A Guide To Old Globe San Diego

Things to do/Highlights

San Diego is full of exciting things to see and do, including theatre experiences, wilderness adventures, and theme parks. One of the mainstays on the San Diego tourist destinations is Balboa Park, where visitors can check out theatre performances at three amazing locales, including the historic Old Globe Theatre.

Watch invigorating cultural performances

Operating since 1935, this historic theatre is a fixture on the arts and culture scene in San Diego. Sit back in one of the mocha velvet seats and prepare to be wowed by the amazing talent of the performers as they showcase plays both old and new. Over the years, the theatre has been responsible for creating plays that have made it to Broadway, and some have even won numerous Tony awards. Plan to watch a show here during your visit to San Diego.

What to eat

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by urbana + sorella + enoteca (@cucinarestaurants)

Prior to attending an inspiring cultural event at Old Globe Theatre located in San Diego’s popular Balboa Park district, indulge in casual dining at one of the many nearby restaurants. Choose from delicious domestic or international specialities found in eateries that cater to all tastes. Please check out the following restaurants to satisfy your dining needs.

Cucina Urbana

Swing by this casual dining restaurant serving up savoury Italian delicacies, including lamb osso buco with creamy risotto, spaghetti with meatballs, and lobster with squid ink pasta. Make the two-minute drive from Old Globe Theatre to indulge in one of their oven-cooked Neapolitan pizzas with fresh mozzarella or spicy pepperoni.

Tea Pavillon Restaurant

Located within one-minute walking distance of Old Globe Theatre, this Japenese cafe serves up light fares. including California crab sandwiches filled with crab, cucumber, lettuce, and wasabi mayo. Enjoy a view of the tranquil bonsai gardens while indulging in a bowl of tangy chicken teriyaki followed by a cup of Japanese cherry tea.

Travelers tips

To fully enjoy your evening out at the historic Old Globe Theatre, visit their website beforehand for information. By following the travel tips below, attendees will easily be able to find their seats before the curtain rises.

Content advisories

Please call the box office with any questions about content advisories since some performances may not be suitable for children. Those under the age of five are not permitted except for matinee performances of the Dr.Seuss holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. All attendees three years old and above must hold a ticket. Free “lap tickets” are available at the box office for attending children under the age of two who will be sitting on an adult’s lap during the performance.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility is provided at the historic Old Globe Theatre, making an evening out a pleasurable experience for those with mobility issues. The Assistive Listening Systems provides those who are hard of hearing and hearing-impaired patrons with lightweight headsets to experience any one of the amazing productions held at the theatre. Since there are a limited number of headsets, please locate the house manager before the performance starts.

Parking

Since Balboa Park is a popular destination year-round, it is advisable for theatre patrons to arrive at least one hour in advance. There are three main parking lots located within walking distance of Old Globe Theatre. If the lot is full, San Diego Zoo provides valet parking at its employee parking structure for evening performances. To take advantage of this option, please call the box office 48 hours prior to the performance, at which you will be charged $20 per vehicle for each evening you visit the theatre.

How to get there

With so much to explore from the beautiful La Jolla Beach and the multi-level Horton Plaza to Balboa Park’s galleries, San Diego easily accommodates the transportation needs of visitors. After taking a walk on the wild side at San Diego Zoo, take a ride to Old Globe Theatre by uber, taxi, bus, or the Balboa Park tram.

Rental car

Book your rental car online and pick it up as soon as you land at San Diego airport or at one of the numerous locations found throughout the city. Enjoy exploring this popular, sunny SoCal destination famous for its sunshine coast, surfing, Spanish colonial architecture, and theme parks.

Uber or Lyft

Before arriving in San Diego, download the Uber or Lyft app for easy transportation to popular destinations. Hire a local driver and be transported to any one of San Diego’s attractions quickly and safely.

Taxi

Have the hotel call a taxi for you to visit Sea World, the famous San Diego Zoo, and other exciting destinations. Taxis, although pricier, offer comfort, door-to-door service, and are easily hailed from the streets.

Bus

To travel through San Diego via the inexpensive bus service, you can check out the bus routes online. The fares and schedules for all routes serving San Diego are provided to make commuting a hassle-free and relaxing experience.

Balboa Park Tram

Complimentary tram service from Tram Central (east of Park Boulevard at Presidents Way) to Plaza de Panama Station provides visitors with easy access to Balboa Park. Travel to Old Globe Theatre to tour or attend a show by way of this free service. From November to May the tram operates from 9 am to 6 pm daily. From June to October, it operates from 9 am to 8 pm daily.

How to book tickets

Tickets can be purchased at their official website online or by calling or visiting the box office prior to the day of the performance.

The theatre offers a limited number of $29 tickets that can be purchased on a first-come-first-served basis. Discounted tickets are available for students, active military, and senior citizens with valid ID.

Old Globe San Diego information

Old Globe San Diego

Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101

Opening hours: Non-performance days: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Performance days: Tue - Sun: until 12pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 30 - 91 USD

Official website: Old Globe San Diego

Department of tourism: San Diego