Such a nice place to spend the day! Museums are mostly closed for now due to COVID but still really good to walk around. The rose garden is beautiful and the artist area are super nice and great with small gifts for friends.

A fabulous Sunday walk in Balboa Park. This park has a huge number of various museums, fountains and places that are worth visiting during the day, but this will require more time. In the evening, in this park, we felt somehow special, as if we were the heroes of the movie National Treasure. Where, in search of the lost treasure, we found clues and leading us on the way to new adventures. Amazing atmosphere and such clean air. There are not so many people in the evening as during the day, good consecration.

Great place to visit at any time. Also good to have a picnic. The zoo next door is also amazing!

The San Diego Zoo was amazing! Lots to see. The enclosures seem nice and most are large enough so its not depressing for the animals. Its a very big zoo but it hardly feels like your walking far because theres lots to see at every turn. Also even the paths and places in between exhibits have amazing plants and trees so it really feels like your in nature.

Beautiful place!! There are so many beautiful sites and fun activities here. I loved the Japanese Friendship Garden and all the beautiful buildings. I wish I had the chance to visit some of the museums, they looked really beautiful though. The evening makes the park look really stunning with all of the lights. I would plan on spending a whole day here!

A place that MUST be visited when in San Diego. Take a whole day to enjoy every simple part of the park, with no rush. If you want to take really good pictures prefer to go early in the morning and on sunny days. The reflection on the pools are awesome.

What an amazing place to walk through. There is so much to see here even when the place is closed up for the night. So much beauty in the middle of the city.

I love going here and enjoying the lovely views and ponds, I also like walking around the museums and looking at all the history! Its got a lot of stuff to do and Is quite nice to walk around. Usually there is a decent amount of people here but its so big that generally people are pretty spread out.

A gorgeous park that is a must-visitBalboa Park is just amazing, I highly recommend exploring it, you do not want to miss out on any of its beautiful features, whether you like the indoors or the outdoors, if you are into history, nature, museums, you can enjoy a relaxing day on your own, with family or friends.You must experience the park in day and night time, each has a completely different ambiance and I enjoyed it all.There is a museum for everything cars, art, history…etc., they are not bad but they can be a bit pricy, but most of them if not all have a free day of the month for the residence of San Diego, they are also included in the Go San Diego Card and there is an annual pass that you can buy for individuals or families.

In these Covid times, an outdoor attraction is a must. The San Diego Zoo is a wonderful chance to get some fresh air in a setting where social distancing is natural. They did require masks, for everyone two-years or older. But it was fun to watch the animals.

An amazing place for everyone! I love the architecture and gardens. Its perfect for kids, picnics and pretty much everything. You can bike but also rent electric scooters.I couldnt go in but the Japanese garden looks amazing!

There are so many wonderful reasons to visit Balboa Park. The cultural history is fascinating, the natural space is beautiful, and the museums and theatres offer enrichment and variety for return visits. This is a place Ive returned to several times over the years and Ive never regretted it. Take your time and enjoy!

Due to Covid museum were closed but the gardens were perfect

Great place to go with just about whomever. There are a bunch of museums and a couple of Botanical gardens to enjoy here. Great first date and a nice place to have a little picnic in between exhibits. I personally enjoy the Japanese friendship garden. Its a great place to take photos!

A gorgeous afternoon at Balboa Park!! I enjoyed the Virtual Art displays outside the Sculpture Garden Cafe, courtesy of the San Diego Museum of Art via its app. Various musicians and street vendors lined The Prado. The sadly sonorous notes of an elderly saxophone player echoed between the buildings near the Reflecting Pond while guitar and cajón players produced a more upbeat melody closer to the Reuben H. Fleet. The sun sank behind the iconic California Tower whose beauty can never quite be captured in a mere photograph. A final wave goodbye to the Childrens Theatre as real life must be addressed again after whiling away a delightful hour in one of the many gems of San Diego.

So beautiful, so big, a great place for not only couples but families as well. Lots of attractions and places to capture memorable photos. Will go again with my little families

Beautiful place! Despite Covid it was pretty crowded in some areas, but masks are strictly enforced along with other regulations to help social distance.. Id been here a few times before, and there are so many places to go. It is a place you can keep going back to. I went to the Japanese Friendship Garden this time and it was amazing. There was also a gift shop/building where you could buy things, but they had a kind of history exhibit on the Japanese kimono .

