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Balboa Park

The cultural heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, you'll find an amazing cultural center and beautiful botanic paradise right in the middle of San Diego.

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Balboa Park, San Diego, California

Balboa Park is a cultural oasis that includes 18 museums, numerous beautiful gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of North America’s most renowned urban parks and a must-see on any visit to San Diego. Located just blocks from downtown San Diego hotels, the park has a rich history, reflected through its stunning architecture, thought-provoking exhibits and installations, and cultural events that take place throughout the year.

 

Balboa Park fascinating history is central to the story of San Diego. It started in 1868, when civic leaders took the bold step of setting aside a scrub-filled mesa overlooking downtown to establish a city park. Today, Balboa Park continues to be a potent mix of what makes San Diego so unique. Ethnically diverse, historically rich, culturally abundant, naturally breathtaking, Balboa Park is where you can experience San Diego’s past and see its future.

Find out more about Balboa Park’s evolution.

The Sights and Sounds of Balboa Park

Exploring Balboa Park

Whether you're an art fan, nature lover, model train aficionado or science geek, Balboa Park has something for everyone. 

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

In & Around Balboa Park

Whats Hot|
What's On|

National Geographic Channel Explores San Diego

Four-part series focuses on unique cultural offerings of Balboa Park and the city.

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7 Hidden Gems to Explore in Balboa Park

You can spend all day (or weekend) exploring Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. But the Jewel of San Diego also features several lesser-known attractions that are sure to pique your interest, too.

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FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

Ready to discover something awesome? Well, you’re in the right place.

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Balboa Park Bucket List

10 Things You Can't Miss

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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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Bernardo Winery 47th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts

May 11 - May 12, 2024

Join us Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11th and 12th, 2024, 10-5 pm, for our 47th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair.
A truly All-Artisan fair, where all the works are hand-crafted and sold by the artists and crafters themselves.
Outside wine bars, a food court and over 150 Hand-picked vendors from across Southern California, with everything from handmade jewelry, soaps, paintings and sculpture, local honey, clothing, pottery, items for the home and garden and much more!
Admission is free. Families welcome! No pets are permitted on winery grounds (no exceptions) except for service dogs that are trained to aid a disabled person.
No outside food and beverage. Carpooling is recommended for this popular event.


Discover

Whats Hot

National Geographic Channel Explores San Diego

Discover

7 Hidden Gems to Explore in Balboa Park

Discover

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

Discover

Balboa Park Bucket List

Discover

What's On

View More Events

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024
Discover

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Bernardo Winery 47th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts

May 11 - May 12, 2024
Discover
Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Save on Admission to Museums

Experience the museums of Balboa Park in an easy and affordable way with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. For one price, the Pass provides admission into as many as 16 of Balboa Park’s museums and attractions.

More from Balboa Park & San Diego

 

Balboa Park, by You

Fill your feed with Balboa Park and hashtag #VisitSD and tag @VisitSanDiego so that we can share your images.

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Glorietta Bay Inn Hotel Room Package

Discover Coronado
Valid: Mar 13 - May 11, 2024

DIAMOND VIP ROOM PACKAGE INCLUDES:   -TWO-NIGHT STAY at one of four stunning island resort hotels checking in Friday, May 10th through Sunday, May 12th. -TWO INVITATIONS to a private VIP...

Activities

Summer is Calling!

So Diego
Valid: Mar 22 - ongoing

Summer is near, and while you're planning your trip to San Diego, we'd like to offer you a 10% off of one of our daily food and drink tasting tours.  They are a great way to get to know our...

Activity

$3 Off Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Valid: Dec 19, 2023 - ongoing

Use code SDTA at checkout to save $3 off admission for up to six people. Tickets must be reserved online in advance for a specific date and time. 

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