Parks and art and recreation

Among the barrel cactus and desert agave of Borrego Springs you’ll find a peculiar site: a herd of Gomphotheres and a 350-foot sea serpent slithering out of the sand. These, and 138 other larger than life metal sculptures, make up Galleta Meadows Estates, a sculpture Garden in the middle of San Diego’s Anza-Borrego Desert.

The late Dennis Avery, land owner of Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs, envisioned the concept of adorning his property with free-standing art. He commissioned Ricardo Breceda to create the metal sculptures that now sprinkle his property.

The best part about this massive outdoor sculpture garden is that it is free to the public. Be warned, Galleta Meadows is a two-hour drive from central San Diego.

Situated just outside of Art’s door, among the plush picturesque backdrop of palm trees and blue skies, sits the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court & Garden. This outdoor courtyard features 19th- and early-20th-century sculptures by notable artists Alexander Liberman, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, and David Smith, to name a few. Take in the art and a cup of coffee from the nearby Sculpture Café while sitting on one of the benches. Thanks to a mixture of art and the great outdoors, this garden is a popular venue for special events and weddings.

The North Park Vaudeville and Candy Shoppe bills itself as an intimate theater specializing in new plays, melodramas, improvised theater, acoustic music, and Vaudeville style variety shows. Dripping in kitsch, this 1950s-style venue is home to the most charmingly bizarre entertainment found in San Diego. The theater seats only 35, and features mostly plays from local writers. On occasion they host musical acts. In the fall, the Vaudeville is home to the popular North Park Playwright Festival. While visiting the theater, stock up on Lemonheads, Dots, and candy cigarettes before taking in the evening’s performance.

On the second Saturday of every month, North Park celebrates its art and culture via Ray at Night, the longest running art walk in the history of San Diego. Fifteen galleries and businesses keep their doors open to display art. View exhibits from local and nationally recognized artists. Street performances and food trucks are on site to feed and entertain. The best part is that, more often that not, artists are on hand to answer questions about their work.