House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations

Cultural center · San Diego

House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations

Cultural center · San Diego

2191 Pan American W Rd, San Diego, CA 92101

Highlights

Explore a charming collection of international cottages offering cultural exhibits, tasty samples, and vibrant events in a cozy, community-driven setting.

2191 Pan American W Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

sdhpr.org

@hprinternationalcottages.sd

@afar

"Houses of Hospitality in Balboa Park There are about 32 countries represented in this little section of Balboa Park, each country housed in its own cute little Spanish Colonial cottage built for the 1935 Exposition. Pictured here are the houses for China and Scotland. The little cottages sit in a horseshoe shape around a grassy area where you can have a picnic or sit on a blanket to watch the shows. Each Sunday from March through October, a different cottage features music and dancing using the costumes and serving food from that part of the world. At different times of the year, cottages have special events to showcase their culture with food and music. During other events, such as December Nights at Balboa Park, all the houses are open and serving food local to that country."

Hidden (and not-so-Hidden) Places in Balboa Park

View Postcard for House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations

Jeremiah Ellard

Google

Although the houses were closed it was still a great experience getting to walk around the area and learn from the outside displays about each country and their cultures! 🙌🏾 Love showing our children what the 🌍 has to offer beyond our little bubble.

Reed B

Google

The house of pacific relations international cottages is a must visit if you are there on a weekend that they are having an open house event. It is incredibly cool to see all these “countries” coming together in a model-UN sort of way. Many have exhibits of cultural items, some sell food and some have free tea or coffee. Almost everyone is a volunteer and they will be happy to talk as much (or as little) as you want about their country. It’s such a cool experience and you will learn something and have fun doing it!

Yvette Gomez

Google

I visited the international cottages for the second time on January 26th, and I truly appreciate the effort you put into promoting diversity, inclusion, peace, and acceptance of different cultures, especially in a world that feels so fragile right now. However, I must express serious concern and give a low rating for the fact that the House of Israel is being allowed to "promote" their views on the war in the Middle East. I fear this could foster division and hatred towards a specific ethnicity, which is deeply troubling. Isn't the whole purpose of the international houses to unite people, to bring us together regardless of culture, skin color, or where we come from? I firmly believe this undermines the goal of what you are trying to promote with the cottages. On a positive note, House of Korea and House of Puerto Rico were my favorite!

Eren

Google

Very nice concept. Great encounters that promote cultural diversity and intercultural interaction. Unfortunately, the "House of Iran" did not understand this. Under the guise of Free Speech, the elderly gentleman is engaging in anti-Muslim propaganda and is not presenting his country, but his own questionable ideas. We are disappointed with the experience as all the other houses were very open and nice.

Lalo Ortega

Google

These are houses decorated with things of every country and I loved every single one of them. My favorites were the Turkish house, the Korean house, the American house, the UK house (they have a Harry Potter section and you can take a photo in a newspaper that says “Have you seen this wizard”), the Swedish house (they sell some beautiful postcards), the Korean house (they show you how to write your name in Korean and have some beautiful postcards and stamps) and the Mexican house. They had some amazing singers they day I went, ambience is amazing. The gift store was nice, not that expensive compared to all the touristic places visited. I don’t know but I think it’s better to buy things in every house rather than in the gift store because that way you support each house (most of the things they give you are free and you can decide if you want to donate or not). Also some houses give you stickers, you can ask for them.

John and Lara Y

Google

International houses in Balboa are awesome! Tips: Go on the weekend when houses are open. Every weekend a different house hosts something in the main lawn area. Bring a stack of $1s. Sample food from open houses are donation only (dumplings from China house, cakes from German house, tea from British house, etc). The volunteers are so friendly. You will be inspired to visit these countries...plan your next trip with help from the volunteers who will tell you the Must Sees. Also- The annual Ethnic food fair is a MUST. So many small affordable samples of food, I was sadly limited by my appetite. Also Germany house is the best. :-) Go there for cakes and coffee...danke to the nice German volunteers.

Elka

Google

Open twice a week on weekends. It is a quick walk though. Fun venue for parties. This was the House of Denmark Christmas party.

L Ali

Google

What a wonderful experience! These little cottages give you a cultural glimpse of many countries. Most have hosts to answer questions and a few had snacks, like dumplings. Look for their calendar of lawn shows/festivals; these are extremely fun. They have a tent set up for the country's cuisine. Plan to bring a blanket/chairs to attend. The park shuttle stops not far away.