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Balboa Park
Categories: Active Life Parks Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Parks, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
1549 El Prado(between Plaza De Panama & Village Pl)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
(619) 239-0512
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
582 reviews for Balboa Park
581 reviews in English
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Review from Joseph B.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
To spend a day in Balboa Park is to enjoy a plethora of heavenly activities, sights, architecture and tastes. There are many museums to explore and I particularly love "The Prado" restaurant for a dining break to my park exploration.
This is an all day affair to please many different senses.
Go outside... enjoy what the park has to offer. -
Review from catherine q.
Irvine, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's hard to find a parking space, this place is super crowded, there are people everywhere, it's a bit confusing for us when we walked around without a map, because we didn't get a clue where to start, but we still love this place.
This park is pretty big. There were museums, restaurants, flower garden, performance and hiking trails.
I really like the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, desert garden and the beautiful hiking trails.
Flower garden is smaller than I expected, but it was entertaining.
Next time we will book a hotel to stay overnight. Me and Mr.Q will visit the museums one by one and walk on all the hiking trail paths. -
Review from Diane L.
San Diego, CA
There's nothing to dislike about Balboa Park. Come here to meditate, come here to frolic, come here to be romantic, come here to explore in the museums. Truly something for everyone, and there's nuthin' else to say about it.
One of San Diego's best spots. -
Review from Danna C.
2/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love Balboa Park. I had the pleasure of spending last month in San Diego for work and took the opportunity to visit Balboa Park most weekends. It's very big with wide open spaces, museums, a tea garden, dog park, etc. It's probably my favorite park ever. I love parks, and if I ever relocate to San Diego I'd definitely want to live within walking distance of Balboa.
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Review from Sarah V.
1/16/2012
What I love about Balboa Park:
1. Semi-nude gay sun bathers. Especially the ones in red banana hammocks
2. The lawn bowling team dressed in cream & white from head to toe w/ cool straw hats
3. Strange new-wave activities that are performed in the center grass section
4. The completely confident young adults who are so comfortable with themselves, and dance in the grass without any regard to who's watching. I want to be that person...
5. The dog park (Nate's Point) with great locals, and also the nutty locals who keep things entertaining (enter the tree lady). Is she still around or was that a one time thing?
6. Walking around with the intoxicating smells from the local restaurants wafting through the air
7. Playing the game 'who's the tourist'
8. The families and friends who gather for a park picnic, as I envy them
9. How clean it is. Really?!?!! Thank the Lord, a city park that's kempt
10. Repeat 1-9 -
Review from Keycee D.
Came here last month. It was part of the sight seeing tour. I wish I could have taken the time and stay longer to walk around and take more pictures, but being part of the tour - we were on time crunch. I will definitely be going back here on my own
:) -
Review from Carrie C.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is pretty big. It's the area that surrounds San Diego Zoo, it's HUGE. It has EVERYTHING. museums, green space, trails, archery, beautiful buildings...whatever you want to do, you can do. Even just lay on the grass and take a nap. :) We walked around the museums and took the trolley around the main area and took a short hike around the area..it was a nice day to explore and explore we did!
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Review from jOanne A.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
1. Amazing place for photos.
2. Hot spot for tourists.
3. FREE place to walk around and enjoy the scenery or even lye down under a tree to read a book.
4. FREE parking, IF you can find a spot lol.
5. FREE museum entry to different museums every Tuesday of the month.
Here's a link to the FREE Tuesdays information: http://www.balboapark....
Yes, it can be a pain in the ass to find parking. Yes, there are days where this place can be your birth control with the redonkulous amounts of kids running around. And yes, it's not as big as say, Chicago's selection in museums, but hey, what other place can you visit that has an average temperature of 70º, beautiful enough to walk outside all year long?!
It is true that the selection on places to eat are pretty limited, but hey, why not bring a lunch and have a picnic? It's always beautiful outside :) One thing that you would have to be prepared for if you're looking to visit Balboa Park, is to walk. There were times that I would come here just to get away thanks to some of their nice shaded areas that are quiet enough to take a nap, except when there are children running around screaming and flapping their arms around.
Anytime that I have visitors in San Diego, this is one of the places that I take them, it's something that says "San Diego". There are tons of things to see and they're all BEAUTIFUL. -
Review from Greg E.
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
There's a lot to see here at this historical park, from all of the museums, hiking paths, and gardens to the eccentric game of lawn bowling , the golf courses, and the impressive architecture of all of the buildings that date back to the 1910s.
