FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where should I park?

  There are multiple paid parking lots within the Cultural District that provide either access to a free ADA-accessible tram service or a short walk to your destination. Click here to visit our Parking page to learn more about your options.

• What are some fun activities in Balboa Park for kids?

  The Balboa Park Cultural District offers many exciting activities for kids of all ages. See the Kids Day page for information about fun activities for kids and teens.

• Are there any free things to do in Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park is a City-owned public regional park and does not have an admission fee. The first 3 hours are free in the Lower Inspiration Point parking lot, all other lots require payment. (Click here to learn more about parking options) Once inside the Park, explore the rich gardens and trails. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond and Timken Museum of Art are always free. On weekends, you can enjoy free Saturday and Sunday Lawn Programs at the House of Pacific Relations and International Cottages (click here to view Lawn Program schedule and information). During the summer months, check out the Twilight in the Park summer concert series schedule at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Go to our Events page to discover other free events.

• Are there tours of Balboa Park available?

  Tours of the Balboa Park Cultural District start at the Balboa Park Visitors Center and include scheduled tours led by volunteers. Visit the tours page for more information. Many of the museums also offer free docent-led tours of their exhibitions.

• Are there any hotels close to Balboa Park?

  There are many hotels within a few miles of Balboa Park – some within walking distance. Stay in Banker’s Hill, Hillcrest, Downtown, or Mission Valley for maximum convenience. See the Hotels page for lodging options.

• I’m planning a wedding. Are there any good venues in Balboa Park?

  There are dozens of beautiful wedding venues in the Park, including City-managed venues and venues inside of museums. See Weddings and Private Events for details or email events@balboapark.org for more information.

• Can I smoke in Balboa Park?

  No, smoking is not permitted in Balboa Park. See Rules & Regulations for information about other rules.

• What’s the history of Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park is one of the premier public parks in the world and has played host to many notable events, celebrities, gatherings, and was even used by the military during both World Wars. For more detailed information, please see the Balboa Park History page.

• Is Balboa Park pet friendly?

  Yes! Balboa Park is pet friendly. Service animals are welcome in most venues, however, we recommend checking with individual venues ahead of time for any non-service animals. There are also several dog parks located within Balboa Park!

   

• Can I host an event at Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park Entertainment Permits are issued by the City of San Diego. Find more information on how to obtain an Outdoor Entertainment Permit for Balboa Park and the rules and regulations here. A permit sites map can also be found on the City of San Diego website.

• Are there private charter buses available?

  Balboa Park does not coordinate private charter buses for guests. However, we recommend Bus.com which offers reliable charter bus services to make your trip easy. Whether you’re traveling locally with a San Diego charter bus rental or coming from Los Angeles, Bus.com provides flexible, hassle-free transportation options for your group to and from Balboa Park.

  For those specifically in the city of San Diego, San Diego Charter Bus Rentals make it easy to plan comfortable, reliable transportation for your group.

• What museums are in Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park is home to 17 museums and cultural institutions, including the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, Museum of Us, Mingei International Museum, San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Automotive Museum, Timken Museum of Art, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, Japanese Friendship Garden, and more. The Timken Museum of Art is always free. Visit our Museums page for the full list and hours.

• How many museums are in Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park is home to 17 museums and cultural institutions, ranging from art and natural history to science, aviation, and anthropology. Many offer rotating free admission days for San Diego residents and active military. See our Resident Free Days page for details.

• How many acres is Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park covers 1,200 acres, making it one of the largest urban cultural parks in the United States. The park includes museums, performing arts venues, botanical gardens, walking trails, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

• Who runs Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park is owned by the City of San Diego and managed by the San Diego Park and Recreation Department. The official visitor website is operated by the Balboa Park Online Collaborative (BPOC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Forever Balboa Park serves as the park’s nonprofit conservancy partner, supporting long-term stewardship and improvements.

• What is the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?

  The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is an affordable multi-museum pass that provides admission to up to 16 of Balboa Park’s museums and cultural institutions. It is available as a one-day Limited Pass (4 museums), a seven-day Parkwide Pass (16 museums), or an Annual Pass (365 days). The pass does not include the San Diego Zoo, Comic-Con Museum, or performing arts venues. Purchase your pass at explorer.balboapark.org.

• What is the address of Balboa Park?

  The main address for Balboa Park is 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. This is the location of the Visitors Center and House of Hospitality, situated in the heart of the park’s cultural district. For parking and directions, visit our Park Map & Directions page.

• What are the hours for Balboa Park?

  Balboa Park grounds are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there are no gates or admission fees to enter the park itself. Individual museums, gardens, and performing arts venues have their own hours and vary by day. Visit each venue’s page for current operating hours, or stop by the Balboa Park Visitors Center at 1549 El Prado for help planning your visit.

• Is there a Balboa Park residents free day?

  Yes. Several Balboa Park museums offer free general admission on a rotating Tuesday schedule each month to residents of the City and County of San Diego, as well as active military personnel and their dependents. A photo ID showing your San Diego address is required. Visit our Resident Free Days page for the full schedule by museum.

• Is Balboa Park wheelchair accessible?

  Yes. Balboa Park is committed to accessibility for all visitors. The park features accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible entrances, ADA-compliant restrooms, stroller-friendly paths, and a free tram service with ADA-accessible ramps. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent at the Balboa Park Visitors Center on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit our Accessibility page or call (619) 230-0512 ext. 8.