Overview
Explore San Diego's Balboa Park with a private guide, and hear informative narration about this 1,200-acre (485-hectare) cultural icon, declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1977. See areas like the Botanical Building or Rose Garden, and pass by a plethora of museums as you learn about the park’s history and architecture.
Travel from your hotel to Balboa Park by luxury vehicle, and enjoy provided bottled water and snacks during this 2-hour tour.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private transportation
Round Trip Pick-up and Drop-off
Narration by professional guide
Bottled Water and Small Snacks
In-vehicle air conditioning
Transportation by Mercedes Sprinter
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees to attractions, unless specified
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, look for the Another Side Tours sign and the blue door. Please see 'Additional Information' for information on where to park or call us at 1-619-239-2111
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Street parking is free on Sunday's and major holidays.
1) At the Horzon Plaza Mall you can park in the flat lot located at 3rd and G Street next to the garage for $10 per day. This is a cash only lot and does not accept credit cards. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE ACTUAL HORTON PARKING GARAGE, as it is $2 every 15 minutes.
2) There are two all-day parking lots located at 8th ave. and g street (665 8th av. San Diego, CA 92101) as well as on 7th ave. and Market Street (614 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101) Parking in these lots ranges from $5-$10 a day (can be higher during San Diego Padres home games and special events)
3) The next closes all-day lot is at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Island. The lot is directly across the street from 100 Harbor Club Drive. The parking fee ranges from $8-$12 a day. There is also 9-hour all-day street spots located there too for $6.75 a day.
What to expect
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Balboa Park
Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions. A variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.
Home of the San Diego Zoo. (Something to see another time). -
Spanish Village Art Center
San Diego’s coveted secret for art lovers at Spanish Village Art Center. Located between the Zoo and theNAT these quaint buildings and colorful courtyard were originally built in 1935. They depicted a charming old village in Spain for the second California Pacific International Exposition.
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Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
The Japanese Friendship Garden ("JFG") is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama.
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Museum of Us
Specializing in cultural anthropology, the Museum of Us explores the human experience from multicultural perspectives to spark dialogue, self-reflection, and human connections. During your visit, you’ll explore a variety of unique, interactive exhibits that cover a vast range of human history and culture.
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Botanical Building and Lily Pond
5 min
The Botanical Building with the Lily Pond and Lagoon in the foreground is one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park. The Lily Pond, built as a reflecting pool for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition features annual plantings of water lilies and lotus.
The plantings inside of the Botanical Building include orchid displays, cycads and palms, a scratch-and-sniff garden, and seasonal displays. -
San Diego Natural History Museum
5 min
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). From rattlesnakes and flesh-eating beetles, to dinosaurs and fossils, to historic archives and art, there’s something for every type of nature nerd here at the home of one the oldest biological research centers in the region. Visitors will be impressed by the unique, interactive exhibitions that span across five floors. The museum features a giant-screen theater with daily showings, as well as rotating exhibitions that bring nature to life.
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Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
5 min
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains more than 1,600 roses including Hybrid Teas, Florabundas, Grandifloras, Miniature Shrubs, and Old Roses.
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Comic-con Museum
5 min
The Comic-Con Museum will encourage an appreciation of comics and related popular arts through exhibits, programs and events drawn from across the Comic-Con universe.
Considered the cultural heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is already home to numerous museums, galleries and theaters along with the famous San Diego Zoo. Now, with the help of the City of San Diego, CCI is in the process of converting the 1935 Federal Building into what is planned to be a world-class museum by day, and a very unique fan community venue by night. -
California Tower
5 min
The California Tower, the soaring, intricately detailed, portion of the California Building, is an icon of San Diego, and can be seen from miles around. The building houses the San Diego Museum of Us.
The nearly 200-foot-tall Tower and Dome of the California Building are covered with intricate carvings, colorful tile, and glass beads. -
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
5 min
This unique organ contains more than 5,000 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet and is the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. The Spreckels Organ is housed in an ornate vaulted structure with highly embellished gables.
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Old Globe Theatre
5 min
Modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London, the Old Globe. Theatre was built in 1935 for the presentation of abridged versions of Shakespeare’s plays as part of the California Pacific International Exposition.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- Parking Option 3: The next closest all day lot is at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Island. The lot is directly across from 100 Harbor Club Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 **Not available from 7/1 thru 7/31 due to Comic Con***
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about The Private Balboa Park Tour
Can I cancel The Private Balboa Park Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, look for the Another Side Tours sign and the blue door. Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Private transportation
- Round Trip Pick-up and Drop-off
- Narration by professional guide
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Transportation by Mercedes Sprinter
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Entrance fees to attractions, unless specified
Which places does it visit?
It visits Balboa Park, Spanish Village Art Center, Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, Museum of Us, Botanical Building and Lily Pond, San Diego Natural History Museum, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, Comic-con Museum.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Another Side Of San Diego Tours
