San Diego - Balboa Park 
Balboa Park is over a 1400 acre site with historical buildings, museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915/1916 with most of the buildings in the park remaining from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-Mexican style, low level buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Even if you never go into a building the park is simply a beautiful place.
Among the highlights of the park are the Botanical Gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. In all there are 15 important museums located within Balboa Park. Depending on the time of year there may also be a festival or free event happening here. Admission to the park is free but the museums charge admission. Passes are available that allow entrance to multiple museums in a single day. This park is definitely one of the highlights of any visit to San Diego.
The time required to see the park depends on where your interests lie. Experience suggests setting aside one full day for the museums and another for the remaining sites.
Among the highlights of the park are the Botanical Gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. In all there are 15 important museums located within Balboa Park. Depending on the time of year there may also be a festival or free event happening here. Admission to the park is free but the museums charge admission. Passes are available that allow entrance to multiple museums in a single day. This park is definitely one of the highlights of any visit to San Diego.
The time required to see the park depends on where your interests lie. Experience suggests setting aside one full day for the museums and another for the remaining sites.
Related Attractions
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House of Pacific Relations
The fifteen bungalows of the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park, reminiscent of the Mexican colonial period, were each intended for one of the Latin-American countries participating in the exhibition. They have retained their purpose to this day. Viewing of the interiors of the houses is restricted. Folk concerts and dances are held.
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden has over 2,400 rose bushes in 180 varieties. The garden is in peak bloom during April and May, although many roses are in bloom from March through December. The garden is south of the footbridge that crosses Park Boulevard near the Natural History Museum.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset |
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden includes a small entry garden, the Exhibit House, a traditional sand and stone garden, and a picnic area.
Japanese Friendship Garden
2125 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101-4760
United States
2125 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101-4760
United States
Phone 1 (619) 232-2721
Fax 1 (619) 232-0917
Hours
May 26 to September 4
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
September 5 to May 25
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Mingei International Museum of Folk Art
The Mingei International Museum of Folk Art displays exhibits of traditional and contemporary folk art from around the world. Materials used include wood, leather, fiber, clay, glass metal, jewelry and bone. There are also displays of furniture, paintings and sculpture.
All values are in United States Dollars
Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
Phone 1 (619) 239-0003
Fax 1 (629) 239-0605
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
American Independance Day (July 4)
| Adult | $ 7.00 |
| Senior | $ 5.00 |
| Child 17 & under | $ 4.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Museum of Photographic Arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park is housed in the arcades of the Casa de Balboa and presents exhibits of black and white, and color photographs on specific themes or by well-known photographers, as well as video and film programs from its own archives.
All values are in United States Dollars
Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
Phone 1 (619) 238-7559
Fax 1 (619) 238-8777
Hours
May 30 to September 6
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 21:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 7 to May 29
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 6.00 |
| Military discount | $ 4.00 |
| Students | $ 4.00 |
| Senior | $ 4.00 |
| Child 12 & under | FREE |
Free to San Diego City and County residents and all active military on the second Tuesday of the month.
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Audio-visual presentations available.
Facilities
Gift shop
Museum of San Diego History
The Museum of San Diego History presents the history of the city from 1850. Operated by the San Diego Historical Society it has exhibits of photographs, artifacts and costumes.
All values are in United States Dollars
Museum of San Diego History
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
Phone 1 (619) 232-6203
Fax 1 (619) 232-6297
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 5.00 |
| Senior over 65 | $ 4.00 |
| Military discount | $ 4.00 |
| Child 17 & under | $ 2.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month for San Diego City & County residents, all active military and dependents; SDHC members, visitors with Balboa Park Passports, and Go San Diego / Go Los Angeles cards.
Facilities
Gift shop
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in San Diego, established more than 100 years ago, has been housed in its present building since 1932, and displays southern Californian fossils, birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, plants and marine animals. Several life-size dioramas are dedicated to the fauna and flora of the Californian desert.
All values are in United States Dollars
San Diego Natural History Museum
Box 121390
San Diego, CA 92112-1390
United States
Box 121390
San Diego, CA 92112-1390
United States
Phone 1 (619) 232-3821
Fax 1 (619) 232-0248
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 16.00 |
| Senior over 62 | $ 14.00 |
| Child 17 & under | $ 11.00 |
| Military discount | $ 11.00 |
| Child 12 & under | $ 10.00 |
| Child 2 & under | FREE |
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Old Globe Theater
The Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park was built in 1935/1936 for the California Pacific International Exposition. It is based on Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London in the style of the 15th century, was destroyed by fire in 1978, but was rebuilt and is now the home of the San Diego Repertory Company.
