Live theatre and music, interactive exhibits and extraordinary historical sites in San Diego County provide one-ofa-kind opportunities to explore, learn and be entertained.

Travel back in time, explore new worlds and view rare artifacts at more than 90 museums in San Diego County.

The region’s cultural centerpiece, magnificent Balboa Park celebrates its 100th birthday in 2015 and many of its 17 museums are hosting events with a focus on the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. For information on centennial events, visit celebratebalboapark.org.

Nearby, Old Town San Diego welcomes visitors to 19th-century colonial life.

The site is considered the “birthplace” of California, and visitors watch history come alive in the many preserved historic buildings and museums. While in Old Town, visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site or Whaley House Museum, or catch a musical or play at Cygnet Theatre.

Down by the waterfront, two of the city’s most treasured attractions—the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum— anchor the bay. Just a stroll away, enjoy a performance by the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops orchestra, staging outdoor concerts all summer long at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.

North County also draws audiences to its magnificent museums such as the stunningly cool California Surf Museum and the elegant Oceanside Museum of Art. Oceanside’s revered Mission San Luis Rey, a jewel of early California history. Regional arts and entertainment venues sharing the spotlight include the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad and Moonlight Stage Productions, staging Broadway plays and musicals for delighted audiences in Vista. Also in East County visit four museums at one place at the Heritage of the Americas.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps • 9 map on page 53

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla • (858) 534-3474 • aquarium.ucsd.edu

Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses and living coral reefs at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Perched on a bluff above the Pacific and featuring more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates, the venue hosts daily animal-feeding and hands-on educational visitor activities. Birch also offers seasonal outdoor excursions such as tide-pooling, whale watching, grunion runs, pier walks and snorkel tours. Other programs include monthly SEA Days (Science, Exploration & Adventure!) and Summer Learning Adventure Camps. Also not be to be missed are three living tidepool displays allowing visitors to touch sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers and other other unique animals local to San Diego’s tide pools. Check out the venue’s monthly Green Flash concerts, pairing live music with panoramic ocean views, through September 2015! Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. year-round.

Cabrillo National Monument • 15 map on page 52

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego • (619) 557-5450

About 30 minutes west from downtown San Diego lies Cabrillo National Monument—a gem of a national park named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the California coast. The park features stunning views of San Diego’s coastline from 400 feet above the ocean. Visitors can tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855; trek the two-mile Bayside Trail offering breathtaking harbor and city of San Diego views; and during low tide, peer into tide pools of the Rocky Intertidal Zone. Also, a lookout point near the lighthouse provides one of the best places on land anywhere to observe migrating gray whales. The park’s elevated location also has military importance: History buffs will enjoy seeing searchlight bunkers and viewing the exhibit, “They Stood the Watch,” which shows the park’s role in World Wars I and II. Going further back in time, re-enactors stroll the park and offer a living picture of life in the 1880s. Visit Cabrillo—San Diego’s Ocean Gateway & National Park—today! nps.gov/cabr or cnmf.org

Cygnet Theatre • 14 map on page 52

4040 Twiggs St., San Diego • (619) 337-1525 • cygnettheatre.com

Enjoy a memorable night out at Cygnet Theatre, staging critically acclaimed musicals and plays in San Diego’s Old Town. Patrons excellent view from every one of the theatre’s 246 seats, air conditioning, state-of-the-art lighting and sound and free parking. Restaurants and shops are just steps away.

Cygnet launches its 13th season in July, 2015, with a diverse slate of shows. Leading the way will be “Dogfight” (July 16–Aug. 23), a musical set amid wartime. In the fall, Cygnet’s tradition of shows performed in rotating rep continues with two by Noël Coward: “Hay Fever” (Sept. 23–Nov. 8) and “The Vortex” (Sept. 24–Nov. 8.) Another Cygnet tradition returns for the holidays with the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (Nov. 27–Dec. 27).

Heritage of the Americas Museum • 15 map on page 53

12110 Cuyamaca College Dr W, El Cajon • (619) 670-5194 • cuyamaca.edu/museum

Journey through time as you visit four museums in one place: Natural History features specimens from throughout the world. Archaeology is filled with pre-Columbian artifacts from North, Central and South America. The artifacts in Anthropology represent Native American life after 1492. The Art Wing has contemporary western art and a Chinese collection, including a jade burial ship from the Han Dynasty. Stroll through the botanical gardens, containing exotic palm trees on one side and desert plants on the other.

