How to do San Diego, from Beaches to Zoos.

53+ Unexpectedly Good, Free Things to Do In Balboa Park, San Diego

If you love freebies as I do, check out Balboa Park’s many free attractions and activities. San Diego can be expensive. It’s a pleasant surprise to find out that our biggest destination is full of interesting no-cost offerings. 

So what’s in Balboa Park that is free and worth doing?

Balboa Park admission, parking, and shuttle bus are free. The Botanical Building, Timken & Gem Society museums are too. 15 more cultural institutes are free to residents on select Tuesdays and in February. Anyone can enjoy no-cost concerts, gardens, walking tours, hiking, yoga classes, bike racing, and more.

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Balboa Park Free - photo collage with Botanical Building, California Tower, Bea Evenson Fountain, Spanish Village and family with 2 kids.

If you’re in a rush, here’s a short list of the no-charge “must do’s” at Balboa Park. 

Top 10 Balboa Park Free Things to Do For Everyone

  • Park your car free all-day
  • Ride the Green Tram shuttles to get around
  • Stop at Balboa Park Visitors Center first
  • Tour the Timken Museum
  • Botanical Building – a selfie must!
  • Stroll Alcazar Garden like royalty
  • Visit the International Cottages
  • Explore Spanish Village Art Colony
  • Hike Palm Canyon Trail
  • Listen to concerts at Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Bonus: Watch Velodrome bicycle races

The list above is a small sample of what’s available without spending a dime at Balboa Park. So read on and find something unexpectedly good to do for no money at Balboa Park.

Must-do Freebies in Balboa Park San Diego

Park your car for free in balboa park.

Free parking spots are easy to find in Balboa Park, unlike downtown San Diego where they’re expensive and scarce. There are 12 large parking lots in the park. Most are located off Park Blvd. But there are also 5 within the park closer to the major attractions like the Zoo. Click on BalboaPark.org’s parking page for an updated map.

During big events park at the Inspiration Point lot and take the free shuttle closer to your destination.

Ride the Balboa Park Free Tram

Take one of the green Balboa Park free shuttles to move quickly from your parking spot around the heart of Balboa Park. You can access a route map and more information on the Balboa Park tram page .

Balboa Park Green Tram shuttle bus stopping at Plaza de Panama

There are 5 stops that put you within a 10-minute stroll of the Park’s most popular attractions. Three of the stops are next to the largest parking lots. The main pickup point is at Tram Central which is located at the Inspiration Point parking lot. Even on the busiest days, you can usually find parking here. 

Balboa Park Visitors Center and Gift Shop

The Balboa Park Visitors Center is a must for first-time Balboa Park visitors. It’s located in the House of Hospitality in the Plaza de Panama. Volunteers can give you the most updated information on what’s happening at all the attractions in the park on the day of your visit. The gift shop stocks souvenirs, clothing, some artwork, and guest necessities like sunscreen.

Balboa Park House of Hospitality photo with an arrow pointing to the Visitors Center.

Visitor Center volunteers will also give you directions to the Park’s major attractions like the San Diego Zoo (here’s my page on the top 15 things to do at the zoo ), the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Museum of Us. Also, ask them where to eat. If you want to know more, check out my article on Balboa Park’s restaurants and eateries .

Photo of koala saying" Click on my cute furry face for Surprise Savings on 1-Day San Diego Zoo and Safari Park tickets. You'll be sent a one-time email with a promo code and a secret link for your discount online purchase."

If you’ve parked at Inspiration Point and are taking the shuttle, it’s the first stop by the House of Hospitality on the Plaza de Panama. 

Use the Balboa Park Free Wi-Fi

Balboa Park has free wi-fi at many of the major buildings and attractions. This makes the next freebie much easier to do. 

Download The Free Balboa Park Mobile App

Balboa Park’s free app is available for both iOS and Android. It can tell you what’s nearby, place you on a map, and show you what events are taking place that day. The app also contains a virtual tour, attractions list, food & drink locations, and lists of tours & trails. Download links are below:

iPhone App Store

Google Play

One of the best things about this app is that you don’t have to surrender your privacy to sign up. There’s an “I’ll do it later” log-in option that lets you remain anonymous. 

How to See Balboa Park’s Museums Free

Fifteen of the museums within Balboa Park have free entry days on one Tuesday per month for San Diego residents. Locals also have free admission all February. Active military personnel and their dependents are always free. The Timken and the San Diego Gem Society museum never charge admission to anyone at any time. 

The current list is at BalboaPark.org  https://www.balboapark.org/residents-free  

Here’s how to enter Balboa Park’s museums free:

  • Residents living within the city or county of San Diego must present a valid CA driver’s license, utility bill, San Diego Library Card, or student ID.
  • Active US military and their dependents need to present your Uniformed Services ID Card or Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Children 12 years old and under must be escorted by an adult at most of Balboa Park’s museums. 
  • Complimentary admission may only apply to a museum’s permanent collection. Call the individual museums for more information.

Which Balboa Park Museums Are Always Free?

There are two Balboa Park museums that are always free to everyone; the Timken Museum of Art and the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society Museum. But there are a couple more art institutions in the park worth seeing that also always have no-cost entry; Spanish Village and the Sculpture Garden. 

Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park with woman in blue dress.

Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park is Always Free

People typically spend an hour or more at the Timken Museum of Art, Balboa Park’s free art museum. Their collection features European Masters (including the only Rembrandt on public display in San Diego), 18th and 19th-century American art, and Russian icons. Non-flash photography is welcome.

I especially like visiting their yearly Jewels of the Season exhibit in December. It’s a magnificent display of ornaments by local artists that covers a large tree and spills across the ceiling. Hours later I leave with a crick in my neck from staring upward at the gorgeous eye candy. 

San Diego Mineral & Gem Society Museum

San Diego Mineral And Gem Society Museum is the other Balboa Park museum that always has free entry.   Visitors typically spend 30 minutes here. 

This small institution is attached to the Spanish Village Art Center close to the Zoo. It has rocks, fossils, large crystals, and gems on display and sometimes you’ll see lapidarists working on shaping stones and making jewelry. They also offer classes. Go, and may the quartz be with you.

Balboa Park Free Artists Village

Spanish Village Art Center is always free. Expect to spend a minimum of 1 hour here walking among the colorful shops in the painted courtyard. You could also easily spend an entire day talking with the artists about their processes and products.  

Artists' studios in Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park.

Spanish Village isn’t an art museum, but it is where you’ll find artists creating art that you can buy. Every object for sale here has been created by the local artists you’ll meet working in their studios. 

Arrive before 4:00 PM on Wednesdays thru Sundays to see artists shaping molten glass from a hot kiln. There’s also a no-cost historical tour of this artists’ colony that’s worth taking. Read more about this attraction on my “ Top 7 Things to See & Do at Spanish Village in Balboa Park ” page.

May S. Marcy Sculpture Court & Garden

The quality of the 6 works that you can see at no cost in this free balboa park sculpture garden is better than many art galleries that charge entrance fees. People usually take 30 minutes to view the artwork.

balboa park free tour

Watch “The Watchers” watching you. Or lie down on the green grass and try to outdo the chill relaxation of Henry Moore’s “Reclining Figure: Arch Leg” sculpture. This is a good spot to wait for your order to come up at Panama 66 cafe. And their beer and wine will get you into a “reclining” vibe in no time.

Which Balboa Park Museums are Almost Free?

The museum of photographic arts.

The Museum of Photographic Arts has no general admission, but you are encouraged to make a donation. Plan to spend at least 1 hour viewing the exhibits here.

This small space will appeal to anyone who’s ever admired a great photo or wanted to take better pictures. It’s one of only three museums in the United States that focuses exclusively on the collection and preservation of photography, film, and video. 

Explore cultural, social and technological advancements in imaging through historical, social documentary and photojournalism artworks. You’ll leave knowing how to tell better stories with your camera.

Centro Cultural de la Raza

Centro Cultural de la Raza entry is by donation. Free Tuesdays are on the 1st Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. Except for February when there’s no charge for them for the whole month. Visitors usually take 30 minutes here unless they’re there for a class or a lecture.

balboa park free tour

The building is a former water tower that’s covered inside and out with colorful murals. It’s home to rotating exhibits, art, performances and classes featuring the history and culture of local indigenous, Chicano, Mexican and Latino people. And don’t miss the Friday Night Market with more artists and food vendors. 

Which Balboa Park Museums Have Free Tuesdays?

San diego natural history museum.

San Diego Natural History Museum (aka “The Nat”) Free Tuesdays are on the 1st Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. Except for February when there are no entry fees charged for them for the whole month. People typically spend 2 – 4 hours here.

Live 70 million years in an afternoon. There are 4 stories of interactive exhibits on earth’s natural processes, historical displays. This museum’s home to more than 8 million specimens from across the globe. There are thousands of colorful, exotic-looking bugs that are a fantastic source of inspiration for creatives, as long as you can view them here rather than in your bathroom.

Megalodon shark about to eat someone at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. The shark is saying, "Just keep smiling, my little snack..."

Watch the giant Foucault pendulum knock down a peg to show the earth’s rotation. Dig for dinosaur bones. Watch movies about earth’s history in the 300 seat giant screen theater. The one thing you don’t want to do is skip it.

Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park

Fleet Science Center Free Tuesdays are on the 1st Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military and their dependents. Except for February when there’s no cost entry for them all month. People typically spend 2 – 4 hours here. 

Investigate the fundamental forces of the universe without blowing yourself up. At the ‘Fleet’ there are over 100 interactive hand-on exhibits that introduce you to the power of science in our lives. Don’t miss Kid City on the second floor if you’ve got children under 5. Then go see an IMAX movie. Get here early on free days. It’s very popular.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego Model Railroad Museum Free Tuesdays are on the 1st Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. Except for February when they can get in for nothing during the entire month. Visitors typically spend 1 hour or more here. 

The Railroad Museum is a large building dedicated to the art of the miniature train. The six permanent railway installations here are a mecca for anyone who has unboxed a train set as a kid. 

The incredible amounts of detail in the landscapes and trains in each of the exhibits is mesmerizing. It will even captivate kids like myself who wanted play-doh instead of something that went “Woo, Woo”. 

San Diego Air and Space Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum Free Tuesdays are on the 2nd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. During the entire month of February, there are also no admission fees. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here.

balboa park free tour

How do we fly? Explore a visual history of aviation from DiVinci to the Wright Brothers and space travel with over 60 real, replica and mock-up aircraft as well as hundreds of other exhibits. Make sure you see the real Apollo 9 command module. It’s hard to believe that 3 men spent 10 days in this cramped space. 

This museum’s great for kids too. Your older ones will be blown away by the U-Fly-It wind tunnel. Your tykes will enjoy pedaling plane trikes around the play airport.  The guided tours are highly recommended because the docents are all air-flight geeks and obviously love being there.

San Diego History Center

San Diego History Center Free Tuesdays are on the 2nd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military and their dependents. During February it’s free all month for these folks. Visitors typically spend 45 minutes/hours here.

The History Center doesn’t have a fixed admission fee, but there’s a suggested donation of $5 to help make San Diego history accessible to all. It’s small, you can easily go through it in 30 minutes. But many stay an hour or more poking through the exhibits.

Don’t miss the 30-minute movie on the construction and history of Balboa Park. Interesting fact; it started out as an elaborate tourist trap and some of the buildings were just facades. Inside/Out features a rotating series of items from the Historical Society’s archives of 17,000 objects, 2.5+ million photographs, and 45 million documents.

Veteran’s Museum and Memorial Center

Veteran’s Museum and Memorial Center Free Tuesdays are on the 2nd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents.  During February there’s no admission charge for them all month. Active duty military personnel are always welcome at no charge  People typically spend 45 minutes here.

If you are a military history buff this is going to be your favorite Balboa Park free museum. Here you’ll find exhibits that focus more on individual stories and artifacts belonging to veterans rather than history lessons on specific wars and battles. 

Don’t miss The Battle for Outpost Harry display with full-size mock-ups of Korean War bunkers and trenches. The History of Women in the Military exhibit illustrates their evolving role since the Civil War. And seeing their heavy, itchy wool uniforms has made me eternally grateful to the inventor of polyester.

San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Museum of Art   Free Tuesdays are on the 3rd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. During February there are no admission fees for those folks. Visitors usually take about 1.5 hours to see all the artwork.

