Balboa Park Museums

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.