I have so many fond memories of Balboa Park and I look forward to making more, from Halloween parties at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and my friend's wedding to exploring Spanish Village Art Center for the first time, visiting the Botanical Building, going to the Japanese Friendship Garden, discovering the museums, and experiencing December Nights. San Diego wouldn't be the same without this beautiful landmark! read more

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Word to the wise, do your research and know where you're going beforehand. Unfortunately we just decided to come spur of the moment and didn't really know what we were doing. So apparently there are a lot of parking lots which are not free, $10 unless you're a native and have a pass. We found one lot, called lower inspiration that's free for 3 hours. Also, we didn't realize how big that place is, with so much to see! There are museums, places to eat, the zoo, a playground for kids and I'm sure so much more. The museums are not free, they do sell passes or individual tickets. It's a nice place to spend a day or even a few hours. read more

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The entire experience here was exquisite! I just wish we had gotten there earlier to explore some more. We paid for parking right in front of the Spanish Art Village and paid $10 for 4 hours. Spanish Art Village was beautiful. If you buy something, it goes directly to the artist whose studio you're in. The artists were sitting quietly and would talk to you about their art pieces and tell you a little about themselves. Everything in there was so cool. I was especially intrigued by the artist in Studio 21, he had these incredible three part paintings he does by hand and I've never felt so much emotion before by an art piece. I really wish I had the money for them because I really would've taken them home with me ;( The botanical building was stunning, it wasn't as big as I thought it would be but definitely beautiful! We also ended up visiting the Timken Art museum and the PostSecrets and Cannibalism exhibits within the last 15 minutes of them being open. Wish we got there earlier so we didn't have to speed through them, but staff was still really nice and everything was so interesting to look at! We went to Panama 66 for a quick drink and bite afterward. We didn't even get to explore the rest of it because the entire park is so expansive, but we will definitely be coming back to visit the rest. It's definitely a must for tourists, but I just know I'd be here every day lying in the grass and reading if I lived here! read more

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I spotted this tree that spoke to me while riding on the way to breakfast at Hash House. After leaving breakfast, we came back to Balboa Park it was a peaceful and grounding experience before heading to the airport to return home. That moment honestly made me decide the park was a must-visit. I ended up stopping by afterward just to walk around, release some stress, and enjoy the calm energy. I even found myself just sitting in a tree, hugging two or a few, and taking in the quiet; especially in the Trees for Health Garden, which felt fitting for the whole experience. It was a simple but meaningful stop that added a peaceful pause to the end of the trip before heading back to the airport. I even met a squirrel that I chat with; I named him James. While I was chatting with him, he even place his paw on his chest as if he was asking me "are you speaking to me?" It felt great speaking to my own little grandma Willow tree moment. read more

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Spent about an hour in Balboa Park after landing in San Diego, and I'm glad we made the stop. We parked at the Lower Inspiration Point parking lot for free, and the shuttle arrived within 5 minutes to take us to the main entrance. Our driver was nice enough to give us a short tour on the way, which was a nice touch. We ended up seeing the Botanical Building and lily pond area, and both were lovely and picturesque. I honestly felt like I was in Europe with the architecture of the buildings. Next, we made our way to the Spanish Village Art Center, and it felt like I had stepped into a movie set, very surreal and colorful. I would highly recommend Balboa Park for any first-time visitors to San Diego! read more

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Is the parking situation at Balboa Park resolved yet? I really enjoy coming here, but having to pay $10 to park alongside the street is pretty ridiculous. I came during the orchid show and really loved looking at all the exotic breeds. This was something that my mom and I enjoyed doing, and I haven't been here in a long time. Balboa Park is really beautiful and there is so much to see. The gardens and museums are all worth visiting. Put on some comfy shoes and be prepared to walk! read more

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3/31/26 update: Balboa Park you have to pay for parking $10-16 depending on how long you want to stay. We paid $16 since we were also going to the zoo. $16 is for a full day. At Balboa Park, you have attractions like Cabrillo Bridge, California Tower that you can go up, Japanese Friendship Garden, Air and Space Museum, Automotive Museum, etc. Most of the museums are open from 10 am to 5 pm. You would have to look at each attraction to see what the admission is. We went on a Tuesday and the traffic was very congested just to get in one of the parking lots. They do have snacks and food here. read more

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While visiting SD I stopped to take in some natural beauty. Balboa park houses 17 museums, the San Diego zoo and multiple gardens. I was awestruck by all the things to do and see! You definitely get your steps in here! They do offer museum passes if you'd like to see multiple in one day. Perfect for dates or group outings! read more

