San Diego Balboa Park Walking Tour

There is so much more to beautiful Balboa Park than meets the eye, and you'll find all the secret spots on this small group walking tour of San Diego's cultural crown jewel. You'll see gardens of different types, inspiring architecture, learn about the park's history and the cultural organizations that populate it now. And top it all off with a beverage at a popular coffee cart.
- 2 hour walking tour of Balboa Park

- Learn how two expositions shaped the park and changed San Diego

- Discover the Naval connection to the park

- Be sure to bring a camera as this is the prettiest tour in town!

- Enjoy a beverage at a park coffee cart

Meeting Point

698 El Prado

698 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92103, USA

We meet at the Founders Statues near 698 El Prado between 6th Ave and Balboa Drive at the west entrance of Balboa Park. It's on the only corner with an incline. If using ride share services request SEFTON PLAZA as the drop off location. Otherwise you may get dropped off in the wrong place.

What's included:

• Exclusive access to park resource list with recommendations on how to enjoy the park after the tour
• One beverage at a local coffee cart
• Professional and Fun Tour Guide

Not included:

• Guide gratuity

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, , San Diego, 92101-1660, California

Balboa Park is the cultural jewel of San Diego with architecture, gardens and cultural organizations a-plenty. Keep a camera handy as there are Instagramable spots around every corner.

1 hour

Cabrillo Bridge

San Diego, 92101, California

We'll pause on our walk across the bridge to admire the views of downtown, the San Diego Zoo and the historic highway below.

5 minutes

California Tower

1350 El Prado, At the San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego, 92101-1616, California

The California Tower is a landmark not only for the park but for San Diego as well. The nearly 200 foot tall tower was built for the 1915 Panama California Exposition, and the story of San Diego’s founding in it’s ornate facade. We’ll get three great views of the tower, each one prettier than the next.

5 minutes

Alcazar Garden

El Prado at Park Boulevard, , San Diego, California

Originally developed for the 1915 Exposition, this garden was redesigned for the 1935 Exposition off the Alcazar Gardens in Seville Spain

5 minutes

Old Globe Theatre

1363 Old Globe Way, , San Diego, 92101-1696, California

The three theaters in this complex have wowed audiences since the original construction for the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935. Your guide will give you the scoop on getting tickets when shows are in production.

5 minutes

Plaza de Panama Fountain

1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, 92101-1616, California

This plaza is surrounded by cultural organizations and places to eat. We'll provide all the details you need to know for further exploration after the tour.

5 minutes

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

1550 El Prado, , San Diego, 92101-1660, California

This building was the largest of its kind when built for the 1915 Exposition, and one of four buildings constructed to last past the festivities. In front of it is a historic pond where we will spot koi and other wildlife.

10 minutes

Spanish Village Art Center

1770 Village Pl, Balboa Park, San Diego, 92101-1651, California

This colorful collection of cottages, built for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, house 37 studios and many more artists. You'll have a chance to explore this unique village, and grab a beverage too!

10 minutes

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Planted for the 1915 Exposition, this magnificent tree has seen a lot in the century since, and we'll get up close and personal thanks to a new viewing platform.

5 minutes

Bea Evenson Fountain

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Named for the founder of the Committee of One Hundred, this fountain attracts children, dogs and birds, plus also has a surprising feature that is activated by the Fleet Center next door.

5 minutes

Casa del Prado

1650 El Prado, Ca 92101, San Diego, 92101-1684, California

The home of many cultural and botanical organizations, this building also holds the secrets of how the detailed architecture of the park was created quick and cheap.

5 minutes