Balboa Park began as 1400 acres of land set aside in 1868 by San Diego civic leaders. Known then as “City Park”, the scrub-filled mesa that overlooked present-day Downtown San Diego sat without formal landscaping or development for more than 20 years.
Plan your visit! Personalize your experience from the moment you arrive. From transportation options to finding the perfect cup of coffee, discover exciting new ways to explore the Balboa Park Cultural District.
Begin your Balboa Park adventure at the Visitors Center. You can find the latest Park information either at the Visitor Center located in the House of Hospitality or at the Park Ambassador Information Tent located in front of the building in the Plaza de Panama.
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from Downtown and Mission Valley. Print out a handy map of the bus and trolley systems servicing Downtown, the San Diego International Airport, and Balboa Park.