There's also the world famous San Diego Zoo here to see. A playground area for the kids, and a couple of spots to grab some food.
If you don't have anything to do on a particular day. Come here and check it out, especially if you have never been here before. Parking is free for both the zoo and the park itself. It may be tourist central but I can't deny that it is a MUST SEE.Listed in: San Diego's Own
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Review from S R.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
technically speaking the park is bigger than forest park in stl, golden gate park in sf and central park in ny. but, it doesn't feel that way because compared to these other parks, balboa has very little open space. half the park is taken up by golf courses, tennis courts, etc. another portion is taken up by a hospital. and a quarter of it is taken up by the zoo with its huge parking lot and various museums. that leaves maybe a quarter of the park for trails, trees, and open space, much of which is in a gully running parallel to a freeway. i didnt see any large uninterrupted grassy areas or tree-line walkways. frankly, i was disappointed.
one unique thing about the park that i love is that you can watch planes land up close. -
Review from David T.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
C'mon...how can you not love this place?
...seriously. C'mon...it's beautiful. Free parking. Museums. The Old Globe is here...THE OLD GLOBE!
I mean...C'MON! -
Review from Deb L.
Corona, CA
1/8/2012
Wow what a jewel!
My family and I have been going to San Diego since our children were born, and my gosh I can't believe this is the first time we truly visited the Balboa Park. I mean sure, on our visit to the SD zoo, we brought the kids to ride the train that was right next door, but I had no idea how VAST and BEAUTIFUL this place is!
I don't even think one could do it all in a day! And the best part is that most of it is FREE! You can even park in the tram parking area and get a free tram ride around the park. Jim, our conductor was very lively and funny. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the park, and even provided quizzes for prizes on his trolley. Super entertaining, and as said before, totally free. However, who could help but to tip such a hardworking individual? He does have a little conductor's hat sitting up front for those who wish to tip him as they leave.
One highlight, if you are going around this time: When you are leaving or entering the botanical gardens, don't forget to search the totally average looking tree at both entrances. You can't really miss it because the butterflies are flying around it. It's a perfect place to teach your kiddies about the stages of a butterfly. My kids saw cute little (some very big and plump) caterpillars, munching away on leaves, some cocoons, and even a butterfly, whose wings were still damp from hatching from its cocoon! Totally awesome!
Ah, so much to see! So little time! -
Review from Neligh u.
1/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
We wanted to day-trip by train to San Diego with our toddler and after reading one too many dismal reviews of the New Children's Museum, decided to simply wander around Balboa Park instead.
Even without setting foot in a musuem or the zoo, one day wasn't enough to see all of this gorgeous park. We couldn't quit asking ourselves how we managed to miss this place completely when we lived here 10 years ago.
I only wish the park had trolly service. We took a bus to and from the Santa Fe Train Depot and while that worked, the bus is slower and not as punctual (we missed one bus because it came 2 minutes early and then the next one was 5 minutes late, which made for a 22 minute wait).
If you too want to day-trip by train, buy the "multipass" instead of a mere round trip ticket. The round trip train ticket is $11 and a bus ride is $2.25 each way. The multipass, on the other hand, is $14 and includes the round trip train ticket plus unlimited trolly and bus use for the day (the multipass card itself is $2, but is reusable, much like a Starbucks card). If you have little ones in tow, try going without a stroller. Strollers have to be collapsed while on city buses which is an epic pain, so this sort of travel is best done with a baby/toddler carrier. -
Review from Helen L.
12/25/2011
Balboa park is so beautiful! It's pretty much a sanctuary in San Diego, with it's gorgeous architecture and landscaping.
There's a ton to do and see: random magicians doing shows in the park, a flower conservatory, museums and of course, the San Diego Zoo.
Balboa Park has picture perfect views and the one of the most scenic strolls I can think of in San Diego. -
Review from Bryan T.
Escondido, CA
12/3/2011
NY has Central Park, San Francisco has Golden Gate Park, and San Diego has Balboa Park. It is right up there with the best in the world.
Museums, these houses of the world representing countries and cultures from all over, the Theater, the Botanical Garden, and needless to say the architecture from the worlds fair at the turn of the century makes this place a classic. Oh yes and the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Also the San Diego weather doesn't hurt...
A must see if you are in town. Enjoy
(also the December Nights is awesome, see reviews on that...) -
Review from Jen S.
11/25/2011
This could very well be the heart of San Diego. Why? Because it feeds life into San Diegans from all social classes, all ages, and the tourists love it too. Also, it houses San Diego's number one attraction: the zoo.