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Balboa Park is one of my go-to spots whenever I'm showing non-San Diego locals around the city. It's such a beautiful and iconic area, and it's one of the best places to just walk around and spend the day outside. I really love the architecture, the gardens, and how much there is to explore. The botanical building is beautiful, as well as the reflecting pool. I really like how there are different museums that you can choose such as the Comic-Con Museum, Railroad Museum, and the Fleet Science Center. The only real downside is the new paid parking system. It used to be free but now it is not. While San Diego residents do get free parking by registering online, it's still a bit frustrating that visitors (or if you're not registered online) now have to pay. There is a tram that helps you get from the parking lots into the center of the park, which is convenient, but the added parking cost is a bummer. read more

Balboa Park - Reflecting pool - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

Balboa Park is currently the nation's largest urban cultural park at a size of 1200 acres. I would say that visiting this park is a MUST if you are in San Diego. My husband and I always have this place on our itinerary. You could easily spend an entire day here, as there is much to explore, including museums, performing arts venues, multiple gardens, recreation centers, and more. The iconic landmarks, stunning views, outdoor trails, and hidden historic gems will appeal to people of all ages. It is also great that this park is clean and well-maintained, making it enjoyable to walk around and take in the park's natural beauty. Because of how popular of an attraction this place is, I do recommend coming early to snag a parking spot before the lots fill up. read more

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Museums, trails, history and adventure. All available here. This park is more than swings and picnics. I didnt have time to get out and explore the sights yet I did enjoy a nice drive through the area. Plenty of signs, parking and options to enjoy. I haven't been here in years but the nostalgic experience is still dear to my heart. If you have time take a walk. Take in the sights and enjoy the history. read more

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Balboa Park is enormous--truly one of those places where you think you'll spend a couple of hours and suddenly several have flown by. The park is filled with exhibits, museums, restaurants, gardens, art vendors, and beautiful Spanish-style architecture everywhere you turn. We spent close to 6 hours here and still didn't make it through even half of what's available. And of course, the world‑famous San Diego Zoo is located right inside the park. We chose to park along Balboa Dr. and walk across the Cabrillo Bridge, which was a gorgeous way to enter the park. There are parking lots on-site as well, but the bridge walk adds a nice scenic touch. Your first stop should absolutely be the Visitor's Center. Not all exhibits are open every day, so the staff there can give you an overview of what's available. There's no admission fee to wander the park grounds, but individual museums may charge their own entry fees. During our visit, the Comic‑Con Museum and the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum both had admission fees. We managed to visit the Botanical Building, Spanish Village Art Center, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, Comic‑Con Museum, Alcazar Garden, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, and the Bea Evenson Fountain. Every stop felt unique. The Spanish Village Art Center was especially charming--rows of studios and shops run by local artists, each one filled with handmade pieces. The ponds in front of the Botanical Building were full of koi, which made for a peaceful break from walking. Even if you don't plan on visiting the zoo, Balboa Park is absolutely worth the trip. There's so much to see, do, and explore that you could easily spend multiple days here and still discover something new. Highly recommend carving out plenty of time--you'll want it. read more

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Balboa Park is huge, with lots to do. This park has everything from a zoo, garden, museums, water fountains, botanical conservatory, different exhibitions and much much more. Lots of walking , so wear comfy shoes ! Pay to park! A must visit when in San Diego! read more

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Absolute GEM in San Diego. Balboa Park is certainly one of the most hyped places to visit when in San Diego and for good reason! Covering over 1k acres, Balboa park is one of the largest parks in America. Parking here is great, it's practically everywhere in many parking lots. They're mostly free, but there's some lots where it's paid or street metered. Still, it can be difficult to find parking due to how busy this park is. One of my favorite things about this park is the trails and gardens. It's seemingly endless, and most of the time, the plants and trees are in season, creating a pleasant vibe overall. Visiting Balboa Park whenever my wife and I are in San Diego has become a must, it's always nice to have a day where we can walk around and enjoy the scenic routes. Recommended parts to visit in/around Balboa Park include San Diego Zoo, Japanese Garden, flower trails, museums, and the fountain areas. You can plan your entire day around Balboa Park and it'll still be not enough to explore the entire park. Part of Balboa Park is San Diego Zoo which is another attraction to visit and also Japanese Garden (Paid). It's a good 30 minute tour of the Japanese Garden with a nice trail, lake area, and some historic decorations as well. I would say the Garden is worth only if you've never been, otherwise, it's pretty standard to other Japanese Gardens in the US. If you're visiting San Diego, Balboa Park is a staple and a must visit. read more

