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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 177 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: Activities for older children, Stroller parking, Activities for young children
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2,264 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    510
    82
    13
    3
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Balboa Park
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Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
“Good museums and spectacular grounds.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2013

We arrived in San Diego around 1pm and did not want to waste the day, so settled on a trip around the park.
There is ample parking and many parking areas that are free for what I can remember, was as long as you needed. We strolled through the grounds from the aircraft museum up to the Botanical Gardens. The façade of the museums is worth a visit, let alone going in. You can buy a ticket that gives you access to all of the museums, rather than pay individually.

Visited January 2013
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 4 more reviews by Michael H for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
San Diego, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A perfect place”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2013

One of the most beautiful places in San Diego. And mind you San Diego is extremely beautiful. With all the museums and wonderful Spanish architecture you pretty much spend all day enjoying yourself.

Visited January 2013
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Luizamar for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Springfield, Illinois
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Great area”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2013

Lots to do in the park, choose which museums interest you the most. Great gardens and architecture throughout. Seemed clean and safe!

Visited December 2012
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See 5 more reviews by Curt F for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.

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