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Balboa Park: Traveler Reviews

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0512
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Ranked #10 of 176 activities in San Diego
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Type: Parks, Gardens, Playgrounds
Activities: Biking, City walk sightseeing, Walking, Viewing wildlife, Getting married
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner 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 » Owner 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 Diego Zoo. « less
Useful Information: Stroller parking, Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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2,249 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    503
    81
    13
    3
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Balboa Park
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San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Great walk about”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2013

Just a nice area for a half day outing. Check out the gardens and the fountains and the museums. The museums have discounts mid week. Do lunch at the Japanese Garden or Prado

Visited December 2012
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See 23 more reviews by brighton4me for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MARICOPA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Balboa Park on Christmas day”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2013

Balboa Park is one of the best kept parks anywhere. The architecture of the old buildings and the sculpting on the buildings provides the viewer with the notion that one could keep coming back and not ever see everything of worth. I have been coming here since boot camp, Navy Training Center, in 1956, I love this place, the museums the street entertainers and the concerts.

Visited December 2012
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See 4 more reviews by PALMER B for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
San Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“So much to see”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2013

Fabulously located and so much to do with something for everyone: from the zoo to the art galleries/museums plus lots of open space for running around or watching the world go by.

Visited December 2012
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See 6 more reviews by Chwarae422 for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Amazeballs!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2013

This place was very beautiful. Went during September and it was just perfect to walk around and enjoy the many locations. I totally recommend it to anyone in the San Diego, So Cal area. We parked in the San Diego Zoo parking lot (free) and after visiting the Zoo for a few hours (not free, like 40 bucks + per person) we walked down this small lane and ended up at Balboa Park. Loved the sights, the plants, the architecture, and the wonderful picture ops with my significant other. Even had an amazing lunch at the Prado restaurant with a wonderful outside sitting scenery, great service, and delicious food.

Visited September 2012
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Los Angeles
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Obviously”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2013

We spent all day New Year's Day in the park. We hit up the Model Railway Museum (quite impressive, and quaint, fun to watch the old guys behind the glass making sure everything runs smoothly), and the zoo, which is a must see.

Visited December 2012
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