Georgia O'Keefe painting "The White Flower" at San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park

You won’t see the latest bleeding edge artwork here. But they do have a wide variety of artworks from around the globe, ancient to Modern. Don’t miss the paintings by Old European Masters like Goya and El Greco. I always stop by Georgia O’Keeffe’s The White Flower (Trumpet Flower) before I leave this museum. I can’t hang it in my living room, so I visit it here. 

The guided docent tours are highly recommended because they’ll show you what you didn’t know you were looking at. I also suggest that you download their free museum app from the App Store or Google Play . It has maps and augmented reality features that overlay more information when you focus your mobile device on specific artworks.

Mingei International Museum

Mingei International Museum Free Tuesdays are on the 3rd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. Except for February when admission fees are waived all month for those folks. Visitors typically spend 1 -2 hours here.

This newly remodeled museum is a mecca for those who love folk art, crafts, and good design. Their permanent collection has a stunning collection of beads, textiles, and exotic handcrafted kitchen utensils and so much more.

balboa park free tour

I especially love the ethereal “A Palace for Wednesday”. It’s a unique dollhouse made from twigs, dried flowers, wire, wispy fabrics, and an artist’s dreams. It looks as if a strong sneeze would blow it away. But don’t be afraid to take a close look, it’s behind protective glass. 

Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man)

Museum of Us (Museum of Man) Free Tuesdays are on the 3rd Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. In February entry fees are not charged to them all month. People typically spend at least 2 hours at The Museum of Us.

Explore the Museum of Us to discover what makes humans human, from brewing beer and burying our dead to eating each other. You must see the huge Maya monuments — which are actually casts of the originals in Guatemala. And yes, there really is a cannibal exhibit there. It requires a separate fee for entry on free days, but it’s worth it. 

View of the Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man) from the Visitor's Center in Balboa Park

California Tower is worth climbing but is not free . You’ll have to purchase tickets for the 40 minute tour to the top of this San Diego landmark. You’ll also have to be in good shape and able to climb 125 steps to the top and then back down. This is not the tour for those with weak knees or hearts. 

San Diego Automotive Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum Free Tuesdays are on the 4th Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. In February, the whole month is fee free for them. People typically spend at least 45 minutes here. 

Red Duesenberg on display at the San Diego Automotive Museum

Drool over the San Diego Automotive Museum’s extensive collection of classic and rare cars and motorcycles. There are about 40 sports, luxury, muscle, and just weird cars and bikes on the floor with the oldest being from around 1900. The weirdest is Louie Mattar’s Fabulous Car . They also have some iconic TV and film vehicles including the Delorean car from Back to the Future . 

Don’t miss the Racing Hall of Fame which spotlights the giants of the racing world. And your future NASCAR champ will enjoy riding inside the toy indie racing car and motorcycle.

San Diego Art Institute 

San Diego Art Institute Free Tuesdays are on the 4th Tuesday monthly for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents. Except for December when December Nights takes its place. During February there are no admission fees for those people during the entire month. Visitors usually take 1 hour here.

Balboa Park’s only contemporary art museum features art and artists from the San Diego area and Baja California. Installations. Cutting edge artists chosen from Latino, Afro, queer  and other local minority communities.are typically invited for a 3-month residency. Their works are showcased either as an ongoing process or within separate wrap-up gallery shows. Quite often the public is invited to participate in the artist’s creation. 

4 Balboa Park Free Walking Tours

The lathwork dome of the Balboa Park Botanical Building.

Tour the Balboa Park Botanical Building Free

  • Where: Southern end of the Lily Pond (the end furthest from the Botanical Building)
  • When: Every 3rd Friday 11:00 AM
  • Time Needed: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy, extended standing and walking on flat terrain

Botanical Building Tour – How did one man’s obsession with begonias result in this must-see San Diego landmark? Your tour leader will give you an insider’s view of the Botanical building’s history, design, and an appreciation of the plants within it.

Balboa Park Free Weekly Walking Tour

  • Where: Balboa Park Visitor Center
  • When: Tuesdays 11:00 AM
  • Time Needed: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Extended periods of standing and walking on flat terrain

During the Balboa Park Weekly Walking Tour, you’ll get an expert’s summary of the park’s history and its varied attractions. As you explore the Central Mesa section with your guide, you’ll learn little known facts, hear humorous stories and see plenty of photo-worthy scenery. Ask your guide at the end of your tour for ideas on what to do next. 

Balboa Park Free Ranger-led Tour

  • Where: Visitor Information Center in the House of Hospitality located at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
  • When: Sunday 11:00 AM
  • Difficulty: Easy, you’ll be standing and walking on flat terrain

Ranger-led Tour – Get the scoop on the historical and botanical treasures within Balboa Park from a Park Ranger. Each tour’s just a bit different depending upon the Ranger’s personal interests and your questions.

Free Architectural Heritage Tour of Balboa Park

  • Where: Balboa Park Visitors Center. 1549 El Prado, San Diego 92101
  • When: First Friday 10:00 AM
  • Difficulty: Easy, prolonged standing and walking on flat terrain

Architectural Heritage Tour – Discover how a tourist trap became the most beloved public space in San Diego. The buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition caused San Diego to go gaga for the Baroque fusion style of Spanish Revival.  Explore examples like the California Building, its tower, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Learn how the “temporary” fair buildings along El Prado survived to become iconic San Diego landmarks.

Which Balboa Park Gardens are Free?

16 out of 17 gardens within Balboa Park are free for everyone always. The exception is the Japanese Friendship Garden which is only free on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for San Diego residents, active military, and their dependents.  

Botanical Building and Lily Pond in Balboa Park

Since this page of free things to do in Balboa Park is getting rather long, I’m just going to give you the ranked list below for the highlights. I combined Google, Yelp, and Bing popularity rankings to come up with the list. Check out my Balboa Park Gardens page for more advice on which ones will appeal to you most.

Top 10 Balboa Park Free Gardens in Order

  • Botanical Building and Lily Pond
  • Alcazar Garden
  • Desert Garden
  • Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
  • Zoro Garden
  • 1935 Cactus Garden
  • Trees for Health Garden
  • Palm Canyon
  • Casa del Rey Moro Garden
  • Marston House Gardens

How to Find Free Music in Balboa Park

Free concerts at spreckels organ pavilion.

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is home to the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. And all concerts on the organ must be free to the public per the terms of the donors’ gift to Balboa Park. The city of San Diego actually has an organist on the city payroll to play weekly no-charge Sunday concerts at 2:00 PM.

he open-air Spreckels Organ, the world's largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue.  Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

Other free musical events include the Twilight Concert series which occurs during the summer. And you can listen to live choir and organ music all day and into the night during the December Nights festival.

Free Jazz Music at Balboa Park

The free Wednesday Night Jam Session in Balboa Park starts with the ‘Young Lions Series’ in the Sculpture Court at the San Diego Museum of Art. This event features talented middle and high school musicians improvising and jamming from 6:00 – 7:50PM.

At 8:30PM the music moves to the Copley Auditorium. There some of the foremost musicians from across San Diego county play together until 11:30PM.

Where are Balboa Park’s Free Cultural Attractions?

House of pacific relations international cottages.

House of Pacific Relations International Cottages offers free open houses on Saturdays and Sundays. The Hall of Nations has free gatherings on weekends and the 4th Tuesday of each month. There are also free Sunday lawn programs with music and dance at 2:00 PM. 

House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. United States and Poland cottages with Polish singers in folk costumes.

Travel the globe in just a few steps at the International Cottages. Each of 32  ‘houses’ showcases traditions of different cultural groups. Each Sunday Lawn programs feature songs, music, dance, costumes, arts, crafts, and ethnic foods from one or two of these groups.

To see all of the groups at once attend the Ethnic Food Fair which takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. The Ethnic Market at December Nights also showcases every groups’ winter traditions and foods. The chow’s not free, but it’s delicious. Come hungry!

WorldBeat Center

The WorldBeat Center is always free. It’s known worldwide for its striking exterior and interior murals that celebrate Egyptian, African and indigenous cultures. Inside, the center hosts international dance classes, drumming, concerts, and lectures.

Balboa Park WorldBeat Center exterior murals.

There’s also several small art galleries, a stage, and a large dance floor for gatherings and classes in the WorldBeat Center. Their gift shop stocks international fair trade imports featuring African and indigenous artwork, t-shirts, mugs and skateboards.

The WorldBeat Cafe serves an eclectic, tasty selection of vegetarian food made from local produce, Kombucha, and other drinks. It’s open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but the hours vary. Call them at 619-230-1190 to find out when they’re open.

How to Watch Movies Free At Balboa Park 

Tired of the sameness of current pop culture movies? See more artsy, unique flicks at “ Screen on the Green ” on the lawn east of the San Diego Museum of Art. Thursdays at 8PM in August. 

All the films are either owned by the museum or inspired by their collection. Bring a blanket, food, and beverages of your choice. You can bring alcoholic drinks, but you’ll have to finish them before the start of the movie. These events are dog-friendly, but keep your puppies leashed. 

Also, check out SummerMoviesInThePark.com . That website lists no-cost movie screenings in Balboa Park and other San Diego city parks. Take the entire crew to past blockbusters and other flicks without spending a dime. 

Don’t Miss These Annual Free Balboa Park Festivals 

Balboa Park is home to many different ethnic and civic gatherings that won’t cost you a penny to attend. The four largest ones are:

Earth Fair – April on the 4th weekend. This is the largest free annual environmental celebration in the world attracting over 50,000 people. Rideshare to get there!

Ethnic Food Fair – May on Memorial Day Weekend 

Ukrainian Festival – September on Labor Day Weekend. 

December Nights – usually the 2nd weekend in December. Like many other San Diegans, I consider this the real start of the holiday season. Over 300,000 people attend each year, so I know that I’m not alone in thinking this. The park is decked out in colorful lights and holiday decorations and people eat, drink and enjoy free entertainment for 3 afternoons and nights. 

Some free things that you don’t want to miss at December Nights are holiday performances by community and school choirs at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. And museums that you usually need to pay to enter, like the Nat, are open to everyone at no cost. 

There’s also plenty to eat (at a price) at the Ethnic Market. Bring a few dollars and stuff yourself.

Balboa Park Free Yoga Classes

There are at least 3 different no-cost yoga experiences within Balboa Park. Some don’t even require a mat or any physical exertion at all. Everyone’s welcome.

Woman doing Yoga, seated forward bend outside on a mat.

Balboa Park’s Restorative Yoga Class & Wellness Program

  • Where: Balboa Park Activity Center
  • When: Thursdays 6:15 PM

Beginner-level yoga classes for adults 18 years or older. The Wellness Program segment of each class includes nutritional and activity tips plus recipes. Sign up at SDRecConnect.com

Yoga in the Park  

  • Where: on the corner of 6th & Laurel street on the grass within the park.
  • When: Sundays 11:00 AM and Wednesdays 6:00 PM (May 1 – Labor Day) 

Relaxing Vinyasa yoga with live acoustic music. All experience levels welcome. Bring your own mat. Wear comfortable clothing that allows maximum flexibility for different poses. These sessions are free, but donations are welcomed.

Laughter Yoga  

  • Where: War Memorial Building at 3325 Zoo Boulevard, Room 2
  • When: Wednesdays 11:00 AM

Put a smile on your face, guaranteed! Want to try a different type of stress relief? No need to bring a mat. And you won’t be bending yourself into a pretzel. This weekly free class is for all ages and abilities. 

Best Balboa Park Free Hiking Trail

All of Balboa Park’s hiking trails are free. But my favorite Balboa Park hiking spot hideaway is in Palm Canyon . It’s 2 acres of lush palm trees and blessed shade (much appreciated on hot summer days). There are 58 different species growing here, including some Mexican fan palms that were planted in 1912. 

Balboa Park, Palm Canyon photo showing footbridge and stairs.

I love the winding paths and the wooden footbridge that goes from the Alcazar Gardens parking lot to across the street from Spreckels Organ Pavilion. You’ll pass through Palm Canyon if you’re following any of the three Balboa Park trails that come off of the Park Trails Gateway (pdf map); #31, #33, or #34.

