Balboa Park

The basics

A visit to the park features on most San Diego city sightseeing tours, and Segway tours are another popular way to explore Balboa. The central part of the park houses the renowned San Diego Zoo. The park also features a wealth of museums, from the Museum of Man and San Diego Natural History Museum to the Timken Museum of Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the Fleet Science Center. Don’t miss cultural stops like the Centro Cultural de la Raza and Old Globe Theater.

To explore its outdoorsy highlights, head to the Alcazar Gardens or the Japanese Friendship Garden. The east end of the park holds the Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. While general entry is free, you can book attraction-specific Balboa Park tickets, or site-spanning passes.

Things to know before you go

• Explore the area on foot or use the free Balboa Park Tram, which loops around the main areas of the park daily.

• Balboa Park is kid-friendly, with a miniature train, playgrounds, and play areas in most museums.

• With so many options, it’s best to prioritize your desired stops in the park. You can pick up a park map at the Balboa Park Visitors Center in the House of Hospitality.

• One of the best pass options is the Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which includes general admission to participating museums for seven consecutive days.

• Eating options abound throughout the park. Be sure to check out the Prado for diverse cuisine and museum-inspired decor.

How to get there

Set in downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is easily reached by bus. By car, Park Boulevard provides easy access to the site’s free parking areas near most of the exhibits. The most scenic approach, however, is over the Cabrillo Bridge from the west. The steep roadsides, lush with hanging greenery, resemble a rainforest gorge.

When to get there

Balmy San Diego is famous for its year-round sunshine and mild climate. Balboa Park is open year-round and 24 hours a day, with the Visitors Center open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The zoo, museums, and other attractions have varying hours of operation.

Things to do near Balboa Park

Countless activities are available in Balboa Park. However, the location is also an ideal base for seeing some of San Diego’s other top sights. The beaches of La Jolla, the charm of Old Town, and the bustle of the historic Gaslamp Quarter are just a short drive away.

Ways to explore

The massive park unfolds across 1,200 acres (490 hectares), so it’s important to go in with a plan. Thankfully, there are plenty of tours that vary by interest. Some explore the assorted biomes and gardens, while others focus on the museums and historical landmarks. Try to set aside at least half a day to get a sense of the park and its importance to the city—even though the park itself is free, the attractions are individually priced. Luckily, there are multiple ticket bundle options, which offer reduced entrance fees.

Accessibility

While accessibility varies across the park’s attractions, there are accessible bathrooms, parking, and wheelchair-friendly pathways and entrances across much of the park. Check individual attraction pages for details.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but the park is large, and younger children may wear out quickly!

What to pack

Cash, credit card, water, sunscreen, hat, bag

What to wear

Casual clothes for outdoor activity, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Smoking, glass containers, consuming alcohol outside designated areas, dogs off-leash, roller skates, skateboards, removal of plants

Amenities

ATMs, public bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, visitors center, tram

Address 

Balboa Park is easy to reach via public transit, car, rideshare, and taxi. Within the park, a free tram loops around many of the main museums. Bike and electric scooter tours are also popular options to cover more ground.

Driving

If heading south along I-5, exit at 10th Avenue, turn left on "A" Street. Take another left on Park Boulevard and follow the signs to Balboa Park. There’s plenty of parking throughout.

Public transportation

You can take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) from San Diego’s Downtown and Mission Valley neighborhoods. The main MTS bus routes through the park are Route 120, Route 7, and Rapid 215.

Best times to visit

Start your day in the park early to make the most of your time—most of the museums open mid-morning, but you can enjoy an early morning stroll through the gardens beforehand.

Best days to visit

Not all of the museums are open every day, so check individual websites to confirm.

Best months to visit

Spring is a gorgeous time to visit—April and May are both good options, with the gardens beginning to blossom and the city experiencing warmer weather.

Special events

There are always new events at Balboa Park—from exhibitions to haunted Halloween hikes to Shakespeare productions—so check the events calendar for the most up-to-date offerings.