Eighteen museums, world-class gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the country: 1,200 acres of gardens, Spanish-Renaissance architecture, hiking trails, and 18 museums, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Because of its size, you need a plan, and it pays to think about admission ahead of time, since popping into several museums without a Go City San Diego or Balboa Park Explorer Pass adds up fast. Residents should take advantage of Free Tuesdays, and it helps to know which museums are always free. Here's where to go, what to eat, and the passes that make it easy to see everything you want.
Classic CarsAutomotive MuseumVintage and exotic cars, motorcycles, and rotating exhibits in the historic building on the Pan-American Plaza.Tickets & tips ›
On the PradoMuseum of ArtThe park's flagship art museum, spanning Old Masters to modern, with the Museum of Photographic Arts now under its roof.Tickets & tips ›
Pop CultureComic-Con MuseumYou don't have to be a superfan to enjoy it. Interactive exhibits and memorabilia from the world's biggest pop-culture event.Highlights & tips ›
GardensJapanese Friendship GardenA serene koi pond, bonsai, and seasonal cherry blossoms. A calm break from the museums without leaving the park.15 things to do ›
More guidesPhotographic Arts·10 best SD museums
Hands-OnFleet Science CenterInteractive science exhibits kids can touch and play with, plus a giant-dome theater. The most hands-on stop in the park.Tickets & tips ›
All AboardModel Railroad MuseumOne of the largest indoor model railroads in the world, with detailed miniature scenes and trains kids can watch for ages.Tickets & tips ›
DinosaursThe NatThe San Diego Natural History Museum: dinosaur fossils, a giant-screen theater, and hands-on nature exhibits.Tickets & tips ›
IconicAir & Space MuseumReal aircraft and spacecraft and rotating exhibits in the landmark rotunda. A favorite with kids who love planes and rockets.Tickets & tips ›
More for familiesSan Diego with kids
Plan itDiscounted tickets·Where to eat·Tours & experiences·Hotels nearby
Go behind the scenes with a VIP or keeper tour, or refuel at one of the sit-down spots and snack stands along the way. One thing to know: Zoo admission is separate from most Balboa Park museum passes, so buy it on its own (and discounted).
Admission is separate from the museum passes and pricing is dynamic, so compare. My Zoo ticket guide breaks down every verified deal, including my member promo code.
Compare deals ›Bundles the Zoo with 55+ attractions, including several Balboa Park museums. Pays off if you're seeing more than a couple of paid sights.
View offer ›The park's own multi-museum pass: one price for entry to 25+ museums over a week. Best if museums are your main focus.
Explore the pass ›Grab a free Museum Month pass at your local library for 50% off 70+ San Diego museums all February long.
How it works ›Every October, participating San Diego attractions, including Balboa Park museums and the Zoo, let kids in free, with free meals at some restaurants too.
See what's free ›It's 1,200 acres and 18 museums. You can't do it all in a day, so pick a few priorities and a garden or two, and build the route around them.
If you're visiting more than a couple of paid museums, a Go City San Diego or Balboa Park Explorer Pass almost always beats paying per museum.
San Diego County residents get free admission to select Balboa Park museums on rotating Tuesdays each month. Bring proof of residency.
A handful of museums and spaces are always free to enter. Check which ones before you buy a pass, so you don't pay for what's already free.
Balboa Park's main lots currently charge for parking, a recent change that's been debated and could shift, so confirm the current rules and rates before your visit.
San Diego Zoo admission isn't included with most Balboa Park museum passes. Buy Zoo tickets on their own, and discounted, ahead of your visit.
Pick up a Museum Month pass at your local library to enjoy February museum visits for less, with a breakdown of where the pass works, how to use it, and easy itinerary ideas.
Learn insider tips and best things to do at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego’s Balboa Park. You don’t have to be a comic book or sci-fi enthusiast to love it.
What to know before visiting the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, including admission, insider tips, not to miss highlights, and more.
What to know before visiting The San Diego Museum of Art including how to buy tickets, insider tips, not to miss highlights and more.
What to know before visiting the San Diego Air & Space Museum including how to buy tickets, insider tips, not to miss highlights and more.
What to know before visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum including how to buy tickets, insider tips, not to miss highlights and more.
San Diego museums cater to artists, archeologists, surfers, kids, photographers and a myriad of interests. The ones on this list are the most visited.
I’m a San Diego Zoo member and local travel advisor. My promo code gives you the best deal on 1-Day tickets — and I explain when a sightseeing pass, combo ticket, or membership saves up to 50%.
My guide walks you through the Zoo’s dining options from sit-down spots and snack stands with Instagrammable desserts to where to find a drink or coffee along the way.
