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6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

What will you do on your summer vacay? You could hang out at the beach every day… or you could have lunch with cannibals, go on a mission to Mars, or revisit the Renaissance period and expand your cultural acumen. Whatever your preference, there's so much to do in Balboa Park!
Balboa Park After Dark

Art After Hours

For only $5 after 5 p.m. on Fridays, experience special exhibitions and the San Diego Museum of Art’s 20 galleries, featuring works from world-renowned artists including Picasso, Monet, and O’Keeffe. College students are free—just bring your ID. Open until 8 p.m. on Fridays. Afterward, visit Panama 66, the museum’s restaurant located in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden, for a selection of draft beer, craft cocktails, locally sourced food, and live musical performances. Visit the Panama 66 calendar for a full listing of music and events. Don’t forget to visit Bibliotique, the retail store adjacent to Panama 66, where you can find unique and innovative items inspired by San Diego culture.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

Brews and Views

One of the best views of Balboa Park—and San Diego Bay—is from the rooftop of The Nat. Thursdays and Fridays this summer, guests can take advantage of that epic scenery when the museum opens its rooftop lounge to the public as part of Nat at Night. After touring the exhibitions and films, guests can watch the sun set while enjoying beer, wine, and kid-friendly beverages. Plus, there’s science trivia on Thursday nights. Through August 30, and select dates in September.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure

Now Open at the San Diego Air & Space Museum is SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure, an informative, educational, interactive—and most of all, fun experience for the whole family, with selfie stations on the moon and Mars and hands-on learning experiences for explorers of all ages. Come check out the must-see exhibit this summer at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

Science with a Twist

What sounds like the start of a bad joke is actually an unexpected event from the Fleet Science Center. Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar sends 50 scientists to 25 bars all over San Diego County on one night. The scientist pairs post a sign that says, “We are scientists. Ask us anything!” and then field inquiries about anything from UV tattoos to genetics. Thursday, June 27, is the next event. Visit fleetscience.org for participating bars.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

Art in Action

Take a stroll through the historic studios and colorful courtyard. Spanish Village Art Center studios represent over 250 working artists, many of whom offer daily demonstrations of works in progress. Free admission, priceless experience. Watch, learn, and shop all year long. Open daily 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

Get Back on Track

With over 27,000 square feet of tracks, trestles, and trains, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum opens up a world of wonder to kids and kids at heart. There are multiple exhibits to explore, including the Centennial Railway Garden, featuring innovative technology and sustainable exhibit design, and the Toy Train Gallery, filled with fancy lighting and fast trains sure to spark smiles. History buffs will appreciate the fact that most exhibits in the museum are based on actual historic railway lines.

6 Things to Do This Summer in Balboa Park

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