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The perfect summer is creative, fun, and full of wonder. With blooming flowers, extended museum hours, evening concerts, summer camps, food trucks, and more, summer sizzles in Balboa Park. Now through September 2, discover exhibitions, events, and activities happening across the Park that will have you coming back all summer long.
Don’t miss Friday nights in Balboa Park! Food Trucks take over El Prado and many of your favorite museums are open late - including the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and The San Diego Museum of Art - for a night of games, hands-on creative projects, live entertainment, and of course a rotating assortment of food truck cuisine!
Buy a Balboa Park Explorer Pass if you intend to visit multiple museums. Not only will you save money over individual admission costs, your purchase directly supports the museums you visit.
Use the Balboa Park Calendar to discover more exhibitions, events, and activities during your visit.
BITES & SIPS
There is a surprising variety of food and drink available in Balboa Park, from meals by acclaimed chefs at The Prado to a quick espresso at the Café Mingei.
FAST MEALS
World Beat Café, World Beat Center (Vegan/vegetarian only)
Panama 66 The San Diego Museum of Art
Lady Carolyn’s Pub, Old Globe Theatre
Tea Pavilion, Japanese Friendship Garden
Flight Path Grill, San Diego Air & Space Museum (Sat and Sun only)
House of Pacific Relations, only during some international lawn programs (see Schedule)
FULL SERVICE
The Prado, House of Hospitality
Panama 66, , The San Diego Museum of Art
Tobey’s 19th Hole Café, Balboa Park Golf Course
QUICK DRINKS AND SNACKS
SHOPPING
Take home a piece of Balboa Park! Many of the museums and attractions offer incredible one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. Locations with shopping include the following:
GETTING HERE
Go green! Balboa Park is located just north of downtown San Diego and is accessible by public transportation as well as by walking and biking from many of the nearby historic neighborhoods. You can also take the Old Town Trolley from various locations around San Diego and hop off at Balboa Park for the day. With on-and-off privileges, the trolley makes a convenient option if your schedule is flexible.
Ride sharing services are also highly recommended due to limited parking access.
PARKING
The main parking lot for Balboa Park is at Inspiration Point (on the east side of Park Boulevard, at the intersection of President's Way). A free tram provides access to Balboa Park's museums and attractions and runs daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with summer hours extending from 9 am to 8 pm. Trams pick up every 8-10 minutes (at peak times, 20-40 minutes). The tram stops at two additional parking lots and loops around the park, taking visitors within a short walk to most of the popular destinations.
Additional parking is available in front of the San Diego Zoo, and at several smaller lots throughout the Park, including at the end of President's Way and behind Spreckels Organ Pavilion; be aware that these smaller lots fill up quickly each day.
