Balboa Park
Balboa Park is an attraction in its own right, boasting grassy areas that makes for a great spot to rest and get your bearings. Stretch out on the many grassy areas and enjoy a picnic, or take in the gorgeous scenery decorated with orchids, roses, water lilies, and other local flora.
Balboa Park, San Diego is family-friendly fun for all ages! This walkable area is home to top San Diego attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and numerous museums. It also hosts activities such as bike riding, hiking and shopping, while offering park space and picnic tables for public use.
Museums
Balboa Park is home to 17 museums and counting. These museums cover a diverse range of topics including classic and contemporary art, photography, history, space, aeronautics, automobiles, railroads, and more. No matter where your interests lie, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.
Balboa Park, San Diego is family-friendly fun for all ages! This walkable area is home to top San Diego attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and numerous museums. It also hosts activities such as bike riding, hiking and shopping, while offering park space and picnic tables for public use.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is fun for people of all ages. See local and exotic animals and their exhibits, catch a show, or tour the botanical gardens. With over 3,500 animals from 800 different species, there’s always something new to see no matter how many times you visit.
Balboa Park, San Diego is family-friendly fun for all ages! This walkable area is home to top San Diego attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and numerous museums. It also hosts activities such as bike riding, hiking and shopping, while offering park space and picnic tables for public use.
Nightlife
Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Head to the neighborhoods that surround Balboa Park to experience a vibrant nightlife full of clubs, cocktail lounges, pubs, and bars. Hit the dance floor at a nightclub, or share some drinks with your partner—whatever you prefer, you’ll find it here!
Hillcrest is San Diego’s best known LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Immerse yourself into the lively nightlife after a day of visiting the neighboring renowned San Diego Zoo and museums. This walkable neighborhood features local cafés, parks and shopping boutiques. Bike or stroll through the diverse atmosphere that is Hillcrest, San Diego.
North Park borders Balboa Park. Choose a day of touring the world-famous San Diego Zoo and its neighboring assortment of museums. Or be a part of the exciting nightlife, and walk to the nearby breweries, delectable cafés, and unique shopping boutiques! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled retreat!
South Park is wonderful for a couples’ getaway! Stay near the world-famous San Diego Zoo, located in neighboring Balboa Park. Check out local hiking and biking trails, picturesque parks, or dive into the vibrant local nightlife. Delectable cafés and exceptional shopping boutiques are never more than a few blocks away!
LGBTQ+ Friendly
The Balboa Park area is very LGBTQ+ friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. It has hosted pop-up exhibits celebrating the community’s history and artwork by LGBTQ+ creators, alongside other events celebrating pride such as the annual pride parade in nearby Hillcrest. It’s also a popular inclusive wedding venue.
Hillcrest is San Diego’s best known LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Immerse yourself into the lively nightlife after a day of visiting the neighboring renowned San Diego Zoo and museums. This walkable neighborhood features local cafés, parks and shopping boutiques. Bike or stroll through the diverse atmosphere that is Hillcrest, San Diego.
Sidewalk Cafés
If you’ve worked up an appetite visiting the beaches and museums throughout San Diego, try one of Balboa Park’s sidewalk cafés! The authentic local cuisine at these restaurants can’t be beat, and when you sit outside, you get to enjoy an immersive atmosphere that showcases classic laid-back SoCal culture.
Bring your loved ones to this delightful neighborhood, located right next to Balboa Park, which is full of popular local attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Bankers Hill is a walkable neighborhood, lined with sidewalk cafés, shopping boutiques and quaint parks perfect for an afternoon stroll or bike ride.
Take the family for a stroll through the eclectic architecture, quaint shops and historic buildings of Golden Hill. Overlooking Downtown San Diego and conveniently located near Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter & East Village, spend a day at a local sidewalk café, park, bike riding or the nearby world-famous San Diego Zoo.
North Park borders Balboa Park. Choose a day of touring the world-famous San Diego Zoo and its neighboring assortment of museums. Or be a part of the exciting nightlife, and walk to the nearby breweries, delectable cafés, and unique shopping boutiques! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled retreat!
South Park is wonderful for a couples’ getaway! Stay near the world-famous San Diego Zoo, located in neighboring Balboa Park. Check out local hiking and biking trails, picturesque parks, or dive into the vibrant local nightlife. Delectable cafés and exceptional shopping boutiques are never more than a few blocks away!
Breweries
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing craft twist on an old classic or a unique IPA you can’t get anywhere else, the breweries around Balboa Park offer some of the best selections in the area. Here, you’ll find everything from your typical pub atmosphere to well-decorated patios and upscale taprooms.
Hillcrest is San Diego’s best known LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Immerse yourself into the lively nightlife after a day of visiting the neighboring renowned San Diego Zoo and museums. This walkable neighborhood features local cafés, parks and shopping boutiques. Bike or stroll through the diverse atmosphere that is Hillcrest, San Diego.
North Park borders Balboa Park. Choose a day of touring the world-famous San Diego Zoo and its neighboring assortment of museums. Or be a part of the exciting nightlife, and walk to the nearby breweries, delectable cafés, and unique shopping boutiques! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled retreat!
South Park is wonderful for a couples’ getaway! Stay near the world-famous San Diego Zoo, located in neighboring Balboa Park. Check out local hiking and biking trails, picturesque parks, or dive into the vibrant local nightlife. Delectable cafés and exceptional shopping boutiques are never more than a few blocks away!