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    The Old Globe

    4.4 (364 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 7:00 PM

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    Outside the theater
    Amy M.

    Such a magical venue to see shows! Always a great experience coming to the theater, always feels intimate! We are so lucky to have a spot like this in town!

    Christmas tree at the Old Globe.
    Lynn O.

    Ticket booth people are so patient and informative - they were having a tech problem with sending out digital tickets, but were very good about explaining the problem and how it would be solved that my concerns were gone even though I never did get them on my phone. The central plaza was decorated beautifully for the season. Concessions and gift shop were both open, and seating was readily available about an hour before the show. We saw Scrooge's Big SD Christmas. The one liners with a SD touch were hilarious! These actors are true pros, and the intimate venue meant there wasn't a bad seat in the house. I'm so thankful we have such talent in our city!

    The Grinch!
    Danny W.

    The Old Globe located in the beautiful Balboa Park is a must if you like going to musicals. I went to the Grinch and it was sooo good! This is a smaller venue and great because it is more intimate. Parking is scarce and is they are charging now at Balboa Park. Overall, I would check this venue out and maybe walk around Balboa Park before or after the show.

    Bill S.

    The Grinch is one of our favorite SD holiday traditions. The Old Globe is so festive this time of year. Shout-out to Matt P in group sales for making it easy for our group to secure tickets.

    Steph S.

    First time at this theater. We had balcony seats and I really don't think there is a bad seat in this house. Everyone there was personable and attentive. The interior was beautiful with pleasant details around. Saw Regency Girls and if you have a chance, go see it before it leaves.

    Marcie L.

    I visited on the third Tuesday of the month, which offers free admission for residents. During the tour, we explored three different theaters, one of which exclusively stages Shakespearean plays. We learned about the history of these theaters, including past fires that led to their destruction and subsequent reconstruction. In one of the theaters, we had the unique opportunity to go beneath the stage for a behind-the-scenes tour, including a look at the costume and wardrobe department, among other areas. The third theater was a circular design, and it was fascinating to learn about its remodeling history. The tour began at 10:30 AM and lasted until 11:45 AM, with approximately 20 participants. Since it fills up quickly, it's essential to book as soon as reservations open.

    Saliha M.

    I saw the grinch in November, with my niece. It was a great experience, and has someone become a family tradition. This year's performance was great and I loved the artwork incorporated into the show!

    Balboa Park
    Cara N.

    A long time season ticket holder but never saw "The Grinch". I just saw it last week. What an amazing cast and performance! Young and old alike should see this show. Music is amazing. The ushers are helpful. The historic theatre is beautiful. Please support Local theatre and see this show!

    John C.

    Have a pass to see so many shows here and they are all so well done and the acting, stage, and story-lines keeps me very intrigued. So far my favorite has been Destiny of Desire. Can't wait to see many more as they come. Great staff, awesome location, and super fun!

    The Old Globe Theatre
    Kaleena B.

    The Old Globe Theatre is one of my favorite places in San Diego. I've been to countless shows over the years and am finally taking the time to review this local treasure! Built in 1935, the Old Globe was modeled after Shakespeare's Old Globe in London. Every season features a couple of Shakespeare performances in the summer, and every holiday season there are performances of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show, and the courtyard is transformed with a Dr. Seuss Christmas tree for the festive holiday spirit. There are a couple of theaters but I've only seen performances in the main one. It's small enough that no matter where you are, you'll have a great view of the stage. Row N has a bit more leg room and no one behind you -- that's my favorite row to sit in! The seats are comfortable but are a bit narrow, so if you're plus sized you might feel a little cramped. Rather than overpriced snacks like at other theaters, there's Lady Carolyn's Pub that serves more substantial fare. You will only be able to bring drinks with kids into the theater though, so plan accordingly.

    Yueming Q.

    We came to watch Grinch! It is so impressive. The stage setup was nice. What I love the most is their performance, the actors are so professional. They act and sing so well. The whole show is just very beautiful. We enjoyed it so much.

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    Cool venue. We watched a show in the round. Small cozy and intimate theater. Can't wait to return.

