Rules and Restrictions/FAQ

Rules and Restrictions

The Explorer Limited, Parkwide, and Annual Pass provide admission to 16 participating venues in Balboa Park. See the list below in the Frequently Asked Question section (“What venues are included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?”).

Age Restrictions:

  • Explorer Limited and Parkwide Adult Pass is for ages 12+
  • Explorer Limited and Parkwide Youth Pass is for ages 3 – 11
  • Explorer Annual Pass
    • Family: Up to any 2 named adults and up to any 4 named children, ages 3 – 17
    • Adult: Ages 18+
    • Senior: Ages 65+
    • College Student: College/University student w/ valid ID
    • Youth: Ages 3 – 17 (Available online soon! Purchase over the phone today!)

Please note: Explorer Limited, Parkwide, and Annual Passes do not include the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or Comic-Con Museum. Admission to the Zoo, Safari Park, or Comic-Con Museum must be purchased separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass?

The Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass provides general admission to 16 venues in Balboa Park, for 365 days from the date of purchase. As an Annual Passholder, not only do you save annually on regular admission to Balboa Park venues, you also receive exclusive offers and discounts! Learn more on the About page.

What venues are included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?
Is the San Diego Zoo included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?

The San Diego Zoo is not included with Explorer Limited, Parkwide, or Annual Passes. Admission to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park must be purchased separately.

Are there any additional costs when visiting the venues in Balboa Park?

Occasionally, a venue will feature a special exhibition that requires an additional admission fee. Here are some special exhibitions and experiences requiring an additional fee:

*Additional $10 fee per person.

**Included with Limited or Parkwide Pass. Additional $9.95 fee for Balboa Park Annual Explorer Passholders. Major motion picture releases are not included. 

Are there discounts on the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?

The discount is already built into the price of all Explorer Pass options!

Are guest passes included in the Explorer Annual Pass?

No, each individual Annual Passholder must be named.

Is the Explorer Annual Pass a membership?

No, the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass is a discounted general admission ticket, valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Are there blackout dates?

No, Balboa Park Explorer Passes will be accepted during all regular venue operating hours. Exclusions may apply for special events. Please visit each venue’s website for current hours or scheduled closures.

Can I get a refund on my Balboa Park Explorer Pass?

No, all sales are final and Explorer Passes are not for resale.

Can I transfer or upgrade my Explorer Annual Pass?

No, all sales are final. Balboa Park Explorer Annual Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be upgraded. If you renew your Balboa Park Annual Pass, you will have the option to replace names and change your Pass type.

Can I upgrade my Parkwide or Limited Pass to an Annual Pass?

No, all sales are final.

How do I use my Limited or Parkwide Pass?

When purchasing online you’ll receive two emails from explorer@balboapark.org. The first is your receipt and the second will have your tickets attached. You can either print your tickets or show them on a smartphone at each museum entrance.

The Limited Pass provides one admission to your choice of up to four (4) participating venues. Pass is valid for one day only, on the day of first use.

The Parkwide Pass provides one admission to each of the 16 participating venues. Pass is valid for seven (7) consecutive days, beginning with the day of first use. The Parkwide Pass does not provide re-entry across multiple days. Check with the venues for same-day re-entry privileges.

Who qualifies for a College Student Annual Pass?

The College Student Annual Pass is for college/university students with a valid student ID. The Passholder must present their student ID and Explorer Annual Pass when entering a venue. It is also required to have a school name on file.

What happens if I come to Balboa Park and I’ve forgotten or lost my Annual Pass?

For the best visitor experience, we encourage you to ALWAYS keep your Balboa Park Explorer Pass with you!  However, if you have forgotten your Pass, please stop by the Balboa Park Visitors Center, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, or San Diego Natural History Museum to pick up a Temporary Pass for the day.

If you lose your Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass, there is a $5 reprint fee per Pass. To request a replacement, give us a call at (619) 232-7502, option 2.

Can I participate in County-wide promotions such as San Diego Museum Month, The Big Exchange, or Kids Free October with Explorer Passes?

The Balboa Park Explorer Pass provides year-round savings and does not participate in County-wide promotions such as San Diego Musuem Month, The Big Exchange, and Kids Free October. Learn more about these promotions on the San Diego Museum Council website.

Kids Free in October – The Explorer Limited and Parkwide Passes are discounted tickets and do not count as full-priced admission to the venues as required by Kids Free October rules and regulations.

Not finding the answer to your question?

Use the LiveChat feature at the bottom right of this page to speak with a representative during regular business hours or submit a ticket after hours and a representative will reply the following day.

General Disclaimer 

All sales are final; non-refundable, and non-transferable. Passes are not for resale. All passes have no blackout dates. Passes must be used within one (1) year of purchase date and are not valid for select events, special exhibitions, and programs. The Explorer Limited, Parkwide, and Annual Passes do not provide admission to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or Comic-Con Museum. Before visiting, please contact the participating venues or check their websites for more information on hours, closures, additional events, special exhibitions, and film costs.

Funding Support provided by San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture