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Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0512
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As featured in San Diego for free
Ranked #10 of 174 activities in San Diego
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Type: Parks, Gardens, Playgrounds
Activities: Biking, City walk sightseeing, Walking, Viewing wildlife, Getting married
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San... more » Owner description: One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Baby buggy parking, Activities for young children
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2,246 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    503
    81
    13
    3
Date Rating
california
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

We stumbled on the "International Cottages" on a Sunday afternoon in Balboa Park. Little cottages that are staffed by volunteers from about 15 countries. Only open 12 noon to 4 pm on Sundays. Ever little cottage had information, books, dishes, dolls, coins, maps, pictures, and many other items special to each country. Not to be missed. Donations appreciated, but not... More

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See 6 more reviews by CalifSue for San Diego
Stratham, New Hampshire, United States
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

One of my main goals on my short trip to San Diego was Balboa Park, and I was not disappointed. The area is filled with great architecture, museums, gardens and activities for the whole family. The Botanical Building and surrounding area was my favorite, as well as a great lunch at the Tea Garden, just outside the Japanese Friendship Garden.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Dave G for San Diego
Dallas, Texas
Top Contributor
209 reviews 209 reviews
121 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
86 helpful votes 86 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

I've been going to the Zoo, the Museum, the park, etc for almost 50 years. It has something for everyone and should not be missed. This review will cover several areas to see. 1st, the Zoo: If you have never been to the Zoo, it is a MUST DO. Perhaps the best Zoo in the world according to experts (and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
New Castle, Delaware
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 via mobile

Balboa park, centrally located, in San Diego has something for everyone. It is a large clean park with beautiful architecture, numerous museums, open spaces, restaurants, places to watch people, and street performers. The park was easy to access with multiple access points and free parking. We took the family through botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, as well as some museums(some have... More

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See 3 more reviews by Robert W for San Diego
Astoria, Oregon
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We absolutely LOVED Balboa Park, was much more beautiful than I even expected. All the pathways, buildings, archictecture, fountains, gardens, are SO lovely. We arrived before the museums were open and were able to explore all the grounds without any crowds. There was also a little market set up with art glass vendors, etc with some unique creations that made... More

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See 4 more reviews by Julie S for San Diego
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
52 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

I love this park. I love the architecture and the different museums it offers. Any time of the year is a good time to come here to walk around and people watch.

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See 21 more reviews by Joe T for San Diego
Chicago, Illinois
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Balboa has a lot of things to offer. First of all, the architecture is amazing. It's excellent to take pictures. Then there are a lot of museums: art, science, culture that are great for both kids and adults. Take out a day for your visit here. I think there was also a zoo, but since we didn't have any kids... More

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Raleigh, North Carolina
Top Contributor
183 reviews 183 reviews
41 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This is the true heart of San Diego-- amazing museums, gardens, restaurants and shops. It's gorgeous and impeccably maintained and has lots for the whole family-- for kids, for horticulturalists, for the museum buff. It's easily accessible from other parts of the city, including the Gaslamp (only about a 10 minute drive). It's truly my favorite part of the city.

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See 2 more reviews by jendasal for San Diego
Austin, Texas
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This is a must see attraction in San Diego! Take a day and visit the park and all of the museums. The architecture is beautiful. The grounds and fountains are well-maintained. It is a real haven in downtown San Diego. Even in the midst of Southern California one feels as if in Europe. Check out theatre attractions and special movies... More

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Morro Bay, California
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Balboa Park showcases buildings from two Expostions: 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition and 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition. It contains 15 major museums, beautiful gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. It offers a calendar of events, including museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts, and classes. On the day we were there, there was a school presentation honoring Shakespeare titled "Raising the Bard," with... More

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See 6 more reviews by 2Profs for San Diego

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