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Balboa Park is a lush marvel filled with gorgeous architecture, museums, gardens, cafes, and shops. The world-renowned zoo is also here. I visited this park on three of the four days of my recent San Diego vacation and still only scratched a tiny dent in its offerings. I'd highly recommend a visit for some knowledge, tranquility, or scenery. read more

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I absolutely love Balboa Park. It's gorgeous to walk through. There are so many museums and a couple of them are free entry all the time (Timken Art Museum and Contemporary Art Museum). The rose garden and cactus garden are across Park Boulevard, it's adjacent to the zoo, there are so many walking trails and there are several restaurants in the park. Of the restaurants my favorite is Panama 66. I think it's a great vibe there, the menu is good and they have a large selection of craft beers. Plus they have a nice garden area in the back you can chill in if you don't want to sit in the typical table area. There are so many photo ops in the park if you are looking to get pictures done for something. I've taken photos of several people for different occasions and even professional photos. The pipe organ is one of the largest in the world and they do free concerts there in the summer. That's also where they light the Christmas tree for December Nights. And can we talk about December Nights for a minute? One of the coolest events in San Diego. Yes it's busy as hell and the parking for the event is expensive and chaotic. The key is to go in the afternoon about two or 3 PM and take the trolley to city College and then walk up the hill. You get there in time to actually enjoy the festival before it's overrun with too many people. All the museums are also open and free that night so if you go early enough in the day, you can get in them and really enjoy them. Also skip all the expensive food vendors in the middle and go to the International Village. The prices are reasonable and you get to support the international houses there. I do agree that the new parking situation at Balboa Park was rolled out horribly. Shame on the city of San Diego for making it such a mess. There was supposed to be a discounted fee for locals, but they made it so complicated that you couldn't even figure it out. Now they are opening up a few lots for free parking for the locals, but even that is being poorly communicated. I know they'll figure it out, but the growing pains are rough. I actually don't think it's a bad idea for them to charge for parking but I think it should be like a flat rate $5 or something like that. It takes an incredible amount of money for them to maintain the park and in order to keep the park nice and functional for the future they've got to raise some money somehow. read more

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Visited on a Sunday morning after La Jolla Cove and loved it! Balboa Park is huge with beautiful Spanish-style architecture all around. My favorite spot was the Botanical Building, the wooden structure is stunning and it's such a peaceful place to relax (plus it's free!). There are lots of food options, and shuttles are available if you don't feel like walking. We walked to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and it was worth it. I'd definitely come back just to hear the organ play. Overall, Balboa Park is 100% worth visiting! read more

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Hot day in balboa park, but I had fun! I miss coming here all the time. We came to go to the natural history museum. We spent a couple hours there. Walked around the art studios. I really liked the cool rocks and the lady with the cat paintings. Then we walked to the botanical garden building. It was nice and cool and pretty in there. There's a lot of construction going around this area, including the natural history museum. The timken museum of art is free and they had a lot of cool old paintings. I bought some post cards in their gift shop. There's always a lot of things to see at this park to spend the day here. It just stinks that we have to pay for parking now. read more

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This park holds so many adventures and trails that one could spend an entire day and still not see everything. From restaurants and cafes to the San Diego Zoo and Comic Con Museum considering Balboa Park home, you are sure to find something that speaks to you. One of my favorite areas is the rose garden and I love how you walk past the rather large fountain, take the bridge, and then get lost in the aroma. The stroll is so peaceful and it had me feeling calm. We walked from one end and found ourselves strolling across the area including the passing of the theater and tower. Take the time to research ahead of time and see what fancies you. It's worth a visit no matter if you are a local or visiting. read more

Yes - park and museums are lovely, but for me, I just didn't love Balboa Park. Didn't hate it but if you are someone with just a weekend in town, I think there are better options for afternoon activities in the zillions of things there are to do in SD. All I'm saying is don't get fooled making this a top of your list, must do-thing. Go if you REALLY want to, but don't feel like you missed out if you made a different selection. read more

It had been some time since Becky and I last visited Balboa Park. We decided one sunny day to refamiliarize ourselves with the San Diego gem. We parked in her spot in the parking garage of the building in Little Italy where she works. We park for free there. (The paid parking bullshit fiasco that the city leaders are punishing the citizens with is horseshit, but that's not what this is about). It was a beautiful morning, so the 1.5-mile walk was a nice leisurely 30-minute stroll. We arrived to find the park bustling with activity, but it wasn't crowded. Mostly people just out and about enjoying the day. We went with no plan. We didn't visit any of the museums or other attractions. We simply took in the scenery before having a nice lunch at The Prado. Next time we will be sure to visit the restored Botanical Garden, and I love the Automotive Museum so that's on the list for next time also. Balboa Park is a must whether you live in San Diego or are visiting. read more

