Casa Del Prado: A Balboa Park Masterpiece

Discover the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Casa Del Prado, a historic landmark in San Diego's Balboa Park, home to youth arts organizations and stunning Spanish Colonial Revival design.

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Casa Del Prado

Casa Del Prado, nestled in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park, is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, this landmark has been lovingly restored and serves as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community events. Wander through its picturesque courtyards, admire the intricate tile work and ornate facades, and discover a variety of cultural institutions, including the San Diego Junior Theatre, the San Diego Youth Symphony, and the San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation. Casa Del Prado offers a captivating glimpse into San Diego's past while providing a dynamic space for creativity and artistic expression. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Casa Del Prado promises an enriching and memorable experience within the beautiful Balboa Park.

A brief summary to Casa Del Prado

1650 El Prado, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
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Local tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience of the courtyards and gardens.
Check the schedule for special events or exhibitions that may coincide with your visit, such as plant shows or theater performances.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, especially the intricate tile work and ornate facades.
Plan to spend some time in the surrounding Balboa Park area to enjoy its many attractions, including museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes, as there is plenty to explore both inside and outside the Casa Del Prado.

Getting There

Walking

From the Plaza de Panama, walk east along El Prado, passing the San Diego Museum of Art on your left. Casa Del Prado will be on your right, a short walk from the Plaza. This is a central location within Balboa Park and easily accessible from many other attractions.
Public Transport

Take MTS Bus Route 7 or Rapid 215 to the Park Blvd and President's Way stop. From there, walk west into Balboa Park, following signs for El Prado. Casa Del Prado will be a short walk along El Prado. A one-way fare on PRONTO is $2.50, valid for unlimited transfers within two hours.
Driving

Enter Balboa Park from Park Boulevard and follow signs to the Carousel/Spanish Village parking lot or the lot adjacent to the San Diego Natural History Museum. From either lot, walk towards El Prado; Casa Del Prado will be easily visible. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak times. Consider using the free Balboa Park Tram from Inspiration Point parking lot (east of Park Blvd. at Presidents Way) to the Plaza de Panama, then walk east on El Prado.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Request a drop-off at the Pan American Plaza. From there, walk north towards the Bea Evenson Fountain and then east along El Prado. Casa Del Prado will be on your right. A ride-share from downtown San Diego will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand.

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. This architectural masterpiece, located at 1650 El Prado, is not just a building; it's an immersive experience that transports visitors to a romanticized vision of early 18th-century Spanish Colonial cities. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, Casa Del Prado was designed as one of the temporary exhibition halls celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. The exposition aimed to showcase the potential for expanded trade and prosperity in Pacific Coast port cities. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the exposition's supervising architect, along with his assistants Carleton Monroe Winslow and Frank P. Allen Jr., created a Spanish Baroque-style complex that deliberately exaggerated architectural richness to enhance the visitor experience. The building, initially known as the Varied Industries & Food Products Building, later the Food & Beverage Building, housed commercial exhibits demonstrating the manufacturing and distribution of various products. Its design, credited to Winslow, featured lavishly garlanded columns, a centrifugal quatrefoil window, and towers with open belfries and tiled domes, resembling a Spanish Colonial church. The building narrowly escaped demolition in 1933 and was further repaired and refurbished for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition. During World War II, the U.S. Navy leased the exposition buildings as an annex to Balboa Naval Hospital. However, by 1959, a new Balboa Park Master Plan proposed demolishing most of the Central Mesa buildings to make way for a modern cultural complex. Fortunately, these plans were not fully realized, and the Casa Del Prado was reconstructed in 1971, preserving its historical significance and architectural beauty. The reconstructed Casa Del Prado consists of two separate north and south buildings, connected by an open arcaded court. The architects, Richard George Wheeler and Samuel Wood Hamill, designed the space as a garden center for horticultural education and a home for youth arts groups. 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. Walking through Casa Del Prado, visitors are immediately struck by the intricate details of its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The facades are adorned with beautiful tile work, arched doorways, and ornamental features inspired by historical buildings in Spain and its New World colonies. The lush gardens surrounding the building provide a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, inviting leisurely strolls and peaceful picnics. The Casa Del Prado is more than just a pretty building; it's a vibrant hub for community events, art exhibitions, and performances throughout the year. The San Diego Junior Theatre, the nation's longest-running youth theater, stages high-quality plays and productions, offering classes in drama, voice, dance, and theater production for children ages three to 18. The San Diego Youth Symphony and other youth arts organizations also call Casa Del Prado home, contributing to the building's dynamic and creative atmosphere. Plant enthusiasts will delight in the various plant society sales and shows held at Casa Del Prado, including the Orchid Show, the Rose Society, the Plumeria Society, and the Carnivorous Plant Society. These events offer a unique opportunity to admire and purchase exotic flora while learning about the fascinating world of plants. Casa Del Prado's central location within Balboa Park makes it easy to combine a visit with other nearby attractions. Explore the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, or the Fleet Science Center, all within walking distance. Take a ride on the Balboa Park Carousel, stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden, or catch a performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, Casa Del Prado offers something for everyone. Its architectural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-see destination in San Diego's Balboa Park. The Casa del Prado is a place where history, art, and community converge, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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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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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Safari Kitchen

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Albert's Restaurant

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Sabertooth Grill

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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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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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 Masterpiece

A brief summary to Casa Del Prado

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Taxi/Ride-Share

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