A Day in Balboa Park: Gardens, Museums & More

Perched on a bluff with sweeping views of downtown San Diego and its stunning natural bay, Balboa Park is one of the world’s most remarkable urban parks. Originally built for the Panama–California Exposition—the city’s first World’s Fair—it now invites visitors to wander El Prado, a pedestrian promenade lined with ornate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, hidden alcoves, tranquil fountains, and vibrant street performers around every corner. Balboa Park captures the very essence of California charm.

Balboa Park began in 1868 as a largely undeveloped mesa, set aside by city officials and simply called City Park. Far from the lush, cultural hub it is now, the park in its early days bore little resemblance to the iconic landmark San Diegans know today. The park now covers almost 2 square miles and is an epicenter of cultural and outdoor activity in the city, claiming the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, a host of San Diego museums, and miles of biking and hiking trails. Still, with everything Balboa Park offers its more than 10 million annual visitors, its lush green spaces and winding paths hide some little-known secrets.

Balboa Park’s rich history is deeply woven into the fabric of San Diego itself. Over 150 years ago, in 1868, civic leaders made a bold and forward-thinking decision to reserve 1,400 acres of scrub-covered mesa overlooking downtown for public use. At the time, San Diego was a modest town of just 2,300 people, yet its leaders envisioned a grand urban park that would benefit generations to come. Remarkably, San Diego became the second city in the nation—after New York City—to set aside such a large tract of land for a public park. In 1870, the California State Legislature solidified this vision by passing a law to ensure the land would be held in trust as a park forever.

Balboa Park offers 65 miles of scenic trails, giving visitors countless opportunities to wander through its lush landscapes—and Palm Canyon is one of its most beautiful hidden gems. True to its name, the canyon is filled with over 450 palm trees, some dating back to the early 1900s. As you explore this tropical pocket of the park, you’ll cross a rustic wooden footbridge straight out of The Swiss Family Robinson and encounter a towering Moreton Bay fig tree, whose massive, tangled roots look more like a sculptural installation than something born of nature.

Having weathered fires, wars, and countless challenges, this expansive green heart of San Diego has endured—and today, Balboa Park offers a vibrant alternative to the city’s beaches. Open 365 days a year, the park invites everyone to enjoy its stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and welcoming atmosphere. From cultural enrichment and educational programs to family-friendly entertainment, fitness areas, creative spaces, and opportunities for mindfulness, Balboa Park is a dynamic hub for community and connection. Here are a few must-see highlights to explore on your next San Diego getaway.

The Old Town Trolley offers a fun and convenient way to experience Balboa Park while making the most of your time in San Diego. With multiple stops throughout the city, you can hop on and off at the attractions that interest you most. Along the way, enjoy a fully narrated historic sightseeing tour—perfect for taking in the city’s highlights in under two hours. Find the lowest price and money-saying packages by purchasing tickets direct through the website.

The Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG), named San-Kei-En—meaning “three scene garden” (water, pastoral, and mountain)—symbolizes the enduring bond between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. This serene space beautifully merges Japanese tradition with Southern California’s natural elements, offering visitors a peaceful and culturally rich experience. San-Kei-En reflects a modern evolution of Japanese garden design outside of Japan, staying true to its foundational principles—harmony between people, nature, and culture—while thoughtfully integrating the local landscape and climate.

As a valued asset to Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego is also an educational resource to the community, providing a variety of seminars, classes and workshops as well as accredited horticultural classes. The Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego proudly showcases an impressive collection of Japanese artifacts, a rotating Bonsai exhibit curated by Bonsai Masters, and a variety of other treasured living displays that celebrate the art, culture, and tradition of Japan.