Visitors Center

What You'll Find

• Admissions Information

  Most of the cultural attractions in Balboa Park are independently managed non-profit organizations. The admission prices vary by institution-with museum and performing arts memberships offering a chance to support these San Diego cultural treasures as well as gain special admission to them. Admittance to the Park itself is free, as is the Botanical Building and most of the gardens.

   

• Tours

  Very few people know the park as well as Forever Balboa Park Visitors Center staff and volunteers. The Visitors Center offers a variety of public tours every week. A full schedule can be found here. These tours do not require pre-registration and have no cost but we do ask for a $5 donation at the end of each tour from those who are able to give. All tours meet at the Visitors Center unless otherwise specified. Call 619-331-1980 or email tours@balboapark.org for more information.

  Forever Balboa Park also offers private, custom tours of Balboa Park’s historic Central Mesa led by highly trained Balboa Park Visitors Center staff and volunteers; a great option for families, garden clubs, schools, corporate groups and more! Custom tours can be arranged any day of the week between the hours of 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Groups have the opportunity to customize the tour topic, length and route. More information about private tours can be found here or see the Custom Tour Inquiry Form for more information.

   

• Visitors Center Gift Shop

  Inside the Visitors Center, find a charming gift shop with a variety of gifts, handmade creations by Park artists, Balboa Park logo-ware, books, videos, CDs, and more.

• Volunteer Opportunities

  The Visitors Center is looking for volunteers who have lived in San Diego for several years and love Balboa Park. Must be able to volunteer during the center’s operating hours, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Please email Radka Bartholomew for a volunteer application: radka@balboapark.org

• Forever Balboa Park

  Forever Balboa Park is a public-benefit 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to provide expertise, advocacy and resources to envision, enhance and sustain Balboa Park for all visitors in partnership with the City of San Diego and in collaboration with other organizations in the Park and the community.

  Since its formation, Forever Balboa Park has worked with the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department and other partners to plant trees, reactivate and turn the Plaza de Panama into one of San Diego’s primary public gathering spots, and host the annual December Nights holiday festival, among other projects. Forever Balboa Park is data-driven, completing a much needed Tree Inventory, and Economic Benefit Study and a Cultural Landscape Report. Forever Balboa Park is working to restore and revitalize the 100-year-old Botanical Building and gardens.