Balboa Park San Diego California

Balboa Park    

balboapark.org
4.7/5
(13.1K) · Park in San Diego, United States
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This 1,200-acre nature park comprises 17 museums, gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The park’s …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.7/5 · 13,145 reviews
5-star
70%
4-star
19%
3-star
7%
2-star
2%
1-star
2%
Recent reviews
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Apr 21, 2025
A great place to walk around, appreciate architecture and gardens, and art. The rose garden was a delightfully smelling highlight. Parking was challenging on a Sunday afternoon but not impossible. Th…Full review by dimes008
Apr 10, 2025
Our family (kids aged 11, 10, 7) had a wonderful day at the park! We timed it to go on a weekend (for us, a Saturday), and I’d recommend that if you can. That meant the International Cottages were op…Full review by Heidi M
Mar 28, 2025
Balboa Park is a huge park that us open 24/7 for walking and expliring the outdoor areas with different hours for each venue of art, fun, and restaurants. We spent time at the Spanish village Art Ce…Full review by ToniT1079
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Articles

Over 85 Cultural and Recreational Facilities
With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and eve…
10best.com

Questions & answers

Q:
Can I buy the trolley tickets here at Balboa park ?
A:
You should buy them at their Website, hope this helps. Have fun, its a great place to visit.
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Q:
Outside the zoo where are good places to photograph birds in Balboa Park?
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We found the pool in front of the planetarium an excellent spot. Greetings from Canada
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Q:
What time does the park open and close? Was wondering if it might be a good place to go in the evening?
A:
Hello! Balboa Park is a city park, and is open 24 hours; the organizations within the park typically are open between 10 am and 5 pm. Depending on when you visit, there may be an …
A:
Hello! Balboa Park is a city park, and is open 24 hours; the organizations within the park typically are open between 10 am and 5 pm. Depending on when you visit, there may be an event or show, and the Prado or Panama 66 restaurants may be open. The historic buildings are lit up at night as well. A few recommendations: Come on Wednesday night and hear live jazz and have dinner at Panama 66; look at the schedule for the Old Globe theatre, then plan a dinner at the Prado followed by a play; Friday nights during summer there are food trucks, live entertainment, and late hours at museums.
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
Where should I park?
A:
See the Parking page for information about self-parking and valet options.
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Highlights

Tips

The Park grounds are open for 24 hours a day.  The timings given are for the attractions. Admission prices for each of the attractions inside the park vary
triphobo.com
If you buy a museum pass all the you will find it a lot more economical then buying separate tickets to each museum
triphobo.com
Be a kid again and hop on the choo-choo train for an enjoyable ride
triphobo.com
Also a favorite for family picnics
michelin.com
Stroll the area and hidden garden areas in the late afternoon
tripsavvy.com
Admission to the general grounds is free, but several individual attractions charge fees
usnews.com
The train is a model G-16 which is a rare antique and has been very nicely maintained
triphobo.com
Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums
roadtrippers.com
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings are the best time to visit the Museum
roadtrippers.com
Art lovers, nature junkies, and science geeks all will find something to do at balboa park
attractionsofamerica.com
Also check out pop thursdays which blends music, cocktails, and photography for a fun evening
10best.com
And don't forget free tuesdays, where museums open their doors to residents and military personnel for free every tuesday
tripsavvy.com
Make sure to leave enough time to explore the rest of Balboa Park surrounding it
afar.com
There are also many recreational facilities and several gift shops and restaurants within the boundaries of the park
sygic.com
Visitors may now climb the museum's california tower for one of the most panoramic views of san diego (ages 6 and older)
10best.com
It is the perfect destination for people who enjoy visiting museums, theaters, and the san diego zoo
vacationidea.com
All attractions are easily walkable, or jump aboard the park's tram to whizz around them all at speed
lonelyplanet.com
Note its age and observe its glory increasing with every passing day
triphobo.com
In december each year, the december nights festival takes place in the park, while the earthfair annual environmental fair is scheduled each april
visitacity.com
Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near the museum of photographic arts
trip.com
Free tours depart the balboa park visitors center each week, covering various themes from botany to architecture
lonelyplanet.com
Here, the rock walls and the overlook contain minerals such as garnet and hematite, the source of their rich colors
wowtravel.me
Adults are required to sit with them in the train
afar.com
The park remains a favorite destination for residents and tourists, registering over 12 million guests every year
scenicusa.net
The experience lasts 2 hours and can accommodate up to 10 guests ages 12 and up
bringfido.com
You may contact parks for questions about: reserving park facilities san diego park special events calendar
countyoffice.org
Visitors to the museum can see museum exhibits, attend events at the museum, and access museum educational programs
countyoffice.org
You may choose to use the bike lane from the intersection
mtbproject.com
Use the road or go along the grass lawn, up the hill
mtbproject.com
Check the museum website for upcoming events and exhibitions
triphobo.com
The building also includes a research library and a learning center
minube.co.uk
Humans must clean up after their dogs throughout the park and off-leash areas
bringfido.com
The museum offers special exhibits from crowd-pleasing animal themes to landscapes
lonelyplanet.com
You may also choose to take this road back to Morley Field
mtbproject.com
A gift shop offers funky cameras, such as the holga and the diana f+, as well as art books and accessories
frommers.com
Suggested tour: san diego walking tour: balboa park with a local guide
thecrazytourist.com
Photos rotate frequently, so call ahead if you're interested in something specific to find out if it is currently on display
fodors.com
Discover everything you need to know about balboa park—a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and
komoot.com

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