If you’re looking for a visitor guide to Balboa Park best attractions, then you’ve come to the right place. Balboa Park is a huge property in San Diego California, it’s bigger than Central Park New York! Can you believe that? So there is a lot of ground to cover and it may be overwhelming to plan a visit! But don’t worry, I have simplified it for you and created a must-see guide. If you are visiting the San Diego area, I encourage you to add the park to your itinerary! Or if you live nearby, it is a great place to take your family or a loved on on a date.
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California. In addition to open space outdoor areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several event centers, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Many of the open public areas are completely FREE to visit so you can enjoy your day outdoors. Below is a list of the most popular must-see attractions.
Due to the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions, some locations’ status may vary. Closures and hours of operation may be different from their regular schedule. Please check websites for any of the listed locations for the most up-to-date information. Stay safe, healthy and Happy Travels!
Stroll around the Balboa Botanical Building & Lily Pond
The most photographed and instagrammable spot at Balboa Park is the Botanical Building and the beautiful Lily Pond and Lagoon. No visitor guide to Balboa Park will skip this location because it is absolutely gorgeous. The Lily Pond is home to a variety of colorful Koi fish, and features annual plantings of water lilies and lotus. It’s situated directly in the front of the Botanical building, perfect for a lovely stroll around the fountain with family or a loved one.
The indoor Botanical Building is a beautiful historic building that sits adjacent to the Lily Pond and Lagoon. It was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and is known as the one of the largest lath structures in the whole world. The variety of plants inside the building include more than 2,100 permanent plants, featuring incredible collections of orchids, cycads, ferns, other tropical plants and palms. The Botanical Building also presents some of the Park’s most vibrant seasonal flower displays.
Enjoy the Views from the California Tower
The majestically tall pillar of the California Tower soars above the San Diego landscape. It is an intricately detailed icon of the California city and can be seen from miles around. Constructed in 1915 for the Panama-California Expo, the building also houses the San Diego Museum of Man. It is an architectural hybrid of different styles, reminiscence of Baroque, Churrigueresque, Rococo and Gothic details. It underwent renovations in 2019 and will soon reopen to the public in 2021.
Peace & Tranquility at the Japanese Friendship Garden
A visitor guide to Balboa Park is not complete without a list of its stunning and perfectly manicured gardens. There are close to 20 beautiful outdoor gardens all over the grounds and our favorite is the Japanese Friendship Garden. The name of the garden represents the expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama. It sits on 12-acres of beautifully intertwined gardening cultures. Adapted to the San Diego climate, the variety of plants and landscaping provides a sense of peace, tranquility, serenity and respite.
There is an Admission Fee to visit the
Japanese Friendship Garden:
General: $12 | Student: $10 | Senior (65+): $10 | Military: $10 | Children (6 and under): FREE
In addition to a Bonsai Exhibit, a Cherry Tree Grove and more, the property also houses the Inamori Pavilion. It is one of the ten LEED certified buildings in Balboa Park. Used as a multipurpose room that can host special exhibits, special programming (concerts, work-shops, etc), and private event rentals, the Inamori Pavilion is fashioned after traditional Japanese architecture while embracing modern features.
Explore the 17 Balboa Park Museums
If you’re a lover of museums, then this is the perfect place. No visitor guide to Balboa Park will skip the mention of the many museums located on the expansive property. There are 17, SEVENTEEN! Yes, you heard that right. 17 museums and cultural institutions all located within a 1-mile radius covering a wide range of collections from art to culture to automotive.
There is the main San Diego Museum of Art that features renowned art collections which include Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings and 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures.
And below is a list to a handful of additional Museums in Balboa Park. Make sure to visit the Balboa Park website for more detailed information of each museum. And a list of other institutions.