There’s another page here on my website where I’ve reviewed all the trails in Balboa Park . You’ll find the best paths for families, dogs, running or hiking newbies

Balboa Park Playgrounds Are All Free

There are 5 playgrounds throughout Balboa Park full of play equipment like swings, climbers and slides. Balboa Park Playground off of Sixth Avenue is the most popular. The sixth, the Nature Exploration area, isn’t an official playground. It’s a place where kids can build their own play structures.

Best For All Ages

Pepper Grove Playground (located west of Park Blvd, between Centro Cultural de la Raza and the Fleet Science Center)

Balboa Park - Pepper Grove Playground elephant sculpture in sandbox with climbing and sliding structures in the background.

This playground’s divided into two main areas. The kids under 5 section has a giant sandbox, swing sets, plus climbing and sliding structures. Fall-friendly ground covering helps keep the fun going and the bumps and bruises to a minimum. The older child section has a challenging jungle gym, a faux zip-line and one of those barf-inducing centrifugal merry-go-round rides. 

This is also a great place for a family picnic because there’s plenty of tables and beautiful views.

The closest bathrooms are at Centro Cultural de la Raza.

Sixth Avenue Playground (3201 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101)

You don’t have to worry about big kids jostling your toddlers. There are two separate play areas here. The fire-engine themed under 5 years area has a small-sized jungle gym with climbing bars, ropes, and slides. The Jetsons -looking section for older kids has many obstacles with ropes and more challenging climbing structures.

Bathrooms can be found in a little grove of trees just north of the playground close to the intersection of Thorn and Sixth Avenue.

Best For Toddlers 1 – 3 Year Olds

Bird Park at Upas (Northeast side of Balboa Park in between Pershing & Upas Street)

The Bird Park at Upas is otherwise known as the ‘Tiny Tots playground’. This is a small, simple playground. It has a simple ladder and slide structure within a low circular seating wall where you can rest and watch your toddler run wild. It also features a swing set and a couple of climbable animal sculptures. Soft rubber surfacing keeps tumbles from turning into tantrums.

Bathrooms are located close to the Bocce Ball courts near Jacaranda Street.

Discover more cheap fun for toddlers on my Sesame Place San Diego discount ticket deals for everyone page.

Best For 2 – 5 Year Olds

Bird Park at Cedar (Located on the east side of Balboa Park near 28th Street & Cedar Street)

This is a small fenced-in play area geared to kids aged 2 thru 5 years old. There’s a rugged yellow and green jungle gym, with many slides and climbing opportunities over soft sand and playground soft surfacing. 

There aren’t any nearby public restrooms. Make sure your kids ‘go’ before playing here.

Best For 5 – 12 Year Olds

Morley Field Playground (Located south of Bud Kearns Memorial Swimming Pool on the northeast side of the Morley Field Sports Complex.)

This medium-sized playground is ideal for those who love playing sports and families with dogs. There are slides, monkey bars, swings and a rock-climbing wall to enjoy. It is surrounded by fun places like a swimming pool, dog park and tennis courts. There are a few benches and picnic tables where you can have lunch or just sit and relax while watching the kids. 

The closest public restrooms are visible from the playground by the baseball field.

Nature Exploration Area – Build a Fort!

Kids (and their adult companions) can explore, build and play in a safe, natural environment. There aren’t any plastic climbing structures, shredded rubber surfacing and metal swing sets. But there’s boulders to scramble on, logs for making lean-to’s, soft wood chips and sand to build on. See what you can construct from imagination and natural materials. Expect to get dirty! 

The nearest bathrooms are located close to the east side of the Tennis Stadium just south of the regular tennis courts. 

Balboa Park Free Dance Classes And Events

Check out the Balboa Park Dance Groups webpage for current information on lessons and events where you can learn and enjoy ballroom, samba, Louisiana Cajun dancing, and many more.

Art & Dance on the Lawn

At 2:00 PM Sundays. Music and dance performances in traditional costumes. Indulge in foods. Look at arts & crafts as well. See this link to check what country is hosting the program this week. 

Free Folk Dancing Lessons for Beginners in Balboa Park

Learn a new dance at the Balboa Club Building, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m on the 3rd Sunday of every month. These sessions are family friendly and all ages are welcome.  (Contact Jeanne Cate 858-278-4619)

Foot view of women wearing Irish dance shoes.

Céili (Irish folk dancing)

Céili (pronounced kay-lee) is an Irish dance party. The Pride of Erin Irish Ceili Dancers welcome beginners who want to learn the distinctive ‘threes’ and ‘sevens’ footwork that characterize Irish dance. It’s easier than it looks and you’ll be dancing in no time. They meet every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in rooms 204 and 203 of the Casa Del Prado building in Balboa Park. 

Cabrillo International Folk Dancers

Take a free first lesson each Tuesday 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Balboa Park Club Building. Contact the teachers: Georgina Sham [email protected] 858-459-1336 and Chin Yu [email protected] 858-722-0489.  

San Diego Folk Dancers

The San Diego Folk Dancers welcome those who want to learn. The first session is free. Come on Mondays, 7:30-9:00 p.m., at theBalboa Park Club. Contact: Jean 858-278-4619 or [email protected] .

Morris Dancing

The Moreton Bay Fig Morris dancers jokingly refer to themselves as ‘Drinkers with a dance problem’. This is an athletic dance where you hop, skip, wave flags, and toss sticks in complex patterns. Its origins are in the agrarian Cotswold region of England and you dance to Olde English style music. Join them on Tuesday evenings in the War Memorial Building. Everyone’s welcome to come & give it a try. 

Balboa Park Dog Parks – Free Play

Grape street dog park.

(Located at Grape and 28th Streets in South Park. 28th street forms a T-shaped cul-de-sac.)

Two dogs playing together on grassy field

Grape Street Dog Park is the largest and most popular Balboa Park dog park. Its 5 acres of grassy fields have several dog fountains and benches for people.

If your dog is a runaway, don’t let them off-leash. This dog park has no safety gates and no enclosed spaces, just a split rail fence between the park and parking lot and street. There are coyotes in the nearby canyon and they are especially active after sunset. However, most of the time dogs are so excited to be playing with the Grape Street pack that they stay put. 

There are plenty of car parking spaces in the lot.

Convenient public restrooms can be found in the dog park. 

Morley Field Dog Park

Morley Field Dog Park is an open field, off-leash area. The big field is not enclosed. It has a dog fountain and several poop-bag dispensers. There are no wood chips so no splinters in your puppy’s paws. There’s lots of room to throw a ball. It can get a bit dusty, but the dogs don’t mind. Hiking opportunities abound in the nearby Florida Canyon. However, your dog does need to be leashed on the trails.

It’s easy to find parking for your car here. 

Restrooms are located just past the Tennis Stadium.

Nate’s Point Dog Park

(Located south of El Prado/Laurel Street on the east side of Balboa Drive)

Nate’s Point Dog P ark is fully enclosed and ok for off-leash play. It’s a 2.3-acre dirt lot with a few shade trees and a dog fountain. Wear shoes because it can get dirty. There are a few picnic tables to sit at with some great views of the Cabrillo Bridge and the California Tower at the Museum of Us. Closed Wednesday mornings for cleaning.

There’s street parking on Balboa Drive. 

The closest public restrooms are south of the dog park where 8th turns into Juniper. They’re about 0.2 miles away or a 4 minute walk.

Which Sports & Games are Free In Balboa Park?

Watch velodrome bicycle races.

Velodrome bike racing in Balboa Park is fast and exciting. There’s no admission fee needed to watch bicycle racers fly around the Olympic-style 27 degree banked 333-meter oval velodrome track. Tuesday nights mid-April thru mid-September feature the fastest, most experienced riders. Racing starts at 6:45 PM. 

balboa park free tour

The Friday Night Racing Series goes from mid-April thru mid-September. On the last weeknight the newer riders and “grass-roots” cyclists race. They’re gaining experience with a tilted surface. You’re biting your fingernails worried about their insane speed on those turns.

Free Lawn Bowling Class

Lawn Bowling looks sedate and easy, but it’s not. Insiders define lawn bowling as a mysterious and ancient game played by people old enough to know better, using oblong balls carefully designed to go in the wrong direction. Schedule a free class at the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club page. And wear flat shoes with no heels to keep the greens flat.

Learn to play Petanque

The San Diego Petanque Club in Balboa Park teaches lawn bowling with a French twist. It’s also an obsession. The object of Petanque is to get your boules closer to the jack (or Cochonnet – French for “piglet”) for points. It’s even better when you cause the other team to fanny. 

Translation: You toss a hollow metal ball as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball to get a point. The ultimate is when your team causes your opponents to end the game scoreless (‘to fanny’). Traditionally, the team that fannys had to kiss the bare derriere of a barmaid. But nowadays the losers just buy the winners a round of drinks. 

Play Disc Golf

The motto of Balboa Park disc golf is, “That was perfect! Except for that tree.” This course was one of the first frisbee golf courses in the world. It’s easy enough for newbies to have fun, but challenging enough in spots for touring pros in beast mode. 

Explore the Ruins of Golden Hill Fountain Grotto

The Golden Hill Fountain Grotto is a 1907 Rustic Arts and Crafts style fountain inglenook listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features double staircases, walls and a fountain constructed from native stone and concrete. The fountain has not worked for many years and the wood benches have long since rotted away. Watch your step, the concrete is decomposing and some of the rocks are loose. Sounds like fun, right?

Geocaching in Balboa Park

Download a geocaching app using Balboa Park’s free wifi and go on a treasure hunt using your phone’s GPS. This is a great free activity for the entire family. There are usually about 20 active caches in Balboa Park and the hunt will take you into little known spots. It’s a great way to explore and learn more about San Diego’s beloved park. 

Balboa Park Free Scavenger Hunt

The Friends of Balboa Park have created a free downloadable PDF scavenger hunt for kids. Your search takes you through the most popular parts of the park to finish the challenges. It’s a fun way for you and the kids to get to know the park and each other better.

Pikachu sunset over Balboa Park's Bea Evenson fountain.

Play Pokemon Go

Looking for a little ‘Go’ action? Balboa Park’s one of the best places in San Diego to find a few players to stage those 5-star raids. You’ll find enough spawns and gyms to keep you busy from sun-up until sundown. 

Closing Thoughts

I hope that I was able to help you find some interesting, free activities in Balboa Park, San Diego. With more than fifty things to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding enough to fill several days without spending a dime. Let me know HERE if I’ve left out one of your favorite Balboa Park free things to do. 

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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How to Visit Balboa Park: Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions

When in doubt what to see and do in San Diego, visit Balboa Park, including its free attractions and tours. The biggest landmark in the city fills your day with eccentric museums, lush gardens, and exotic animals. With such a historic and cultural abundance, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Visit Balboa Park once and will always long for more trips to this remarkable oasis in the heart of San Diego.

Last updated: January 28, 2023

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

Can you imagine San Diego without Seaport Village? Probably, yes. What about the famous USS Midway Museum or the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India? Mmm… it’s hard to picture the city without them, but maybe if you really try, you can still do it.

But can you, at least for a second, envision San Diego without its grandiose Balboa Park? The answer is a definite no! A visit to Balboa Park is an absolute must whether you spend a day or a month in the area.

Why Visit Balboa Park?

A visit to Balboa Park is not an option. It’s a mandatory pursuit for every curious traveler and art and history enthusiast. 1,200-acre Balboa Park is the heart of the city where art, culture, history, and nature get together to create a majestic space for people of all ages and interests.

Home to 17 major museums, 19 lavish gardens, more than 10 performing arenas, and incredible attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park Carousel, Balboa Park Miniature Train, Cabrillo Bridge, and California Tower, Balboa Park is ranked as one of the nation’s largest urban cultural park and one of the best parks in the world.

On top of that, the guests of Balboa Park are welcome to visit seasonal events, concerts, and festivals . Some of the most popular festivals include December Nights and EarthFair , the world’s largest free annual environmental fair.

Visit Balboa Park in summer to attend The Pride Festival , one of San Diego’s biggest events. October brings Halloween Family Day . During this time, the visitors are encouraged to participate in free craft projects, costume contests, and carnival games.

Moreover, go to Balboa Park to dance and meet other dancers . Every Friday and Sunday, the historic Balboa Park Club offers its guests an excellent opportunity to take dance lessons. Here, you can hit the ballroom floor and show your skills in Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Quickstep, and Foxtrot.

