Additional America’s Finest City… Dances! photos and links
Heather in one of the oldest sites in the United States dedicated to public recreational usage, Balboa Park.
Besides open areas and natural vegetation, it contains museums, theaters, gardens, shops, restaurants and the San Diego Zoo.
The buildings are Spanish Colonial Revival style, an ornamented mixture of Spanish and Latin American architecture.
Many of the attractions are along El Prado, a long, wide promenade running through the center of the park.
As a public service, many of the Balboa Park museums and attractions offer free admission to San Diego residents on alternating Tuesdays.
San Diego’s missions include the San Luis Rey (in Oceanside), Junipero Serra Museum (above Old Town) and the Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Today, the missions are among the state\\\'s oldest structures and the most-visited historic monuments.
San Diego is rich in Spanish mission history, and is one of the best places in the state to explore its beginnings.
The handsome and historic Western Metal Supply Company Building has been renovated and incorporated into the Ballpark.
Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region.
The natural stone exterior and landscaping, including the Park at the Park reflect the relaxed yet dynamic San Diego lifestyle.
It features over 40 miles of trails, boating, camping, informative hikes, and a state-of-the-art Visitor and Interpretive Center.
Julio streaks across the Gaslamp, a playground of hip, eclectic San Diegans and an elite urban destination.
The Gaslamp Archway serves as a declaration that the City of San Diego is committed to continuing the redevelopment of Downtown.
Nearby Horton Plaza is a 5 level outdoor mall, remarkable for its bright colors, architectural tricks and odd spatial rhythms.
Horton Plaza also serves as home to the Lyceum Theatre, home of the San Diego Repertory Theatre and performances by San Diego Ballet.
It is the first example of the Jon Jerde Experience Architecture, a risky, radical departure from the standard paradigm of mall design.
Carlo darts across the 2nd floor of the San Diego Childrens Museum, a dynamic, playful community space for families.
The New Children’s Museum provides an environment that encourages active minds, healthy bodies and unstructured play.
With an organic cafe, quiet space for parents and infants, and an outdoor park, it provides a comfortable and engaging environment.
A place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, in-depth classes, and educational programs.
Only eight miles northeast of downtown, the park provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
It commemorates the first time that a European expedition had set foot on what became the west coast of the United States.
Christine Owen takes the place of the figurehead of the worlds oldest active ship, the Star of India.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels.
Its permanent collection is presented in five galleries representing major themes of maritime history and their relation to San Diego.
A short stroll to Little Italy unveils Downtown San Diegos oldest continuous neighborhood business district.
A San Diego tradition for over 50 years, Filippis Pizza Grotto is still owned and operated by family members of the original founders.
For over 40 years, Sea World has initiated and supported wildlife conservation, research and education around the world.
Known for its breathtaking marine exhibits, Sea World is also home to thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids.
You can come face to face with polar bears and Beluga whales in the Wild Arctic or something more awe inspiring in the Shark Encounter.
The site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, it is the most visited tourist spot in the city.
A walk down San Diego Ave. leads to the Whaley House, a “real” haunted house and El Campo Santo, a 1850’s Cemetery.
Because of its unique shops and restaurants, Old Town is an attraction for San Diego residents as well as tourists.
It acts as a unique center where visiting scientists can meet, exchange ideas, and plan new research.
Photography by Graham Blair.
The above images depict dancers with the San Diego Ballet who are on leave or have recently left the company. The images are displayed here to maintain the integrity of the America’s Finest City Campaign as a whole.
For more information on these San Diego locations, click:
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