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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. 

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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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December Nights

Dec 6 - Dec 7, 2024

Join us Dec. 6 and 7 in beautiful Balboa Park for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival. The family-friendly December Nights celebration brings visitors and locals together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and, of course, the amazing food.

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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

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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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024

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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Wine & Lecture: Holiday Traditions at the Del

Dec 12, 2024

The Coronado Historical Association invites you and your family to join us for the final installment of the 2024 Wine & Lecture Series: Holiday Traditions at the Hotel del Coronado. Bring the whole family to experience the magic of the Hotel del Coronado’s holiday history with CHA’s Vice President, Robin Siara. For 135 years, the Hotel Del has brought holiday cheer to locals and visitors alike with enchanting events. From the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree and charming Victorian teas to today’s Skating by the Sea, these traditions have always dazzled and delighted. Come celebrate with us as we journey back in time to enjoy the holiday heritage of our island’s historic treasure.

Festive refreshments along with wine for adults will be served.

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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

December Nights

Dec 6 - Dec 7, 2024
Discover

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024
Discover

Wine & Lecture: Holiday Traditions at the Del

Dec 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

Activity

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Mar 20 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

Galleries & Museums

Show Your Badge & Save at SDCHM

San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2024 - ongoing

Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...

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