Gorgeous! Huge park with a lot of beautiful plants and grassy areas to picnic. A large area of ground you can cover and a bunch of hidden gems including the Japanese Friendship Garden. Park anywhere on the main street and walk the whole thing for the best experience. Very pleasant!

The jewel of San diego. This is a hub of art, culture, scenery, history, education, and even life.The large amount of museums provide an endless source of knowledge and experience. Most do require a fee but some a free and they often have free entrance days.Endless streams of photographers make this probably the most used location for weddings, Quinceañera, or general portraiture.The free concerts at the Organ Pavillion provides tons of entertainment.Even the world famous San Diego Zoo is part of Balboa parks Grounds.8f you only visit one place in San Diego this should be it.

Love this park. My work is right across the street, so I love taking breaks here..plus the entertainment during this pandemic has allowed us to have picnics, listen to live music and be out and about safely.

Great place to come and walk and just enjoy the san Diego weather. you can check out some museums or enjoy some park performers... its great place for the whole family...

So much to do here. Great way to spend a day roaming around. Lots of things are closed right now with covid, but there are still many areas to explore.

My family moved to San Diego area 5 decades ago when I was a schoolgirl.My review of Balboa Park is for a newly discovered use. Being retired now & very health conscious, hoping to live past 100 (God willing), Ive been fast-walking with my friend in the park as exercise. The vast & many grass spans offer a more uncrowded & cushioned 3 mile route opposed to concrete sidewalks. There are restrooms, very interesting views, & good parking on week days. Its a sight-seeing fun & fitness hour.

Excellent park, nice space to walk. Lots of interesting people and things going on. Beautiful architecture and gardens.

In a short walk you will lift your spirits in such a magical place

Love this place! Its great for just about anything as theres a lot to see and do. Perfect for relaxing, picnics, working out, bike rides, evening walks, etc. There are plenty of trails around for hiking as well. Beautiful and enjoyable!

Always a nice place to walk around. If you are a photographer there are plenty of interesting structures to take photos of. From the botanical gardens to the Museum of Us, there is something for everyone!

Beautiful place, hours of fun just walking around. Lots of art and museums. Check what is open right now before you go.

Pretty cool spot. Slight COVID hazard, so keep your distance. There’s a lot of performers and small merchants.

This is one of those places you have to visit if youre spending time in San Diego. Its beautiful, the energy is lovely and theres lots to do (some you gotta pay for but lots of free options too). The food around the park is great too, so you can spend hours here.

Most people think of weekends at The Farmers Market, but it runs as well on weekdays evenings downtown. A wonderful local produce and also snack foods, meals, coffee, and meats and fish. Also, the vendors are very friendly and knowledgeable about the products they are selling. A must visit place!

Plenty of area to enjoy such a historic place. The vast park gives me opportunity to see a scenic section of San Diego. It is totally free to park my vehicle. Not to mention how close the park is to our famous zoo.

Balboa Park is a true treasure of San Diego. Containing the World Famous San Diego Zoo, museums of many types, wonderful arts and handicrafts, an antique Merry Go Round and so much more, there is something for everyone. In addition to all its treasures, the park itself is beautiful. Its buildings date to the 1935 Panama Exposition and are wonderfully maintained.

Beautiful interesting place with many things to do. From rose garden to Japanese garden to everything in between, make sure that you have enough money to spend here ($$$). It is very hot during the spring to fall, so make sure that you have plenty of water too... it doesn’t rain here except during winter time.

Its a soothing peaceful place that you can find hidden treasures, you just gotta look. Theres the Trees of Health Garden and much more beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to see.

Such a gorgeous place to shoot some photos! such beautiful gardens and flowers. You can get a bite to eat here or just pack a picnic lunch and sit back and enjoy the views. Stroll among the beautiful architecture or tour the museums. This place has something for everyone.

Always loved Balboa Park, used to draw all the Spanish baroque art as a kid. Went today after nearly 17 years. Still love walking the areas and all the artistic views and natural scenery.We went to the Spanish art village and found a wonderful statue/tree thing that my love and I wish we had in our own yard.

