Balboa Park

Visit the cultural center of San Diego.

Balboa Park is a 1200 acre cultural park in San Diego, California. Located just minutes away from downtown San Diego, it is a beautiful botanical paradise. It contains natural vegetation zones, gardens, walking paths, and a plethora of different museums, theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Guests will find endless shopping and dining options here too. Reserved in 1835, Balboa Park is one of the oldest sites in the United States dedicated to public recreational use. Whether you’re a fan of art, nature, or even science, there’s a place for you in Balboa Park.

There are 17 different museums in the park ranging from art, trains, Mexican and African American culture, science, natural history, automotive, and even air and space. The Timkin Museum is always free! February is museum month at the park when you can get extended hours and special deals. Your Explorer Pass gives you access to all the museums. There is no shortage of performing arts attractions in Balboa Park. There are shows going on year-round, such as ballet, symphony, and traditional theater. Balboa Park is known as a launchpad for Broadway.

There are also 17 different gardens available to walk through. Whether you enjoy walking through towering palm trees, roses, or succulents, they can all be found in the Balboa Gardens. You can easily spend several days here with about 65 miles worth of hiking trails in Balboa Park. You can also find archery, tennis, golf, and biking areas. Last but not least, stop by the famous San Diego Zoo! This family-friendly park is the ultimate stop if you're in San Diego, California.