House of Blues /House of Blues Gospel Brunch • 2 map on page 52

1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego • (619) 299-2583 • houseofblues.com/sandiego

Join the House of Blues San Diego for a roof-raising Gospel Brunch experience on select Sundays. This world-famous event includes local talent performing both traditional and contemporary Gospel songs personally selected by legendary gospel producer and artist, Kirk Franklin. Before and during the show, patrons are treated to a spectacular all-youcan-eat smorgasbord, featuring breakfast favorites, plus tender carving stations, southern specialties and mouthwatering desserts. Check out their online concert calendar for brunch dates and show details. Order online tickets at houseofblues.com/sandiego.

Japanese Friendship Garden • G map on page 51

2215 Pan American Rd E, San Diego • (619) 232-2721 • niwa.org

Find peace and enjoy meditation among the ornamental plants, colorful koi pond and beautiful bonsai display in this expansive Balboa Park garden. Considered to be a living work of art in Japanese culture, the garden also features a meandering path flanked by artfully arranged rocks, shrubbery and trees. The Tea Pavilion just outside the garden carries an impressive selection of imported teas and delicious food. The garden is a popular venue for weddings and corporate events. Docent tours are free with paid admission. See www.niwa.org for tour schedule.

Junípero Serra Museum • 14 map on page 52

2727 Presidio Drive, San Diego (619) 232-6203 • sandiegohistory.org/serra_museum

Owned and operated by the San Diego History Center, the Junípero Serra Museum boasts a panoramic view from Mexico to La Jolla and was built just above the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is today the State of California. The museum contains documentation of Father Serra’s arrival and artifacts that reveal the daily life of the Kumeyaay and Spanish Missionaries and the history of the building itself. This Spanish Revival building in Presidio Park just above historic Old Town doubles as a private-event venue and tops many lists for the most beautiful place in San Diego to get married. Its intimate terrace is perfect for an outdoor wedding reception.

Maritime Museum of San Diego • 11 map on page 52

1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego • (619) 234-9153 • sdmaritime.org

Tour one of the city’s most endearing attractions, the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego, along downtown San Diego’s waterfront. The magnificent Star of India, an 1863 iron bark, is the main draw. The museum’s collection also includes the steam ferryboat Berkeley; the top’sl schooner Californian; a B-39 Soviet submarine; the Pilot, an assistance craft for commercial ships first launched in 1914; an American research submarine the USS Dolphin; HMS Surprise (star of “Master and Commander” and “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,”); the steam yacht Medea, a Vietnam Era Swift Boat PCF 816; and America, a replica of the first vessel that won the famous America’s Cup. Most recently, the museum has added the San Salvador, a newly constructed replica of the first European ship to reach America’s West Coast in 1542. Guests can also experience firsthand the thrills of sailing on the decks of some of these world-class vessels, including the Californian, the Pilot, the America and the Swift Boat.

Mission San Luis Rey • 34 map on page 53

4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside • (760) 757-3651 • sanluisrey.org

Discover the architectural beauty of Oceanside’s Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the “King of the Missions.” Founded in 1798, it is the 18th of the 21 Spanish missions and a jewel of early California history. The museum features an extensive collection of mission artifacts. Stroll around and see its parish, gardens with the historic Pepper Tree and historic cemetery. Stop by the gift shop featuring unique and delicate religious items, mementos and books.

Moonlight Stage Productions • 7 map on page 54

1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista • (760) 724-2110 • moonlightstage.com

Enjoy an evening out watching Broadway-quality theater in Vista! And catch top stars in concert! Moonlight Stage Productions kicks off its summer season with the Elvis Presley tunes-inspired “All Shook Up” (June 10 - 27), followed by “The Music Man” (July 15 - Aug. 1), “Shrek The Musical” Aug. 12 - 29 and “Big Fish” (Sept. 9 - 26). Summer performances are held under the stars at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. Audiences may reserve seats or enjoy casual lawn seating along with their own packed picnics. Also, don’t miss Moonlight’s one-night-only fundraisers: “The Fours Girls Phenomenon,” starring Randy Graff, Andrea McArdle, Maureen McGovern and Faith Prince on stage on Friday, July 3. “Megan Hilty Under the Stars” comes to the Moonlight on Friday, Oct. 2. One of Broadway and television’s fastest-rising stars, Hilty’s best known role was as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama TV series “Smash.