Balboa Park is always great! Great place to relax under a tree with a book, take a stroll around on a bicycle, go for a walk, have a picnic or just kick back and enjoy the ambience of the park. Its always a great time. Why I gave it 4 stars is silly inconsiderate ppl sometimes stop to chat in cars in the middle of the street impeding traffic. There is parking available & if that was utilized it would be great, too.

If you live in California you should visit this place at least once and you cant go wrong with being in the San Diego area either. The ambiance is nice and the weather is great. Me and my family plan on coming back again to see even more. Thank God for California

I loved all the beautiful buildings. Sad so much is closed because of covid. My family still enjoyed the walk, nature and culture.

This place was AMAZING! We adventured the cactus garden & Alcazar garden! Both were lovely but the cactus garden really wowed me! Everything you walk past is beautiful & theres so much to do!

Very beautiful park. Theres tons of people walking their dogs and I never see poop anywhere. Usually theres more to do but the museums are closed during covid, public restrooms are open though. The outdoor restaurant there is also open.Before covid, there was a lot of events: food trucks, swap meets, Holloween costume show, and the Christmas event was probably the best but they charged 20 bucks to park for that one.

One of my absolute favorite local places! There is so much to do and see that I cant begin to list them all. Something for everyone!

Beautiful park with lots of historic buildings, plenty of seating, gardens, cafes, and museums galore. Even with COVID shutdowns we were able to visit with friends in a beautiful outdoor setting. As a former San Diegan, I will always tout Balboa as the most lovely.

Really pretty park, museums were closed which was a bummer but all in all nice experience

Went for a wonderful little walk in the rose garden. Very well maintained and clean! The roses looked amazing and Ill definitely be back.

I cant wait to take my daughter here for everything including the museums, the gardens, and the archery ranges. This makes for an excellent productive and entertaining family day.

Kind of a quiet ghost town due to covid and off season. Such beautiful architecture!

Right up there with Golden Gate and Central Parks. Museums, gardens, food, international cottages, playground, dog park, hiking trails, free organ concerts, childrens theater, puppet theater, ample parking. Making improvements all the time. Adding a comic-con inspired museum. Renovating Starlight Bowl. Lots of Pokemon go gyms and stops. Everything good.

Great place to go to on your visit to San Diego. Particularly if you have kids. Amazing museums and interesting views of the regions past.

Wow so much to see and do a must do not enough time to walk around tranquil and so beautiful unfortunately the botanical garden was closed, museum was open great learning about the past and how the spaniards added to our past.

This park is soooo big so much to see in it. Its nice to rent a bird and take off to explore the park. Pick up a map at the information center and will tell you everything the park has to offer and where you can and cannot ride the bird.

Great place to walk with family. Cant find restroom though. Lots of amazing structures great for children. Lots of educational conversations going on here with curious kids

Such a lovely and peaceful park. Very clean and I love the clock bells.

Beautiful garden! Perfect for social distancing. Unfortunately museums are currently closed, some for renovations. Few places to grab snacks and drinks open. Great place to take in the architecture and practice photography.

Balboa Park is a San Diego must-see, just minutes from downtown. The Park is home to 15 major museums, several performing arts venues, lovely gardens and many other cultural and recreational attractions–including the San Diego Zoo. Step into the beauty of 1,200 lushly planted acres, explore the attractions, enjoy the views, and you will see why Balboa Park–the nation’s largest urban cultural park–is ranked as one of the Best Parks in the World.Many of the cultural institutions, as well as much of the stunning architecture and landscaping in the Park, are the legacy of two Expositions. The 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition commemorated the opening of the Panama Canal and provided a major impetus for the creation of the Park as it appears today. Balboa Park’s famous El Prado pedestrian walkway features highly ornamented Spanish-Renaissance style buildings constructed for this Exposition. The 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition, held to boost the local economy during the depression, added more cultural organizations, structures and landscaping. The buildings around the Pan American Plaza at the southern end of the Park present a fascinating architectural history of the Southwest.To help you plan your visit, a snapshot description of the major attractions in the Park follows. Enjoy discovering the excitement and beauty of Balboa Park!

