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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 Film Festival

Oct 18 - Oct 22, 2023

The 22nd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ‘Celebrating the Power of Film’ with curated screenings that inform, inspire and entertain.  Festival events include Opening Night Film Premiere & Reception, Night of the Stars Tribute, Culinary Cinema, Studio Premieres, curated features, documentaries and shorts from Independent Filmmakers around the world as well as parties, food, drinks, panels and networking events. It’s going to be an amazing 5 days of coming together for film on the big screen, conversation and celebrations!

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San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Nov 8 - Nov 12, 2023

Welcome to the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, where sailboats and sandy beaches serve as the backdrop to one of the country's most talked about weeks in food. Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally acclaimed chefs.

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Fleet Week San Diego 2023

Nov 3 - Nov 12, 2023

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun for the whole family!

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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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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 Film Festival

Oct 18 - Oct 22, 2023
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San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Nov 8 - Nov 12, 2023
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Fleet Week San Diego 2023

Nov 3 - Nov 12, 2023
Discover

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 8 - Dec 31, 2023
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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

Galleries & Museums

Kids Free at the San Diego Automotive Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2023

The offer allows up to two children 12 & under get in FREE with one full-price paid adult, on the same receipt. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. To redeem the  offer...

Galleries & Museums

Kids Go Free

Museum of Us
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2023

Kids age 5 and under enjoy free admission to the Museum of Us, an anthropology museum located in Balboa Park. Experience a variety of interactive exhibits that highlight human stories that span time...

Galleries & Museums

Kids Go Free at the Miniature Craftsmanship Museum

Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2023

Established in 1996 by the late Joe Martin, the Craftsmanship Museum honors the individual builders of finely crafted miniature items in wood and metal. Housing an extensive collection of over 1500...

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