Other Museums and Gardens

Balboa Park [1] is filled with a number of other worthy museums, and meandering paths lead to even more botanical areas and gardens.

It’s impossible to see everything in one day, but a repeat visit could include the Air and Space Museum (2001 Pan American Plaza, 619/234-8291, www.aerospacemuseum.org [2], $15) for a history through human flight; the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (1875 El Prado, 619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org [3], Mon.–Thurs. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m., $8), where young ones can explore the interactive science exhibits; and the Natural History Museum (1788 El Prado, 619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org [4], Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., $9), which houses a vast collection of fossils and other artifacts presenting San Diego [5]’s geologic history.

The Botanical Building (El Prado, Fri.–Wed. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free) is a lovely centerpiece to the Prado and a perfect way to relax in the Zen-like atmosphere its thousands of exotic plants provide.