Balboa Park Visitors Center — Attraction in San Diego

5/5 Stars: Pure Joy at Balboa Park in San Diego with family.

Oh, what a day it was! We recently spent an unforgettable afternoon at Balboa Park in San Diego, and it was truly a day filled with joy, laughter, and wonder. The sun was shining bright, casting a warm glow over the entire park, and we couldn't wait to explore all that it had to offer.

As soon as we arrived, our little one's eyes lit up when they received a balloon from one of the vendors, and their smile just kept growing throughout our visit. We strolled through the beautiful Spanish-style buildings, admiring the stunning architecture and taking in the lively atmosphere. The sound of live music filled the air, adding to the park's infectious energy.

We were blown away by the park's beauty, from the picturesque water fountains to the vibrant gardens. Every corner seemed to hold a new surprise, and we couldn't get enough of it. We didn't have time to visit the nearby San Diego Zoo or any of the museums on this trip, and we're already planning our next adventure back to Balboa Park.

If you're looking for a day filled with joy, wonder, and excitement, look no further than Balboa Park in San Diego. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to create unforgettable memories with family and friends. We can't wait to go back and experience it all again!

One Note: While Balboa Park is truly a gem, it's worth noting that there are some homeless people in the area. While they didn't bother us during our visit, it's something to be aware of, especially if you're visiting with young children. Despite this, we still highly recommend Balboa Park as a must-visit destination...

Balboa Park feels like a slice of Seville 🇪🇸—think tile roofs, palm trees, fountains, and street musicians on every corner. Here’s our fave kid-friendly picks for a full day of exploring:

🚂 Model Railroad Museum – Kids under 12 = FREE!

🌍 International Cottages – Culture, crafts & free snacks on Sundays

🛤 Miniature Train Ride – Short, sweet, and perfect for little ones $4.50 per rider

💦 Big Fountain & Lily Pond – Spot koi 🐟 and turtles 🐢

🎨 Spanish Village Art Center – Watch artists in action

🖼 Timken Museum – Free art museum tucked in the park

🦸‍♂️ Comic-Con Museum – Pop culture fun for all

✈️ Air & Space Museum

🌹 Rose & Desert Gardens

🚗 Automotive Museum – Classic cars and quirky finds

🎟 Bonus: Got ASTC membership? ✔️ Natural History Museum – Dino bones + hands-on fun ✔️ Fleet Science Center

🎶 Don’t miss the free pipe organ concerts or check out...

A stunning and must do party and surrounding area!! There is so much to see and do here we were taken by surprise. The garden atrium covered area was a personal favorite for us both, but it's gorgeous throughout.

There are several shops and restaurants here as well so you can really make a while day of it. Several museums and attractions also share the slave within walking distance. I recommended the city pass if you are doing more than one thing in the area to save some money.

Bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as it's a lot of walking and large stretches of outdoor space with no coverings.

Overall: A++ A gorgeous area that is an absolute most for anyone...