Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a San Diego staple. It is a hub for culture and art set within a beautiful natural landscape. It is 1,200 acres full of museums, gardens, and landmarks. We have loved exploring here each time we have visited and haven’t come close to seeing everything the park has to offer. 

Some of our favorite memories have been walking though the Japanese Friendship Gardens, visiting the International Cottages, listening to an organist practice for a concert at the Spreckels Organ (the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ), enjoying lunch outdoors at Artifact, seeing the Moreton Bay Fig Tree for the first time, strolling through the Botanical Building, simply just seeing the architecture, and visiting various art museums such as the Tikem, Spanish Village Art Center, and San Diego Museum of Art. There is a mixed variety of free things to do in the park as well as some that charge admission. We personally think you can have a lovely time here without paying for anything.

The San Diego Zoo is also adjacent to the park, but that is another whole wonderful conversation in itself.

If you’re visiting San Diego and love art, culture, knowledge, or just a lovely outdoor environment, we highly suggest spending some time at Balboa Park.