Donate
Menu
Donate

Tours

Step Into Balboa Park with a Guided Tour

We have both public tours and custom tours for visitors to the park. Choose an option below to scheudle a tour or learn more.

If you have any questions you can email us at  tours@balboapark.org for more information.

Balboa Park Tour Options

Public Tours

Public tours, led by expert volunteers, are available weekly. Suggested Donation of $5 to support ongoing care of Balboa Park.

All tours meet at the Balboa Park Visitors Center unless otherwise specified.

Public Tours

Get to know Balboa Park even better! Our public tours reveal the hidden stories, vibrant gardens, and rich history that make Balboa Park a place like no other. Led by passionate volunteers, these tours are a gift to the community.

Suggested donation of $5 — proceeds contribute to our work enhancing and sustaining Balboa Park.

General Tour

This guided tour of Balboa Park's Central Mesa is a great introduction for visitors (and locals!) looking to learn more about the history, architecture, horticulture, and culture in the Park.

5 Flavors Tour

Attendees will stop at different plants and learn about their corresponding flavor, where they can be found in everyday life, and how to incorporate them into their daily routines. Guides will use the plants as a teaching tool and provide optional tasting samples at each stop. Please Note: Those with food sensitivities are encouraged to avoid tasing any samples that may cause them harm.

Women's History Tour

This tour was developed in collaboration with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center. It highlights the historical and contemporary women who have left an impact on the park, including philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, the “mother of Balboa Park” Kate Sessions, and sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle.

Starting in April: 
  • We will offer our General Balboa Park tour at 11 AM every Tuesday and 2 PM every Friday. Tours meet outside the Visitors Center and we suggest a $5 donation. No pre-registration is required
  • We will offer the 5 Flavors Tour at 10 AM on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of each month. Tours meet at the Kiosk at the Trees for Health Garden (corner of Balboa Dr. and Quince Dr.) and donations are welcome. No pre-registration required. 
  • We will offer the Balboa Park Women's History Tour (in collaboration with the Center for Women's History at the San Diego History Center) on the third Saturday of each month. The tour meets at the Bea Evenson Fountain and donations are welcome.  No pre-registration required. 
Starting in May: 
  • We will resume our Horticulture Tour on the first Saturday of the month at 10 AM. Tours meet outside the Visitors Center and we suggest a $5 donation. Tours topics change monthly and can be found on our website.  No pre-registration required.

Check back quarterly for upcoming tour topics.

Learn More

Custom Park Tours

Our tours are designed for groups of any size — fill out a Custom Tour Inquiry Form or reach out at tours@balboapark.org to get started

Inquiry Form

“Our Emerging Museum Professionals San Diego group experienced a truly exceptional custom tour. Each guide’s personal anecdotes and deep love of San Diego history brought Balboa Park vividly to life.”
— Emerging Museum Professionals San Diego Board Member

Schedule A Custom Tour
Let us Answer Your Questions
Ask us a question or send a comment and an expert volunteer will get right back to you.



    Sessions Newsletter

    Subscribe For Park Updates

    Some description text for this item

    Forever Balboa Park © 2024-25. All Rights Reserved.

    LiveChat

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Privacy Settings | Accessibility Statement

    to top