Who it's for
All ages
Balboa Park
Published June 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
Photo by Antoine Taveneaux via Wikidata, CC-BY-SA-3.0 CC-BY-SA-3.0 · Photo by Antoine Taveneaux via Wikidata, CC-BY-SA-3.0 CC-BY-SA-3.0 · Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/michael-seljos/ via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0 CC-BY-SA-2.0 · Photo by MARELBU via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-3.0 CC-BY-3.0 · Photo by Roman Eugeniusz via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0 CC-BY-SA-3.0 · Photo by Scott Cameron via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-3.0 CC-BY-3.0
About Balboa Park
Pack museums, gardens, and theaters into one sprawling San Diego cultural park.
Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural heart, gathering museums, theaters, and gardens amid striking architecture.
What you'll see and do - Visit numerous museums and theaters spanning performing arts, science, and history - Explore lush landscapes, intricate gardens, and scenic trails - Take guided tours and browse unique shops - Choose from cafes and full-service restaurants for a meal between attractions
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Parking
- Food court
- Gift shop
- Restrooms
- Visitors center
- Gardens
Events at Balboa Park
Ikebana Monthly Meeting
Ongoing
Join for a free monthly Ikebana meeting open to the public, featuring a raffle.
Deep Sea
May 28, 2026
A film directed by San Diego resident and world-renowned underwater cinematographer Howard Hall, transporting audiences deep below the ocean surface.
Balboa Park Garden Party
June 6, 2026
The inaugural Balboa Park Garden Party, presented by Whittier Trust, is an evening designed to inspire with golden hour in the gardens, botanical cuisine, cocktails, music, and whimsical surprises.
The Big Exchange
May 1-18, 2026
Get free admission to 60+ museums, gardens, historic sites, aquariums, and more across San Diego County for members of participating museums.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Balboa Park.
Getting there
Balboa Park is at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
Balboa Park Reviews
Related Things To Do in San Diego
Zoos Wildlife
San Diego Zoo
San Diego, California
A world-famous Balboa Park zoo where giant pandas are back on view.
Theme Parks
SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego, California
Meet orcas, dolphins, and sea lions, then plunge down Emperor, California's tallest and fastest dive coaster.
History Museums
USS Midway Museum
San Diego, California
Walk the decks of a storied aircraft carrier packed with real planes in San Diego Bay.
Historic Sites
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego, California
Walk through five original adobe buildings and living-history demos in San Diego's birthplace.
Theme Parks
Belmont Park
San Diego, California
Ride classic coasters steps from the sand at San Diego's beachfront amusement park, open since 1925.
Childrens Museums
The New Children's Museum
San Diego, California
A San Diego museum where kids make art inside ever-changing, artist-designed installations.
Trusted by millions of US families every year
Find and book unforgettable family days out across the USA with confidence.