Dr. Seuss Sights in San Diego — Oh the Places You'll Go!

In summer 2018, San Diego’s Tony Award-winning theater The Old Globe will bring The Lorax to life for San Diego visitors. But fortunately, visitors don’t need to wait until next year for a magical Dr. Seuss-themed trip.

Dr. Seuss (aka Theodor Seuss Geisel), a popular American icon and masterful author and illustrator of children’s books, once lived in San Diego’s tony seaside community of La Jolla where his fantastical world and beloved characters came to life for readers of all ages. At his home and studio high atop Mt. Soledad, Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated two of his most famous works, "The Cat in The Hat" (1957) and "McElligots's Pool" (1947), as well as 40 other well-known titles under the Dr. Seuss name.

From whimsical trees to colorful gallery collections, the following are some sensational Seuss sights, attractions and activities for visitors to discover around San Diego.

Hum a Tune, Hug a Tree from The Lorax

• From July 3–Aug. 12, 2018, The Old Globe theater presents the U.S. premiere of the beloved environmental tale, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, a musical based on his book The Lorax. Originally produced at The Old Vic theatre in London, the play features fanciful puppet design, eye-catching choreography and memorable lyrics.

In Scripps Park overlooking La Jolla Cove, visitors can spot the soft tufts of the original Truffula tree – actually a rare Monterey Cypress, native to the California coast – thought to be an inspiration for Seuss’ charming conservation story. Dr. Seuss could probably see the tree from his hilltop home.

 
Sneak a Peek at Rare Works

• Guests can join in the festivities of a big annual Dr. Seuss birthday party on March 2 in front of the landmark Geisel Library – named for Theodore and his wife Audrey Geisel – at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla. Also during the month of March and each summer, the Geisel Library exhibits selections from its vast Dr. Seuss Collection of more than 10,000 items from his personal archive, including drawings, storyboards, rough drafts, notebooks, photographs and other memorabilia. It’s the world’s largest repository of original works by Dr. Seuss.

The library offers a self-guided tour, featuring playful Seuss sculptures, the Special Collections Room and Seuss Room. After a day exploring, guests can enjoy food and refreshments at Audrey’s café, inspired by the whimsy of Dr. Seuss and named for the library’s generous supporter and longtime benefactor, Audrey Geisel.

 
Take Selfies with the Cat in the Hat

• Visitors can pose in front of an Instagram-worthy, life-size bronze statue of Dr. Seuss, prominently situated on the west side of the Geisel Library, outside on the third-level forum. An original sculpture by artist Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, the statue depicts Dr. Seuss sitting at his desk with a 7 ½ foot Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss’ alter ego, looking over his shoulder.

Discover the Secret Art of Dr. Seuss

• The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss at Legends Gallery in La Jolla offers guests a rare glimpse at the sophisticated, technically accomplished and often unrestrained side of Dr. Seuss’ talent. Chronicling almost seven decades of work Dr. Seuss created for his own personal pleasure, this relatively unknown collection includes whimsical paintings, illustrations and wonderfully weird sculptures of animals from his Unorthodox Taxidermy collection.

Christmas Cheer with the Grinch

• From Nov. 4–Dec. 24, 2017, visitors can join the Whos down in Whoville for some caroling and holiday magic during the spectacular musical production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe. Guests of all ages can marvel at quirky colorful costumes and a storybook set designed from Dr. Seuss original drawings, as well as explore a wintery Whoville in the Globe’s main plaza complete with a giant Christmas tree surrounded by happy Whos.

Happiness – and the silliness of Dr. Seuss – is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego, including exciting vacation packages and valuable deals and offers for attractions, activities and accommodations, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.