Plan My Visit
The Balboa Park Cultural District is an approximately 400-acre area nestled within Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre city and regional park sitting on unceded Kumeyaay land in San Diego, California, and one of the most visited attractions in Southern California by people in and outside of the state. With so much to take in, you can 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. If you have questions not answered on this page, please reach out to us using Live Chat or email us at explorer@balboapark.org and a representative will respond during business hours.
Plan My Visit
The Balboa Park Cultural District is an approximately 400-acre area nestled within Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre city and regional park sitting on unceded Kumeyaay land in San Diego, California, and one of the most visited attractions in Southern California by people in and outside of the state. With so much to take in, you can 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. If you have questions not answered on this page, please reach out to us using Live Chat or email us at explorer@balboapark.org and a representative will respond during business hours.
Directions & Parking
The Balboa Park Cultural District is located just north of Downtown San Diego. Drive in, catch a bus ride, or walk and bike from many nearby historic neighborhoods. Here are more options and information about getting to the Park.
Public Transportation
Route 7, Route 215, and Route 120 are the three bus routes through the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From Downtown:
- From the City College Trolley Station take the 7 bus, heading north. The Park Blvd and President's Way stop, Park Blvd and Village Pl stop, and Park Blvd and Zoo Pl stop will leave you within walking distance of many Balboa Park attractions.
- From the City College Trolley Station take the 215 bus, heading north. The Park Blvd and Zoo Pl stop will leave you right in front of the Balboa Park Carousel and San Diego Zoo.
From Mission Valley:
- From the Fashion Valley Transit Center take the 120 bus, heading south, toward Downtown. Get off at the 4th Ave and Laurel St stop. Walk east along Laurel St/El Prado, across the infamous Cabrillo Bridge.
With the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) program, youth 18 and under in San Diego County can get to the Balboa Park Cultural District for free using public transportation! All they need is a Youth PRONTO card or a virtual Youth Pass on the PRONTO App for unlimited rides on the bus, trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER. Visit our community partner Mid-City CAN’s YOP page to learn more and start riding!
Use the MTS Trip Planner tool for more information and plan a custom route.
Rideshare Services
Ride sharing services are highly recommended due to limited parking access on busy days such as weekends, during the summer, and holidays. Use this address to be dropped off in the center of the Balboa Park Cultural District:
Driving Directions
From the north:
- From I-5 take the B St/Pershing Dr exit, heading toward Pershing Dr. Turn left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Pl. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
- From I-15 or I-805 take Hwy 163. Take the I-5 south/Park Blvd exit. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From the east:
- Take I-8 to Hwy 163 south. Take the I-5 south/Park Blvd exit. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From the south:
- Take I-5 to B St/Pershing Dr exit, keeping right to stay on Pershing Dr. Turn left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Pl. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
Parking and Free Tram
With eleven free parking lots surrounding Balboa Park’s Cultural District, there’s sure to be a spot for you. Parking in front of the San Diego Zoo and smaller lots throughout the Park tend to fill up quickly. For easiest access in and out of the Park, Inspiration Point (on the east side of Park Blvd, at the intersection of President’s Way) is a great option.
The free Balboa Park tram can transport you within a 10-minute walk to many of the Cultural District's most popular destinations. Trams stop at each location approximately every 15 minutes. Trams are ADA accessible and include room for strollers. Summer tram hours in effect from 6/2 - 10/31 are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm daily. From 11/2 - 5/31, tram hours are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm daily. Find tram stops on the Park map here.
Old Town Trolley
If you have a flexible schedule, Old Town Trolley is a great opportunity to see more of San Diego. Start a tour from any of the convenient stops and hop off at the Balboa Park Cultural District. Enjoy on-and-off privileges as you take in historic sites throughout the city.
Accessibility
All Explorer Pass Museums feature accessible entrances and routes. Here are some further details to help you enjoy accessible art, science, history, and culture.
Accessible Parking and Tram Service
There are several accessible parking spaces at all parking lots in the Balboa Park Cultural District. If you cannot find a parking space in the smaller lots, the main lot at Inspiration Point is serviced by free trams that are wheelchair capable with ramps or lifts. See the Directions and Parking section above about tram schedules. If you have additional questions about the tram, please contact the tram manager with City Parks and Recreation at (619) 235-1124.
Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Rental
The Balboa Park Visitors Center has two manual wheelchairs and two three-wheel electric mobility scooters available for daily rental use within the Park (Zoo excluded). Rental rates vary depending on length of rental and type of wheeled device used. Reservations, though not required, may be made in advance through Mobility Source at (619) 234-9505. The Balboa Park Visitors Center is located at the House of Hospitality in the center of the park at 1549 El Prado, 92101. For wheelchair accessible entrance, enter via the north side along El Prado Rd.
