Spanning a vast space of 486 hectares, the huge Balboa Park contains an incredible and eclectic wealth of attractions. Home to gardens and trails, museums and galleries, theatres and restaurants—not to mention its own world-famous zoo—the park is a popular spot, frequented by visitors and locals alike.
Start off by heading for the visitor centre right in the heart of the park. Volunteers will be on hand to tell you more about the park and what to do, as well as information on current events and exhibits. From here you can also book a place on one of the free guided tours that will take you around the key highlights throughout the park.
Close to the visitor centre your eye will be caught by the impressive Spanish Colonial-style buildings which house some of the finest museums, galleries and theatres in the entire city. Here you will find the San Diego Museum of Art, the Air and Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
The theatres nestled in the park are always thriving, with performances on offer all through the year. Visit the Old Globe where you’ll find more than 10 plays and musicals on show throughout its season. Visit between July and September and you’ll get the chance to enjoy Broadway classics at the Starlight Theatre. If you’re up for a little more exertion, you can play golf at the east of the park, try petanque or bocce, or play tennis in the shade of trees.
Or if you simply want to enjoy the peace of the park’s beautiful gardens, you’re spoilt for choice. The Japanese Friendship Garden, Palm Canyon and the Inez Grant Parker Rose Gardens are favourites, whilst if you head for the Californian Native Plant Garden you’ll see over 2600 varieties of native species along a 1.6 kilometre trail.
Balboa Park is open all day, every day. Although museum opening hours do vary, entrance is almost always possible between 10 am and 5 pm.
