10 Great Things To Do at Balboa Park
In the summer of 2022, Nevaeh and I spent a half day wandering through one of San Diego’s most iconic spots—Balboa Park.
Balboa Park isn’t just a park—it’s an experience. With incredible museums, gorgeous gardens, hiking trails, live performances, and even the world-famous San Diego Zoo, there are so many fun and fascinating things to do at Balboa Park.
History of Balboa Park
This San Diego destination traces its origins back to 1868, when city leaders set aside 1,400 acres of scrub-covered mesa land to create a public park. That makes it one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, even older than New York’s Central Park!
Originally called “City Park,” it didn’t receive much attention until the early 1900s. That changed when the city began preparing for the 1915–1916 Panama–California Exposition, an event designed to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal and to promote San Diego as the first U.S. port of call.
The park was transformed almost overnight into a showcase of stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, lush gardens, and wide promenades. The name “Balboa Park” was adopted in honor of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama.
Over the decades, Balboa Park has continued to evolve, serving as a hub for art, science, and community life. Today, it’s home to more than 17 museums, the San Diego Zoo, and countless gardens, theaters, and cultural institutions. It’s no surprise that exploring the park’s history is one of the most meaningful things to do at Balboa Park—every step you take connects you to over a century of imagination, celebration, and growth.
Is Balboa Park Worth Visiting
Would I be writing this if it wasn’t? Lol.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, nature seeker, foodie, or just someone looking to spend a beautiful day outdoors, there are so many things to do at Balboa Park that it’s nearly impossible to see it all in one trip.
How to Get Around Balboa Park
Balboa Park may be walkable, but it’s not small—this place covers over 1,200 acres! If you’re planning to check out several museums, stroll through the gardens, or just see as many of the things to do at Balboa Park as possible, it helps to have a game plan for getting around.
Walking Paths and Trails
Most of the major attractions—like the museums, gardens, and performance spaces—are clustered around El Prado, a wide, pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture. You can comfortably explore this central corridor on foot, and it’s where you’ll likely spend a good chunk of your visit.
Free Park Tram
Balboa Park offers a free tram service that runs daily and loops around the park. It’s especially helpful if you’re parked on the outskirts or if your feet need a break.
The tram typically runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer (shorter hours in the off-season), with stops at major landmarks, parking lots, and popular entrances.
Parking Tips
Parking is also free throughout the park. However, some lots fill up quickly—especially on weekends.
The Inspiration Point lot is one of the largest and is served by the tram, making it a great place to start. If you’re staying all day, bring comfortable shoes, some water, and consider starting early to beat the crowds.
ADA Accessibility
Balboa Park is also very accessible, with paved walkways, ADA-compliant facilities, and accessible parking spaces throughout. Wheelchairs are available for rent near the Visitor Center.
Best Things To Do at Balboa Park
Visit the San Diego Zoo
If there’s one place that has earned its global reputation in Balboa Park, it’s the San Diego Zoo. This world-famous attraction is more than just a zoo—it’s a 100-acre animal wonderland filled with lush, canyon-style landscaping and over 12,000 rare and endangered animals. It’s one of the top-rated zoos in the world, and for good reason.
Expect to see everything from giant pandas to tree-hugging sloths and mischievous meerkats. One of the best parts? The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats, giving the animals space to roam—and giving visitors a more immersive experience. If you’re traveling with kids or just love animals yourself, this is one of the top things to do at Balboa Park.
For a relaxing overview of the grounds, hop on the guided bus tour, which covers about 75% of the zoo and is included with admission. You can also take to the skies—literally—on the Skyfari Aerial Tram for stunning bird’s-eye views of the park and the surrounding Balboa Park greenery.
Insider tip: Go early in the day when the animals are most active, and don’t skip the Africa Rocks or Elephant Odyssey exhibits. Also, bring good walking shoes—it’s hilly, and you’ll easily get your steps in.
Visit the Museums
One of the best-kept secrets (that’s not really a secret at all) is that Balboa Park is home to more than a dozen museums—all within walking distance of each other. Whether you’re into classic art, aviation, natural history, or hands-on science, there’s something here for everyone, making museum-hopping one of the most rewarding things to do at Balboa Park.
San Diego Museum of Art
This one’s the crown jewel for fine art fans. The San Diego Museum of Art houses an impressive collection spanning everything from Spanish old masters to contemporary works. Bonus points for the stunning Spanish-Renaissance-style building it calls home—it’s art on the outside and the inside.
Fleet Science Center
If you’ve got kids (or just like to tinker and play), the Fleet Science Center is a must. With tons of interactive exhibits and an IMAX dome theater, it’s a great spot to get curious and creative. It’s also one of the best indoor activities if you catch a rare rainy day in San Diego.
Museum of Us
Formerly the Museum of Man, the Museum of Us explores the human experience—think cultural anthropology, ancient civilizations, and thought-provoking exhibits on race, identity, and society. Don’t miss the California Tower tour, where you’ll climb up for some of the best panoramic views in the entire city.
