Balboa Park
City Parks & Gardens
Downtown
Local Culture, Architecture, Art, History, Photography, Outdoors, Sports & Recreation, Science, Music
It's free to enter the park. Rates vary among attractions.
Mobility Obstacles: Extended Walking Required
Notes: Different attractions at the park offer different levels of accessibility (the zoo, for example, offers motorized carts).
This is a good place to get: Snacks
Dinner
Lunch
Breakfast
Baby Changing Facility: No
Balboa Park
San Diego's Crown Jewel
| Address: | Phone: |
|
1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 |
+1 619 239 0512 |
Description
This beautiful park originated in 1868 and was known as "city park" for it's first 40 years. During the early 1900s, the park began to be developed and much of the landscaping and planting was done to create a space that closely resembles what the area looks like today. The park was re-named Balboa in 1910 after the explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who was one of the first European explorers to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Balboa Park has been the site of two major worlds fair exhibitions and has undergone various transformations since its inception. One of the park's most famous attractions is the San Diego Zoo, but many other great sites also call the 1200-acre area home, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Times & Dates
Open Hours: 24 hrsNotes: The Visitor's Center is open 9:30am-4:30pm, daily.
Visit Time: 3hr-2 days
Average Wait Time: None
Notes: Every Tuesday, Balboa Park offers free admission to at least one museum. If you include the zoo as part of your Balboa Park experience, be sure to allow another day for the park itself and the museums.
Price: Free
Price Notes: It's free to enter the park. Rates vary among attractions.
Exposure
Outdoor with some covering.Age Recommendations/Requirements
Ages Admitted: All AgesAges that would most enjoy this site: All Ages
Groups that would most enjoy this site: Couples, Families, Friends, Groups, Solo Travelers
Transportation
Best Modes of Transportation:
Automobile/Car
Bicycle
Bus
Taxi
Walking
Notes: A free tram provides access to all the Park's attractions. The tram picks up passengers from Inspiration Lot and runs from 8:30am to 6pm.
Parking Availability: Limited
Average Price per Hour: Free
Notes: There's ample parking in Inspiration Point parking lot (on the east side of Park Blvd, between Presidents Way and the Balboa Park Activity Center). Numerous smaller lots are available throughout the park. Valet parking is available Tues-Sun evenings.
If you like this site, you might also like these:
While you're in the neighborhood, visit:
|