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    Page 1 of 10

    The Old Globe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Old Globe

    How is the seating at the Lowell Davies outdoor theater? If you're in "A" at the top is the stage very far away? Or still easily viewable?

    Hello Ciel! The stage is very viewable from throughout the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. It is… Read more

    I'm interested in watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Can someone please give me their review of the play?

    I'm a middleaged woman- a volunteer usher for the Globe- and I loved it! I certainly don't have to say this. I've seen a few "stinkers" here over the years. By and large, though, the Globe produces the best theater in San Diego and the Grinch was… Read more

    Is it indoors or outdoors

    The theatre is indoors, but you wait in a courtyard outside before the show.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Old Globe

    After the last three musicals I've seen, these are the things I've noticed about The Old Globe theater.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    Gaslamp Quarter Association - Young Blood. A unique speakeasy bar where cocktails are made to your flavor preferences. Easily, one of the best bars I've been to.

    Gaslamp Quarter Association

    4.1(236 reviews)
    1.5 miGaslamp

    We attended our FOURTH Taste of the Gaslamp, this is 2025!!! We have been coming since 2022!!!…read more It's a FUN San Diego Event. We started at Goodnight John Boy, which is a 1970's Nightclub!!! It was also STOP 1, serving PIZZA. We stopped at in on 16 RESTAURANTS!!! HERE IS HOW OUR DAY WENT: We proceeded over and up. We ate PIZZA again at PIZZA ON FIFTH. THEN, back down, BACK AND FORTH, and down some more. Back and Forth, AND UP!!! We had pizza and more pizza, a couple places had sliders. CHEESE BALLS at The Field!!! I ate both of our Cheese Balls, and they were large and filled with soft, creamy white cheese. When we walked into THE FIELD, the Staff approached us and took us to a table, the only empty table in the place!!! After that, they even exchanged the stool that was there with a backed chair. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! YUMMY, yummy Truffles at Sugarbear!!! We then ran into the MEXICAN REGION, with Rockin Baja and Hasta Manana, and Baja Rick's Cantina!!! We loved HASTA MANANA, in particular. It went all out MEXICAN FOOD, we had three different things to eat, including Chips and Guacamole, a Potato Taquito, and Arroz Con Leche. HASTA Manana was the HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY!!! At ROYAL India, we tried Chicken Marsala!!! We were thrilled to see CAFE SEVILLA again serving Paella!!! We were also thrilled to see SUGAR BEAR again serving DELICIOUS DESERTS!!! I have to say this about SUGARBEAR, we were greeted warmly by the owner, who was standing outside. It was JUST LIKE LAST YEAR. WHAT A DAY!!! I mean, this is a Classic San Diego LOCATION, location, location, the Gaslamp Quarter. Then, DID I MENTION, you get to taste the food at 16 Restaurants!!! TELL ME, what is better???

    Very charming neighborhood of downtown San Diego! I stayed at the Sofia Hotel so walking and…read moreexploring the area was convenient and so easy. I loved getting to pass by all the historic buildings, most were constructed in the Victorian era. Also lots of restaurants and shops along the way to Harbor Drive

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    Gaslamp Quarter Association
    Gaslamp Quarter Association - Chocolate Cremerie Desserts at Taste of the Gaslamp 2023.

    Chocolate Cremerie Desserts at Taste of the Gaslamp 2023.

    Gaslamp Quarter Association

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    The Homecoming Statue

    The Homecoming Statue

    4.4(11 reviews)
    1.8 miDowntown

    Pretty iconic statue along the boardwalk before you get to Seaport Village. There's not really a…read morequeue to take your picture in front of it, so hop in while you can. When I visited, there was yellow tape in front of the statue roping it off. Not clear on why.

