Balboa Park is a must-visit in San Diego, with a total of 14 intriguing museums. Of course, because of its massive size, it’s practically impossible to do everything in one visit.
While everything in the park is worth a visit, this guide highlights the must-see Balboa Park museums and other things to do during your visit, including...
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- San Diego Zoo
- and more...
Save on Balboa Park museum tickets and more
Admission to many of these top San Diego museums and attractions is included on the Go City® San Diego passes. Think of it like a Balboa Park museum pass.
Balboa Park museums and tickets for entry
There are 14 museums in Balboa Park altogether, touching on art, science, nature, and more. Here are a few of the most popular and unique.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center – An expansive science center complete with the world’s first IMAX Dome theatre, this museum is an excellent choice for children. The Fleet Center highlights hands-on learning and activities.
San Diego Hall of Champions – The nation’s largest multi-sports museum, the San Diego Hall of Champions is a good way to learn all about the history of more than 40 major and minor sports in America.
San Diego Air and Space Museum – Celebrating all things related to aviation and space flight, the San Diego Air and Space Museum tells the story of flight in the modern era, and San Diego’s important place in that history. You’ll even find several real aircraft restored to their original condition.
Museum of Us – The only anthropological institution in the region dedicated to celebrating the diversity of man. Combining the disciplines of art, history, and anthropology alongside contemporary and historical artifacts, the Museum of Us is a one-of-a-kind look at what makes us human.
San Diego Natural History Museum – This museum highlights the geological, botanical, and paleological history of the Southern California and Baja California regions. The museum's exhibits combine contemporary science with multimedia art in a unique educational display.
Museum of Photographic Arts – A rare museum devoted strictly to the celebration and preservation of photographic art. Their collections include some of the earliest prints from the 19th century up to contemporary photography.
San Diego Museum of Art - The oldest and best-beloved art museum in the region, the San Diego Museum of Art specializes in a number of diverse areas including Spanish & Italian Old Masters, Southeast Asian art, plus American painting and sculpture.
Model Railroad Museum - This one is for train aficionados. Marvel at the largest model railroad display in the world, learn all about the significance of rail travel in developing America and bring the kids to the Thomas the Tank Engine room.
San Diego Automotive Museum - A visit to the San Diego Automotive Museum is sure to be a pleasure for history buffs and anyone who loves cars. See lovingly restored vehicles like Cadillacs as you trace the history of car travel in the United States.
Remember, admission to many of these great museums is included on all Go City® San Diego passes, essentially making it a Balboa Park museum pass!
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The Gardens at Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one expansive park in itself, but there are also several specific gardens dedicated to a particular type of plant or climate.
Japanese Friendship Garden (San-Kei-En) - This garden is one of our favorites. It's a classic Zen garden featuring exquisitely sculpted sandscapes, stone gardens, and a large koi pond.
California Native Plant Garden - This is the perfect sightseeing destination for those who truly love getting to know a new place. You'll only find indigenous plants here!
Desert Garden - Despite what you may think of the desert, this desert garden is filled with striking plant life. In fact, there are over 1,300 different plants scattered across its 2.5 acres.
San Diego Zoo Botanical Garden - A visit here is a great complement to a visit to the Zoo itself. See an expansive collection of the kinds of plants eaten by denizens of the Zoo like the bamboo beloved by the famed Giant Pandas.
Old Cactus Garden - First cultivated in 1935 as part of the California Pacific International Exposition of the same year, this garden features some of the largest succulents and cacti in the entire Balboa Park garden system.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the country's best institutions. Home to more than 800 species of creatures, including a family of endangered Giant Pandas, all 107 acres of the zoo are worth checking out.
The zoo also frequently offers special activities during and after operating hours, like sleepovers and inside-access tours. Check out our in-depth guide to visiting the San Diego Zoo.
Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on all Go City® San Diego passes.
The California Tower
This historic venue has only recently been reopened to the public after being closed for decades. It was originally designed as part of the California Pacific International Exposition (as much of Balboa Park and its included museums were) and has now been opened as a monument to that period's architecture and innovative spirit. A must-see for any fans of architecture.
Performing arts venues
Balboa Park is also full of premier performing arts venues that offer everything from local children's concerts to world-class orchestral performances. If you have the time, check out the schedule at a few and plan to take in a show on your next vacation.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater - If you're traveling with children, this is a great place to take them for some entertainment. A diverse array of performances are available year-round.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion - Containing one of the world's largest outdoor pipe organs, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion offers free Sunday concerts weekly. Be sure to stop by if you're in the area to hear some truly unique and beautiful music.
The Old Globe - In the mood for a bit of the Bard? Head to the Old Globe for some high-quality Shakespeare performances, plus other great plays that have made it to Broadway and beyond. Tip: Don't miss the Summer Shakespeare Festival if you're in town - you can find some cheap tickets for the outdoor stage.
Restaurants at the park
How can you spend a full day exploring all that Balboa Park has to offer without any food? You can't, of course, which is why there are some great dining options within the Park itself and on some adjacent streets.
The Prado - This is the most famous restaurant in the park, featuring award-winning cuisine and a lovely outdoor patio setting.
Insider tip: make a reservation at this place and use your Go City® San Diego pass to save $10 off your purchase of $40 or more!
Café Mingei - If you're looking for caffeine or something light, head to this charming café for a quick bite.
Panama 66 - Located in the San Diego Museum of Art, Panama 66 is a great spot for cocktails, salads, and small bites.
The Tea Pavilion - This beautiful outdoor café at the Japanese Friendship Garden is the perfect place to dine lightly in leisurely elegance.
Getting there
Balboa Park is very centrally located in San Diego, making it pretty easy to drive to and find your way there.
Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, California, 92101
Public Transportation (MTS): Route 120 or Route 7.
For more info, be sure to check out the official Balboa Park website.
If you really want to explore the rich diversity of Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, remember to pick up a Go City® San Diego pass.
Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®
With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.
☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈
