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.

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

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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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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2023

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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Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 20 - Jul 23, 2023

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.

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Bike the Bay

Aug 27, 2023

San Diego's finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay!

Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the 16th annual ride on Sunday, August 27, 2023! Cruise around San Diego Bay and enjoy your only opportunity to ride across the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge. This non-competitive community bike ride is for riders of all abilities and will take you on a scenic, and primarily flat ride, around the San Diego Bay via the Bayshore Bikeway. Along the way, riders will travel through the surrounding cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City before finishing back at the start/finish line at Embarcadero Marina Park in downtown San Diego.

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Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

May 31 - ongoing

As the sun goes down, the fun heats up this summer at the San Diego Zoo. From global rhythms and spectacular entertainment to one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife after dark, join us under the stars for wild and unforgettable experiences—perfect for the whole family.

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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

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2023

Discover

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 20 - Jul 23, 2023

Discover

Bike the Bay

Aug 27, 2023

Discover

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

May 31 - ongoing

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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.

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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

History & Heritage

Save 10% off any San Diego Walks Tour

San Diego Walks

Valid: Jan 26 - ongoing

We offer tours of Balboa Park, Old Town, Liberty Station and Coronado. Use code BEST10 at time of booking to save 10%

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History & Heritage

San Diego Org Promo Code - Get the Best Price

Haunted San Diego Ghost & History Tours

Valid: May 23, 2023 - ongoing

For a nice discount on one of our tours and to get the lowest price (prices are higher on TripAdvisor, Groupon etc..) please book directly through us. https://hauntedsandiegotours.com/ Use the code:...

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Activity

Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Valid: Jan 11 - ongoing

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

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