I live one mile from Balboa Park, and I made great use of it. Although it has a few mediocre museums (see my review on the Natural History Museum and the Sports Museum), it does house the Air and Space Museum, which is actually pretty cool. There is also an main art museum that is acceptable, as well as some smaller art galleries.
This park has an outdoor concert area with a massive pipe organ, a botanical garden, a Japanese Friendship Garden, an Imax theatre, a dog park, a huge fountain, several playing fields (including lawn bowling for old people) and lots of lovely places to sprawl out in the sun with a good book.
There is also an artist's colony where you can buy all forms of art ranging from paintings, pottery, sculptures and jewelry all made by local artists.
The Shakespeare Globe Theatre is also located in the park, where they put on the best of the bard, as well as other unrelated plays and activities.
Several clubs meet here too, such as the astronomy society and the horticulture club. You can even join a game of ultimate frisbee and flag football with San Diegans who play on teams, or who meet up just to play for fun.
It is also one of my favorite spots for running, and it is even a safe place to run at night.
As for food there is a cafe that serves great sandwiches (though a bit pricey) and there is the Prado Restaurant. I hate the Prado. It is a total tourist trap. The food is over-priced and is average at best. But the Spanish atmosphere draws in the tourists like crazy. There is also a coffee cart near the Prado that makes up a tasty latte, and there are a few random food carts here and there that serve up tamales and hot dogs. There is even a noodle house by the Japanese Friendship Garden. They make pretty good food, but again, expect to pay high prices.
If you have a driver's license with a San Diego address then be sure to check the park's website to find out which museums and attractions are free on rotating Tuesdays.Listed in: Top Places to take visitors to…
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Review from Tasha H.
Fullerton, CA
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOVE Balboa Park. I could be there for hours on a nice day! The gardens are amazing! I just love walking around and looking at the architecture and the plant life. This place is usually packed with people but since it is a large park everyone is not on top of each other.
It is just a beautiful place and it is relaxing yet has a variety of activities for everyone. Every time I am in San Diego I make a stop here. -
Review from Teruko M.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2012
Nice place to relax. Also, very educational.
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Review from Madhu R.
1/1/2012
Awesome place. Looks like being in Barcelona with all the old Spanish architecture, the pedestrian friendly lanes, the fountains, and the warmth. Another part feels like the museum district...because it has museums.... And yet another is a lovely Japanese Garden complete with a teahouse. There is also a little village area attached to the park that has a live theater and a pub...almost like the village squares that you might imagine in Shakepeare's England. Best of all, did I mention that there is no admission price to the park itself..and plenty of free parking? You can't get better than FREE!
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Review from Sarah K.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2011
This park is fantastic. I have been here 6 times in total since I moved here and still keep finding bits I hadnt found before.
There truly is something to amuse everyone here. I could spend hours just wandering around and thats without going on the train, going to the San Diego zoo or going to any of the museums.
This is the number 1 attraction for visitors to this amazing city. A must see. -
Review from Tom J.
11/8/2011
I've been to San Diego maybe 10 or 12 times, including 3 trips to the Zoo, but never took time to check out the rest of Balboa Park. For this most recent visit, I decided a visit was way past due, especially given the enthusiastic reviews I'd read. Unfortunately, I didn't have any internet to prepare for my visit and just winged it, arriving in the early morning with a couple of hours to kill.
None of the attractions were open, so I can just review based on the physical attributes of the park. That's plenty to give it 5 stars, though. I've been to most of the big cities in the US and I can safely say this place is way up top - if there's a better city park, I haven't seen it. It's worth visiting for the architecture alone. I couldn't really compare these ornate buildings to anything I've seen in the US, only to some castles and palaces I'd seen in Europe.
For anyone with an interest in Architecture, Balboa is a must see and alone makes a visit to San Diego worthwhile. If you don't plan on spending a day here, you're selling your vacation short. I'll definitely be bringing the family back to explore. -
Review from Joanna J.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
Being a native San Franciscan, I have Golden Gate Park right at my front door. Balboa Park is similar in terms of greenery and its location within a bustling city, however, its numerous museums and Spanish architecture makes this park more astonishing than that of Golden Gate Park. The breath-taking landscapes makes accompaniment of a camera a requirement and the expansiveness of the park demands comfortable walking shoes. The zoo and monstrous buildings to which I believe kids would be intrigued by makes this park suitable for kids. The gorgeous buildings makes this the perfect place for pictures on a beautiful San Diego day. I visited on a Thursday afternoon and saw lots of parking areas filled with cars, so parking might be a challenge.