The visitors wishing to learn more about the museums and gardens are welcome to use pre-recorded audio or guided tours . Last but not least, after a day full of exploration, ample gift shops and eateries look especially irresistible, making a visit to Balboa Park even more enjoyable.

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

History in a Nutshell: From City Park to Balboa Park

A visit to Balboa Park goes beyond the impeccable architecture and lavish greenery. It’s hard to imagine today that the popular landmark once used all available resources to fight for its existence.

Balboa Park is rightfully considered one of the oldest places dedicated to public recreational use. Following Spanish tradition to set aside big areas of land for public use, in 1868 government officials dedicated 1,400 acres of land, known as City Park , to its residents for recreational purposes. No further significant activities in the development of the park had been done for the next more than 20 years.

The first attempt to advance the park was attributed solely to Kate Sessions , “ The Mother of Balboa Park” . In 1892, Sessions proposed to expand flora of the park by planting 100 trees a year in exchange for 32 acres of land that she used for her nursery. Her hard work changed the area tremendously, making it more appealing to the visitors of Balboa Park.

In the early 1900s, a master plan of the development of the area was officially introduced. Finally, a whole new process began to improve and beautify the park. Shortly after that, gorgeous museums, astounding attractions, and lush gardens festooned Balboa Park.

In 1910 in anticipation of the upcoming 1915 Panama-California Exposition, park commissioners renamed it from non-prestigious City Park to Balboa Park in honor of Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa . The Spaniard had happened to be the first European to catch sight of the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean during his explorations in Panama.

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

The crown jewel of San Diego, Balboa Park boasts a central location. Nestled in the heart of the city, just north of the downtown area, the place allures locals and visitors alike. The central area of Balboa Park is located at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 . You can visit Balboa Park 24 hours a day and admire its towering architectural masterpieces hidden in the lush greenery.

How to Get to Balboa Park

While the locals often use public transport, the city’s visitors adhere to personal or rental vehicles or shared rides to get to the place. Some of the most popular ways to visit the park include the following:

By Public Transport

Balboa Park is part of a few popular routes . Stopping near the place several times a day, the public busses ensure that the guests have no problem in getting here. For those who choose to visit Balboa Park by public transportation, board one of the following busses:

  • 120 (Fashion Valley)
  • 7 (City College)

Old Town Trolley also offers a convenient ride to the park. You can hop on it from several locations around San Diego and visit Balboa Park hassle-free. 

The guests of San Diego usually visit Balboa Park by driving or using Uber, Lyft, or taxi. The conveniently located landmark can be found in minutes. Here are a couple of directions to get to Balboa Park in a timely manner.

From the Nort h:  

When driving from the north along I-5, exit on B Street/Pershing Street. Then turn left onto A Street and continue driving for approximately 400 feet before turning left onto Park Boulevard. From here, follow street signs to get to one of the parking lots of Balboa Park.

From the South:

Similarly, you can visit Balboa Park when driving from the south. Again, follow I-5 until an exit onto B Street/Pershing Street. Turn left onto Florida Drive. One more left turn onto Zoo Place follows shortly after that. Finally turn left onto Park Boulevard and follow street signs. 

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

Visit Balboa Park: Parking

The Inspiration Point parking lot is the biggest in Balboa Park. Several smaller lots are scattered around the park as well. Yet due to their sizes and never-ceasing demand, these parking sections get full quickly. Alternately, the guests can use metered street parking and visit Balboa Park on foot afterword. 

A free tram connects different parts of the park. It picks the visitors from the parking lots and takes them to the popular museums and other attractions. The tram operates daily from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. In summer, it extends its working hours from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm.

Running every 8-10 minutes, this public transport is in demand especially by elderly visitors and families with small children. At peak times, the guests might need to wait anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to visit different sections of Balboa Park. 

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

How to Visit Balboa Park

Similarly to the ways of getting to this area of San Diego, options on how to visit Balboa Park and get the most of it vary. The popular landmark accommodates single visitors, families, and groups. Furthermore, it satisfies both nature enthusiasts looking for exotic plants as well as city dwellers longing for a quick escape from hustle and bustle of San Diego. Here are some of the popular ways to visit Balboa Park and explore its ample attractions through and through.

1. Visit Balboa Park on Your Own

Exploring different attractions on your own is by far the most popular way to visit Balboa Park. Many visitors often stop at the Visitor Center to grab a map and are eager to see the area unaccompanied. Whether they aim at hiking along numerous scenic trails or admiring extraordinary architecture, Balboa Park respect their wishes and unfolds its treasures one by one. 

An independent visit to Balboa Park suits mostly local families with children. They normally explore the park one section at a time. Once the youngsters lose interest, the families leave Balboa Park and resume their visit in a few days.

2. Free Walking Tours  

Ceaselessly working on bringing nature and its rich historical and cultural heritage to all of its visitors, Balboa Park organizes free weekly tours. Normally, the guided sessions involve enthusiastic, knowledgable staff and trained volunteers. Each tour lasts approximately one hour. 

Ranger-led Tours

Every Sunday from 11:00am until 12:00am, the rangers of Balboa Park answer any questions about the history of the park, museums, and gardens. 

Architectural Heritage Tours

Visit Balboa Park and learn everything about its great architecture built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The tours are free to join every Friday of the month at 10:00 am. Visit the Balboa Park Visitor Center to find out the exact location where to meet your guide. 

Residents Free Days

The residents of the City and County of San Diego are welcome to join the so-called Residents Free Days. Dates and operating hours vary and can change any time. Thus, be sure to check the official website or visit the Balboa Park Visitor Center for updated information.

Japanese Friendship Garden Docent-led Tours

Some guided tours, such as the Japanese Friendship Garden Docent-led tours, cover only a particular section of Balboa Park. No reservation is required to join these guided lessons. The tours are free with paid admission. Their times and locations, however, may vary. For more details, please refer to the Japanese Friendship Garden’s website or the Visitor Center. 

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

3. Custom Private Tours 

Familiar with struggles of the out-of-town guests, Balboa Park started running its custom private tours. The guided visit to Balboa Park requires pre-arranged booking and costs $150. The tours can be organized for any day from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. Up to 15 people can attend one private tour.

Usually, the park’s staff or highly-trained volunteers meet the attendees at the Visitor Center. For the next hour, they entertain their guests with the spectacular architecture, popular and rare plants, and rich historical heritage of the park. 

4. Viator Guided Tours

If you visit Balboa Park for a limited time that doesn’t align with the above-mentioned tours, consider booking a guided tour through a third party. It’s a good option to find out more about the park, see its highlights as well as some hidden gems, including San Diego Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt Adventure . All in all, the guided tours help you make the most of your short visit to Balboa Park.

Here are some of the tours you might want to find out more about.

How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

Free Things to Do and Attractions to Visit in Balboa Park 

Surprisingly, Balboa Park allows to visit many of its attractions free of charge. While the free guided tours don’t spoil the guests every day, some areas of the park never close their doors. Moreover, they welcome everybody to enjoy their natural and cultural opulence without insisting on paying beforehand. With that said, here are some of the best things to do and free attractions to visit in Balboa Park.  

1. Walk through Balboa Park

You can visit Balboa Park anytime of the day, 365 days a year free of charge. There is no admission fee to walk through the area and admire its remarkable museum-buildings and lavish gardens from outside. On top of that, Balboa Park stays open 24 hours a day. 

This alone entices a large number of visitors fond of soft golden and pink colors that adorn the sky above the park at sunrise and sunset. Shutterbugs and professional photographers frequently use the free access for their advantage and visit Balboa Park to capture these gorgeous hues before maddening crowds arrive. 

2. Visit Free Gardens in Balboa Park

The majority of the gardens in Balboa Park also unveil their cultural and natural treasures free of charge. Similar to the area itself, they stay open all day long, enabling the guests to visit them at any hour. The most popular free gardens in Balboa Park include the following:

  • Veterans Memorial Garden
  • Old Cactus Garden
  • Australian Garden
  • Alcazar Garden
  • Palm Canyon 
  • Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
  • Zoro Garden

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden - Roads and Destinations

3. Enjoy Free Hiking Trails

On top of admiring the lavish greenery and exotic plants, you can explore the impeccable gardens of Balboa Park through a net of interconnected trails. The best part, the hiking also doesn’t cost a penny. Check out these trails while visiting Balboa Park next time.

  • Golden Hill Trails
  • Marston Point Trails
  • Park Boulevard Trails
  • Morley Field Trails 
  • Sixth and Upas Trails

4. Visit Free Children’s Playgrounds in Balboa Park

The visitors with kids take advantage of the free playgrounds that keep the youngsters entertained more than any other epic landmarks of the park. Among the favorite areas for the little visitors are the following: 

  • Bird Park at Cedar 
  • Morley Field Playground
  • Bird Park at Upas
  • Sixth Avenue Playground
  • Pepper Grove Playground

5. Free Museums and Landmarks to Visit in Balboa Park

While the majority of the institutions charge fees, several buildings offer their services free of charge. From museums to outdoor pavilions and cultural centers, Balboa Park further entices its guests with the must-visit landmarks without asking a dime in exchange. You should add the following free attractions to your next visit to Balboa Park. 

  • Timken Museum of Art
  • Botanical Building and Lily Pond
  • Spanish Village Art Center
  • Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Botanical Building and Lily Pond - Roads and Destinations

How Much Time do You Need for a Visit to Balboa Park? 

A visit to Balboa Park can last from an hour to a full day . The place boasts some of the best landmarks in San Diego, including seasonal attractions that you can’t miss.

Ideally, you should plan to spend at least half a day to explore the exquisite museums and gardens of the park. If time is an issue, be sure to at least walk through the park and admire its oozing opulence. In this case, the famous museums of Balboa Park should wait until your next trip. 

Admission and Fees

Balboa Park, including many of its impeccable gardens, playgrounds, and trails are free to visit. The museums that are run independently, however, require a ticket and paid admission. Find more about the prices and special events on particular organization’s websites or at the Visitor Center.

The best way to take the most of your trip to Balboa Park is by purchasing Balboa Park Explorer Pass , though. The passes are available for one or seven days, allowing you to enjoy the participating museums while saving time and money. The locals save even more by getting an annual pass. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is balboa park free to visit.

Walking through Balboa Park is free. There is no admission fee whatsoever. You can stop by at any time and explore the park and some of its gardens on your own. To visit the famous museums of Balboa Park, you must purchase tickets.

What can you do in Balboa Park for free?

The majority of the gardens in Balboa Park are free. On top of that, you can explore some buildings and art collections such as the Timken Museum of Art and the Botanical Building and the Lily Pond completely free of charge. The employees and trained volunteers of Balboa Park also organize free guided tours. Scroll up and find more about free things to do in the area. 

  • Top 17 Things to Do in Balboa Park: Bucket List and Photography
  • Off the Beaten Path: Top 13 Hidden Gems in and Near San Diego, California
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  • First Time in San Diego: What to Know and Do, Tips, and Map

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How to Visit Balboa Park. Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions - Roads and Destinations

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Free in San Diego – 21 Things for Families in Beautiful Balboa Park

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Julie Bigboy

So many wonderful things to do for free in San Diego, especially in Balboa Park! This guide shows you the things to do for free in Balboa Park including free admission to museums, kid's activities, free cultural entertainment and more! #SanDiego #FamilyTravel #SoCal #California #SheBuysTravel #DayTrips

With a vast number of gardens, museums, cultural spots, theaters, playgrounds and walking trails San Diego’s Balboa Park is one of the best places for families to visit. This 1200 acre park is a respite in the middle of the city of San Diego. There are lots of activities that are completely free in Balboa Park, especially welcome in pricey Southern California! Consider at least one full day to explore Balboa Park when visiting San Diego. Our native San Diego SheBuysTravel offers her tips for free family fun in Balboa Park.

21 Free Things for Families in San Diego's Balboa Park

Free in Balboa Park

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego , Balboa Park has enough activities to keep you and your family busy for several days. It’s a super weekend getaway spot in California . This downtown San Diego city park is one of the largest and oldest in the United States, host to the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. The buildings are full of San Diego history. Check out the museum website and the links throughout this article for planning tips.

My advice is to arrive early, pack lunch and a few snacks and wear practical walking shoes because this Park is expansive. Sundays are particularly crowded because of additional free special events that take place each week on this day. And don’t forget your camera, because Balboa Park and its 100-year old buildings and gardens are perfect for family photos.

