Visiting Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a major landmark in California. Located in San Diego, it covers an area of nearly 5km². It was named in honor of the famous Spanish explorer, Vasco Nunez de Balboa. It is also one of the oldest parks in the United States, as the city council approved its creation in 1868.
Things to Do
The park offers a wide variety of activities. 17 museums are spread throughout the grounds, ensuring there is a theme for every interest. Whether you lean toward art, history, science, photography, or sports, you will find something that catches your attention.
You can also enjoy live performances at one of the concert halls or inside one of the three theaters located on site.
This park is also home to the San Diego Zoo, which has an unusual history. In 1915, the Panama-California Exposition took place at Balboa Park, and the exotic animals brought in for display were left behind. A local group naturally formed to care for these animals, and that is how the zoo was born. It is a pioneer in the cage-free zoo movement, allowing visitors to see the animals in naturalistic habitats. Spanning 40 hectares and housing 4,000 animals, it is a key stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Botanical Gardens of Balboa Park
Within the park, you will find 14 botanical gardens, each with its own distinct style and character. You can wander through the desert garden, the rose garden, the Japanese friendship garden, or the lily pond, before wrapping up your walk at the San Diego Floral Association. The route offers a peaceful escape that is both scenic and educational.
Balboa Park stands out as a premier attraction in San Diego, packed with unexpected discoveries right in a coastal California city.
Opening hours
Open 24/7
Some buildings close, but the park remains open around the clock.
Unfortunately, I only had 3 hours to explore this huge park, so I couldn't see everything, far from it, but what I did see made me want to go back on my next trip.
You can see tribal dances there every day that are magnificent. We were lucky enough to stumble upon one, from the "Chamorros" tribe.
The architecture, the decorations, the gardens, everything is beautiful. It is hard to believe that you are in the city when you walk through this park.
My favorite part was the Japanese Friendship Garden, all calm and serenity. It is a place I would describe as peaceful.
There is a lot of activity there: orchestras, fashion shoots, soloists of all kinds, street vendors...
A part of this park is occupied by a reserve that works on the preservation of certain species. It is worth going to take a look.
To do everything, we will certainly need 2 full days to be able to enjoy it all.
I highly recommend it.