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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.
Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the country, with gorgeous gardens, beautiful Spanish-Renaissance architecture, and art installations. It also has 18 museums, hiking trails, gardens, and more across its 1200 acres. Plus, it’s home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Because of its size, you do need a plan. You also need to forward think admission because popping into several museums without a Go City San Diego or Balboa Park Explorer Pass can add up in cost. Residents should also take advantage of Residents Free Tuesdays. And you should know which museums are free.
I’ve collected all my best tips for visiting Balboa Park, along with information about where to go, what to eat, and the passes that will make it easy to see and do everything you want to.
Yes, it is possible to see both of San Diego’s best attractions (Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo) on the same day. Here’s how.
The Spreckels Organ in San Diego’s Balboa Park is now the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ and plays free concerts on Sundays.
“Art Alive” is the San Diego Museum of Art’s largest fundraiser with spectacular floral arrangements mirroring pieces in their Permanent Collection.
“Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss” exhibit at the San Diego History Center has a reading library, crafts for kids and shows an unseen side of the artist.
Consider holiday shopping at Balboa Park museum stores, especially if you have people on your list who are difficult to shop for. Here’s what I found.
