Balboa Park Parking Information

Often referred to as the crown jewel for San Diego, the Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park located in the heart of the city just north of downtown. In addition to its beautiful open spaces, natural vegetation green belts and gardens, the Balboa Park is home of the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the historic Old Globe Theater, numerous museums and other cultural attractions, including a variety of shops and restaurants. The whole Balboa Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego and the surrounding areas.

Balboa Park together with the historic Exposition buildings were designated a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark District in the year of 1977. It also earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is operated and managed by the stewardship of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Being in the heart of the city, Balboa Park is accessible from most neighborhoods in the city of San Diego by bus, trolley or train. Visitors from cities in North County, South Bay and East County can have easy and convenient access to the park as well. If you prefer to drive to Balboa Park, plenty of parking is offered at Balboa Park.

- Inspiration Point Parking Lot

The parking lot is located on the east side of Park Blvd and you can find it between the Balboa Park Activity Center and Presidents Way. The parking lot offers free parking 24 hours a day. You can have easy access to the right center of Balboa Park through the free tram, which provides access to museums and attractions at Balboa Park. Just park your vehicle at the Inspiration Point Lot and wait at Tram Central, which is provided by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department.

Trams usually travel through Tram Central every 8-10 minutes and you may need to wait for 20-40 minutes during peak times. During the summer months from June 1 to October 31, the free tram runs from 8:15 am to 8 pm, Tuesday through Sunday and from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm on Monday. From November 1 to May 31, fall/winter hours are from 8:15 am to 5:15 pm. Besides the Tram Central, there're many designated pick-up areas for visitors to take a tram ride around the park. Stop at the Balboa Park Visitors Center in the House of Hospitality and get a detailed park map and a bi-monthly Events Guide.

The Schedule and Route of Tram

http://www.balboapark.org/sites/default/files/trammap-1.pdf

Numerous smaller lots are scattered throughout the park. City College Lots are situated between 16th and "B" Streets. Parking at these lots are free of charge for visitors. The North Lot can be found at 1600 Pacific Highway, just at the corner of Grape Street. Guests to Balboa Park can park your vehicles at the North Lot for free during the operation hours. PETCO Park and Lots around Park Blvd and Imperial Avenue provide more than 2,000 parking spaces for visitors. The parking rate is only $3 each vehicle.

To find out more specific locations for each parking lot, you can check out the map below for places marked P. Once you enter Balboa Park, just follow the parking signs and find the nearest parking spaces for your vehicles.

Balboa Park Map

http://www.balboapark.org/maps-old

Valet parking service is provided in front of the Prado Restaurant at the House of Hospitality. From Tuesday to Thursday, valet parking is offered from 5 pm to 10 pm. On Friday, valet parking is available from 5 pm through midnight. The hours of service are from 10 am to 10 pm on Sunday and from 10 am through midnight on Saturday. Please note that valet parking service is not offered on Mondays.

Balboa Park usually charges for special event parking, like Balboa Park 2011 December Nights, the favorite kick-off to the holiday season in the city. More than 300,000 people attend December Nights every year so that on-site parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly recommended to take public transportation or take advantage of the free off-site shuttle services.

December Nights Shuttles are available at City College Lots, County Administration Building North Lot and PETCO Park and Lots around Park Blvd and Imperial Avenue. The December Nights Shuttle is available from 4:30 pm to 11 pm on Friday, December 4th and from 12 pm to 11 pm on Saturday, December 5th in all locations. The last shuttle departs from all locations at 8:45 pm. If you want to take the last shuttle leaving from Balboa Park, the exact time is 10:45 pm.

The nearest public parking is the Inspiration Point Lot and the San Diego Zoo Lot. Visitors can only enjoy free parking at the Zoo Lot for December Nights. But the lot fills up quickly on the two days. Preferred parking service is available at $20 on the east side of Balboa Park and service is provided at Park Blvd and Village Place, which is located close to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Disabled parking is provided at several designated areas, including Park Blvd & Space Theater Way, Park Blvd & President's Way, Zoo Lot and Laurel Street & Balboa Drive. Please notice that limited handicapped spaces are available. Late-comers may find no available spaces. You must present a valid placard and ID card to enter these designated parking areas.

Directions to Balboa Park

http://www.balboapark.org/visit/directions