Balboa Park

Category: Park in San Diego, California

Address: San Diego, CA, USA

Phone: +16192390512

Opening hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Reviews

Isrrael Espin

Jun 22, 2022

If you are visiting San Diego this place is a must see. Bring your walking shoes and get ready to walk through the many Museums, theaters, shops, and wonderful views this place has to offer. It was nothing of what I expected, the Balboa park connects several Cathedral style venues on this wonderful walkways that include the San Diego Zoo, the Natural History Museum and several other museums. We didn't even have time to see everything. There is a tram that takes you to all the parking lots. I went there on a Tuesday and it was very crowded, so weekends must get really packed. I highly recommend this place if you have a day to kill and spend some quality time with the family or significant other. Although I saw many snack vendors, I didn't see many good restaurants so I would recommend bringing some sandwiches or whatever you can bring to eat. There are many areas to sit under the shade and relax on the grass or a bench. We went inside the natural history Museum and paid the admission but was a little disappointed with it. It probably took us around 20 minutes to see the entire Museum, compared to the natural Museum in L.A., this place was very small and was in need of more exhibits. Other than that, I gave Balboa Park an A+ because it really impressed me.

sotagirl1

Apr 14, 2022

Gorgeous architecture and gardens! Well worth the visit, even if you don't go inside the museums. There's such beauty everywhere, food and gift/trinket vendors, a couple restaurants, and talented music performers placed thoughtfully throughout (electric violin, acoustic guitar, flute etc). Start at the information desk to get a map. If you do want to go inside the museums, they have a rotating daily schedule that lists what buildings are open that day, which is usually a handful. Wear good walking shoes and get there early as the afternoon is very busy.

Elijah X

Feb 6, 2022

Once in a lifetime experience for tourists. A well preserved and rich environment, filled with beautiful dining and seating areas. Plenty of Museums are available; free parking areas and a great place to hike. The property is huge, so bring good shoes and a will to collect steps. You'll be rewarded...

Manny Alonzo

Feb 1, 2022

Beautiful place to visit in San Diego. The park has a lot of museums, several theaters and it includes San Diego zoo. Very huge park 1200 acres, you could spend all day exploring it. There are several gift shops and restaurants within the park. Several parking areas mostly free. Balboa park hosted the 1915-16 Panama-California exposition and 1935-36 California pacific international exposition, both of which left amazing architectural landmarks. The park site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use.

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.

Questions & Answers

Dogs allowed in the park

Loretta D'Errico | Jul 26, 2018
J Soltero | Jul 27, 2018

Yes, there's even a dog park.

Read More

how much is the entrance to balboa park?

carlos rodriguez | Jul 26, 2018
Ary Korenvais | Jul 27, 2018

Its free. You only have to pay if you want to go to the museum.

Read More

What can I say.... if you are in the area and don't stop then you are not seeing history.. from Air&Space to WW II .. there is a museum for just about everything there....Amazing...

GrandPa G | Jul 26, 2018
Savanah Schutz | Jul 27, 2018

I completely agree. It's a wonderful spot to decompress. Whether that be with family or alone. So much to do and see here.

Read More

IS this place good?

Lei Hong | Jul 26, 2018
Sharon Thomas | Jul 27, 2018

I enjoy the beautiful gardens. They sometimes HAVE concerts at their huge outdoors amphitheatre.

Read More

Is there free parking here?

Joshua Redman | Jul 26, 2019
Terry Darden | Jul 27, 2019

Yes

Read More

Is the park free?

Nashmy Abdulla | Jul 26, 2018
Lindsay S | Jul 27, 2018

Exactly what Teresa said. Free things within Balboa include huge rare plants and Orchid aviary/indoor garden, friendship garden, certain days museums, gigantic symphony theater thing that plays music somtimes (will come back and give corect details if I can), world beat center has free music events sometimes. A lot of beautiful scenery. Much to do for free just check guides.

Read More

How is the parking situation in the balboa park?

Abdirahman Mohamed | Jul 26, 2019
Thomas Thiele | Jul 27, 2019

Easy to park.

Read More

Is it dog friendly

Phillip Senteno | Jul 26, 2018
Paige Benson | Jul 27, 2018

Yes! Certainly all the outdoor spaces are (not the museums of course).

Read More

Can you see mexico from here.

Doragon Boru's | Jul 26, 2019
Mattia Chou | Jul 27, 2019

You can see the spirit of Mexico

Read More

If it's open 24/7 , why does the Ranger tell me to leave?

Rod Smith | Jul 26, 2019
Laura M Corbin | Jul 27, 2019

Legally it is but the ranger was possibly patrolling on his own and wanted to be extra careful. They go to great strides to make sure people they don't know won't pick a flower something so equally "crazy". Haha. San Diego is generally more obsessive about the aesthetics than the homeless people or strangers that wander around to see something nice and kicks them out of pretty places. Sad. :( But you were in the right

Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.

Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.

Related Places