Accessibility at Explorer Pass Museums
Many of the participating museums offer special hours, programming, or accommodations to assist visitors and ensure a positive experience. Please see each museum for their unique offerings.
- Fleet Science Center
- ICA San Diego, Central Campus
- Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
- Museum of Us
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Timken Museum of Art
- The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Caregivers
Each Explorer participating museum has their own policy for Caregiver access. Be sure to contact each venue to learn about their Caregiver policy before visiting.
The Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not offer a Caregiver Pass due to the requirements of the individual musuems.
Where to Eat
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or four course meal, iced coffee or craft cocktail, there’s a little something for everyone in the Balboa Park Cultural District. Many of the locations listed below include options for special diets, including vegetarian and vegan. Click the links below for additional information, menus, and hours of operation.
Coffee, Tea, Snacks and Fast Meals
Alaska Airlines Flight Path Grill at the San Diego Air & Space Museum
Balboa Park Visitors Center inside the House of Hospitality
Café in the Park inside the Casa de Balboa
CRAFT CAFÉ at Mingei International Museum
Craveology at Fleet Science Center
Daniel’s Coffee Cart at Spanish Village Art Center
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages (Participating houses sell food and drinks on weekends and during Lawn Programs)
Lady Carolyn’s Pub at The Old Globe (Open on performance days, one hour before showtime and during intermissions.)
One WorldBeat Cafe at WorldBeat Center (Vegan)
Prado Perk inside the House of Hospitality
The Flying Squirrel Cafe at San Diego Natural History Museum
The Tea Pavilion at Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Where to Shop
Take home a piece of the Balboa Park Cultural District! Many of the museums and attractions offer unique gifts and souvenirs, including a wide variety of local, handmade goods. Locations with shopping include the following:
Art
Science and Technology
Participating Museum Schedule
Balboa Park Explorer Participating Museum Schedule
As an Explorer, you're one of Balboa Park's biggest fans. With that in mind, we want you to feel confident about every visit. We've compiled a schedule of museum days of operation that you can use to plan ahead to visit your favorite places in the Park. To view each museum's hours of operation, click on the link provided to their respective homepages.
Participating Museum | MON | TUES | WED | THUR | FRI | SAT | SUN |
Centro Cultural de la Raza | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
Fleet Science Center | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
ICA San Diego | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
Mingei International Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
MOPA@SDMA | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
Museum of Us | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
San Diego Air and Space Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
San Diego Automotive Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
San Diego History Center | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
San Diego Model Railroad Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
San Diego Natural History Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
The San Diego Museum of Art | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
Timken Museum of Art | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
Veterans Museum at Balboa Park | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
WorldBeat Center | ★ | ★ | ★ |
Directions & Parking
The Balboa Park Cultural District is located just north of Downtown San Diego. Drive in, catch a bus ride, or walk and bike from many nearby historic neighborhoods. Here are more options and information about getting to the Park.
Public Transportation
Route 7, Route 215, and Route 120 are the three bus routes through the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From Downtown:
- From the City College Trolley Station take the 7 bus, heading north. The Park Blvd and President's Way stop, Park Blvd and Village Pl stop, and Park Blvd and Zoo Pl stop will leave you within walking distance of many Balboa Park attractions.
- From the City College Trolley Station take the 215 bus, heading north. The Park Blvd and Zoo Pl stop will leave you right in front of the Balboa Park Carousel and San Diego Zoo.
From Mission Valley:
- From the Fashion Valley Transit Center take the 120 bus, heading south, toward Downtown. Get off at the 4th Ave and Laurel St stop. Walk east along Laurel St/El Prado, across the infamous Cabrillo Bridge.
With the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) program, youth 18 and under in San Diego County can get to the Balboa Park Cultural District for free using public transportation! All they need is a Youth PRONTO card or a virtual Youth Pass on the PRONTO App for unlimited rides on the bus, trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER. Visit our community partner Mid-City CAN’s YOP page to learn more and start riding!
Use the MTS Trip Planner tool for more information and plan a custom route.
Rideshare Services
Ride sharing services are highly recommended due to limited parking access on busy days such as weekends, during the summer, and holidays. Use this address to be dropped off in the center of the Balboa Park Cultural District:
Driving Directions
From the north:
- From I-5 take the B St/Pershing Dr exit, heading toward Pershing Dr. Turn left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Pl. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
- From I-15 or I-805 take Hwy 163. Take the I-5 south/Park Blvd exit. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From the east:
- Take I-8 to Hwy 163 south. Take the I-5 south/Park Blvd exit. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
From the south:
- Take I-5 to B St/Pershing Dr exit, keeping right to stay on Pershing Dr. Turn left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Pl. Follow the signs to the Balboa Park Cultural District.