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Review from Rosa J.
all I can say is What a BEAUTIFUL place. came here with the little lady and we fell in love, so peaceful. I can only review based on the Gardens. we did not have time to visit the museums.
The Cactus Garden was our favorite.
Next time we will make sure we have time to check out
the museums only problem is, that there's so many to chose from.
cant wait for my next trip to SD. -
Review from Jon G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/31/2011
The first time I went to Balboa Park was in 1989. I was 7 years old, and had just moved to California from Phoenix. My step father was a Constructional Engineer, and was tasked with the restoration of the buildings in the park. The park was built for the World Fair in 1915, and wasnt meant to last more than a couple of years. But 70 years later it was still standing, and in use, though beginning to fall apart.
As a child I would go there frequently up through my teens, visiting museums and galleries, and walking along the nature. I remember seeing a lot of wonderful exhibitions, and enjoying the model train museum (my step father was big into model trains and had one of his own). Later I would go there to do a good amount of photography, and of course hiking along the trails. I enjoyed visiting the reflection pond and watching the fish and turtles, and going into the arboretum and learning about all the plants as well. I feel very lucky to have had such encouragement as a young person to learn about so many things about the world around me. Something that will on it's own allow a child to occupy themselves with their own curiosities and developing interests, instead of just trying to pacify them with a quick fix like television or video games (though those things werent really an option back then!), which will only lead to a child's ADD! haha
This was always a great place to visit, and there are so many things that are great for children to experience and learn, as well as adults: history, art, nature, etc. And there are also a great many events that happen throughout the year that are always a delight for someone who is forming their mind and experiences. I would like to think that this place was an integral part of my upbringing, and helped in part to form who I am today. Someone who has a great passion for history, art, and nature, and the culture of Southern California from it's very beginnings. -
Review from Gabrielle G.
Seattle, WA
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the place to go for tourists! Architecture is great, but if you're really a museum fanatic it'd probably be best to go and break down your visits in days. LOTS of museums, and every Tuesday San Diego residents and their guests get free admission to particular museums (check their calendar/schedule). I've been here twice and haven't even gotten through the whole place!
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Review from Charles S.
La Jolla, CA
10/16/2011
We made our first trip to Balboa Park today. It is an architectural gem which housed the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition (a kind of world's fair that celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal on July 4, 1914).
The building + more modern additions contain all kinds of museums, restaurants, theaters, and cultural institutions. And, of course, the San Diego Zoo.
The almost century old buildings and gardens are beautifully maintained.
Now we have to go back and tackle them one at a time.Listed in: San Diego
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Review from Jonathon B.
San Diego, CA
I was surprised to learn that Balboa Park is larger than NY Central park by more than a third but beyond the size Balboa park measures up as one of the nation's finest city parks.
I am one of the lucky few Americans that visits Balboa park three to five times a week as part of a (almost) daily exercise routine so I am very familiar with the park from top to bottom but there are still days I am amazed by it.
The maintenance crews do a great job keeping the many varieties of plant life thriving as well as keeping the park clean and safe for everyone. The park is home to over 15 museums as well as being the front lawn for the San Diego Zoo so there is no shortage of tour groups that make their way through the many walkways.
For locals another big draw to the park is as a location for a wedding or a backdrop for portraits. It is also the start/finish line for several charity runs so it can get pretty busy towards the end of the summer.
Despite most of the architecture being "temporary" and put up for the worlds fair almost 100 years ago it has since been reconstructed to become permanent structures in the park.
It is a great place for a daily jog as well as a 'must see' San Diego tourist destination. -
Review from Joanna R.
11/12/2011
I don't know what I like more... that the area is just pure beauty.... or that I have to walk forever and ever because I just can't stop my feet and heart from wanting to go further.
Meh. Must be both.
As soon as my sister moved down to San Diego, our very first visit was Balboa Park. I'll add some pictures later, but seriously... it's quite beautiful. If I ever am able to take friends there, that will have to be one of the places I take them. Honestly, there are so many places in San Diego that people can go see (and this place is probably one of the more tourist-y places), but I'd still recommend it despite the "well-known-ness" of the place.
You should go especially if you love taking pictures. Whether you're in it or the one taking it.