Where Can I Park for Free in Balboa Park?

In the middle of the city, parking can be hard to come by, let alone find a free place to park your car for the entire day. There are parking lots all throughout Balboa Park where you can park your car in close proximity to the attraction you wish to visit. When visiting on the weekends or busy times of the year (summer, in particular), be sure to arrive early to find the best spot. On crowded days or on special event days, there is often overflow parking available off-site with free bus drop off. Signs are posted on the sidewalks during these events.

Is There Free Admission In Balboa Park? (Yes, But Read the Fine Print)

Balboa Park is completely free to roam and explore. All of the gardens, playgrounds and walking trails are open to visitors every day and select attractions are also free. On each Tuesday of the month, museums and attractions rotate to offer free admission to San Diego residents. There is a rotating  calendar  online. This offer includes the Museum of Man, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

Not a San Diegan? You can still receive admission for free in Balboa Park activities. Some of the museums also offer free admission to active duty military and their family or local college students (with ID). The Veterans Museum and Memorial offers free admission  every day  for active duty military. Each October during the  Kids Free In San Diego  event, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Reuben H. Fleet and other Park museums offer free admission to children as well.

San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park

Where Can You Cool Down in Balboa Park?

What kid doesn’t love a huge fountain? Mine have always loved sitting next to the fountains in Balboa Park, letting the cool mist spray them. In front of the Reuben H. Fleet museum you’ll see the Bea Evenson Fountain.  The Plaza de Panama Fountains are located in front of the San Diego Museum of Art. Though you will often find guests splashing in the fountains on a hot day, this is prohibited so resist the urge to wade.

Other than the mist from the fountains to cool down, I suggest a relaxing walk inside the cool  gardens of the Botanical building. And of course, the indoor museums are air-conditioned.

Plaza de Panama Fountain in Balboa Park. Photo: Julie Bigboy

What Cultural Things Are There to Do in Balboa Park?

Each Sunday afternoon, the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages representing 33 countries are open to the public. There are cultural decorations inside each house and food samples offered to guests. One of the houses also hosts a program on the lawn each week featuring music, dance, costumes, crafts and art representing their country. An annual Ethnic Food Fair gathers the countries for a joint cultural event including performances and food (event is free, food cost is extra).

Listen to the Music in Balboa Park

Each Sunday afternoon, the Spreckels Organ rings out beautiful music in a free outdoor concert. This is an informal affair that welcomes children and pets. No tickets needed, just grab a seat on one of the many benches, pull out a snack and enjoy the sounds. Bring an umbrella during sunny months because there is no shade in this area. When I was a kid, my parents would bring me here with my roller skates and I’d skate around the perimeter of the pavilion while listening to the music!

Sprekels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

Free Park Tours in Balboa Park

Make a stop by the Balboa Park Visitor’s Center (inside the House of Hospitality building) and find out what free tours are being offered on the day of your visit. There are botanical tours of the gardens, architectural tours that highlight the 100-year old+ buildings and Park ranger-led tours.

What Kind of Special Events Are Held in Balboa Park?

Special events are offered year-round in Balboa Park.

  • December Nights has brought thousands to the Park for over 40 years to celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year”. Museums open their doors and offer free admission, there are top-notch music and dance presentations on various stages and crafts and games for children. Naturally this is an extremely popular event so plan to arrive early. Read more about holiday activities in San Diego .
  • The annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world, drawing around 50,000 visitors. Keeping with the environmental theme, it’s recommended to use public transportation.
  • The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages also offer events year-round dependent upon the country and their cultural holidays. The dance clubs of the International Dance Association host a free festival each year with complimentary lessons.

Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park, San Diego

Can You Bring Your Pet to Balboa Park?

There are three dog parks in Balboa Park so dogs can get off leash and run or play. On a leash, you can bring your dogs with you on the hiking trails, through the heart of the Park or even to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during the Sunday concerts.

Scenic View Point in Balboa Park

The Cabrillo historical bridge spans the Cabrillo Freeway (scenic state route 163). This 1500-foot long bridge allows foot traffic and offers a beautiful view of the downtown city and Park.

Art sculptures in Balboa Park in San Diego CA

Hands-On Sculptural Exhibits in Balboa Park

There are various sculptural “gardens” throughout Balboa Park. Some of the art sculptures encourage climbing and touching.

Free (or Donation Encouraged) Balboa Park Museums

Many free museums are housed inside the buildings of the El Prado complex. Learn more about fossils, gems and minerals at the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society. Discover Chicano, Latino and Mexican culture, including Ballet Folklorico at the Centro Cultural de la Raza. Admission to the photographic gallery at the Museum of Photographic Arts is “pay what you wish” on certain days during the year.

Balboa Park Gardens and Flowers

Family photos are made easy when there are so many amazingly diverse gardens in this park. Hardly a visit to Balboa Park goes by when you don’t see a bride taking pre-wedding photos in the Park or a model shooting for a magazine. Some gardens are larger than others, but each offer something unique.

We visit the Botanical Building during each visit (note that it’s closed on Thursdays and holidays). This large lathe building was built for the 1915 Exposition. It is graced with a peaceful lily pond out front. This building is a perfect respite on a hot day. Free docent-led tours are offered on the third Friday of each month at 11 a.m.

I love the Alcazar Garden for its gorgeous Moorish tiles, boxwood hedges and fountains. Kids will enjoy the Children’s Peace Garden outside the WorldBeat Cultural Center with educational gardening classes on Sunday afternoons. The Zoro Garden is a perfect place to spot butterflies.

Botanical garden in Balboa Park San Diego

Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park

Stop by this quirky artist’s community and you might find yourself with a paint brush in hand! Just follow the brightly painted tiles into the courtyard and watch as local artists create beautiful and unique works. On our last visit, the kids participated in a free drawing lesson.

Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park San Diego

Are There Playgrounds in Balboa Park?

There are several different play structures in Balboa Park, geared for different ages and perfect for kids to burn off steam in between museum visits. We often let our kids play on the Sixth Avenue Playground before taking a long walk on the trails. Click the link if you’re looking for more things to do outdoors with kids in San Diego .

Where to Mingle and Dance in Balboa Park

Enjoy couples dancing, mixers and line dances during the weekly International Ethnic Folk Dancing. Come to dance or just watch the fun on Sunday afternoons in the Balboa Park Club Building.

Balboa Park Celebrates Diversity

Celebrating diverse cultures, the WorldBeat Cultural Center offers special events like concerts and drum circles. They also offer an Alternative Health Event is offered bi-monthly with free acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and yoga.

Where Can You Hike and Walk in Balboa Park?

Balboa Park has 65 miles of trails that are perfect for walking, jogging, hiking or biking. The Florida Canyon Native Plant Preserve covers 150 acres, with various hiking trails. For an easier walk, try the California Native Plant Garden which is five acres with a quarter of a mile long footpath. The two acre Palm Canyon packs 450 palms along the shady trail.

Can You Have a Picnic in Balboa Park?

There are many restaurants and dining spots (from hot dog carts to high-end dining at The Prado). But if you’re aiming for low cost, bring your own lunch. There are large grassy areas and shady locations under the trees to lay down a blanket, eat a picnic lunch and even take a nap, if you wish!

Balboa Park Free Art Museum

Noted as one of the best small museums in the world, the Timken Museum of Art also the only free art museum in Balboa Park. See fine paintings from Rembrandt and van Dyck, as well as Russian icons and French tapestries.

Historical buildings in Balboa Park San Diego

Listen To the California Tower Bells

No need to bring a watch! Each quarter hour, melodious chimes ring out from the California Tower that can be hear all throughout the Park. Located near the Old Globe Theatre, tickets can be purchased to climb the tower and witness the amazing views of San Diego. Listening for the bells to ring (and counting out the time) is one of my kids favorite parts of visiting the Park!

Stop and Smell the Roses

Take in the heavenly scent of 1600+ roses that bloom in the 3-acre Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden. It’s a gorgeous photo stop, especially when the rose blooms peak in April and May.

Lily pond in Balboa Park, San Diego CA

More Free in San Diego

If you’ll be in San Diego for a few days, be sure to check out the other free things you can do in the area!

  • Day Trip Itinerary for San Diego’s Seaport Village
  • Kids Free San Diego in October
  • Places to Explore in Point Loma, San Diego

What would you most like to explore on a visit to Balboa Park? Share with us in the comments!

2 responses.

Is the Pride Parade reallt to raunchy for young teens? Natives tell me this, eventhough they go to show support, they advise against taking my 14 year old, Transgender grandchild.

Certainly what is appropriate for some families, isn’t for others. I have friends that take their very young children, while have not yet taken my children. You’ll need to consider the maturity level of your grandchild and decide from there.

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A complete guide to balboa park’s 18 museums.

Exterior of the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, San Diego

By Maren Hawkins

At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is significantly bigger than most public green spaces, including New York City’s Central Park—in fact, some refer to it as Central Park’s cooler younger sister. Okay, fine, no one has ever called it that, but it is pretty damn cool. 

After all, it’s home to a world-famous zoo , numerous gardens and eateries, and tons of opportunities for shopping and recreation. On top of it all, visitors to the park can explore 18 museums, each offering their own distinctive flair. To celebrate Museum Month (when admission is half-off at cultural institutions throughout the county), here’s our guide to all of Balboa Park’s.

Interior of the Centro Cultural de la Raza at Balboa Park in San Diego featuring large hispanic murals, clothing, and other crafts

Centro Cultural de la Raza

Located in a former water tower, the Centro Cultural de la Raza features exhibitions, theater, dance, music, and films by Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous, and Latino artists . The center also hosts community events such as tango nights and poetry readings. 

Address : 2004 Park Boulevard

Hours : Closed Monday; open Tues.-Sun. from 12 p.m.-5.p.m.

Price : Free; suggested donation of $5

Interior of the Comic-Con Museum featuring an exhibit of cardboard figurines of comic book characters at Balboa Park, San Diego

Comic-Con Museum

Don’t worry if you missed Comic-Con this year , or have never grabbed tickets—you can explore all things pop-culture-related at this Balboa Park institution . Year-round exhibitions focus on everything from superheroes to sci-fi franchises, and other special events include movie screenings and art-making activities. 

Address : 2131 Pan American Plaza

Hours : Closed Wednesday; open Thurs.-Tues. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price : $25 for adults; $18 for seniors(65+), students, and military; $12 for youth (6-12); free for kids under 6

Free Resident Day: Second Tuesday of the month

Exterior of the Fleet Science Center and Balboa Park water fountain in San Diego

Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center is home to over 100 interactive exhibits exploring science and innovation. The museum also features an IMAX theater where you can traverse outer space, follow alongside African mammals, and deep-sea dive with sea creatures in ancient caves.

Address : 1875 El Prado

Hours : Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; first Wednesday of the month 10 a.m.-8:15 p.m; accessibility morning hours third Saturday of each month 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Price : $25 for adults; $20 for children (3-12); $23 for seniors(65+)

Free Resident Day : First Tuesday of the month

Wide shot of the Japanese Friendship Garden featuring plants, a small bridge, and a stream in Balboa Park, San Diego

Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego 

Yokohama, Japan became San Diego’s first sister city in 1957. The Japanese Friendship Garden followed in 1991, designed to foster appreciation and understanding of the country’s culture. The garden includes a bonsai exhibit, black pine trees, azaleas, and ornamental plants, as well as the US’s largest and oldest bronze statue of the Buddhist divinity Kannon. 

Address : 2215 Pan American Road East

Hours : Open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; last admission at 5 p.m.

Price : $14 for adults; $12 for students, seniors(65+), and military; free for children 6 and younger

Free Resident Day : Third Tuesday of the month (excluding March); fourth Tuesday of the month (March)

Exterior of the Marston House museum owned by George W. Marston, known for the development of Balboa Park, located at the northwest corner of Balboa Park, San Diego

The Marston House

You can thank George W. Marston , famous for his contributions to the planning and development of Balboa Park, for much of what you know and love about this place. Visit his home, built in 1905, in the northwest corner of the park to wander five acres of gardens and a gift shop. 

