in the world. With more than 4,000 animals, you can meet creatures from every corner of the globe. Known for their Giant Panda Research Station, you can stop by and meet Gao Gao, Bai Yun, and little Mei Sheng, the resident pandas.
Be sure to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden, built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. Experience the beautiful Zen design of this garden, complete with sand and stone gardens, koi ponds, and a shishiodoshi, a bamboo pipe waterfall that is meant to scare away evil spirits.
With more than 9,000 images chronicling the art of photography, the Museum of Photographic Arts is a sure stop for any shutterbug. Tackling the political, social, and cultural topics of the art, this museum provides a wonderful all-inclusive view of the medium. From September 15, 2007 to January 13, 2008, you can see the exhibition entitled Picturing Eden, a study of all things related to the idea of paradise.
For a luxurious dinner in the heart of Balboa Park, make a reservation at The Prado. Known for his unique California cuisine, chef Jeff Thurston is a risk-taker. With stunning architecture and atmosphere, enjoy a lovely dinner on the patio overlooking the park.
An exact replica of Shakespeare’s original theater, The Old Globe is a Tony award-winning regional theater. There are a dozen performances a year at this magnificent venue, with a Shakespeare Festival that delights audiences every summer. For all the thespians in the group, there’s even a backstage tour!
For even more excellent attractions, be sure and look through our expansive list of museums!
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October 23rd, 2007 by amy c
photo uploaded by Advencap
No vacation to San Diego is complete without a trip to California’s famous long stretches of coastline, speckled with surfers all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, looking to learn, or just want to check out the locals riding the “gnarly” waves, San Diego has a beach for you.
So you’ve never been on a surfboard in your life… You can still get a taste of California surf culture (and perhaps a few gulps of salty sea water) at Mission Beach, home to a two mile stretch of white sand that attracts bronzed crowds for sun bathing and water sports. The mild waves offer a gentle initiation to the Pacific as does Endless Summer Adventure’s surf lessons.
For the surfing novice… So, you know how to navigate the tide and maybe you’ve been on a surfboard once or twice, then La Jolla Shores is the perfect place to hone your surfing skills on smaller, gentler waves in an area specified just for surfing. (This way you can avoid navigating around pesky swimmers or waders.)
For the full blown surfing beach bum…Windansea Beach: Hard breaking waves crash right at shoreline on a scenic strip of soft sand that meets gently sloping hills, covered in greenery. Windansea Beach embodies both classic California beauty in the heart of Palm Tree-covered La Jolla, and a challenge for surfers looking for an exhilarating meeting with the chilly Pacific Ocean. Even if the surf proves to be too rough, you can always take a break on the sand and admire the rip curl action (not to mention ripped abs) of the local surfers.
Just steps away from the surf on Mission Beach is Belmont Park where you can experience one of the last remaining beach front amusement parks, satisfy that surfing-induced craving for fair food, and stock up on California beach apparel at the various surf shops.
Check back for more ways to enjoy the San Diego coastline!
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October 10th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by Virtual Ern.
Personally, seeing photos like the one above gives me reason enough to love San Diego, but Budget Travel recently compiled a whopping 25 reasons, including San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park and Petco Field. Check it out.
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San Diego?
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