    this statue seems to be mistaken for the Unconditional Surrender statue a lot by reviewers…read more Unconditional Surrender is tall and in color, while the Homecoming statue is life sized and bronze. They could not be more different. You will find this statue on a grass patch along the street. Parking here to get a closer look is relatively simple. There is a huge metered lot within a reasonable walking distance of this statue. It is a simple statue that depicts a sailor being embraced by a woman, that I assume to be his wife and a small child that I assume to be shared by his wife. The sculpture is the work of Stanley Bleifeld, whose intent was to express the joy of the reunion between a family when a sailor returns from a long deployment. The statue not only honors the service member, but the sacrifices made by families during challenging periods without their loved ones. The San Diego sculpture is a replica of the original one in the US Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. You will find other copies in Virginia and South Carolina. The statue is about 7 feet high and was dedicated in August 1998. It is showing its age a bit, but still looks pretty good. It is a powerful sculpture and you can really feel the reunion. Be sure to check out the expressions on the sculptures' faces, especially the kid's. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. There are a ton of statues and memorials in that area including the USS San Diego Memorial, The Bob Hope Salute, The Aircraft Carrier Memorial and the Unconditional Surrender statue. I would also consider visiting the USS Midway Museum, as well.

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    The Homecoming Statue
    The Homecoming Statue - Love this

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    The Homecoming Statue - Iconic

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    Iconic

    Horton Plaza Park - Outside

    Horton Plaza Park

    2.9(52 reviews)
    1.3 miGaslamp

    For the nany groups that gatgerwd at the park you would find the shore patrol that patroled the…read morestreets for the times were early with the servicemen that would have time in the city on shore leave. For the Horton Plaza pigeon park fid have its bad sidez wgen the mall storez started changing it caused the park to be cleaned up. The Pigeon Park gad a tunnel that ran under the park that connected to the old Grey Hound Station that is locat at 1st and Broadway. The Banking Building tgat is located at the front it was one of the many that handeled the many stores for the Wells Fargo handled the businesses of Horton Plaza as the shopping center was changing. When planet hollywood was at the mall the rsstaurant was the support for the ma with the vest food and surprising dishes. Horton Plaza Park was the front row seats to the many premeres of the msll the park was one you saw the many speakers the park was the center of the visitors and the news conferences that would be broadcasted from the park. The founder and the one that developed the many properties i the fathers of the Gaslamp anx the Spreckles theater Alonzo Horton the founder of the gaslamp and the many of thr New City the firzt bame for the city of San Diego. Horton Plaza Park the centwr of the historical landmarks for the Horton Pkaza Park was an empty field before the mall was built the Spreckles Theater one of the first musical and the first Black and White theater. With the US Grant Hotel tht oldest of San Diego it was the business hotel the hietorical loxation that oversaw the openinfband the dedication of the park. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer the historical locationd of the Broadway the main street that runs down the middle of the city. From the trip that I toom down to San Diego the park been changed with i dustrial blowers and generators for the theater was started but was never finished. The company that was doing the demo and the remodel the problem there is no money the demo and remodel had ruined the Historical Landnark seeing this the city has ruined the Histotical welcome to visitors.

    I work a block away from this parking lot and the late night parking attendant tonight was much…read moremore rude than usual. He told us to basically go to a different parking garage since they were experiencing issues tonight and only have one lane open versus 3 lanes. After I thanked him for dealing with everything he didn't say anything except "next time park it on market" it's always the guy with the hat late night that is so quiet and rude to all myself and all my coworkers. There has been one lovely late night lady and she's the best!!! 5 stars for her. Bring her around more often. Not this mean guy that hates literally everyone.

    Photos
    Horton Plaza Park - With the many parts of the Horton Plaza Park there is under construction of the outdoor theater and the Ampitheater.

    With the many parts of the Horton Plaza Park there is under construction of the outdoor theater and the Ampitheater.

    Horton Plaza Park - With the Horton Park the one hotel that has the ties to the park is the US Grant hotel which donated money to the building of the park.

    With the Horton Park the one hotel that has the ties to the park is the US Grant hotel which donated money to the building of the park.

    Horton Plaza Park - The many areas of the Horton Plaza Park and the site of the Horton House which you can see the site as the right.

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    The many areas of the Horton Plaza Park and the site of the Horton House which you can see the site as the right.

    The Old Globe - theater - Updated May 2026

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