Great place to stroll and get outside. Covid19 has closed some venues. Glad to see so many folks wearing masks as a courtesy to others.

Its a wonderful place, the architecture is just amazing. Due the covid the museums are closed but you can enjoy the buildings and the Japanese garden. Also the zoo is open.If youre heading by bus, the bust stop is next to the bridge for pedestrians. Im in love with San Diego and places like Balboa park.

Visited recently.. everything was great!As well as can be expected during covid-19 restrictions

Absolute stunning area of San Diego. There are museums and gardens and much more to see in this beautiful park. Take a half day to a full to be sure to visit and enjoy everything offered here. Great picnic location also.

It qas good food and a fun experience. But not worth the money in my opinion unless you just love high end foods. Due to covid you have to make sure to reserve seats or do take out.

Took friends from out of town to walk around Balboa Park & they loved it. Theres so much to see and do, great place to walk around.

Amazing place. Truly a sight to behold!

Balboa Park is a great place to visit if you are interested in museum, sightseeing, or just want to walk around. The buildings are very beautiful and well maintained. There are usually some people playing music near the street which contributes to the regal atmosphere of the place. The museums are interesting for youre into that sort of thing. The san diego zoo is also here. Military gets free access to the zoo and museums so thats a huge plus.

There are different museums, but unfortunately due to covid-19 some are closed until further notice. There are many areas where you can have a nice picnic with your family. Many people come and do photo sessions here. There are so many beautiful plants and trees perfect to just have a walk around and disconnect from your routine.There is also a theatre and a little amphitheatre as well where sometimes there are little concerts.My favorite museum is the Photography one but like mentioned is closed. Also if you check on line hopefully in the future when they open you can visit for free at most museums once a month. Every week I believe is a different museum. Usually every year in December they do December Nights where different food venders show up, there are performances and even carnival games. I havent heard anything happening this year but keep an eye out for the next one.

Had a beautiful bike ride around Balboa Park on a Sunday morning. There are plenty things to do, even meditate on the grass. Must see place in San Diego! Highlight of our trip!

Beautiful place! I can only imagine being able to go into all the museums! Unfortunately they were closed because of COVID but there were so many beautiful sites to see.Be ready to walk and explore. For a fee you can also wonder the Botanical Gardens. Many vendors available with drinks and snow cones to help you fight the heat. Our family loved it! We took so many pictures but heres a few to enjoy.

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre (4.9 km2) historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States.] In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are also many recreational facilities and several gift shops and restaurants within the boundaries of the park. Placed in reserve in 1835, the parks site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use. Balboa Park is managed and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Diego.Balboa Park hosted the 1915–16 Panama–California Exposition and 1935–36 California Pacific International Exposition, both of which left architectural landmarks. The park and its historic Exposition buildings were declared a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark District in 1977, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places

What a park! So peaceful and tranquil. Great walk with so many amazing architectures and nature. Highly recommended!

There is a lot fancy old artistic buildings don’t miss them. Night time people makes music.Interesting attractive place ️I left my heart there

Came here to take our save the date pictures. This place did not disappoint. There is a variety of architectural buildings for backgrounds and plenty or gardens as well. This place will do just fine for a simple stroll around the park.

This is one of my favorite locations to photograph in all of San Diego! I love bringing clients here for engagement sessions, family portraits, or even an elopement. There is plenty to see and do, and the grounds are really well maintained!

It was Halloween. We wore masks and enjoyed the costumes, roller skaters and the beautiful buildings at night. Special place.

Two and a half hours in a zigzag line trying to get in. October all children are free and I think thats why it was so busy. Put our names down for me to get a scooter then as we were on the opposite side of the zoo we had the call come in but the scooter was ready however I was unable to walk all the way back so the Zeus sent a shuttle to pick me up and take me back to where the scooter was. I was very surprised and delighted. What wonderful customer service. So I was able to zip around on the scooter with cost $55 just so you know, and it was just a wonderful day!

Beautiful park in the heart of San Diego.Great place for running, biking or if you just want a great day walking the park.

Balboa park use to be nice and relaxing. Now it is one big skate board, scooter, and bike park. We almost got hit a few times while we were walking around.

