Where else could you see cluster of cottages representing different houses around the world but in the House of Pacific Relations aka International Cottages Center. Located in the International Community of Balboa Park in San Diego, California, there are 31 houses that represent 31 different cultures and traditions. Inside each house are authentic artifacts plus historical and contemporary information of each nation.
In specific days of the year, each house would have a lawn program that features cultural dances in regional native costumes. For instance, every first Sunday in May the Polish house would celebrate Polish Constitution Day by playing music play depicting the Polish heritage. Every year in September the House of Puerto Rico would entertain visitors with folk dances. On the last Sunday of October, the House of Scotland would celebrate the Celtic Festival of Samhain.
If you are interested in learning more about cultures and heritages other than your own, visit the International Cottages Center. And don’t miss to taste and sample their ethnic foods, bakery, and drinks, which are served when you enter the houses.
The House of China
The House of Czech and Slovak Republics
The House of Denmark
The House of England
The House of Finland
The House of France
The House of Germany
The House of Hungary
The House of Iran
The House of Ireland
The House of Israel
The House of Norway
The House of Philippine Islands
The House of Poland
The House of Puerto Rico
The House of Scotland
The House of Spain
The House of Sweden
The House of Ukraine
The House of USA
I was a little disappointed that, of all the houses I visited, the House of Philippines was the only one padlocked!
Here is the list of the rest of the houses that I missed to see:
The House of Argentina
The House of Austria
The House of Colombia
The House of India
The House of Italy
The House of Lebanon
The House of Lithuania
The House of Mexico
The House of Palestine
The House of Panama
The House of Peru
The House of Turkey
Experience rating.
For the learning experience, I would give this site a rating of 8/10.
Parking space.
There are many spaces for parking at the park. There is one right across the International Cottages Center.
Hours for open houses.
Cottages are open from noon until 5:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
No admission fee.
Explore all houses without paying a dime!
Address and contact.
2191 West Pan American Road
San Diego, CA
(619) 234-0739
Ready to travel?
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See also: My other travel adventures in the USA.
See also: List of National Parks.