Mormon Battalion Historic Site • 14 map on page 52

2510 Juan St, San Diego • (619) 298-3317 lds.org/locations/san-diego-mormon-battalion-historic-site

Step into history and learn about a journey of Mormon Battalion families who left the sweltering heat of Iowa in 1846, and completed one of the longest infantry marches in American history—about 2,000 miles—to San Diego. This fascinating story and much more is the focus of the Mormon Battalion Historical Site in Old Town. You can even pan for gold! Best of all, it’s free!

Museum of Making Music • 1 map on page 53

5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad • (760) 438-5996 • museumofmakingmusic.org

Take note of this dynamic museum, a tribute to the love of all things music! Located behind the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, this hidden gem is home to hundreds of vintage instruments and specialty exhibits held throughout the year. Live concerts at the museum feature famous international and national musicians as well as local talent. Visitors can also pick up and play instruments like keyboards, drums and guitars in a vibrant hands-on area. A walk through the museum’s chronologically organized, 100-year history of music takes center stage. Gallery tours can be self-guided or for groups, led by docents. Either way, visitors will leave singing a happy tune!

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center • 3 map on page 51

1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 238-1233 • rhfleet.org

Experiment with 100+ interactive “do-touch” exhibits and check out fun traveling exhibitions in this inspiring science museum and planetarium in Balboa Park. Inside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center you can construct marble roller coasters in the Tinkering Studio, interact with a swirling tornado, learn how to generate electricity and watch a live show with science demonstrations that are too loud, too messy or too shocking to try at home!

The Fleet’s Giant Dome Theater features the world’s first IMAX projector, showing stunning nature and science films in an immersive, wrap-around dome experience. Without leaving your seat, you’ll feel as if you’re blasting into orbit on a NASA spacecraft, swimming with humpback whales or snorkeling in the bountiful waters of the South Pacific.

The amazing Reuben H. Fleet Science Center also offers spring, summer and winter camps for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade, engaging live science talks, unique school learning programs and after-hours events for the 21+ crowd.

Now through Sept. 7, you can fly high with “CIRCUS: Science Under the Big Top” and experience all the science behind “the greatest show on Earth!” The Fleet is open 365 days a year, including holidays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with extended summer hours July 1 through Labor Day.

San Diego Art Institute • 14 map on page 51

1439 El Prado, San Diego • (619) 236-0011 • sandiego-art.org

Celebrating 75 years of local art, the San Diego Art Institute’s provides opportunities for students, artists, and audiences to engage with contemporary art. A new exhibition by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in the institute’s 10,000-square-foot gallery, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts. Solo artist exhibitions are also featured, as well as childrens’ works concurrent with certain shows. “(Con)Text: Rethinking Language in Art,” opens to the public on July 25, 2015, with works incorporating text, language, coding, the spoken word, literature, books and more.

San Diego Air & Space Museum • 22 map on page 51

2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego • (619) 234-8291 • sandiegoairandspace.org

Get lost in aviation and space exploration at this top-flight museum in the heart of Balboa Park. Marvel at the model of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot-air balloon, which launched the first manned ascent in 1783. View aircraft used by barnstormers of the 1920s. Appreciate restored airplanes representing classic military aircraft that flew in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. See the only flying replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, which carried Charles Lindbergh on the world’s first solo trans-Atlantic flight, and the real capsule used in the Apollo 9 space mission. Until September 13, 2015, the museum presents “2theXtreme-MathAlive!” an interactive experience designed for families and students that brings to life the math behind what kids love most—video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics, and more.

San Diego Automotive Museum • 21 map on page 51

2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego • (619) 231-2886 • sdautomuseum.org

Pay homage to classic motorcycles and collectable autos of the 20th century at this worldclass museum in Balboa Park. Check out “Show Stoppers,” a permanent car and motorcycle collection including a stunning group of Indian Motorcycles, a tribute trophy truck of Parnelli Jones’ famous “Big Oly,” an extremely rare 1966 Bizzarrini P538, East Germany’s very own 1977 Trabant and of course the beautiful three-wheeled 1932 Morgan Super Sport just to name a few. Other exhibits include presentations on actor and automobile and motorcycle racer Steve McQueen, and Louis Mattar’s Fabulous Car.

