Balboa Park is a popular attraction in San Diego, California, with a rich history and plenty of things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in Balboa Park, as well as some information about the park’s history and the museums you can visit.
History of Balboa Park
Balboa Park was originally created as part of the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal. The park was designed to showcase San Diego’s culture, history, and natural beauty, and many of the buildings and structures were constructed specifically for the exposition. After the exposition ended, the park continued to be a popular attraction, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Best things to see and do in Balboa Park
Admire the buildings and arches
Balboa Park is home to some stunning architecture, including the California Building, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and the Botanical Building. Take some time to appreciate the intricate details and unique features of these structures.
Visit Museums
Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums, covering a wide range of topics from art to science to history. Here is a list of the museums, along with their hours of operation:
- San Diego Museum of Art – open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
- San Diego Natural History Museum – open daily, 10am-5pm
- Fleet Science Center – open daily, 10am-5pm
- Museum of Photographic Arts – open Friday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
- San Diego Museum of Man – open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
- San Diego History Center – open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
- Timken Museum of Art – open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm; Sunday, 12pm-4:30pm
- Veterans Museum and Memorial Center – open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
- Japanese Friendship Garden – open daily, 10am-6pm
- Museum of Us – open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
- The Old Globe Theatre – open during performances only
- WorldBeat Cultural Center – open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum – open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-4pm
Visit the Botanical Pavilion
The Botanical Building was constructed for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. The Botanical Building was one of the original buildings built for the Exposition. It was designed by architect Carleton Winslow and constructed using wood and lath with plaster coating. The building looks super cool. It features a series of vaulted arches and a large lily pond at the front. This is my favorite place in Balboa Park in the evening.
The Botanical Building was initially constructed as a temporary structure, intended to be dismantled after the Exposition ended. However, it was so popular with visitors that it was decided to keep it as a permanent feature of the park. There are more than 2,100 permanent plants in the pavilion, including a wide variety of tropical and subtropical species. The collection also includes palms, cycads, orchids, ferns, and other exotic plants from around the world. The building has undergone several renovations and restorations , including a major restoration in the 1980s. The most recent restoration project took place in 2015, in honor of the building’s centennial celebration.
2022 March update:
I just came from back from the park. The The Botanical Building is under renovation again, this time it is a major renovation. The renovation includes repairing damaged structural elements, recreating historic arcades & pergolas, installing a new water-efficient irrigation system, adding enhanced LED lighting and improved access for persons with disabilities, creating flexible exhibition spaces and new building additions.
Explore the main square
The Plaza de Panama is the heart of Balboa Park, and it’s surrounded by some of the park’s most impressive buildings and monuments. Take a walk around the square and soak up the atmosphere.
Listen to the organ
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is home to one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the world, with over 4,500 pipes. Don’t miss the chance to hear this incredible instrument in action.
Visit Cactus Garden and Rose Garden
The Balboa Park Cactus Garden is a beautiful garden located across the road from Science museum. It features a diverse collection of cacti and succulent plants from around the world. The garden was created in 1935 and is one of the oldest and most visited gardens within Balboa Park.
The Rose Garden located near the Cactus Garden. It was originally created in the 1920s, and it underwent a major renovation in the 2000s to restore it to its original grandeur. You can stroll through the winding pathways, taking in the beauty and fragrance of the roses.
See Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures
I am a bid admirer of Niki de Saint Phalle’s work. Two of her sculptures, “Nikigator” and “Poet and His Muse” are located in a garden setting and feature brightly colored figures and animals. You can read more about Niki de Saint Phalle and where to find her work in San Diego here.
Walk the trail of palms
The Trail of Palms was originally designed as part of the landscaping plan for Balboa Park in 1915 by landscape architect Samuel Parsons Jr. It features more than 2,000 palm trees, including several different species such as California fan palms, date palms, and Mexican fan palms. The trail is especially beautiful during sunset, when the warm colors of the sky contrast with the towering palms.
Shop at Spanish Village
The Spanish Village Art Center is a unique shopping destination in Balboa Park. This colorful area reminds me of a square in front of Diego Rivera Museum in Mexico city. The center is a collection of colorful Spanish-style cottages, which house over 37 working artist studios and galleries. If you are looking for a handmade gifts and art pieces, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures, Spanish Village has it for you. The artists themselves are often on-site and available to answer questions and discuss their creative process with visitors.
In addition to shopping, the Spanish Village Art Center also offers art classes and workshops for both adults and children. These classes cover a range of art styles and techniques, including ceramics, painting, jewelry-making, and more.
Experience the evening lighting
Balboa Park is even more magical at night, when the buildings and structures are illuminated with colorful lights.
Have dinner at the Prado
Prado restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. The restaurant is housed in the historic House of Hospitality building, which was also built in 1915 for Panama-California Exposition. In 1996, the City of San Diego started a major renovation project to restore the House of Hospitality. As part of this project, the Prado Restaurant was created as a fine dining destination within the building.
Overall, Balboa Park is my favorite place in San Diego. In my opinion, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to San Diego. This stunning urban park offers a diverse range of attractions, including world-class museums, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture. You can explore the park’s 17 museums and cultural institutions, attend live performances, and enjoy outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. With its rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty, Balboa Park is a unique and unforgettable destination that should not be missed.