Address : 3525 Seventh Avenue

Hours : Closed Mon.-Fri.; open Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price : $20 for adults, $15 for active duty military, seniors(65+), and students; $7 for children(6-12); free for children 5 and under

Interior of the Mingei International Museum featuring a large, colorful sculpture of a hand holding a coin

Mingei International Museum

After three years of renovations , Mingei International Museum has reopened its doors, showing off folk art, craft, and design objects from all over the world. Additionally, the gallery now features a theater, education center, gift shop, café, and new restaurant Artifact .

Address : 1439 El Prado 

Hours : Closed Monday; open Tues.-Wed. & Sat.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thurs.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Price : Commons Level is free; Gallery Level costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and military; children are free

Free Resident Day : Third Tuesday of the month

Interior of the Museum of Photographic Arts featuring large glossy prints in an exhibit with dim lighting at Balboa Park, San Diego

Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts showcases photography, film, and video, with nearly 9,000 permanent images and 24,000 items in the Edmund L. and Nancy Dubois Library. If you’re interested in getting behind the lens yourself, enroll in one of their onsite photo workshops for adults.

Address : 1649 El Prado 

Hours : Closed Mon.-Wed.; open Thurs.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price : Free; donations recommended

Exterior of the San Diego Air and Space Museum featuring a blackbird and a fighter jet in front of the building in Balboa Park, San Diego

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Take flight with some of the most famous aviation and space innovators at the San Diego Air & Space Museum . An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution , this museum is home to the Apollo 9 Command Module, the only real GPS satellite display in the world, and artifacts from the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earheart, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and other beloved pilots and pioneers.

Address : 2001 Pan American Plaza

Hours : Open daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Price : $28 for adults; $23 for students, seniors(65+) and retired military; $17 for children (3-11); free for active military and children under 3

Free Resident Day : Second Tuesday of the month

Interior of the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego featuring an exhibit with fake dynamite and trigger along with other modern art in Balboa Park, San Diego

Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego

The Institute of Contemporary Art spotlights experimental art, presenting bold and sometimes surreal exhibitions tackling issues facing the modern world. One of their most exciting recurring exhibits is NextGen , a juried showcase of new grads from San Diego’s many arts programs.

Address : 1439 El Prado

Hours : Closed Mon.-Wed.; open Thurs.-Sun. from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Price : Free; $10 donations recommended for adults; $5 for students, seniors, and military; free for children 12 and under

Interior of the San Diego Automotive Museum featuring visitors walking through an attraction featuring retro vehicles

San Diego Automotive Museum

Check out more than 80 historic cars and motorcycles at the San Diego Automotive Museum , which is known for its unique collection of 20th-century automobiles, including Louie Mattar’s 1947 Cadillac that set a cross-country endurance record in 1952. 

Address : 2080 Pan American Plaza

Hours : Closed Monday; open Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m-5:00 p.m. with last entry at 4:30 p.m.

Price : $16 for adults; $12 for seniors(65+), military, and students; $11 for children(4-15); free for children 3 and younger

Free Resident Day : Fourth Tuesday of the month

Interior of the San Diego History Center featuring an exhibit called "Be Here Now" with a sculpture and various art on the walls

San Diego History Center

San Diego History Center tells the story of our city with a wide variety of exhibits showcasing photos, art, videos, documents, clothing, and regional objects. Visitors can also watch the award-winning documentary Balboa Park: The Jewel of San Diego .

Address : 1649 El Prado

Hours : Closed Monday and Tuesday; open Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price : Free; $10 donation recommended

Interior of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego is home to the world’s largest operating model railroad museum , which clocks in at a whopping 28,000 square feet. Feast your eyes on miniature representations of California railroads , a toy train gallery, and an interactive Lionel layout. 

Hours : Closed Monday; open Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price : $20 for adults; $12 for seniors(65+) and military; $10 for students

Exterior of the San Diego Museum  of Us featuring two people standing out front at the Prado tower in Balboa Park, San Diego

San Diego Museum of Us

One thing we all have in common? We’re human. The San Diego Museum of Us explores this fundamental similarity with immersive exhibits focusing on humanity’s relationship to animals , the origins of race, the development of beer, and more.

Address : 1350 El Prado

Price : $20 for adults; $17 for military, seniors(65+), students, youth(6-17), and educators(with ID)

Interior of The San Diego Natural History Museum featuring a dinosaur fossils in the middle of a hall

The San Diego Natural History Museum

Unfortunately, the animals and ancient figures on display at the Nat probably don’t come alive at night, but there’s still much to see during open hours at the San Diego Natural History Museum , including dinosaur bones and other fossils and preserved wildlife, plants, and bugs.

Address : 1788 El Prado 

Hours : Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price : $24 for adults, $20 for seniors(65+), military, and students

Interior of the San Diego Museum of Art featuring Renaissance paintings and a bench with dim lighting in Balboa Park, San Diego

At the heart of Balboa Park sits the MOPA@SDMA , with a gorgeous Spanish-style entrance that sets the scene for the artwork inside. In addition to Spanish works, the collection includes Italian old masters, South Asian manuscript illustrations, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures . 

Address : 1450 El Prado

Hours : Closed Wednesday; open Thurs.-Sat. & Mon.-Tues. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; open Sun. from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Price : $20 for adults, $15 for seniors(65+), free for children under 17

Interior of the Timken Museum of Art featuring a bright room with various historic art framed in gold on the walls in Balboa Park, San Diego

Timken Museum of Art

The Timken ’s airy, mid-century modern building is home to works by European (including Dutch, Flemish, and French), American, and Russian icons. Through May, visitors can see the dazzling, massive-scale Equestrian Portrait of Prince Tommaso of Savoy-Carignan by celebrated painter Kehinde Wiley, the artist behind Barack Obama’s presidential portrait.

Address : 1500 El Prado

Hours : Closed Mon.-Tues.; open Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price : Free

Exterior if The Veterans Museum featuring statue of a WWII plane in front of the building in Balboa Park, San Diego

The Veterans Museum

The Veterans Museum honors military service members , focusing on the history of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. It holds a unique collection of artifacts, memorabilia, artwork, and papers related to World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, the Korean War, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, and other conflicts.

Address : 2115 Park Boulevard

Hours : Closed Sun.-Tues.; open Wed.-Sat. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price : $5 for adults, $4 for veterans and seniors; $2 and students; free for children 12 and under; free for active duty military

Exterior of the World Beat Center featuring colorful murals and a kid playing out front in Balboa Park, San Diego

WorldBeat Center

The WorldBeat Center celebrates African, African-American, and Indigenous cultures through art, music, dance, education, and technology. All are invited to join the museum’s concerts, lectures, and community classes in dance and drumming. 

Address : 2100 Park Boulevard

Hours : Closed Monday and Tuesday; open Fri.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Maren Hawkins is an editorial intern at San Diego Magazine. She is in her second to last year at San Diego State University and serves as a staff writer for The Daily Aztec. When she is not writing, she spends her time finding the best workout spots in SD, thrifting for the cutest clothes, and traveling whenever possible.

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Community events in San Diego County: From Animals on the Bay Day to jumbo rummage sale in Balboa Park

A burrowing owl at the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista.

Sneak peek at upcoming concerts, street fairs, festivals, performances, art shows, library events, blood drives, community meetings and more

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Woman’s Club plans Spring Garden & Craft Fair

The Sweetwater Woman’s Club puts on its Spring Garden & Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23 at 3855 Sweetwater Road featuring plants, pottery, jewelry, crafts, quilted items and “pre-owned treasures.” Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarships. Visit sweetwaterwomansclub.org .

Music critic George Varga to give lecture

The Learning is for Everyone (LIFE) group at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus hosts a lecture from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 15 on “Popular Music in San Diego ... and Beyond” led by George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune music critic. Varga, who has earned three Pulitzer Prize nominations and is a voting member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will talk about the challenges of being a music critic and share some of his stories. Varga has provided live coverage of the Grammy Awards and festivals from Coachella and KAABOO to the 1994 edition of Woodstock. The free lecture is in Room 204 in Building 200 at 3333 Manchester Ave. There is free parking in student spaces of parking lots SAN-1 and SAN-2 in front of the building. Email [email protected].

Lagoon talk on coastal estuaries

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a free presentation on coastal estuaries, such as Batiquitos Lagoon, at 10 a.m. March 9 led by Nathalie Reyns, a research scientist specializing in marine ecology, who has researched interactions between invasive sea life and global warming in mild climate areas. The family event is aimed at adults and kids, age 15 and older. Registration is required. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org .

Author talk focuses on The Flower Fields

Author Jo Ellen Guthrie will give a talk about her book, “In a Garden by the Sea: the story of Luther and Olive Gage,” at 10:30 a.m. March 8 at the Georgina Cole Library‘s Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. The book is about flower bulb grower Luther Gage, who cultivated the giant Tecolote ranunculus, which can be seen at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Visit library.carlsbadca.gov .

CHULA VISTA

Free ‘Spring Into Fitness’ event

A free “Spring Into Fitness” event is March 9-16 at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. A number of businesses at the mall are offering community members a chance to try various classes for free. The activities range from a Namaste Fitness class to a Planet Fitness workout. Participants include San Diego Gymnastics, OrangeTheory Fitness, Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu and Spa Eco Chateau. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/spring-into-fitness-45234.html .

Animals on the Bay Day

Animals on the Bay Day is a reduced admission day of education and conservation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 9 at the Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive. The event features animal encounters, information from partner organizations, a craft market and food trucks. The pop-up Craft Market by Las Jefas features artists and their businesses. The last shuttle into the center is at 3:30 p.m. Entry tickets are $5 with credit card or exact cash only. Visit thelivingcoast.org .

Nominations sought for Sustainability Champion Awards

The city is looking for nominations for this year’s Chula Vista Sustainability Champion Awards, which recognize efforts to improve the environment. An individual or group living or working in Chula Vista can be nominated. There are seven award categories: resident, business, organization, student, city employee, educator and community contributor. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. March 31 at chulavistaca.gov/sustainabilitychampion .

EAST COUNTY

Senior Volunteer Patrol recruiting members

The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station at Campo Road and Jamacha Boulevard is recruiting volunteers for its Senior Volunteer Patrol. Volunteers must be 50 and older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has applied for citizenship. Volunteers must have car insurance and medical insurance and be of good moral character with no felony convictions. Volunteer duties include traffic control, neighborhood patrol and checking on the homes of residents away on vacation and senior citizens in the “You Are Not Alone” program. The station covers the communities of Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and unincorporated parts of La Mesa and El Cajon. Volunteers must pass a background check and a two-week Volunteer Patrol Academy. Minimum commitment is one six-hour shift per week. Call (619) 660-7021.

North Coast Symphony Features g uitarist Jose Rodriguez

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra puts on a concert, National Treasures, featuring award-winning guitarist Jose Rodriguez, at 2:30 p.m. March 9 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena. Rodriguez will perform the Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo. The program also includes Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 and Manuel de Falla’s Spanish Dance No. 1. The North Coast Orchestra was founded in 1947 and is conducted by Daniel Swem. Admission is $15; $12 for seniors, students and military, and free for children 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com .

Art Night Encinitas on March 9

An evening of visual arts and live music will be featured at Art Night Encinitas from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 9 at various civic and local art galleries in Encinitas. The free event celebrates the city’s diverse visual art scene. Attendees can meet local artists and fellow art lovers. Free shuttle service is provided. Visit encinitasca.gov .

Senior travel group headed to San Luis Obispo

Escondido Senior Travel hosts a three-day, two-night coastal trip to San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay from May 15-17 and seeks senior community members to join. The trip includes Bay State Park Museum and a narrated cruise on Morro Bay and several stops at gift stores, gardens at Apple Farm Inn and a selection of dining spots in San Luis Obispo. Time is running out to sign up. Call (760) 294-1851 or email [email protected].

‘Empowering Women Through Leadership’ topic of AAUW talk

The San Diego and La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women sponsor an informal conversation with San Diego Tourism CEO Julie Coker and San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez on March 9. The topic of discussion is “Empowering Women Through Leadership.” The meeting is open to the public and will be held in King Hall at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net .

LEMON GROVE

Free ‘History Alive’ talk on growing native plants

A free “History Alive” lecture on how to grow native plants and attract birds, bees and butterflies led by Christy Gastelum, founder of the Busy Bee Garden Co-op, is at 7 p.m. March 7 at the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive St. Visit lghistorical.org .