San Diego History Center • 2 map on page 51

1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego • (619) 232-6203 • sandiegohistory.org

The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park chronicles the rich and diverse history of San Diego and the surrounding area. Here visitors will confront the stories of the region’s past, how it has shaped our present and what that means for the future. From the native Kumeyaay through the Spanish and Mexican periods through today, stories from the past come alive through interactive exhibitions that draw on the resources of the History Center’s Research Library and Photographic Archives, with over 2.5 million old photographs of San Diego. On display throughout 2015 is “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss,” a major exhibit on the art of beloved children’s author and illustrator Theodor Geisel.

San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) • 4 map on page 51

1788 El Prado, San Diego • (619)232-3821 • sdnat.org

See the world in a whole new way at the San Diego Natural History Museum, featuring world-class permanent and traveling exhibitions, a 3D giant-screen theater, “Wacky Science Sundays” with Ms. Frizzle, camps, guided nature walks and more!

Known affectionately as “theNAT,” the museum’s exhibitions showcase the diversity of Southern California and Baja California peninsula. “Coast to Cactus in Southern California” is an immersive walk through the region’s major ecosystems: coastal mud flats, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, mountains and desert. “SKULLS” invites visitors to view 200 of the weirdest, wildest, and most fascinating animal skulls from the Museum’s research collection; “Fossil Mysteries” examines 75 million years of dinosaurs to mastodons in Southern California; and “Water: A California Story” looks at water-conservation, urban runoff, ocean pollution and overfishing. Opening June 12 is “Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed,” inviting visitors inside this ancient, enigmatic culture through never-before-seen artifacts, handson activities, multimedia components, and recreated environments. Decipher glyphs, build arches, step inside a Maya tomb, and more!

San Diego Symphony • 28 map on page 52

750 B St., San Diego • (619) 235-0804 • sandiegosymphony.org

Orchestrate an evening out enjoying world-class performances by the San Diego Symphony. Hear Brahms, Beethoven and Broadway hits! From October through May, the symphony performs at Jacob Music Center’s Copley Symphony Hall, offering a Jacobs Masterworks classical repertoire, holiday programs, a Family Festival series, and the City Lights series, showcasing popular guest artists. A Chamber Music Series rounds out the indoor season. From July through September, the symphony presents an outdoor Summer Pops season at Embarcadero Marina Park South, mixing classical favorites and pop music in a festive atmosphere on San Diego’s picturesque waterfront. This season kicks off June 27, 2015, with a “Tux N’ Tennis” gala featuring a Beach Boys theme, and closes over Labor Day weekend with the rousing “1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular.”

Save Our Heritage Organisation • 27 map on page 52

2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego • (619) 297-9327 • sohosandiego.org

Experience firsthand a “place in time” at a historic San Diego home or site, thanks to the region’s leading preservation group, Save Our Heritage Organisation, or SOHO. Begun in 1969, the nonprofit has raised awareness and appreciation of San Diego’s architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage. Among the many landmarks SOHO has saved are the Hotel del Coronado, the Santa Fe Depot, the Villa Montezuma, and Horton Plaza’s Irving Gill-designed fountain, which is on SOHO’s logo. It currently operates the Adobe Chapel Museum and Whaley House Museum, both in Old Town, the Marston House Museum & Gardens in Balboa Park, Santa Ysabel Store and the Feed Store in Santa Ysabel and the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House in Warner Springs. Tours of these charming repositories of local history are available. SOHO is also hosting special exhibitions, tours and events that commemorate the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition all year. Visit SOHO online for more information.

Spanish Village Art Center • 5 map on page 51

1770 Village Place, San Diego • 619) 233-9050 • spanishvillageart.com

Color your world at this Art Center in Balboa Park, where 37 working-artist studios open their doors to the public. Visitors are invited to watch glassblowers and potters, painters and sculptors, jewelry-makers and other craftspeople create one-of-a-kind pieces—all for sale. Events include the Potters’ Guild and Art Glass Guild patio sales, both held twice a year. Summer camps for kids and adults along other classes for adults are also offered.

The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park • 25 map on page 51

2115 Park Blvd, San Diego • (619) 239-2300 • veteranmuseum.org

Tour this center honoring the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and Wartime Merchant Marine. The museum is located in Balboa Park in the former World War II-era Navy Chapel adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Garden (with its B-24 Bomber) and the San Diego Vietnam Peace memorial which lists all the San Diegans who were killed or listed as MIA during Vietnam. A wonderful museum not to be missed.