Spend a day exploring the sprawling grounds of San Diego’s 1,200-acre (486-ha) Balboa Park. Home to a staggering array of museums, gardens, galleries, theatres, and cultural attractions, this remarkable space has long drawn visitors to its shaded boulevards bordered by Spanish-style architecture.

Your private tour begins with a brief history lesson as you guide shares stories about the park’s construction, which began with the 1915 Panama California Exposition and 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, and continues to this day.

Stroll past remnants of those early 20th-century events as you explore El Prado, the park’s central walkway which takes you past stunning examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Along the way, admire the expertly arranged collections of native plants and trees, a legacy from botanist and gardener Kate Sessions, known as the Mother of Balboa Park. Snap photos of the renowned cultural centers including the Museum of Man, the Air & Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

In between well-known sites, catch glimpses of the park’s unexpected features, including the imposing stonework of the California Bell Tower and the ornate details in a full-size replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Before you wrap up your 2-hour excursion, get tips from your expert guide about other places to examine once your tour comes to a close.