National Geographic

Explores San Diego

Four-part miniseries focuses on unique cultural offerings of Balboa Park and the city

Photo By ©Kris Davidson

City of Discovery

San Diego is a city filled with diversity, creativity, discovery and adventure and nowhere is that spirit more evident than in Balboa Park, long known as the region's cultural heart. National Geographic's four-episode miniseries will explore what makes San Diego such a unique destination, showcasing the iconic Balboa Park as well as the larger city to a national and international audience. The four episodes of the series each have a different theme, looking at San Diego and its rich cultural heritage through a different lens.

Episode Descriptions

Check your TV provider's on demand service or watch the episodes on nationalgeographic.com

Episode 1 - City of Adventure

City of Adventure looks at the sense of daring that is intrinsic in San Diego's DNA – from early explorers to sky gliding to evening exploits.

Episode 2 - City of Discovery

City of Discovery examines the innovative essence that is part of every aspect of San Diego – from culinary creativity to scientific breakthroughs to its commitment to cutting-edge sustainability.

Episode 3 - City of Creativity

City of Creativity studies the people, places and tastes that give San Diego its one-of-a-kind lifestyle from world-class theater to pioneering public spaces to inventive eateries.

Episode 4 - City of Diversity

City of Diversity surveys San Diego's varied and vibrant multicultural neighborhoods as well as its different and dramatic scenery from the beaches to the mountains and beyond.

In & Around Balboa Park

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Explore Balboa Park

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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7 Hidden Gems to Explore in Balboa Park

You can spend all day (or weekend) exploring Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. But the Jewel of San Diego also features several lesser-known attractions that are sure to pique your interest, too.

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Plan Your Visit

There is a lot to see in Balboa Park, so you need a plan. Here are some resources that will help you get the very most out of your visit.

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Don't Miss At The Park

Balboa Park is in and of itself an icon of San Diego. And as the park developed and expanded, several venues and attractions within the park have become representative of the destinations rich and storied history.

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Mission Fed ArtWalk

Apr 29 - Apr 30, 2023

Returning to Little Italy, for 39 years, Mission Fed ArtWalk has celebrated both visual and performing arts in San Diego. We believe art has the power to connect communities, cultivate new artistic talent and create a better quality of life for all through cultural enrichment.

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 11 - May 14, 2023

The spirit, sounds and flavor of Mardi Gras come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May–Let the good times roll!

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SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Mar 3 - Apr 30, 2023

Foodies and craft beer aficionados will love SeaWorld's Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival, featuring craft beer from favorite local breweries, plus fresh international cuisine infused with local, sustainable ingredients and unique signature flavors from around the world.

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2023

San Diego Restaurant Week, hosted by the California Restaurant Association, returns with over 100 restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods for eight days of dining.

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