Casa Del Prado: A Balboa Park Gem

Explore Spanish Colonial Revival architecture & vibrant cultural scene at Casa Del Prado in Balboa Park. A historic landmark with youth arts & gardens.

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Casa Del Prado, located in Balboa Park, is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, it now houses various cultural organizations and performance spaces, offering visitors a glimpse into San Diego's rich history and vibrant arts scene.

A brief summary to Casa Del Prado

1650 El Prado, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
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Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

Check the schedule for events and performances at the Casa del Prado Theatre.
Explore the courtyards for scenic views of the Botanical Building and Moreton Bay Fig tree.
Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Take advantage of the free Balboa Park tram to easily access other attractions in the park.

Getting There

Walking

From the Plaza de Panama, walk east along El Prado. The Casa Del Prado will be on your right, past the House of Hospitality and the San Diego Museum of Man. No cost involved.
Public Transport

Take MTS Bus Route 7, 120, or Rapid 215 to a stop on Park Boulevard. From the Park Blvd & Village Pl stop, walk west towards the Casa del Prado. Alternatively, from downtown San Diego, the City College Trolley Station connects to the 7 or 215 bus routes. A one-way fare is $2.50, or use the PRONTO app for easy payment and transfers. Youth 18 and under ride free with the Youth Opportunity Pass.
Free Tram

Park at Inspiration Point (east of Park Blvd) and take the free Balboa Park Tram to the Plaza de Panama stop. From there, walk east along El Prado to the Casa del Prado. The tram runs every 10-15 minutes. Tram hours vary seasonally, check the schedule before you go.

Discover more about Casa Del Prado

Casa Del Prado, a jewel within Balboa Park, stands as a testament to San Diego's rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Located at 1650 El Prado, this architectural masterpiece transports visitors to a romanticized vision of early 18th-century Spanish Colonial cities. Originally constructed as one of the temporary exhibition halls for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, it celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and showcased the potential for expanded trade and prosperity in Pacific Coast port cities. Supervising architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, along with assistants Carleton Monroe Winslow and Frank P. Allen Jr., created a Spanish Baroque-style complex, exaggerating architectural richness to enhance the visitor experience. The building, initially known as the Varied Industries & Food Products Building (later the Food & Beverage Building), featured commercial exhibits demonstrating the manufacturing and distribution of various products. The Casa del Prado narrowly escaped demolition in 1933 and was later refurbished for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition. Officially dedicated on November 14, 1971, the reconstructed Casa del Prado consists of two separate north and south buildings, divided by an open arcaded court. Today, the Casa del Prado covers 50,000 square feet and houses various cultural institutions, including the San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation, Civic Dance Arts, the San Diego Floral Association, the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, the San Diego Junior Theatre, and the San Diego Youth Symphony. Visitors are struck by the intricate details of its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with facades adorned with tile work, arched doorways, and ornamental features inspired by historical buildings in Spain and its New World colonies.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

House of Charm

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Alcázar Garden

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California Tower

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Museum of Us

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Balboa Park

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House of England

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San Diego Zoo

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Cabrillo Bridge

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San Diego Air & Space Museum

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San Diego Old Fire Alarm Communications Building

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Marston House

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Long-Waterman House

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Golden Hill Fountain Grotto

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Coulter House

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Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

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Unmissable attractions to see

Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art

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Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

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San Diego History Center

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Zoro Garden

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Prado

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Panama 66

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Busy Bee Cafe

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Sweet Shack

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Discover Sweet Shack in Balboa Park: a must-visit American restaurant offering delightful dishes and a cozy atmosphere for all visitors.

Safari Kitchen

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Albert's Restaurant

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Sabertooth Grill

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Mister A's

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Parc Bistro-Brasserie

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Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant

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The Balboa

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Hob Nob Hill

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Trust

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RustiCucina

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

North Star Science Store

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Bibliotique

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United Nations International Gift Shop

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Panda Shop

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Sydney's Shoppe

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Arctic Trader

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Tusker's Trunk

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Gold Leaf

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Bad Madge & Co.

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Rosamariposa

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Vitreum

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Stroll

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Dream Boutique

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Wotown Vintage

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Wild Dove Boutique

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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Whiskey Girl, a top sports bar and live music venue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Casa Del Prado: A Balboa Park Gem

A brief summary to Casa Del Prado

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Free Tram

Unlock the Best of Casa Del Prado

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Casa Del Prado

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

House of Charm

Alcázar Garden

California Tower

Museum of Us

Balboa Park

House of England

San Diego Zoo

Cabrillo Bridge

San Diego Air & Space Museum

San Diego Old Fire Alarm Communications Building

Marston House

Long-Waterman House

Golden Hill Fountain Grotto

Coulter House

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego History Center

Zoro Garden

Lily Pond

San Diego Natural History Museum

Casa de Balboa

Botanical Building

Timken Museum of Art

Balboa Park Explorer

1549 El Prado

Spreckels Organ Society

Bea Evenson Fountain

The Prado at Balboa Park

Fleet Science Center

Essential places to dine

Prado

Panama 66

Busy Bee Cafe

Sweet Shack

Safari Kitchen

Albert's Restaurant

Sabertooth Grill

Mister A's

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant

The Balboa

Hob Nob Hill

Trust

RustiCucina

insideOUT

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

North Star Science Store

Bibliotique

United Nations International Gift Shop

Panda Shop

Sydney's Shoppe

Arctic Trader

Tusker's Trunk

Gold Leaf

Bad Madge & Co.

Rosamariposa

Vitreum

Stroll

Dream Boutique

Wotown Vintage

Wild Dove Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Lady Carolyn's Pub

The Corner Drafthouse

Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe