San Diego Balboa Park - Helpful Travel Information


Balboa Park originally called City Park, has several museums and gardens in it.

The Cactus Garden features large cacti and succulent plants.

Visit Centro Cultural de la Raza to learn about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous, and Latino art and culture.

There are public group tours at the Marston House.

There are an old fashioned carousel and train rides too.

If your interests are in science, art, and/or history, go to the various museums and gardens at Balboa Park.

Buy Now - Private Tour: Balboa Park in San Diego – US$ 149.00

More useful information below in this Balboa Park travel guide for new visitors to San Diego, California.

 

Address

 

1549 El PradoSan Diego, CA 92101

Admission Fee and Hours

Balboa Park Entrance Admission :

FREE

No entrance fee for the park but admission fees for rides and museums inside Balboa Park.

Book Online - Private Tour: Balboa Park in San Diego – US$ 149.00

Balboa Park Hours :

Open 24 hours for walking and browsing

Museum is usually open from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily.

Rides like Miniature train are open till 6 PM daily.

 

Getting There

Book Online: San Diego City Tour - US$ 48.00

By Car to Balboa Park in San Diego :

South from I-5
- Take the 10th Avenue Exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" Street and left again on Park Blvd.
- Follow the signs to Balboa Park.

North from I-5
- Take the Pershing Drive/B Street exit off I-5 to Pershing Drive.
- Take Pershing and then turn left on Florida Drive. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd.
- Left on Park Blvd.

South from Hwy 163
- Take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd.
- Follow the signs to Balboa Park.

By Public Bus (MTS) to Balboa Park in San Diego :

Take Routes 120 (Fashion Valley) or Route 7 (Smart Corner) to Balboa Park

 

Recommendations

 

- Have a relaxing day with picnics, rides, museums, or just resting!

- Balboa Park offers free admission to active military and their dependents to the museums. Check the website for details.

- Visit the Gardens for free and view the California Native Plant Garden from the footpath instead of paying to go inside.

- You can let your children play for free on play structures, and let your dog run around.

- There is also free Wi-Fi at Balboa Park in many places.

SAVE Money: Buy a Go San Diego Card by Smart Destinations for discounts if you are going to 3 or more attractions in San Diego.  

These Cards includes most of the Museums in Balboa Park like the Fleet Museum and Imax Theater

Buy - Private Tour: Balboa Park in San Diego – US$ 149.00

 

Website

 

Link to San Diego Balboa Park Official Website
Private Tour: Balboa Park in San Diego - $149.00

Explore San Diego's Balboa Park with a private guide, and hear informative narration about this 1,200-acre (485-hectare) cultural icon, declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1977. See areas like the Botanical Building or Rose Garden, and pass by a plethora of museums as you learn about the park’s history and architecture. Travel from your hotel to Balboa Park by luxury vehicle, and enjoy provided bottled water and snacks during this 2-hour tour.