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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 174 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 young children, Stroller parking, Activities for older children
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2,244 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    81
    13
    3
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Balboa Park
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Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“What a great monument to civic pride”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

The buildings in this park were originally built as temporary facades for a world's fair, but after the fair, the citizens of San Diego vowed to make them real. They still look sort of fake, but real they are, and they are full of local civic events. Dances, puppet shows, concerts, you name it.

The green space is very nice, but not outstanding.

Visited January 2013
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See 2 more reviews by puzzlegal for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pacific Beach, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Fun pastime”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

My wife and I go here at least a couple times a year and love it. Best place for photos in San Diego!

Visited March 2012
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See 3 more reviews by califf22 for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Monmouth, Oregon, United States
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“A truly amazing place for just about anything...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

There is so much there, it is impossible to describe. Just the history and architecture alone will blow you completely away. Unbelievable plave with so many things do, (including the San Diego Zoo!), that it would take days to fully appreciate it. Go. Soon.

Visited January 2013
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See 4 more reviews by MikeandLouise826 for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Portland, Oregon
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Lots for all ages here”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

Very entertaining and scenic area of San Diego. The museums are a little steep, but good for families. SD Zoo was a blast. Go on a weekday if you can to help beat the crowds. It took about 1.5 days to see all of Balboa Park area.

Visited January 2013
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See 3 more reviews by rntraveller0111 for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bozeman, Montana
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“The largest cultural venue in America...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

The zoo, the gardens, the museums...this is a cultural treasure for all ages. Spectacular grounds, exquisite architecture, great walking experience, world-class zoo. DO NOT MISS!

Visited January 2013
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See 12 more reviews by gerronimo for San Diego
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