Multicultural Fair , Chess Tournament & Family Day

A Multicultural Fair, Chess Tournament, & Family Day is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane. Highlights include game trucks, laser tag, obstacle courses, tacos and free churros (for first 200 guests). Students in grades 3-8 can register to play in the chess tournament at bit.ly/lgsdchess . Vendor and volunteers can join at bit.ly/vendorvol . For questions, email [email protected].

NATIONAL CITY

Circus in town through March 11

Circus Vargas presents “Jubilé! An Epic World Celebration!” through March 11 at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road. The new production showcases different cultures and nationalities joining together to present circus acrobatics and aerial artistry along with other entertainment. Tickets start at $25. Visit circusvargas.com .

NORTH COUNTY

Scholarship offered for soccer players

A local nonprofit, Gregg’s Goals, is looking for applicants for the 2024 Gregg Garon Scholarship. Applicants must have played soccer for a high school or club team in northern San Diego County, (north of state Route 56) and plan to continue their education after high school. Applicants must demonstrate team leadership, loyalty, love of the game, giving back to others and courage. Scholarship amount depends on number of awardees selected, but has averaged $2,000 in recent years. The scholarship was created in memory of soccer player and coach Gregg Garon. The deadline to submit applications is March 24. Visit greggsgoals.org .

North County Italian group gives scholarships

The North County Italian Association, a nonprofit that fosters an appreciation of Italian culture, is offering $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors of Italian descent. Application deadline is March 16. Visit northcountyitalianassociation.org .

Irish men’s group recruiting members

The North San Diego County chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, an Irish-American fraternal charitable group founded in 1771 in Philadelphia, Pa., is recruiting members. The group will hold a recruitment and general meeting at 11:30 a.m. March 8 at the Vista Village Pub, 224 Main St., Vista. The group typically meets at 11:30 a.m. the second Friday of every month and is open to all men with “a love of all things Irish.” To join, email [email protected] or call (619) 992 4972.

Baroque Ensemble gives concert

The San Diego Baroque Ensemble will give a concert at 4 p.m. March 10 in King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2993 Macdonald St. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Visit sdbaroque.com .

Veterans group meets Monday

The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County meets from noon to 1 p.m. March 4 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The community is welcome to join. Speakers include Wayne Lilly Sunrise of Oceanside, who will discuss different types of senior care in the area and tips for veterans about assistance programs; Garry Garretson, president of the San Diego Writers Group; and Joselyn Grace, communication manager for Canine Support Teams, a nonprofit that trains service dogs. Visit vanc.me .

LIFE group to hold two free lectures

MiraCosta College’s LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group is holding two free lectures March 8 in Building T200 on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., a talk on “The SoCal Sumo Open and other Grappling Arts” will be led by JJ Jones and Christina Griffin-Jones from the Maximum Effort Foundation and Hanu Sumo Club. At 2:30 p.m., a lecture on “Forgotten San Diego, a Historical Journey” will be presented by Eileen Magno, architectural historian. Visit miracosta.edu/life .

‘Anything Goes’ hits the stage at Mira Costa College

MiraCosta College presents the Cole Porter classic, “Anything Goes,” directed by Tracy Williams, from March 7-17 at the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. Tickets are $10-$15 at miracosta.edu/buytix .

RANCHO BERNARDO

History group hosts talk on San Dieguito River Valley

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series hosts Chris Khoury of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy at 11 a.m. March 9 for a talk on “The Allure of the San Dieguito River Valley.” Admission is free. The presentation is at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Visit rbhistory.org .

South Asian dance performance at library

The South Asian Dance Performers will give a show blending storytelling and dance at 3 p.m. March 9 at the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library‘s second-floor community room, as part of the Discovery Concert Series. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org/index.php/the-library/discovery-concerts .

Parkinson’s Support Group meets March 4

The Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon March 4 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Lisa Tataryn, who will discuss “Training the Brain with Biofeedback.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 518-1963.

Local Brandeis National Committee meets

The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo at 1 p.m. March 12 at the Rancho Bernardo Community Center, Glassman Building, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive. Campillo will discuss what his office is doing to try to address the issue of antisemitic flyers distributed in San Diego. The cost is $15 and will include refreshments. RSVP at (858) 487-8041.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Golf fundraiser benefits Fresh Start Surgical Gifts

Nonprofit Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is putting on its 32nd annual San Diego Celebrity Golf Classic, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, from March 10-11 at the La Valle Coastal Club, formerly Morgan Run Club & Resort, 5690 Cancha de Golf. The event supports the nonprofit’s efforts to provide free reconstructive surgery and health care services to disadvantaged children and young people with physical deformities. Visit freshstart.org.

Thursday Club’s 95th annual Rummage Sale

The Thursday Club’s 95th annual Rummage Sale, billed as “San Diego’s largest thrift, estate and garage sale,” is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m March 9 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10 at the Balboa Park Municipal Gym, 2111 Pan American Plaza, near the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Proceeds benefit Balboa Park and local community charities. There will be new and gently used merchandise ranging from antiques, appliances, art, books, clothes and accessories to electronics, furniture, garden items, toys, sporting goods, holiday items, housewares, jewelry, linens and pet items. The Thursday Club, which has been serving San Diego since 1921, is a philanthropic group of volunteer women supporting educational, cultural, social, moral and civic activities. Admission is free. Bring cash; there is a 3 percent fee for using Visa and Mastercard. Donations are accepted through March 6. Call (619) 224-5264 or visit thethursdayclub.org .

Japanese folk singing performances at library

Traditional Japanese folk songs (minyo) and shamisen performances will be given by Japanese traditional folk music artist Anju Madoka as part of her SoCal 2024 Tour from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 10 at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library, 9005 Aero Drive; from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 11 at the La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave.; and from 2 to 3 p.m. March 13 at the Taiwanese American Community Center, 7838 Wilkerson Court. Madoka teaches at Madoka no Kai Japanese traditional folk song school in Osaka, Japan. The concert is presented by the San Diego chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. Admission is free. Visit instagram.com/anjumadoka and sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/anju-madoka-japanese-shamisen-concert-part-socal-tour-2024-365327 .

Quartet Luminoso concert benefits Tremble Clefs

The virtuoso chamber music ensemble Quartet Luminoso and guest vocalist Matt Ignacio will perform a concert fundraiser at 2:30 p.m. March 9 to benefit Tremble Clefs San Diego, a nonprofit therapeutic singing program, which is free for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. The concert will feature the music of Stamitz, Hart, Piazzoila and Crusell at Palisades Presbyterian Church, 6301 Birchwood St. The concert will be followed by light refreshments and a time to meet the musicians. Reserve tickets at bit.ly/quartet24 or trembleclefs.com . $20 donation is suggested. Call (619) 273-3229.

‘Together We Rise’ theme of symposium

Academy of Our Lady of Peace’s 10th annual Women’s Symposium, themed “Together We Rise,” is from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. March 8 at 4860 Oregon St. The keynote speaker is Rocsi Diaz, Emmy-winning journalist. There will be 30 panelists. Speakers include Kimberly King, Christine LaMarca and Lauren Fisher. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $25-$30 and free for military and educators at olpws.squarespace.com .

Free Balboa Park horticultural tour

A free Balboa Park horticultural tour focusing on “Gums, Bottlebrushes, Paperbarks — Australian Flora in San Diego” is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 9 led by park volunteer and horticultural enthusiast Bill Edwards. The tours hosted by Forever Balboa Park highlight the park’s horticultural wonders and are offered on the second Saturday of each month. Tours leave from the Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Visit foreverbalboapark.org .

Job fair for veterans

San Diego Veterans Job Fair, with more than 40 companies offering employment opportunities and actively hiring veterans, is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6 at Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road. Registration for the event hosted by Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary is free and available online to transitioning military, veterans, military spouses and dependents. Visit my.recruitmilitary.com/ .

‘Connecting en la Cocina’ exhibit at Centro Cultural de la Raza

An art exhibit, “Connecting en la Cocina: Empowerment, Resistance & Wisdom-Keeping,” curated by Jenn Frost Moreno and Norell Martinez, featuring art activist Antonia Davis’ installation “Because We Eat - How Growing Our Food Affects Farmworkers,” and pieces by Mariana Raquel, Way of the Sacred Mountain, Teyana Viscarra and works from other local artists, runs through April 7 at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd. The exhibit is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily except Mondays. Visit centrodelaraza.com .

Exhibit features work of fiber artist ‘MartyO’

“A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” features a solo retrospective exhibit by acclaimed fiber artist Marty Ornish, aka “MartyO”, through April 27 at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, 410 Island Ave., and at the Villa Montezuma Museum, 1925 K St. The museums will simultaneously showcase MartyO’s wearable art, art quilts and other assemblage. Visit gaslampfoundation.org .

Screening of documentary for Women’s History Month

The San Diego’s Foundation for Women Warriors marks Women’s History Month with a free virtual screening of “The Hello Girls” from 4 to 6 p.m. March 6. The documentary includes 100-year-old film footage of America’s first female soldiers. “In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France as telephone operators to help win the Great War. They swore Army oaths, wore uniforms, held rank, and were subject to military justice. By the war’s end, they had connected over 26 million calls,” the foundation’s website says. Register at foundationforwomenwarriors.org/event/the-hello-girls-special-screening .

Free museum admission

Along with free general admission to the exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park on the third Tuesday of each month for San Diego County residents, the museum now offers another free day on the second Thursday of each month for all visitors, regardless where they live. The next such free days are March 14 and March 19. Also, students, veterans and active-duty military can now get in the museum free any day with valid identification. Service members can take in one guest for free. Funding is from a $1.6 million Access for All grant over three years from the Art Bridges Foundation based in Bentonville, Ark. Current exhibits range from “Art of the Portrait,” “Korea in Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images,” “Arts of Iran” and “Of Sea and Sand: California Paintings” to “Impressionism and Post-Impressionism” and “European Art 1300-1800.” Visit sdmart.org .

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Firefighters hold 25th annual Boot Drive

Firefighters hold 25th annual Boot Drive to raise money for Burn Institute

The Burn Institute’s annual Firefighters Boot Drive is slated for March 7, when firefighters will be standing at intersections throughout San Diego County to ask drivers to make a donation and “fill a boot” to support the programs at the nonprofit Burn Institute in San Diego and help support burn survivors, burn prevention and injured firefighters. Firefighters from more than 30 area fire departments are slated to participate at more than 100 intersections across the county as part of the fundraiser that started in 1999. Proceeds will go to the nonprofit Burn Institute’s fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support services such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children. Part of the Boot Drive donations are earmarked for the Red Line of Courage Fund, which provides financial support to members of the fire service who suffer from a burn injury while on duty. Visit bit.ly/sdbootdrive and burninstitute.org.

Chick Day Chicktopia celebration

The annual spring Chick Day Chicktopia celebration is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 9 at Hawthorne Country Store in Escondido, Fallbrook and Santee. The free event will feature more than 100 varieties of baby chick breeds and will teach about raising a backyard flock. There will also be a Peep Show from 6 to 8 p.m. March 8. There will be hors d’oeuvres and beverages. This will give customers the first pick of rare, exotic, and the best egg laying breeds. This event sells out every year and is available only for ticket purchasers. Cost is $50 for two adults, 21 and older. Visit hawthornecountrystore.com .

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):

  • Grocery Outlet, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 at 1516 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido.
  • Anytime Fitness, noon to 5 p.m. March 5 at 850 Main St., Ramona.
  • Skyline Hills Branch Library, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at 7900 Paradise Valley Road, San Diego.
  • Chick-fil-A, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 at 3475 Marron Road, Oceanside.
  • CVS, 1 to 6 p.m. March 7 at 1101 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook.
  • Del Mar Rotary, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 7 at 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar.
  • Q Microwave, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 7 at 1591 Pioneer Way, El Cajon.
  • San Diego County Farm Bureau, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 7 at 420 S. Broadway, Escondido.
  • San Diego Automotive Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 9 at 2080 Pan American Plaza. Donors receive a free family membership to the museum.
  • Rainbow Community Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 10 at 4815 Fifth St., Fallbrook.
  • The Broken Yolk Cafe, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 10 at 2963 Jamacha Road, El Cajon.
  • Brookwood Management Partners, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 12 at 705 Palomar Airport, Carlsbad.
  • Synergeyes, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at 2232 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad.
  • Phil’s BBQ, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 12 at 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego.
  • La Jolla High School, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 12 in little gym, 750 Nautilus St., La Jolla.
  • The Elizabeth Hospice, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 13 at 800 W. Valley Parkway, Escondido.
  • VFW Post 2111, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 13 at 299 I St., Chula Vista.
  • Sunset View Elementary, 11:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. March 14 at 4365 Hill St., San Diego.

Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org . Walk-ins are also welcome.

Senior Volunteer Patrol recruiting volunteers

The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station at Campo Road and Jamacha Boulevard, is recruiting volunteers for its Senior Volunteer Patrol. Volunteers must be 50 and older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has applied for citizenship. Volunteers must have car insurance and medical insurance and be of good moral character with no felony convictions. Volunteer duties include traffic control, neighborhood patrol and checking on the homes of residents away on vacation and senior citizens in the “You Are Not Alone” program. Volunteers are requested The station covers the communities of Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and unincorporated parts of La Mesa and El Cajon. Volunteers must pass a background check and a two-week Volunteer Patrol Academy. Minimum commitment is one six-hour shift per week. Call (619) 660-7021.

‘Nature Driven Design’ exhibit showcased

California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program will host University of California San Diego professor and artist Pinar Yoldas discussing her exhibit, “Nature Driven Design: How to Survive Plastics,” at noon March 6 i at the University Student Union Ballroom, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. Yoldas integrates drawing and sculpture with bio-engineering focusing on climate issues. Tickets are $5 and free for CSUSM students, faculty, staff and alumni at eventbrite.com/e/795735384957?aff=oddtdtcreator .

Chickasaw stories, dance films featured

Through the arts of drag, traditional stories and memories, Landa Lakes will “show what it means to be Chickasaw, and Native American Two-Spirit” at 7:30 p.m. March 7, as part of the California State University San Marcos’ Arts And Lectures Program, in the Arts Performance Hall, Room 111. This presentation will include dance films, Chickasaw stories, plays, children’s dances and a Q&A. Tickets are $5 and free for CSUSM students, faculty, staff and alumni at eventbrite.com/e/795738634677?aff=oddtdtcreator .

County supervisor to speak at Republican meeting

The Republican Women-San Marcos group hosts County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond for a presentation about current issues March 18 at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Check-in and social time are at 11 a.m.; and the business meeting is at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and the program. Cost is $40, including lunch. RSVP with payment by March 11. Call (760) 744-1569.

City holds annual District 4 Town Hall

The city of Santee will hold a Town Hall meeting at 6 p.m. March 6 in Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave. The meeting will be led by Vice Mayor Dustin Trotter, who represents District 4 in Santee. Discussion topics will include the city ’s Arts & Entertainment District, road improvements and the Santee Fire Department. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov .

From left, Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club President Nancy Speaks, Vista Mayor John Franklin and club Secretary Erin Feeley.

Mayor inducted into Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club

Vista Mayor John Franklin was inducted into the Sunrise Vista Kiwanis Club earlier this year by club President Nancy Speaks and Secretary Erin Feeley. The 41-member service club will be presenting its “Bite of Reality” financial literacy program to students at Vista High School on March 12 and Rancho Buena Vista High School on May 20. The club also honored Foothill Oak Elementary School students for improving grades on Feb. 12. Visit kiwanisclubofsunrisevista.org .

Elder Fraud topic of talk for seniors

A free information session on “Elder Fraud: Be Aware and Report Scams” led by an FBI intelligence analyst for seniors and caregivers is at 5 p.m. March 6 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Participants learn what to do to prevent falling victim to scams and how to report fraud to local law enforcement. Register for free at sdelderfraud.com . Call (760) 643-5288.

Out and About program provides transportation for seniors

The city of Vista’s Gloria McClellan Senior Center offers an Out and About program that provides older adults with transportation. Seniors who need assistance getting to grocery stores and in-town medical appointments can participate in this program by scheduling rides through the center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Residents should schedule a ride at least two business days in advance at (760) 643-5284.

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  • Preplanned tours
  • Daytrips out of Moscow
  • Themed tours
  • Customized tours
  • St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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  2. San Diego Walking Tour: Balboa Park With A Local Guide GetYourGuide

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  4. Spend a day at Balboa Park: San Diego's center for art, culture and

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  6. Balboa Park, The Largest National Cultural Park in San Diego

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  1. Balboa Park San Diego: Travel Guide

  2. Balboa Park in San Diego

  3. Balboa Park: America's Largest Urban Cultural Park

  4. A Guide to Balboa Park's Trails in San Diego

  5. Balboa Park California

  6. [4K HDR] Balboa Park Walking tour in San Diego 🇺🇸 San Diego, California, USA. Travel Guide

COMMENTS

  1. Visitor Center Free Park Tours

    Very few people know the park as well as Balboa Park Visitors Center staff and volunteers. Now you can hear a full one-hour expert overview of the park's history and attractions during a leisurely walking tour of the park's Central Mesa. ... the 11am tours are the perfect complement to a day exploring other free cultural offerings in the ...

  2. Free Guided Tour

    Free Guided Tour - Balboa Park. Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Residents Free Days. Events.

  3. Plan Your Visit

    Tours; GO CITY PASSES; Parks Trails & Gardens; Parks; Trails; ... Park Rules; FAQS; Park Map & Directions; Groups & Camps; Residents Free Days; Events; Accessibility; About / Plan Your Visit. Balboa Park is a public park and is available for all to enjoy! Park grounds are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ... Resident Free Days; Events ...

  4. Visitors Center

    Balboa Park Tours. Guided Park Tours. Free: Guided tour of Central Mesa begins at 11am, Tuesdays & Fridays, in front of Visitors Center. Special Botanical Tour on 2nd Saturdays at 10am. ... FREE Balboa Park Tram: operates daily, 9am-8pm; The Visitors Center Gift Shop and pop-up Visitors Center kiosk in the Plaza de Panama: 9:30am to 4:30pm ...

  5. 15 Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego's Balboa Park

    1. Can't Stop the Music . Balboa Park's historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion boasts the world's largest outdoor pipe organ — and every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout the year, rain or shine, the pavilion hosts a free organ concert. On top of that, there are two separate, free summer music series at the pavilion: the Summer International Organ Festival, with musicians joining the organist at ...

  6. 53+ Unexpectedly Good, Free Things to Do In Balboa Park, San Diego

    Take a free first lesson each Tuesday 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Balboa Park Club Building. Contact the teachers: Georgina Sham [email protected] 858-459-1336 and Chin Yu [email protected] 858-722-0489. San Diego Folk Dancers. The San Diego Folk Dancers welcome those who want to learn.

  7. Balboa Park

    These free tours are offered on the first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Botanical Building Tour. Step back in time and experience one of the most interesting places in Balboa Park: The Historic Botanical Building. This free, 45-minute docent-led tour showcases the origins, design and horticulture of Balboa Park's historic Botanical Building ...

  8. How to Visit Balboa Park: Directions, Tours, and Free Attractions

    Alternately, the guests can use metered street parking and visit Balboa Park on foot afterword. A free tram connects different parts of the park. It picks the visitors from the parking lots and takes them to the popular museums and other attractions. The tram operates daily from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm.

  9. Free in Balboa Park

    Free Park Tours in Balboa Park. Make a stop by the Balboa Park Visitor's Center (inside the House of Hospitality building) and find out what free tours are being offered on the day of your visit. There are botanical tours of the gardens, architectural tours that highlight the 100-year old+ buildings and Park ranger-led tours. ...

  10. 7 Tours through San Diego's Balboa Park

    Every Saturday. Offered every Saturday by trained volunteers, these easy-paced one-hour walks have rotating themes and start at 10:00 AM. Tour themes include Balboa Park history (first Saturday of the month), palm trees (second Saturday), other trees in the Park (third Saturday), desert vegetation (fourth Saturday) and tour del dia (fifth ...

  11. 40+ Free Things to Do in Balboa Park, San Diego

    kate o. sessions Cactus Garden. Built in 1935 with the help of botanist and philanthropist Kate Sessions, the Old Cactus Garden is home to the largest cacti in Balboa Park. It also has some striking desert flowers known as Sugarbush or Protea. Location: 2144 West Pan American Road, behind the Balboa Park Club.

  12. Guided Park Tours

    The Balboa Park Visitors Center offers a FREE guided tour of Balboa Park's Central Mesa every Tuesday and Friday at 11am. The tour meets in front of the Visitors Center, located in the House of Hospitality at 1549 El Prado. Tours cover the history of Balboa Park, information on many of the historic buildings and gardens, and current park ...

  13. PDF VISITORS GUIDE

    Balboa Park Visitors Center is located in the House of Hospitality building on El Prado walkway. • Information and Free Tours • Balboa Park Tickets and Explorer Passes • Snacks & Drinks, Lost & Found, ATM VISITORS CENTER & GIFT SHOP Information: 619.239.0512 foreverbalboapark.org VISITORS CENTER: 619.239.0512 or balboapark.org • Museums ...

  14. Resident Free Days

    Several Park museums offer free general admission on a rotating basis throughout each month to residents of the City and County of San Diego, and to active military personnel and their dependents. ... free one-hour Behind-the-Scenes Tours available. In order to participate, ... Balboa Park is a public park and is available for all to enjoy!

  15. Balboa Park 2024: Guide to All 18 Museums and Free Days

    Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; last admission at 5 p.m. Price: $14 for adults; $12 for students, seniors (65+), and military; free for children 6 and younger. Free Resident Day: Third ...

  16. Community events in San Diego County: From Animals on the Bay Day to

    A free Balboa Park horticultural tour focusing on "Gums, Bottlebrushes, Paperbarks — Australian Flora in San Diego" is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 9 led by park volunteer and horticultural ...

  17. Balboa Park Tips to Plan Your Visit

    The main parking lot for Balboa Park is at the Inspiration Point lot (on the east side of Park Boulevard, between President's Way and the Balboa Park Activity Center). A free tram provides access to Balboa Park's museums and attractions and runs daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with summer hours extending from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trams pick up every 8 ...

  18. Moscow metro tour

    The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours' itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin's regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as "a people's palace". ... And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ...

  19. Moscow Metro Tour

    View the most beautiful of Moscow's Soviet-era metro stations on this walking tour. With an expert guide, visit five of the Russian capital's celebrated stations built during the Soviet period as you learn how the lavish, subway Moscow architecture was designed to express a bright, bold new Soviet future. Admire the extravagant décor, chandeliers and sculptures at the stations, including ...

  20. Moscow Metro Daily Tour: Small Group

    Moscow has some of the most well-decorated metro stations in the world but visitors don't always know which are the best to see. This guided tour takes you to the city's most opulent stations, decorated in styles ranging from neoclassicism to art deco and featuring chandeliers and frescoes, and also provides a history of (and guidance on how to use) the Moscow metro system.

  21. 60-90 Minute Tour

    60-90 Minute Tour. Short on time? Here are some of Balboa Park's must-see spots. ... Timken Museum of Art. Drop into the always-free Timken Museum of Art where you will find works by European Masters, 19th-century American art, and the only Rembrandt on public display in San Diego. Timken Museum of Art ... Begin your Balboa Park adventure at ...

  22. Free Guided Tour

    Free Guided Tour. December 22 Event Category: Tour; Event Details. Date: December 22 Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Location: House of Hospitality 1549 El Prado San Diego ... View Organizer Website. The Balboa Park Visitors Center offers a ...

  23. Private Guided Moscow Underground Palaces Metro Tour

    A unique private experience of Moscow Metro. We are a team of art-historians, travellers, photographers and bloggers. We will show you the best metro stations of Moscow metro and will be able to change the itinerary according to your wishes. The tour will last for around 2 hours. At the end we can leave at your hotel or anywhere in the city center. See you in Moscow!:)

  24. Tickets

    Balboa Park is a public park and is available for all to enjoy! Explorer Pass. For the dozens of museums, performance venues, special events, classes, and tours, each institution is independently run and has their own admission and pricing. ... gardens, architecture, history, statues, and public artwork are all available to experience on a ...

  25. Dune: Part Two

    The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on Dune: Part Two, the next chapter of Frank Herbert's celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast.The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021's six-time Academy Award-winning Dune.