There is a day version and a night version. During the day there are people sipping coffee and bustling through the museums. All very picturesque.. At night locals go to walk dogs, play pokemon go, ride electric scooters and just play through the beautiful buildings.

This park has so much beauty. Its not enough time in one day to see all there is . We had a wonderful time. My daughter, my grandson and I. We loved every moment we spent here.

Most of the museums were closed because of covid; but I felt this was a good place to hangout with family or just do a healthy long walk.

This place is bomb. Been here since I was 3! Beautiful scenery, nice walking. Free public space to do stuff.

I lived in this many many years.19 hundred something Worlds Fair that made it pretty. Plus donations from wealthy families the land and trees. One time used to have Navy Barracks for our soldiers. San Diego is the most beautiful big city in the continued USA.

Awesome place you could easily spend a week or more visiting different museums. It is Central to everything in the San Diego area. Good vacation spot. Military is usually $10. Museums are typically 20 to $25 for admission.

San Diegos crown jewel. Not to be missed if youre visiting from out of town. Too many things to do here to list. Just do yourself a favor and go. Come in from the Laurel street bridge side (west side) for the best park reveal.

Awesome place, due to COVID no rush and it is clean and clear

Lovely place to have a socially distanced walk and great that you can bring your dog! Nice scenery and plenty of places to walk around. Note that dogs aren’t able to go inside certain parts and the buildings, but plenty of outside things to enjoy.

I love this park. Every time I go to San Diego I always stop by to see the all the amazing sights. Perfect place to take many photos with family and friends.

Always love walking around this beautiful Balboa park, especially having my camera in hand.Expectacular

I could have spent all day here if things were open. Great walking around beautiful architecture. I will definitely come back once the museums are open

If were going to talk about impressive parks, Balboa Park deserves its own section. This 1,200 acre urban cultural complex in San Diego is impressive to say the least. Balboa Park is one of the oldest public recreation sites in the United States. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. If you havent visited Balboa Park, youre missing out. I will be back again!

This park will always be a big part of my life. And incredible collection of architecture, art, and culture all comes together to bring an incredible experience. The one complaint is there always seems to be a bit of trash around, it’s usually very crowded - but once you go into museums it definitely becomes cleaner. I enjoy the train museum and both of the science museums along with the air and space museum. Balboa park is great for all ages.

Great architecture, and cute little shops around the park. Awesome spot to chill and hang out!

Always a great place to be! Great for family or alone time with that special someone. the best time to come is at night to watch the stars in the garden.Will be back soon!

Amazing scenery the buildings are really old and cool plus it literally has the best Zoo on the planet the San Diego Zoo and the other museums a parks are cool too. Great place for a picnic a lot of shade really nice. Its even better than Central park 843 acres and Balboa Park is 1,200 acres.

A must see for all visitors to San Diego. The best part is this eclectic part of San Diego is an evergreen part of our culture. It has something for every one always. From great trails and open spaces to amazing people watching you will find something for you and your crew to do and share each time you come.

What a great adventure walking thru the rose garden at night to see hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins. Well worth the money. Next year, I wouldnt wait until the last few days before Halloween to see it. Very crowded, lots of strollers to watch out for. Great gift shop!

I went here for the Cherry Blossom Festival this year and despite everything not being in bloom, I fell in love with this place! The gardens are so lovely and the oak forests are just stellar. I just loved the atmosphere and how you could get lost without having a care. Its a beautiful thing. I am definitely going again soon so I can take in the rest of the gardens in full bloom. :)

I think its a very nice park to walk through with your children or alone or with a significant other it was very nice I went through there with my sister and we enjoyed the tremendously took very nice pictures great memories thumbs up

The park has a little bit of something for everyone, and is easily accessible.

This is really a great place! Weve been there for the first time and found this place awesome! There are amazing landscapes for taking photos. Apart from that there are kind of old fasioned buildings and many other places to visit. You can also find plenty of souvenirs to buy!Of course, there is a big parking lot.

Balboa playground was nice. It wasn’t very busy and it was perfect out. We had a picnic. Clean and quiet. Some homeless wandering around and sleeping on the benches but nothing that doesn’t seem abnormal here. We’re tourist from Texas.