Balboa Park in San Diego, CA is an absolute must-visit destination for families looking for exciting and educational attractions. With over 1,200 acres of lush greenery, over 20 museums, gardens, and cultural attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Balboa Park is located at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.
Some of the fantastic museums include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man), the Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Each museum offers unique exhibits and interactive experiences that are perfect for families.
The park also offers Resident Free Days, where several park museums offer free general admission to the residents of the City and County of San Diego, as well as active military personnel. These are offered on Tuesdays, with a rotating schedule for the museums each Tuesday. This is a great deal, when you compare it to something like Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which doesn’t offer free days for residents.
One of the best things about Balboa Park is the abundance of parking options available, with over 11 free parking lots across the park, offering easy access to all of the attractions. The Inspiration Point parking lot is very large, and is located at the intersection of President’s Way and Park Blvd, to the east of the park. There are also several smaller lots located throughout the park, as well as street parking, so you should have no trouble finding a parking spot.
Once you’ve parked, it’s time to explore all that Balboa Park has to offer. Again, there are many museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum which is different than the Fleet Science Center. There are also several performing arts venues, including the Old Globe Theatre. This world-renowned theatre company has been producing plays and musicals for over 80 years and is a beloved institution in San Diego. The theatre offers a variety of productions throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for showtimes and ticket information. There is also the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Starlight Bowl, and the wonderful Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater.
For families like mine with young children (yes this San Diego personal injury lawyer has a young family), the park’s many gardens are a great place to explore. The Japanese Friendship Garden is a must-visit, with its tranquil ponds and winding paths. The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is also a favorite, with its impressive collection of over 130 varieties of roses.
For those looking to get some exercise, Balboa Park is also home to several hiking and biking trails. The park’s many open spaces are perfect for picnicking, playing frisbee, or just lounging in the sunshine.
For those interested in history, the California Tower is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. It was constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. You can see the beautiful Cabrillo Bridge from the deck if you look west. The Museum of Us, formerly known as the Museum of Man, explores the history of human culture and features exhibits on topics such as race, gender, and identity.
Overall, Balboa Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for an exciting and educational day out. With its numerous museums, gardens, and cultural institutions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or the arts, Balboa Park has it all. So pack a picnic, grab the kids, and head to Balboa Park for a day of fun and adventure.