Parking and Free Tram
With eleven free parking lots surrounding Balboa Park’s Cultural District, there’s sure to be a spot for you. Parking in front of the San Diego Zoo and smaller lots throughout the Park tend to fill up quickly. For easiest access in and out of the Park, Inspiration Point (on the east side of Park Blvd, at the intersection of President’s Way) is a great option.
The free Balboa Park tram can transport you within a 10-minute walk to many of the Cultural District's most popular destinations. Trams stop at each location approximately every 15 minutes. Trams are ADA accessible and include room for strollers. Summer tram hours in effect from 6/2 - 10/31 are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm daily. From 11/2 - 5/31, tram hours are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm daily. Find tram stops on the Park map here.
Old Town Trolley
If you have a flexible schedule, Old Town Trolley is a great opportunity to see more of San Diego. Start a tour from any of the convenient stops and hop off at the Balboa Park Cultural District. Enjoy on-and-off privileges as you take in historic sites throughout the city.
Accessibility
All Explorer Pass Museums feature accessible entrances and routes. Here are some further details to help you enjoy accessible art, science, history, and culture.
Accessible Parking and Tram Service
There are several accessible parking spaces at all parking lots in the Balboa Park Cultural District. If you cannot find a parking space in the smaller lots, the main lot at Inspiration Point is serviced by free trams that are wheelchair capable with ramps or lifts. See the Directions and Parking section above about tram schedules. If you have additional questions about the tram, please contact the tram manager with City Parks and Recreation at (619) 235-1124.
Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Rental
The Balboa Park Visitors Center has two manual wheelchairs and two three-wheel electric mobility scooters available for daily rental use within the Park (Zoo excluded). Rental rates vary depending on length of rental and type of wheeled device used. Reservations, though not required, may be made in advance through Mobility Source at (619) 234-9505. The Balboa Park Visitors Center is located at the House of Hospitality in the center of the park at 1549 El Prado, 92101. For wheelchair accessible entrance, enter via the north side along El Prado Rd.
Accessibility at Explorer Pass Museums
Many of the participating museums offer special hours, programming, or accommodations to assist visitors and ensure a positive experience. Please see each museum for their unique offerings.
- Fleet Science Center
- ICA San Diego, Central Campus
- Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
- Museum of Us
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Timken Museum of Art
- The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Caregivers
Each Explorer participating museum has their own policy for Caregiver access. Be sure to contact each venue to learn about their Caregiver policy before visiting.
The Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not offer a Caregiver Pass due to the requirements of the individual musuems.
Where to Eat
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or four course meal, iced coffee or craft cocktail, there’s a little something for everyone in the Balboa Park Cultural District. Many of the locations listed below include options for special diets, including vegetarian and vegan. Click the links below for additional information, menus, and hours of operation.
Coffee, Tea, Snacks and Fast Meals
Alaska Airlines Flight Path Grill at the San Diego Air & Space Museum
Balboa Park Visitors Center inside the House of Hospitality
Café in the Park inside the Casa de Balboa
CRAFT CAFÉ at Mingei International Museum
Craveology at Fleet Science Center
Daniel’s Coffee Cart at Spanish Village Art Center
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages (Participating houses sell food and drinks on weekends and during Lawn Programs)
Lady Carolyn’s Pub at The Old Globe (Open on performance days, one hour before showtime and during intermissions.)
One WorldBeat Cafe at WorldBeat Center (Vegan)
Prado Perk inside the House of Hospitality
The Flying Squirrel Cafe at San Diego Natural History Museum
The Tea Pavilion at Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Where to Shop
Take home a piece of the Balboa Park Cultural District! Many of the museums and attractions offer unique gifts and souvenirs, including a wide variety of local, handmade goods. Locations with shopping include the following:
Art
Science and Technology
Participating Museum Schedule
Balboa Park Explorer Participating Museum Schedule
As an Explorer, you're one of Balboa Park's biggest fans. With that in mind, we want you to feel confident about every visit. We've compiled a schedule of museum days of operation that you can use to plan ahead to visit your favorite places in the Park. To view each museum's hours of operation, click on the link provided to their respective homepages.
Participating Museum | MON | TUES | WED | THUR | FRI | SAT | SUN |
Centro Cultural de la Raza | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
Fleet Science Center | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
ICA San Diego | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
Mingei International Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
MOPA@SDMA | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
Museum of Us | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
San Diego Air and Space Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
San Diego Automotive Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
San Diego History Center | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
San Diego Model Railroad Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
San Diego Natural History Museum | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
The San Diego Museum of Art | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |
Timken Museum of Art | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
Veterans Museum at Balboa Park | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
WorldBeat Center | ★ | ★ | ★ |