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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 17 museums, gardens galore and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of North America’s most iconic 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 installations, and cultural events throughout the year.

 

Balboa Park has a storied history – one that is central to the story of San Diego. It started 150 years ago, when civic leaders took the audacious step of setting aside the 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. 

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

In & Around Balboa Park

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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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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 29, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

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Wild Horses Festival

Dec 30, 2023

The Wild Horses Festival is coming to Petco Park! Superstar Zach Bryan and the band Caamp will be bringing the party for this full venue show on Saturday, December 30.

 

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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 8 - Dec 31, 2023

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

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Terrarium Workshop

Dec 16, 2023

Join San Francisco-based artist Joshua Moreno from 11AM – 1PM as we investigate ideas of cultivation and familial histories by making terrariums.

Like the Japanese-Californian citrus that appears in the work of artist Kelly Akashi, some plants are hybridized and carefully cultivated, while others, like weeds, sprout resiliently on their own. Akashi explores these ideas through her sculpture, investigating plant life as a metaphor for family.

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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

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 29, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024
Discover

Wild Horses Festival

Dec 30, 2023
Discover

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 8 - Dec 31, 2023
Discover

Terrarium Workshop

Dec 16, 2023
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

Museums

SD Model Railroad Museum: Show your Badge & Save

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2023 - ongoing

Show your badge and receive $2 off admission and 10% off in the gift shop at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Offer must be redeemed in person. Spanning over 27,000 square feet of trains,...

Activity

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $24***

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2023

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

Activity

$18 Historic Bay Cruise with General Admission*

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2023

Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $18 more! MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...

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