How to Enjoy Balboa Park, San Diego

The Lily Pond

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Balboa Park is the crowning jewel of San Diego. Much like Central Park in New York, Balboa Park is centrally located in the heart of San Diego and offers a multitude of attractions for visitors of any age. It’s quite possible to spend your entire trip to San Diego at Balboa Park and enjoy every minute of it.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Season-appropriate clothing
Camera
Bottled water
An entire day

How to Enjoy Balboa Park, San Diego

Step1

Get there early. If you plan on spending the entire day or multiple days, getting there before the crowds is essential. If you are driving, parking is provided free, but it is first come, first serve, and they do come.

Step2

Visit the Visitor’s Center located on the El Prado. From there you can plan your visit, get a site map and begin your adventure.

Step3

Picking your first destination in the park can be tricking considering the shear number, but the San Diego Natural History Museum is always a good bet. Admission price is reasonable, at about $9 for adults; children are around $4.

Step4

The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is right next to the history museum and offers an incredible sight. This tree is not only old but extremely large.

Step5

If you have children or are with that special someone, the Carousel is a perfect place to go next. Tickets are about $2 per person, and the duration of each ride is generous.

Step6

A nice stroll through the park via the El Prado will give you a great view of most of the major attractions, including the Botanical Building, the Lily Pond, the San Diego Museum of Man and the Plaza de Panama.

Step7

Take in the sight of the Cabrillo Bridge at the far end of the El Prado. The sight is well worth the walk.

Step8

Come back the next day. There is so much more to see, a two-day visit will be well worth the time and film or megabytes in your camera. Enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

If possible, go on a Tuesday, as there are several attractions that offer free admissions on Tuesdays.
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park.