- The San Diego Air & Space Museum
- San Diego Museum of Man
- The San Diego Natural History Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- The Railroad Museum of San Diego
Admire the Art at the Spanish Village Art Center
Stroll through the historic art studios on a colorful walking path that features over 200 local artists of all different mediums. Admission is Free and each studio is filled with active working artists, some featuring hands-on art classes and art demonstrations. The festively decorated village courtyard is home to artists that range from painters, sculptors, metal-smiths, jewelry designers, clay artists, gourd artists, photographers, and so much more. There is also an on-sight glass blowing facility.
Established in the 1930s, the Spanish Village Art Center is considered a historical landmark and is coveted by all art lovers throughout the state of California. Throughout the year there are numerous special events including semi-annual art glass and potters sales. Classes, workshops and camps encourage art for all ages.
Outdoor Concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion
This amazing and beautiful pavilion is home to the incredible FIRST of its kind musical Organ. The Austin Pipe Organ, and the Pavilion designed by Harrison Albright to house it, were a gift from brothers John and Adolph Spreckels. Originally built and donated in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, it now plays host to FREE weekly Sunday concerts rain or shine. With 5,017 pipes in 80 ranks, the Spreckels Organ is the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world! The Pavilion itself is built with a Grecian motif and is popular among photographers for family portraits.
Experience Wildlife at the San Diego Zoo
The world-renown San Diego Zoo is a popular destination for families. No visitor guide to Balboa Park is complete without visiting the zoo. The 100-acre property is well known for its lush, naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters. It is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals from all around the world. Plus 700,000 species of plants in its botanical collection. Make sure you experience their Skyfari Aerial Tram which provides a birds-eye view of the property and its animal habitats.
There are a variety of upgraded ticket options that you can enjoy your day at the zoo. Animals have a special place in my heart and it’s super important to help fund the Zoo so all the wildlife is well taken care of.
Make sure to check out the special 2-Day San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Hopper Pass below. Only $92.80 per person!
Other Attractions at Balboa Park
San Diego Mineral & Gem Society
Bonus: Quick Stop at Harper’s Topiary Garden
As a bonus, I wanted to include this cute little spot nearby that’s perfect for photos. Located less than 5-minutes away by car near Balboa Park is the Harper’s Topiary Garden. It is literally someone’s front yard that have been perfectly manicured and hedged by the owners of the home. It is a masterpiece that the likes of Edward Scissorhand would be proud of!
Remember, it is located in a private neighborhood. Please be respectful when visiting the location and do not touch or walk onto the private property. It is a quick stop either before or after visiting Balboa Park. Enjoy!
Where to Stay near Balboa Park
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay near the Balboa Park San Diego area, then check out these two little bungalows on AirBNB that are perfect for a family of 2 or 3. They are situated nearby and are perfectly in line with the Balboa Park aesthetic.
Waterhaven – A Pondside Oasis – $141 per Night
The Casita in North Park – $98 per Night
For more AirBNB Stays, check out my customized Balboa Park Listings that I created just for the area.
What a magical place!!!! I LOVE California Tower – it’s gorgeous! Looks like a beautiful place to spend a weekend – I’m sure it feels like you’re worlds away from the city!
Balboa Park looks so dreamy! Enjoyed reading this guide and love your beautiful pics
I haven’t been to San Diego in over ten years. It’s about time I go back, this looks beautiful!
I love Balboa Park! It is so gorgeous! I need to visit the Harper’s Topiary Garden next time. I love the Japanese Garden and the Botanica Building.
I love the Japanese friendship garden, it is really beautiful! And also I love the California tower so much, is really gorgeous, look like need to visit next time!
I love the Japanese garden! Balbao Park is so pretty, and I will definitely visit this place if I ever do a road trip over there!
What an amazing park! It seems almost like an epic theme park more than a garden. I love the look of the Japanese Friendship Garden, but it is all beautiful.
So pretty! The Japanese Garden is beautiful. Will need to check it out when I’ll visit the area.
This looks like such a fun trip! I’ve never heard of this park, but I’m going to keep it in mind the next time I’m visiting California.