New California Tower Tour
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — After 80 years of being closed to the public, the gorgeous California Tower in Balboa Park built in 1915, reopens for public tours on Jan. 1, 2015. The historic tower was completed in 1914 by the architect Bertram Goodhue, who was inspired by the churches of Mexico and Spain. It was closed to the public shortly after the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. On New Year’s Day tours begin, permitting the public access to the stairs from the second floor of the Museum of Man. Visitors ascend a staircase hidden to the public for decades, then climb seven floors and finally a spiral metal stairway. From the top, there is a spectacular vista of the park and city. It’s San Diego’s very own, unique Eiffel Tower of sorts. Lasting 40 minutes, guests are given 10-15 minutes on the first viewing deck. Tickets for the museum and tower are $22.50 for adults, with discounts for children, youth, students and seniors. Tickets sold on showclix.com
Highlights:
- First time since 1935 open to public
- 360-degree views seeing up to 23 miles away to the horizon
- Visible landmarks include mountains, downtown, the San Diego Zoo, Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and Balboa Park
- Designed by Architect Bertram Goodhue
- Hybrid design blends Plateresque, Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Rococo with inspiration from Spanish churches in Mexico
- Suitable for those physically able to climb and descend 125 steps within a 45 minute period
- Not open to age 5 and younger
