Old Globe Theater Tours

Built in 1935 and modeled after Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, the Old Globe Theatre is one of San Diego’s top performing arts venues. It has produced more than 20 productions that have gone to Broadway and off-Broadway, and earned multiple Tony Awards. Enjoy classic and contemporary works, plus the annual Shakespeare Festival.
The Basics
The theater, set in lovely Balboa Park, hosts 15 productions each year across three stages, amounting to nearly 600 performances annually. You can purchase tickets online at the Old Globe website or in person at the box office (closed on Mondays). If you’re interested in just admiring the theater from the outside, some Balboa Park walking tours include a stop for photos. For an insider look, 90-minute behind-the-scenes tours are offered on select dates; contact the theater directly for details.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Old Globe is a must for theater buffs.
- Bring a jacket or blanket for warmth if you’re attending an evening show at the outdoor theater.
- If you are driving to a performance, the theater recommends that you arrive at least one hour before showtime to allow time to park your car.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at all three theaters.
How to Get There
The Old Globe Theater is located on Old Globe Way, just north of El Prado in Balboa Park, between the San Diego Museum of Art and San Diego Museum of Man. The main city buses that run through the park are Route 7, Route 120, and Rapid 215.
When to Get There
Most events are held in the evenings. The Shakespeare Festival takes place at the Old Globe’s outdoor stage—Lowell Davies Festival Theatre—every summer. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is another popular annual event. The box office is open from 12pm until the day’s final performance time, or 6pm on nonperformance days, Tuesday through Sunday.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The Old Globe is far from the only place for performing arts in Balboa Park. Another favorite venue is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, a 5- to 10-minute walk south of the Old Globe. Free organ concerts are held outdoors every Sunday afternoon, as well as Monday evenings in the summer.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA, USA
Admission: Varies
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Old Globe Theater
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San Diego Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Learn about San Diego while joining your friends or family for a scavenger hunt on this 2.5-hour self-guided game in Balboa Park. Combine the fun of the Amazing Race with the information of a 3-hour walking tour as your team uses your own smart phones to play the scavenger hunt. Solve the clues and complete challenges as you make your way among well-known and hidden parts of Balboa Park during the scavenger hunt—an ideal choice for families, friends, or work colleagues visiting San Diego.
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From
$21.34
Price varies by group size
From
$21.34
Price varies by group size

Private Balboa Park Segway Tour
Take a tour of San Diego's most-popular park during this Segway exploration of Balboa Park. Follow your friendly local guide to all of the hot spots and learn why locals love the laid back vibe of this coastal destination.
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From
$62.94
From
$62.94
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