(:
Seriously so many places to take pictures. Recommended! -
Review from Appolinaria T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2012
This place is wonderful! Come with your friends, family, love, anyone! Most of the park is free, except for the museums, which have certain free or discounted days. And there is free parking! I once came here to do a photoshoot with a friend, which came out wonderfully! I can imagine people coming here to do engagement and wedding photos. Also, during the summer they have free outdoor concerts! Lovely place in San Diego!
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Review from Thanh N.
Westminster, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
chill place lots of bums in the park though. love walkin around here lookin gets u alot of exercise.
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Review from Melissa J.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
Love Balboa! I lived here for several months before I checked it out. Someone should have told me to go sooner! It was so beautiful. Haven't gone to any of the museums yet, but hope to check them out soon. Love the rose garden. Fun watching movies in the IMAX.
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Review from Ro P.
Boston, MA
1/2/2012
Well worth it! And many of the attractions are free.
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Review from Amber G.
San Diego, CA
11/23/2011
My favorite place in San Diego! There is so much to see and do! Bring comfortable shoes and a camera for sure. I haven't toured all the museums yet, but I certainly plan to. They offer free admission to certain places every Tuesday for locals, so take advantage of that if you can. My favorite time to go is on the weekends, when all the little street vendors and performers are doing their thing, people are out walking their dogs, girls are walking around taking pictures in their fancy quinceanera
dresses... there's always some cool stuff going on & its totally free. Sometimes they host paid events too, but the park is mostly free for all to enjoy... which you definitely should do! -
Review from Charda F.
10/5/2011
Who doesn't like Balboa Park?! The only complaint about it is the butterfly garden, how can it be a butterfly garden with no butterflies? I saw one. Epic Fail.
I love how it's a good mix of tourists and locals that visit here on the weekends. It's such a nice family place to take the kiddies whether they are an infant needing some stimulation or a teenager in need of a digital intervention, it's a great way to get some fresh air for all ages. -
Review from Eve S.
12/23/2011
I honestly cannot think of a single thing to say about Balboa Park that hasn't been said. It's pretty much a must-visit when in San Diego. It's beautiful, entertaining, the list goes on. If I lived in San Diego my one deterrent would be the hordes of tourists taking a zillion photos and crowding the entire park.
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Review from Kristie G.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2012
If you like museums and beautiful art, this place is definitely a great place to go! The museums are fun and the entire atmosphere of the park is relaxing and entertaining. If you live in San Diego, go on a Tuesday and there are usually a few museums that let you in for free if you show them your ID
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Review from Will C.
10/24/2011
This park is awesome. It's beautiful. There are so many museums. This is the first place I recommend visitors from out of town to come to. Some of real gems here are: The Museum of Photographic Arts and the Museum of Art. The last time I was here, the MOA had a Richard Avedon exhibit on free Tuesday. Fuck yes!
During the summer, they have organ concerts at Spreckels Pavilion. What could be more beautiful than breathing in the cool summer air, looking up at the stars, and listening to a beautiful concert. Plentiful seating.
There are quite a few good restaurants also in the park, including The Prado, which is as fancy as it sounds.
And for you photography fanatics, this place really is a shooters' paradise. Just look at how many wedding photographers are camped out in front of the botanical gardens.
Parking does get difficult to find on weekends, however, there is a parking lot across the street, which offers plentiful overflow parking. -
Review from Mary C.
9/23/2011
Go on Sundays and check out the little international houses because sometimes the pass out cultural snacks in each house :) The park has endless things to do and I can spend a week here if I wanted to. The Botanic Garden is free and the gardens are lovely. Through the Spanish Art Village, there was a Spanish Guitarist for ear-candy with paintings and artwork everywhere. So aesthetically pleasing...
Museums are everywhere and if that's not enough, it's right next to San Diego Zoo. How eventful. You'll never get bored here. -
Review from Jill J.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Beautiful!
Balboa Park is one of the many places in San Diego that can be enjoyed by any and everyone. It's fun to just walk through on a Saturday morning and observe. There are so many outdoor activities to participate in- it's great. I would recommend the Japanese Gardens--they are worth the $5 or however much it is to get in.
Balboa Park is one of my favorite places in San Diego. -
Review from Roehl A.
Chino Hills, CA
10/30/2011
Beautiful park!
We didn't get a chance to enter the museums but had a chance to walk around the rose gardens, come across the bridge, and explore the sites and the people.
The buildings were ornate and almost transports one to another era. We also enjoyed the area with colored tile peppered with art galleries and stores. My favorite building was the one with the colored dome and church bell. Beautiful, indeed.
Definitely a place to visit when in San Diego!
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