Globe Theatres
Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112-2171
United States
Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112-2171
United States
Phone 1 (619) 234-5623
Fax 1 (619) 231-6752
Facilities
Gift shop
Reuben H Fleet Theater and Science Center
The Reuben H. Fleet Theater and Science Center in San Diego is a planetarium and cinema combined which, by means of a 75ft/23m long, hemispherical dome-projector, gives you the impression that you are floating in space. In the adjoining Science Center you may handle as well as look at the items on display. The demonstrations in the Space Theater (55 mins) take place eight times a day in the summer months and seven times in winter.
Reuben H Fleet Theater and Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101-1625
United States
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101-1625
United States
Phone 1 (619) 238-1233
Fax 1 (619) 685-5771
Parking
Free
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
San Diego Art Institute
The San Diego Art Institute is located in the House of Charm in Balboa Park and displays the work of local artists.
San Diego Art Institute
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1617
United States
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1617
United States
Phone 1 (619) 236-0011
Fax 1 (619) 236-1974
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
San Diego Automotive Museum
The San Diego Automotive Museum is located in Balboa Park and contains some of the finest automobiles in the world. One of the most popular is the Cyclops-Eyed 1948 Tucker Torpedo, one of only 51 which were built.
The museum also contains a research library with books and periodicals on the history of the car.
All values are in United States Dollars
The museum also contains a research library with books and periodicals on the history of the car.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 8.00 |
| Senior over 64 | $ 6.00 |
| Military discount | $ 6.00 |
| Child 6-15 | $ 4.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Parking
Pay
Facilities
Gift shop
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
The San Diego Hall of Champions Sports gives visitors a selection of 40 sports including football and baseball - making it one of the few museums in the United States that combines a number of sports. The Media Center is an interactive exhibit while the theater presents sports films and lectures.
All values are in United States Dollars
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
2131 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
2131 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
United States
Phone 1 (619) 234-2544
Fax 1 (619) 234-4543
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 8.00 |
| Senior over 64 | $ 6.00 |
| Military discount | $ 6.00 |
| Child 17 & under | $ 4.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Parking
Pay
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
San Diego Historical Society Research Library
The extensive collection housed at the Research Archives documents the people, places and events of San Diego's past. The Booth Historical Photograph Archives of the San Diego Historical Society has over two million images that date back to the 1860s. Other items of interest at the Archives include original maps, manuscripts, architectural drawings and public records.
Simon Edison Center for Performing Arts
Next to the Old Globe Theatre are two further units of the Simon Edison Center for the Performing Arts: a theatre for contemporary plays (225 seats), named after the famous 19th century Shakespeare director Cassius Clay, and the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, an open-air stage with over 600 seats, where the Shakespeare Festival is held in summer.
Globe Theatres
Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112-2171
United States
Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112-2171
United States
Phone 1 (619) 234-5623
Fax 1 (619) 231-6752
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Spanish Village Art Center
In a number of low-built houses in the Spanish Village and Arts Center, artists and craftsmen (potters, painters, sculptors, gold and silversmiths, photographers and weavers) can be seen at work. The articles and works of art they produce are on sale. Sometimes artists erect their easels in the courtyard where you can also watch them at work.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
This massive open-air organ, was a gift made to the town in 1915 by the sons of Adolph Spreckels, an immigrant from Hanover in Germany, who became a multi-millionaire in America. Since then, except during the Second World War, a concert has been held every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. The organ has some 4,400 pipes, the smallest being 1.5in./4cm and the largest almost 33ft/10m in length. When the organ is not being used it is protected by a metal curtain weighing 12 tonnes.
Spreckels Organ Society
1549 El Prado, Suite 10
San Diego, CA 92101-1661
United States
1549 El Prado, Suite 10
San Diego, CA 92101-1661
United States
Phone 1 (619) 702-8138
Fax 1 (619) 702-8128
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:00 |
| Close |
An organ concert by San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams is performed every Sunday at 2 p.m.
During the summer months (June-August) the Spreckels Organ Society hosts a summer organ festival and brings the best pipe organists in the world for a Monday evening concert beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission and parking are free for all events.
Parking
Free
Facilities
Gift shop
Starlight Musical Theatre
Starlight Musical Theatre presented its first season in 1946. It is one of the oldest continuously producing musical theatre companies in the United States.
Starlight Musical Theatre
Box 3519
San Diego, CA 92163-1519
United States
Box 3519
San Diego, CA 92163-1519
United States
Phone 1 (619) 232-7827
Fax 1 (619) 232-1882
Parking
Pay
Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Art Gallery, built in 1965 on the Panama Plaza, houses an important collection of Russian icons from the 16th to the 19th centuries, works by Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch painters, as well as American art from several centuries.
Timken Museum of Art
1500 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101-1620
United States
1500 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101-1620
United States
Phone 1 (619) 239-5548
Fax 1 (619) 531-9640
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 13:30 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking
Pay
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
