Search results
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from Downtown and Mission Valley. Print out a handy map of the bus and trolley systems servicing Downtown, the San Diego International Airport, and Balboa Park.
The Balboa Park Cultural District is located just north of Downtown San Diego. Drive in, catch a bus ride, or walk and bike from many nearby historic neighborhoods. Here are more options and information about getting to the Park.
Park layout. Map of Balboa Park museums and cultural institutions. Balboa Park’s view of Downtown San Diego for Photography, 2024. Balboa Park is a primary attraction in San Diego and the region. Its many mature, and sometimes rare, trees and groves comprise an urban forest.
- Park History
- Museums in Balboa Park
- The San Diego Zoo
- Gardens to Wander
- Performing Arts Venues
- Outdoor Things to Do
- Where to Eat and Drink
- Getting There
- Tips For visitors
In 1868, civic leaders set aside 1,400 acres for City Park, but it remained wild and undeveloped for decades. In 1874, the first of the park’s museums, the San Diego Natural History Museum aka the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, was founded. In 1892, Kate “The Mother Of Balboa Park” Sessions jumpstarted the park as we know it ...
With 17 (soon to be 18) museums covering a wide variety of subjects from automobiles to zoological beasts, it’s hard to leave Balboa Park without learning something. The following museums are located within the park: 1. Comic-Con Museum:Expected to open in 2021, this celebration of nerdtastic pop culture like comic books, cartoons, superheroes, fan...
This 100-acre wildlife sanctuary—known for its pioneering work with California condors, rhinos, and pandas—is the first stop on most people’s trips, and with good reason. The zoo is home to 12,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Get a closer look by springing for the upgraded experiences like photo expeditions, meet-and-greets wi...
If you’re gaga for green spaces, Balboa Park is a must stop. All in, there are 19 distinct gardens, meaning there is bound to be something growing that piques your interest whether you prefer prickly cacti, Asian horticulture (Japanese Friendship Garden), medicinal plants (Trees For Health), or the sweet smell of roses (the Inez Grant Parker Memori...
In addition to museum-sponsored films, concerts, and dance performances, visitors can be entertained by productions staged at a variety of venues within the park, often by arts organizations headquartered there. Catch free Sunday concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion where tunes are played on the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. Started ...
With so many attractions, it’s easy to forget that Balboa Park is first and foremost a fantastic place to enjoy a picnic, a stroll past big, old trees including one of the three largest Moreton Bay figs found in California, or a play friendly round of Frisbee. There are also plenty of dedicated dog parks (Grape Street, Morley Field, and Nate’s Poin...
From quick nibbles between museums to fine dining in a historic building (The Prado), there are a lot of choices in the park. Sip tea and slurp noodles at the Tea Pavilion in the Japanese Friendship Garden. Nosh on casual salads and sandwiches at The Flying Squirrel cafe. Meals come with a side of waterfall views at Albert’s, a full-service restaur...
Off the I-5 and Highway 163, BP is centrally located between many of San Diego’s trendy neighborhoods like North Park, Hillcrest, Downtown, University Heights, the East Village, and Banker’s Hill. Some public transportation options include DecoBike, rental street scooters, and MTS bus (routes 120, 7, and Rapid 215).
Entrance to Balboa Park and parking is free although most museums, performance venues, and classes require tickets or have paid admission. Special events like the Rock & Roll Marathon or the St. Pa...It’s a big park so take advantage of the free tram which runs daily, stops in three major parking lots (Inspiration Point, Organ Pavilion, and Federal), and deposits riders within a 10-minute walk...The Balboa Park Visitors Center hands out a bimonthly event guide and maps, features a gift shop, and runs the lost and found.Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.- Carrie Bell
- (619) 239-0512
- San Diego, CA, USA
Balboa Park Facilities Map. For more information about Balboa Park museums, gardens and other attractions, select a facility or location on the map or links below. Sites noted with an asterisk (*) are available for special events.
Need help navigating the park? Head to the Visitor Center is in the House of Hospitality, located at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 near The Prado Restaurant. The center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
People also ask
What is Balboa Park?
How do I get to Balboa Park in San Diego?
What is the Balboa Park cultural district?
How do I get to the Balboa Park cultural district?
What's happening at Balboa Park?
Where can I find a book about Balboa Park?
Jan 28, 2023 · The central area of Balboa Park is located at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. You can visit Balboa Park 24 hours a day and admire its towering architectural masterpieces hidden in the lush greenery.
