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San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee

San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee

Overview

There is so much more to beautiful Balboa Park than meets the eye, and you'll find all the secret spots on this small group walking tour of San Diego's cultural crown jewel. You'll see gardens of different types, inspiring architecture, learn about the park's history and the cultural organizations that populate it now. And top it all off with a beverage at a popular coffee cart.

- 2 hour walking tour of Balboa Park

- Learn how two expositions shaped the park and changed San Diego

- Discover the Naval connection to the park

- Be sure to bring a camera as this is the prettiest tour in town!

- Enjoy a beverage at a park coffee cart

City: San Diego

Sat 21 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $54.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Jun

Starting at $54.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Exclusive access to park resource list with recommendations on how to enjoy the park after the tour

One beverage at a local coffee cart

Professional and Fun Tour Guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Let us know in advance if you would like an audio system.
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.

What To Expect

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is the cultural jewel of San Diego with architecture, gardens and cultural organizations a-plenty. Keep a camera handy as there are Instagramable spots around every corner.

Cabrillo Bridge

We'll pause on our walk across the bridge to admire the views of downtown, the San Diego Zoo and the historic highway below.

California Tower

The California Tower is a landmark not only for the park but for San Diego as well. The nearly 200 foot tall tower was built for the 1915 Panama California Exposition, and the story of San Diego’s founding in it’s ornate facade. We’ll get three great views of the tower, each one prettier than the next.

Alcazar Garden

Originally developed for the 1915 Exposition, this garden was redesigned for the 1935 Exposition off the Alcazar Gardens in Seville Spain

Old Globe Theatre

The three theaters in this complex have wowed audiences since the original construction for the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935. Your guide will give you the scoop on getting tickets when shows are in production.

Plaza de Panama Fountain

This plaza is surrounded by cultural organizations and places to eat. We'll provide all the details you need to know for further exploration after the tour.

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

This building was the largest of its kind when built for the 1915 Exposition, and one of four buildings constructed to last past the festivities. In front of it is a historic pond where we will spot koi and other wildlife.

Spanish Village Art Center

This colorful collection of cottages, built for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, house 37 studios and many more artists. You'll have a chance to explore this unique village, and grab a beverage too!

Casa del Prado

The home of many cultural and botanical organizations, this building also holds the secrets of how the detailed architecture of the park was created quick and cheap.

Show 6 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (145)

Stephanie C

Feb 2025

We have been to Balboa park several times, but wanted to learn more! Jen did a great job teaching us about the history and people who made the park what it is. Easy pace and good overview of the major park buildings and museums.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you for taking the tour! It’s always fun to share insights about Balboa Park, even for those who have visited before. It's just so beautiful with so much to see that you can't take it all in with one visit. Really appreciate the kind feedback and hope you'll be back for another visit!

loujack48

Feb 2025

Enjoyed our tour of Balboa Park. Our guide Jennifer was wonderful - great grasp of the history of the park and its fabulous structures, superb narration. The park is a gem, made all-the-more enjoyable with a well-informed tour guide leading the way.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring Balboa Park with me. It truly is a special place, and I’m happy I could help bring its stories to life. Thanks so much for joining and the kind words here. Hope you'll be back for another visit soon!

X967SWsusand

Jan 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed each part of this tour. Jennifer did a great job of telling us about all history of the park. Balboa Park is such a beautiful place. Looking forward to coming back and visiting some of the museums. If you’re on the fence about this tour, don’t hesitate. It is completely worth it!

Response from Host

Jan 2025

I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciate the kind words! It really is a beautiful place, and I hope you get the chance to visit the museums soon—there’s so much more to explore! Thank you again for joining me in the park and for your recommendation!