/ Attractions Public Walking Tour
Join expert guides for 60-75 minute overviews of Balboa Park's history, horticulture, architecture, and more!
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 below. 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.
Available Public Tours:
Balboa Park General Tour:
This tour provides a great overview of the park’s Central Mesa. It is offered every Tuesday at 11 AM and Friday at 2 PM.
5 Flavors Tour:
This interactive tour introduces attendees to the 5 Flavors central to Chinese Medicine. It is offered the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of the month at 10 AM. This tour meets at the Kiosk at the Trees for Health Garden (corner of Quince and Balboa Dr.)
Samples are provided on this tour and those with food sensitivities are encouraged to avoid tasting any samples that may cause them harm.
Balboa Park Women’s History Tour:
This tour was developed in collaboration with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center. It highlights the historical and contemporary women who have left an impact on the park. It is offered on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10 AM. This tour meets at the Bea Evenson Fountain (between the Fleet Science Center and the Natural History Museum)
Horticulture Tour:
This tour highlights different gardens in Balboa Park every month. Tour topics are updated quarterly on the Forever Balboa Park website. This tour meets on the first Saturday of every month at 10 AM.
Call 619-331-1980 or email tours@balboapark.org for more information. Custom group tours are also available, see the Custom Tour Inquiry Form for more information.