Air & Space Museum
Aviation buffs and Top Gun fans will love the San Diego Air & Space Museum. It’s packed with historic aircraft and spacecraft, from the Wright brothers to modern-day jets. The flight simulators and replicas make it fun even if you’re not typically a plane person.
Other Favorites
There’s also the Timken Museum of Art (small but free!), the Mingei International Museum (celebrating folk art and design from around the world), and the San Diego Natural History Museum, affectionately known as “the Nat.” Truly, you could spend an entire weekend just museum-hopping and still not see it all.
See the view from the California Tower
If you’re the type who loves finding the best view in town, then add the California Tower to your list of things to do at Balboa Park.
Perched above the Museum of Us, this historic tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in San Diego—and the views from the top are absolutely worth the climb.
Built for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition, the tower blends Spanish-Colonial, Baroque, and Gothic Revival styles, and it’s just as stunning up close as it is in skyline photos. For decades, the California Tower was closed to the public, but after a careful restoration, it’s now open again for guided tours.
The tour takes about 40 minutes and includes a climb of seven flights of stairs (don’t worry—there are breaks along the way!). As you ascend, your guide shares fascinating history about the park, the tower itself, and the surrounding architecture. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of San Diego, including downtown, the mountains, and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Go Hiking
When most people think of Balboa Park, they picture museums and gardens—but if you’re craving some movement and fresh air, the park’s hiking and walking trails are an absolute gem. With over 65 miles of trails winding through canyons, mesas, and scenic overlooks, this is one of the most peaceful and nature-packed things to do at Balboa Park.
The Trails to Know:
- Palm Canyon Trail (easy)
This quick little trail is a hidden oasis near the Mingei Museum. It’s short—just under half a mile round trip—but filled with towering palm trees and a charming wooden footbridge. Great for a leisurely stroll that still feels a little off-the-beaten-path. - Florida Canyon Trails (moderate)
Want something a bit longer and less manicured? The Florida Canyon trails offer a more rustic experience, weaving through native plants and wildflowers. The terrain here feels more natural and gives you the feeling of being far from the city—even though you’re right in the heart of it. - Morley Field Trails (easy to moderate)
This is a great starting point for those staying near the northeast end of the park. You’ll find wide open paths, gentle hills, and even connections to Balboa Park’s disc golf course and dog park areas. - Bridle Trail (easy)
A flat, sandy trail once used by horseback riders, this one loops around the west side of the park and is perfect for walkers who just want to stretch their legs under the trees.
Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes—especially if you’re visiting during warmer months. And if you’re hoping to catch golden hour or sneak in some solo time before the crowds arrive, try to go early in the day.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk under the eucalyptus trees or a light workout with canyon views, hiking is one of the most serene things to do at Balboa Park—and a perfect way to balance out a day full of museums and treats.
Walk the Gardens
Need a breather between museums and hiking trails? The gardens at Balboa Park are the perfect place to slow down and soak in some natural beauty. With more than a dozen themed gardens, this is one of the most peaceful and photo-worthy things to do at Balboa Park.
- Alcazar Garden: Tucked behind the Mingei Museum, this Spanish-style garden is bursting with colorful tiles, symmetrical flowerbeds, and fountains that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European courtyard.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: This 12-acre garden features koi ponds, stone pathways, a bonsai collection, and seasonal cherry blossoms. It’s a paid-entry garden but well worth the small fee.
- Zoro Garden: A sunken stone grotto once used as a nudist colony exhibit during the 1935 Exposition , it’s now a butterfly garden filled with native plants that attract dozens of species.
- Desert Garden & Rose Garden: Across Park Blvd, you’ll find a cactus lover’s paradise and over 1,600 rose bushes that bloom spring through fall.
Even if you don’t know a petunia from a plumeria, wandering through the gardens is one of the best things to do at Balboa Park.
Grab a Bite to Eat at Balboa Park
If you’re looking for a sit-down spot with great food and a relaxed atmosphere, The Prado is the go-to. It’s tucked into the historic House of Hospitality and serves up SoCal-style dishes with a twist—think ahi poke, shrimp tacos, and cocktails. The patio is lovely and perfect for people-watching after a busy morning.
Craving something a little more casual? Head over to Panama 66, nestled right beside the San Diego Museum of Art. It has a relaxed outdoor vibe, and you can eat surrounded by sculptures and string lights. Their sandwiches and salads hit the spot, and if you’re into craft beer, this is the place to try a local brew or two.
For something quick and easy, Cafe in the Park has sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies, perfect for grabbing on the go between stops.
And if you’re a coffee lover like we are, don’t skip Daniel’s Coffee in Spanish Village. It’s this cute little cart next to the artists’ studios, and it serves strong lattes in one of the most colorful corners of the park.
If you’re spending time in the Japanese Friendship Garden, the teahouse inside is worth a pause. It’s has beautiful views of the garden, and you can sip traditional teas while listening to the sound of water trickling by.
Wrapping Up Things To Do at Balboa Park
If you’re looking for a way to spend some time in San Diego, there is no shortage of things to do at Balboa Park. After all, it’s more than just a park, it’s a blend of culture, nature, and community.
