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Apr 10, 2021 · The amount of things to see and do in Balboa Park, one of the largest and most photographed urban parks in the USA, is impressive. Catering to visitors of all ages and interests, the number of items on Balboa Park bucket list seems to grow with every visit. Last updated: April 10, 2021
- Museum Hopping
- Balboa Park Visitor Center
- The Museum of Us and The California Tower
- The Botanical Building and The Lily Pond
- Fleet Science Center
- House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
- The San Diego Automotive Museum
- The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel
I will share more information about some of our favorite museums and attractions below, but before I do that, I wanted to mention museum hopping as its own activity. There are so many museums in Balboa Park, and they’re quite close to one another, making it easy to bounce between them — especially when you have a Balboa Park Explorer pass. Admire a...
What better place to begin your visit than the Visitor Center? You’ll find everything you need to know about the park, including maps, entrance fees, and all the best places to visit. You can also opt to join a free guided tourof the park with a volunteer from the center or enquire about their Architectural tours on the first and third of every mon...
The San Diego Museum of Us is Balboa Park’s famous anthropology museum in the historic landmark buildings of the stunning California Quadrangle. The museum is worth visiting to see the Native American and Mesoamerican artifacts housed there, along with a fantastic collection of Ancient Egyptian antiquities. I also recommend visitors check out the C...
This iconic attraction is one of my favorite free things to do in Balboa Park. The Botanical Building and its beautiful lily pond were built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. It’s one of the most photographed places in San Diego because it’s beautiful and notable for being one of the largest wooden lath structures in the world. Inside are ...
This amazing museum is just the right blend of fun and education for kids and many grown-ups too. Two floors are packed full of interesting and highly interactive displays and exhibits for kids of all ages. Rotating exhibits keep things fresh as many people are return visitors, so check their website for what’s on when you’re planning to go. And ch...
One of the most fun and unique things to do in Balboa Park is to visit the House of Pacific Relations Cottages. Each of the 34 cottages dotted around this large expanse of lawn in the park represents a specific country and contains artifacts, exhibits, and information unique to that country to educate visitors and promote multicultural goodwill. Mo...
If any gearheads are in your family, this museum is a must-see. Inside, you’ll find a very cool collection of cars (and motorcycles, too) that showcase some of the highlights of our country’s car culture over time. The cars on exhibit are changed every four months, but one of the most notable vehicles in the museum is always on display. No visit is...
Focusing on photography and film, this stylish museum offers visitors a deep dive into the visual arts. It also gives the unique option of ‘pay what you wish’ when you enter, allowing everyone to experience the museum regardless of budget. Various exhibitions focus on different themes and genres of film or photography, and the museum also showcases...
The San Diego Natural History Museum is a favorite of local kids, and it should top any list of things to do in San Diego with kids. It’s everything you want out of a natural history museum and more. You can learn about Southern California flora and fauna or why a Foucault Pendulum does what it does, check out animals as different as bugs and prehi...
The iconic carousel at Balboa Park is situated close to the entrance of the San Diego Zoo, next to the top parking lot. It boasts quite a history since it was constructed in 1910 in New York, and the original menagerie-style carousel features a beautiful range of animal rides, all of which are original, apart from the four miniature horses added in...
Aug 9, 2021 · 5. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding is a super popular thing to do at Balboa Island. Paddle along the blue waters and get the ultimate introduction to the beautiful harbors, dining spots, million-dollar homes, yachts, and people going about their daily lives in Balboa Island.
- Overview & Orientation. Balboa Park features a square-shaped layout with two canyons slicing through it from north to south. The park is divided into three primary zones: East Mesa (recreational facilities); Central Mesa (historic and cultural attractions and the zoo); and West Mesa (serene walking paths).
- Casa del Prado. Casa del Prado is a simply gorgeous building housing several cultural organizations and serving as a hub for various artistic activities.
- Casa de Balboa. The Casa de Balboa embodies the distinctive characteristics of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It was originally built in 1915. It burned down in 1978 and was rebuilt with public and private support.
- House of Charm. This pretty structure was designed as a temporary exhibition for the Panama-California Exposition held in 1915-16. The architecture combines the Spanish “Mission” style and ornately sculptured elements.
- Ride the Ferry to Balboa Island. Address: 510 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661. The Balboa Island Ferry began operations in 1919, taking pedestrians, vehicles, and bicyclists across the water from Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island in Newport.
- Get a View of Balboa Island from the Fun Zone Ferris Wheel. Address: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661. Seeing the Pacific Coast from the air is a beautiful sight, and one of the easiest ways to see Balboa Island from an elevated position is from the Balboa Fun Zone Ferris Wheel.
- Decide Who Really Makes The Best Frozen Bananas. Fans of Arrested Development will tell you there’s always money in the banana stand, and they’d be right.
- Shop at Marine Avenue’s Charming Boutiques. Address: Marine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662. A stroll down Marine Avenue (the street you’ll take from the mainland should you choose to drive onto Balboa Island) is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, especially when you want to engage in some retail therapy.
Jun 25, 2021 · Here are 15 amazing things to see and do in Balboa Park, plus some bonus tips on where to park and what to eat (and a few Balboa Park secrets!): Palm Canyon It is right next to the Oregon pavilion and it's kind of tucked away.
Jun 7, 2023 · WHAT TO DO IN BALBOA PARK IN ONE DAY (ART + GARDENS) With a multitude of museums and gardens to visit at Balboa Park (as well as the San Diego Zoo, which requires several hours just on its own), there are many ways you can structure a one day itinerary.
