• Museums

    Dive into California’s natural world with The Nat’s immersive and hands-on exhibitions, admire Mingei’s “art of the people” collection from functional to whimsical, chug along these recreations of San Diego trains, trestles, and tracks at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, or immerse your family in Shakespeare at one of the Old Globe’s annual productions.

    A group of diverse aged adults looking at a mammoth fossil display at the San Diego Museum of Natural History.

    San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)

    Explore the natural wonders, both past and present of Southern California

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    A display of the Global Spirit exhibition at the Mingei Museum. An adult visitor with short brown hair can be seen walking through the exhibit space.

    Mingei International Museum

    Sharing human creativity through folk art, craft, and design.

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    Entrance to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. The entrance is a red painted wall with an arched glass windows and black framed glass doors.

    San Diego Model Railroad Museum

    Climb aboard and appreciate the wonders of beautifully engineered imagination.

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    Seating area outside of the Old Glove theatre. A group of visitors can be see sitting at one of the many tables.

    The Old Globe

    Enjoy awarding-winning theatre featuring productions from all periods and styles.

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  • Attractions

    Take a ride on the Park’s carousel, which features beautifully painted panels and fanciful designs, tour one of San Diego’s most iconic historical landmarks, and take in breathtaking views of San Diego from the California Tower at the Museum of Us, spend a day learning about many incredible creatures and exploring their habitats at the San Diego Zoo, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere and discover this thriving community of local artisans at the Spanish Village Art Center.

    Adult and child riding on a camel on a carousel

    Carousel

    A rare chance to ride an original menagerie carousel.

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    California Tower view from the Alcazar Garden.

    California Tower

    A soaring icon of San Diego overlooking Balboa Park.

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    A male lion from the San Diego Zoo appears on the right looking to the left

    San Diego Zoo

    A world-famous home to animals and global conservation programs.

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    A multi-color tiled sign on a building that says Spanish Village Art Center.

    Spanish Village Art Center

    A colorful village for art makers and lovers alike.

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  • Food & Drink

    Devour delicious noodles or sushi while you sip on hot tea at the Tea Pavilion. Need something fast while you’re on the go? Craft Cafe offers daily grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, or grab some fare before or after watching an Old Globe production from Lady Carolyn’s Pub.

    Front entrance to the Japanese Friendship Garden's Tea Pavilion. The building is beige with brown trim and a roof.

    The Tea Pavilion

    Appreciate delightful Japanese cuisine while taking in scenic views.

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    Lady Carolyn Pub entrance surrounded by green ivy

    Lady Carolyn’s Pub

    Grab a drink or tasty treat before watching one of the Old Globe's spectacular performances.

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  • Parks, Trails & Gardens

    Feeling competitive? Plan a game of lawn bowling with the family.
    Have a picnic and relax while the kids play at Pepper Grove Playground.
    Don’t forget to bring your fur family and play at Morley Field Dog Park, or explore the outdoors on one of the Park’s many hiking trails starting at Park Blvd. Trails Gateway.

    Pepper Grove playground where children are playing on large colorful play structures, slides, and swings.

    Playgrounds

    Run and play on one of the many playgrounds located throughout Balboa Park

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    An interior view of the municipal gym with a basketball court.

    Recreation Activites

    Come play at one of Balboa Park's recreational facilities!

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Plan Your Visit

A roadway in front of Plaza de Panama and the San Diego Museum of Art with a white jeep stopped to let a group of adults and an adult with a motorized wheelchair cross the road.

Get Directions

Whether by car or plane, we’ve got the details you need to get here.

Park Map and Directions
Diverse groups of people surrounding three white pop-up tents on the El Prado walkway outside of the House of Hospitality.

Events

See what's happening in the park the days you are here.

Upcoming Events
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Get Your Tickets

From museums to musicals to Shakespeare under the stars, immerse yourself in all the arts, sciences, and history you can handle.

Get Your Tickets
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