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Balboa Park


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 275 attractions in San Diego
Traveler Description:
One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San...... more » One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. « less
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Attraction type: Garden, Park, Sports complex, Urban park, Museum complex, Playground, Zoo, Theater, Golf course
Activities: Biking, City walk sightseeing, Walking, Viewing wildlife, Getting married
Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-239-0512

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
piggy11   2 contributions
California
Oct 9, 2009

This is a great place to visit in San diego. It is a huge park with so many things to do. You could visit the museums, watch an imax film, buy art at the art village, take a picnic, watch a play, etc. They have special events throughout the year so check out their website calendar. Weekdays are usually dead... more

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5 of 5 stars
kjaz43   10 contributions
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Oct 8, 2009

Balboa Park was so beautiful, and I know I only saw a fraction of it. In case you did not know this, San Diego Zoo sits in part of Balboa Park.............Balboa Park has museums, gorgeous buildings, fountains, beautiful flowers and much much more. more

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5 of 5 stars
SouthernTrvlr   89 contributions
Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 22, 2009

Went on a Sunday afternoon with a friend from Atlanta and one from San Diego. We wandered through the International Cottages (open from noon till 4 on Sundays) and enjoyed a snack at the Hungarian tent. Walked around through the art vendors. Took a scenic walk across the bridge over to the volleyball fields. Walked back to enjoy a concert... more

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5 of 5 stars
rbalassa   14 contributions
Santiago, Chile
Aug 10, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

It was our last day before leaving San Diego, Unfortunately we did not have more time to walk around its beautiful gardens. visit its extraordinary museums. We did get to see some of its spanish old style buildings, space exhibits and plazas. We promised ourselves to spend more, much more time at this park, next time we visit San Diego.... more

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5 of 5 stars
Aussie61   43 contributions
Adelaide
Jul 13, 2009
2/3 found this review helpful

Balboa Park is a beautiful place and enormous. I love the idea of the museums and galleries being in one area together with parks, fountains, loggias, ponds and places for the whole family to relax and enjoy themselves. The architecture is gorgeous and the lilly pond and botanical garden are too. I think San Diegans are extremely lucky to have... more

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1 of 5 stars
PhotoVisitor   2 contributions
Austin, Texas
Jul 10, 2009
0/4 found this review helpful

Be careful at Balboa Park in San Diego. I was a victim of a strong arm robbery there in June 2009. My used Canon Digital Rebel XTI camera was stolen from me on a busy afternoon walking between the Natural History Museum and the theater. I had my camera strap double wrapped around my lower arm and was holding on... more

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5 of 5 stars
SteelersReek   2 contributions
Southern Cal
Jun 18, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

Plenty to do whether you want to picnic on the lawn, people watch, or get serious about culture. My kids love the Science museum. I love the Aerospace museum. My wife loves the architecture, the colutural events, and the gardens. Something for everyone and plenty to keep you busy and entertained. more

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5 of 5 stars
MommaJage   15 contributions
Webster, NY
May 2, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We spent two afternoons walking around this beautiful park. The architecture is gorgeous and we loved exploring the various buildings and park areas throughout this vast area. It was a great way to experience San Diego without spending any money. Our kids loved being able to run around get out their energy and we loved the peaceful re-charge. more

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4 of 5 stars
jesserows   39 contributions
Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 10, 2009
4/4 found this review helpful

I think the best part about Balboa Park is not necessarily the museums, but just being able to walk around and appreciate the beautiful architecture and scenery. The Japanese Friendship Garden is free and has a beautiful lily pond - a great spot for photos. The San Diego Natural History museum is one of my favorites. The Timken Museum is... more

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2 of 5 stars
napyniki2   1 contribution
Beaumont
Apr 2, 2009
0/13 found this review helpful

The balboa passprt is completely worth the money. The free tram is very helpful. My 11 year old mature duaghter made the mistakes of wearing her heely shoes and instead of welcome to the museum - we were constantly told to not skate in the museum and/or you need to take the wheels out of your skates. One patron told... more

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Balboa Park Address

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-239-0512