The sidewalks along either side of El Prado were shaded by arched details of old buildings. Because the museum area was open to the air, such covered sidewalks were a welcome relief from heat, and shelter from rain. At the end of this particular walkway was the information center and gift shop.

The facade of one of building left over from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, and the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. This look was typical of the buildings lining the street.

The gift shop was the place where one could purchase daily and weekly passes. A pass was typically good at all the museums and gave entry to the Zoo.

El Prado Road was an actual roadway used by cars. Although at first glance it appeared an open pedestrian mall, the fact was that it was the only street access to many of these buildings.

Through this archway was the House of Hospitality and the Prado Restaurant. Notice the detail in the archways and the tasteful but distinct signs of commercialism.

The sidwalk pathway exited the arched shaded walkway and passed the lilly pond of the Botanical Gardens. In the not too distant past, this inset connecting road to the sidewalk was parking.

The entry to the covered walkway was just an alternative to walking down El Prado road itself.

The path beind the Botanial Building was one example of many ways to leave El Prado and find one of many possible lovely shaded gardens . Most of the paths were level and smooth and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Art Museum was across from where El Prado intersected Pan American Road. Notice the parking lot in front of the museum. Behind the museum was a sculpture garden that was freely open to the public.

The cafe in the outdoor plaza behind the Art Museum. To the left, just out of sight was the sculpture garden.

Yet another of the many covered walkways discovered alongside El Prado Road. A strongly Spanish influence.

The Old Globe Theater was on Old Globe Way behind the Museum of Art. The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 plays and musicals on its three stages, including its highly-regarded Shakespeare festival.

Lawn and shaded seating created a good place to rest just behind the Museum Of Man.

El Prado Road where it entered the museum area. This was one way in from the City. Just across a bridge behind this archway was Laruel Road and 6th Avenue.

The view looking back from the bridge along El Prado Road inward toward the row of museums. The arch in the foreground is the same arch from the previous shot.

A statue stood outside the entry to the Mingei International Museum.

The statue that stood in the center of the road where El Prado intersected Pan American Road. A turn left here would take you to the Air and Space Museum, the Automotive Museum, and the Organ Pavilian.

At the end of El Prado near the fountain were booths selling snacks. One booth sold Lemonade, and the other sold Tamales. Behind these booths was Zoro Garden .

The view looking back along El Prado Road from the fountain. Here was a group of school children on a day's outing.

The fountain at the end of El Prado down by the bridge over Park Avenue. Kids were allowed to play in the water.

The footbridge that ran over Park Avenue and gave access from El Prado to the Rose Garden and to the Desert Garden . The bridge was behind the fountain.

A magician performed for children and adults on the plaza just across from the fountain. Here he was about to make a ball disappear from one cup only to appear inside another.