Discover the magic behind the Park.
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 for public tours: $5 — every bit goes toward the gardens, programs, and spaces that make Balboa Park special.
Historical Tour
The Balboa Park Visitors Center offers a PUBLIC guided tour of Balboa Park’s Central Mesa every Tuesday and the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays at 11 AM. 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 happenings. If you’re just starting your experience at Balboa Park or want to learn even more, the Visitors Center tour is the perfect opportunity to get to know Balboa Park even better.
Trees for Health 5 Flavors Tour
Join us at the trees for Health Garden every 3rd and 4th Friday at 10 AM for our 5 Flavors Tour. The tour meets next to the kiosk at the north entrance of the garden.
This hour-long tour highlights the 5 flavors central to Chinese medicine through a guided walk of the Trees for Health Garden. Attendees will stop at over 8 different plants and learn about their corresponding flavor and where they can be found in everyday life. Guides will use the plants as a teaching tool and provide optional tasting samples at each stop. By the end of the tour attendees will be familiar with all 5 flavors and how to incorporate them into their daily routines. Please note that all are welcome on this tour and those with food sensitivities are encouraged to avoid any samples that may cause them harm.
Balboa Park Women’s History Tour
The Visitors Center also offers our Public Balboa Park Women’s History Tour on the 1st Saturday of every month at 10 AM. The tour begins at the Bea Evenson Fountain.
This tour was developed in collaboration with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center and it highlights the historical and contemporary women who have left an impact on the park. Highlights include philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, the “mother of Balboa Park” Kate Sessions, and sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle. By the end of the tour, attendees will not only have a deeper understanding of these women, but also of the various periods in Balboa Park’s history!
Horticultural Tour
A special monthly tour will focus on the park’s unique biodiversity and highlight various horticultural wonders. Led by Forever Balboa Park volunteer and horticultural enthusiast Bill Edwards, the free tours take place on the first Saturday of each month at 10am and leave from the Visitors Center.