Balboa Park is definitely a must-see! It's huuuge with Spanish-style architecture throughout and maintained very well. I always have a fun time when I'm there whether for people-watching, holiday or cultural festivities, museums, gardens, checking out vendors, private events, concerts, walks in the park...there's something exciting going on no matter what. And importantly, I keep going back to this charming historical park based on my 5-star review. read more

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Beautiful, beautiful park! My daughter has been very eager and excited to bring me here. We finally made it during her college winter break. Simply walking the grounds is such a lovely experience. There so much to see and admire but my absolute favorites are the Central Gardens (I could live there), Japanese Friendship Garden and huge fountain. We paid admission to access some areas, but most are free. We were occupied for hours. There are ample seating areas for breaks to marvel at the architecture, history and all the lovely, thoughtful details. There are enough places to grab a quick bite or drink. Parking is plentiful and free. read more

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Such a nice place to explore. They have a water fountain, huge buildings, lots of art and activities. We went during the day and there were many people dressed for photo shoots. Parking was free and we spent a few hours exploring the park. Highly recommend if it's your first time in San Diego. Some of the buildings reminded me of the ones I visited in Colombia! So beautiful! read more

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BALBOA PARK @ SAN DIEGO It was definitely busy on a weekend my boyfriend and I came on a Saturday afternoon, and it was pretty packed. Balboa Park is absolutely a must-visit spot, whether you're a San Diego local or just here for the weekend. There's so much walking and exploring you can do. I also love how close it is to the airport, so stopping by either right after you land or before you head out is honestly such a good idea. There are tons of museums, like the Art and Space Museum, and there are often small tabling events happening throughout the park. There's also the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is beautiful to walk through. But one of my favorite things is definitely the fountain, it's huge, so stunning, and I love just sitting by the water and people-watching. There are always so many people around, which adds to the whole vibe. Overall, I would 100% recommend this place to anyone. Balboa Park is such a gorgeous spot for a picnic, a long walk, or even just to relax. There's plenty of seating, small businesses, and restaurants nearby, and I've even seen weddings here. It's definitely a special place to visit. read more

Balboa Park - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been to Balboa Park in San Diego many times and had no idea this beautiful flower garden existed. I recommend visiting Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park and enjoying the beautiful colorful rose garden trail for nice photos. There's also a trail of desert plants connected to flower garden. Check it out when in the area. Happy Yelping :) read more

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Who doesn't love Balboa park?!?! We ABSOLUTELY L-O-V-E this park. It's a 1,200 acres of land that houses 18 museums, the San Diego Zoo, gardens, and much more!!! The park itself is free to the public! The way that it's designed and well maintained is amazing!! So far, lots of free parking!! Nestled within the park are some great museums. We enjoyed the Air and Space Museum, the Fleet Science Museum, the Japanese Garden, the Automotive Museum, and much more. We walked miles of fun!! So much architectural history and beautiful landscapes of gardens!!! We bought the yearly family pass to enjoy all of the museums. We packed snacks to give us energy for our long walks. There are cafes and restaurants available if you're interested. There's different events during the calendar year. You'll have to check out their website. Overall, a beautiful place for us to enjoy its beauty. Great place to get your steps in as well. Lots of local and tourists. read more

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Fun fact did you know that Balboa Park is actually larger than Central Park in NYC?! Growing up in San Diego Balboa Park has always been a favorite and I miss living right next to it and walking through it all the time. The history of this park really makes it and not to mention it is absolutely stunning. Happy Earth Day and make sure to show some love to your favorite outdoor spot! read more

Awesome way to spend the day. Shuttle pick up that runs every 10-15 min. Stopping at parking lots, the main entrance and air space museum. Each museum has entry fees with individual tickets or multiple museum passes. There's a variety of visitors roaming around. So much to see! It's a good time for first time visitors or seasoned pros to enjoy the outside air. One restaurant, two cafes and tea pavilion with substantial food and drink options. We were informed that parking is now being charged. Pay meters are by the shuttle stop. read more

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Super fun park with lots to do! It's super spread out and some things are free but others cost extra! Some places get lots of sun so I would recommend some sunscreen or an umbrella, lots of shaded areas are available as well but fill up fast on busy days. The nature aspect was my favorite parts of the park, as I saw so many butterflies, flowers, and trees all over! The information desk was also very helpful so I recommend stopping by to see if any free events may be taking place. The rose gardens was one of my favorite parts! read more

