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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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Tainted Love

Mar 1, 2025

Ticket Price: $30 advanced / $33 day of show / $53 reserved loft seating (available over the phone or in person at out box office)

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Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Jan 19, 2025

Join us on Harbor Drive for the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. This is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade is filled with dazzling floats, phenomenal High School Bands, Drill Teams, Colleges/Universities, Fraternities, Sororities, Churches, Peace and Youth organizations. This year's parade will feature a MLK 5k Walk/Fun Run and Festival. 

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MCASD x.Future is Color: Jazz Night

Jan 16, 2025

Join Studio Sessions X MCASD for live jazz.

Future is Color® Studio Sessions is a live music experience with a rotating selection of curated sounds every week. For this special presentation of Studio Sessions, Future is Color® Studio Sessions is partnering with the MCASD for a pop up at MCASD La Jolla.

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Free Third Thursday

Jan 16, 2025

On the third Thursday of every month, the museum offers free admission to all visitors. No reservations are required for Third Thursday admission.

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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

Tainted Love

Mar 1, 2025
Discover

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Jan 19, 2025
Discover

MCASD x.Future is Color: Jazz Night

Jan 16, 2025
Discover

Free Third Thursday

Jan 16, 2025
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 Historic Bay Cruise with General Admission*

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 10 - ongoing

Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $10 more! MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...

Museums

Active Duty Military Free Admission

San Diego Air & Space Museum
Valid: May 9, 2024 - ongoing

Active duty military personnel with a valid military ID enjoy complimentary admission to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Military dependants also qualify for discounted admission. Please mention...

Accommodation

Wicked Hotel Package, Broadway San Diego

The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Jan 10 - Mar 2, 2025

A wicked-good deal has landed for Broadway San Diego show patrons! Calling all Ozians to extend their Broadway San Diego Wicked show experience beyond “one short day” with an overnight...

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