Custom Private Tours

For the added convenience of out-of-town visitors and local groups, Forever Balboa Park is now offering private custom tours on a pre-arranged basis to anyone interested in booking one. The one-hour walking tours of the historic Central Mesa section of the park are given by highly trained Balboa Park Visitors Center staff and volunteers who explore the park’s rich history, spectacular architecture, and botanical wonders. The tours start at the Visitors Center or another pre-arranged location in the park. Tours are 60-90 mins in length, customizable, and can be adjusted to your group’s needs.

Tour topics include:

Balboa Park Women’s History: This tour highlights the historical and contemporary women who have left an impact on the park.
Botanical Building: Join one of our horticultural experts to learn about this world-famous building and its beautiful plants.
Horticulture/Gardens of Balboa Park: Learn about Balboa Park’s diverse flora while exploring its many stunning gardens.
General Tour: This tour provides a broad overview of the park’s rich history, architecture, and current uses.
Custom Tour: Mix any of the topics above for a fully custom tour!

Tour Pricing:

• Groups of 1 to 15: $30 per person ($60 minimum)
• Groups of 16 to 40: $25 per person
• Above 40 people: contact us for pricing
• Youth ages 6 – 17: $20 per person
• Children 5 and younger: free

Our tour guide ratio is one guide per 15 guests.

Revenue from custom tours helps support the critical park enhancements that our staff and volunteers provide, like garden revitalization, tree and trail maintenance.

Schedule a Tour

You can schedule a tour through this inquiry form.

The tours team can be contacted for questions at tours@balboapark.org and 619-331-1980.

Custom tours should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.