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I find that the best time that I enjoy Balboa Park is early in the morning or at sunset. It isnt too crowded and there's something about the quietness of it all that is relaxing. I usually park near the organ pavilion and then its a short walk to the park area. This is a popular spot that people choose to have pictures taken (self, family, birthday, graduation, etc). The architecture reminds me of Sevilla, Spain. Once sunset hits, i dont know why but everything seems much more beautiful. Theres so much to see here with the numerous museums, gardens, and also the international houses. They recently implemented paid parking and you'll see signs posted for this. One of San Diego's gems and Definitely a place to check whether you are a local or visitor. read more

Balboa Park is so beautiful and full of life--there's always something going on, which makes it such a fun place to visit. There's so much to see and do, and every time I go, I feel like I discover something new. That being said... parking is a nightmare. Seriously. You're either paying $$$ for parking or driving around for 20 minutes hoping and praying a spot opens up. I highly recommend taking an Uber or finding another way to get there if you can. It'll save you a lot of time and frustration! Overall, it's an amazing spot and definitely worth visiting--just plan ahead for parking! read more

Lovely, large park (if you can even call it just a park)! Lots of old school, historical buildings. It's nice to just take your time and stroll here. I've been here a handful of time over the years, and I'd say it's certainly a highlight and worth going out of your way for in SD. It's nice that parking is free! I particularly enjoy the gardens. On my recent visit here, the botanical garden building was closed for renovations, and I consider that one of the gems of this location. read more

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First off, the architecture is stunning. The Spanish Colonial Revival buildings are gorgeous, especially the Botanical Building and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Walking through the central area feels like stepping into a beautiful European city. Seriously, bring your camera; every corner is a postcard. The concentration of world-class museums is unreal. I managed to check out the Air & Space Museum and the Natural History Museum, and both were fantastic. They offer something for every interest, from science to art to history. The best part is the atmosphere--it's vibrant without feeling overly crowded. The gardens are the true hidden gems. The Japanese Friendship Garden was serene and impeccably maintained, and the rose garden smelled amazing. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and just relax away from the hustle of the city. Wear comfy shoes and also you may be able to catch a street magic show if your lucky! read more

Such a huge Park! Weather was warm on September 13, 2025. So many things to do, eat, smell and to look at.... you can smell the roses at the San Deigo rose society just over the bridge. Listen to a free Organ concert, take a stroll at the Botanical Garden, admire great Spanish Colonial Rival Architecture, brunch at the Patio under an umbrella at Prado, be calm and eat well at the Japanese Friendship Garden and a local selling sage. How random! Prepare to take a lot of photos and to walk a lot. read more

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I love visiting Balboa Park whenever I am in San Diego area. The park offers several museums, international houses that's operated by volunteers, festivals and other events throughout the year, as well as restaurants and cafes. The parking is always a challenge there and other less frequented areas of the park has homeless people who acts erratically, which is unfortunate. I felt ambushed trying to walk through one of the trails when I got approached out of nowhere from random tree shrubs. I wish it also had less rubbish strewn about in general but that's really not the park's fault per se. read more

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There is so much to do and see in this park. It's beautiful! They have plenty of gardens and museums. It's very family friendly and also very workout friendly because there are many paths where people were jogging and cycling read more

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Before going home, we visited Balboa Park, a large urban cultural park in San Diego. We parked near the San Diego Zoo for free and followed the signage toward the museums. The park is expansive with many attractions to browse. It wasn't too crowded at the time as well. We decided to visit the San Diego History Center to check out a Filipino food and culture exhibit and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Next time, I'd want to check out the Balboa Park Gardens, The San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. If taking transit, there are multiple options that can take you to Balboa Park from Santa Fe Depot. For example, Mid-City Rapid 215 can take you to the Park Blvd. and Naval Hospital stop, a nine-minute walk to the San Diego History Center. On weekends, Rapid 215 has 15-minute headways. read more

Balboa Park - Casa del Prado Theater - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is beautiful and there is so much to see! Just looking at the architecture itself is satisfying. I enjoy coming here and walking around with friends or family as each time I experience something new. There are so many different museums here, plenty of gardens, trails, and I enjoy the country section where each country has its own building (note that is only open weekends). I definitely enjoy checking out the rose garden when it's in season and then venturing off to try something new each time. They often have festivals here as well so keep an eye out for that :) read more

Balboa Park - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

Taking full advantage of the long summer evenings, we broke up a busy work night with a sunset stroll through Balboa Park, ending with a picnic and live music at the Organ Pavilion. The fresh air, Luminescent lights, and breathtaking music drifting through the summer breeze made for a perfect San Diego evening. Why stay in when the city is alive with moments like these? Sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside to be reminded of the magic right in our own backyard. read more

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