Balboa Park

Located just outside of Downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is one of the nation's largest urban cultural parks offering a very diverse range of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts, and educational programs. The park is home to more than 15 major attractions including museums ranging from art to science to air and space to natural history or anthropology. Also, there are performing arts venues, gardens, zoo, restaurants, shopping and much more to explore. Admission to Balboa Park, the botanical building, gardens and many of the attractions is free. Other attractions have admission fees ranging from $5-$60.

Some of the must see museums and attractions include the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Museum of Man, The Old Globe Theatre, the Japanese Friendship Garden and much more. The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals; visitor can view exotic animals in their habitat environments. With 1,200 acres of beautiful scenery to enjoy, Balboa Park is an ideal destination for kid friendly family outings. Enjoy the park playground areas and shaded picnic tables for a little downtime. The Balboa Park Carousel, built in 1910 is a classic treat for the kid at heart ($2) with hand-painted murals and original hand-carved horses. Then, take a ride on the antique Balboa Park Miniature Railroad on a ride through the park ($2) before heading over to visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

The fun at Balboa Park doesn’t end when the sun goes down; there are many evening activities that are great for date night including art exhibits, concerts, theatre, dancing, wine tasting, lectures, book signings and plenty of dining options. Dining options at Balboa Park range from the award-wining Prado restaurant to the Tea Pavilion—located at the Japanese Friendship Garden. There are also a variety of gourmet sandwich cafés and coffee carts throughout the park.

Save money and purchase the Passport to Balboa—includes admission to all 14 of the Park’s museums at a discount of more than 50% ($45 adults, $24 children). The passport is valid for seven consecutive days. You can also add the San Diego Zoo to the passport package for an additional cost of $30 for adults and $15 for children. If visiting 14 museums sounds a bit overwhelming, try the Stay-for-the-Day pass—choose admission to any five of the museums for $35. Passports and other discount tickets can be purchased online. For information on upcoming events, classes and exhibits—be sure to follow Balboa Park on Twitter and Facebook.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.