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.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Balboa Park

SeaWorld

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Maritime Museum and Star of India

Mission Bay

Cabrillo National Monument

Old Town State Historic Park

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.

Tips: The Balboa Park grounds are open 24 hours a day. The Visitors Center is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, and museum hours vary by institution.