WorldBeat Cultural Center

Location: Balboa Park (3 Miles Northeast of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: Hours vary

Cost: Varies

Features: African Artifacts; Music Events and Classes that promote the understanding of Indigenous Americans, African-Americans, and other African Heritage

WorldBeat Cultural Center Highlights:

There is a small permanent display of African Artifacts at the Cultural Center. You can access it as long as there are no classes in session.

The colorful open-space building is used as a community gathering place to spread peace and enjoy the music of live artists. Many concerts are free while others require tickets. Visit the WorldBeat Cultural Center web site for a list of upcoming events. You can also visit their web site to see video of past events.

Participate – The WorldBeat Center has a full slate of classes. Visitors can learn how to drum, dance, or practice Qi Gong. You can just drop in for most classes. However, some classes do require pre-registration. Some classes are free while others charge about $10 – $12.

Food – There is a small snack stand at the entrance. You will also find cafes near the entrances of some of the other museums in Balboa Park. If you are looking for something more than what is offered in a cafe, Balboa Park’s Prado Restaurant is more of an upscale full service restaurant. You can read more about the food options on the Balboa Park web site.

Information on Visiting the WorldBeat Cultural Center

Admission Prices: (Costs are Approximate)

Parking is Free
Some Events are Free while others require a small fee.

Directions from Google Maps to 2100 Park Boulevard in San Diego, CA 92101 (This cultural center is located between Presidents Way and Inspiration Point Way.)

Parking – There is parking across the street in the Inspiration Point Parking Lot. You can access it from either Presidents Way or Inspiration Point Way.

Traffic – Unless there is a major event at Balboa Park, which occurs a few times during the year, getting in and out of the World Beat Cultural Center is relatively easy using Park Boulevard. If you approach Balboa Park using southbound SR-163, traffic occasionally backs up a little over a mile before reaching the Park Boulevard Exit, which is the same exit for the I-5 northbound. However, the delay will only take a few extra minutes. Likewise, if you are planning to get on SR-163 northbound after leaving the World Beat Cultural Center, plan on a short delay during the mid and late afternoon hours as a few entrance ramps merge together before reaching the highway. (Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)

Transit – Buses serving Balboa Park drop passengers off on Park Boulevard at the intersection with Presidents Way, which is just south of the cultural center. (See San Diego Transit Information for the downtown transit map, which includes Balboa Park, and information for the online Transit Planner.)

You can also get off the bus at Presidents Way to catch the Free Balboa Park Tram. The Tram starts at the end of the driveway, on the east side of Presidents Way and circulates every 10 minutes from here to the main circle at the Prado stop, near the Balboa Park Information Center. The Tram runs from 8:30AM – 6PM daily with extended hours during the summer and special occasions.

Balboa Park Map – The map shows a listing of all Balboa Park Museums, attractions, bus and tram stops, and places to eat. You should also print out the Balboa Park Tram Map from the City of San Diego. It is not as detailed but is helpful because it includes names on each of the buildings. With the other map, you need to use a map key to find the name of a building.