Balboa Park On Your Own

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Museums, culture and history set against a backdrop of lush, verdant park land. That's what you'll experience during this full-day excursion to San Diego's breathtaking Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park.

Begin your adventure at your pier where you will board a colorful, historic trolley and set out for a short tour of downtown San Diego en route to Balboa Park. As you travel, your friendly conductor will point out city highlights such as the charming Seaport Village on the bay, the massive Convention Center, the architecturally fascinating Horton Plaza outdoor shopping mall,and the historic Gaslamp Quarter featuring Victorian-era architecture.

The Trolley arrives in the heart of Balboa Park and a representative from Balboa Park Discovery provides the information you need (brochures, maps, dining advice, etc) for your self-guided visit to this 1200-acre park that is home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo (Zoo admission not included).

There's so much see and your excursion includes admission to four museums of your choice! There's an international museum, a museum of photographic arts, a science center, an air and space center, an automotive museum, model railroad museum, sports museum, natural history museum, Veterans museum and several museums of art! Something for every taste! Got kids? All museums are kid friendly. Like to shop? All museum shops are open to the public without admission.

But museums aren't all this stunning park has to offer. Watch fine artisans at work at the Spanish Village Art Center. There'san IMAX theater located in the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and 3D movies at the Natural History Museum, should you be in the mood for a visually stunning film experience.

And don't forget to visit some of Balboa Park's magnificent gardens. Enjoy the dry desert beauty of the Old Cactus Garden and the unique organic herb, fruit, and vegetable offerings at the Children's Ethnobotany Garden. In a meditative mood? Stroll along the winding paths of the Japanese Friendship Garden with its koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate, and wisteria arbor. The Marston House Garden offers up a formal English Romantic-style garden with California influences. And the Botanical Building is home to 2,100 permanent plants, including cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants, and palms. There are nine major gardens and each offers up its own unique theme!

All that culture, history and fun - you'll certainly work up an appetite. The park is home to over many restaurants and cafes where you can indulge in a delicious meal or snack.

Following your fascinating visit to this memorable park, you will reboard your trolley by the Visitors Center for your scenic drive back to the pier and your Princess ship in the glistening waters of the harbor.

Special Notes:

Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket or sweater are recommended.

The following attractions are closed on Mondays: Mingei International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Art Institute - Museum of the Living Artist, Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, Timken Museum of Art. 

The San Diego Museum of Art is closed on Wednesdays.

The Botanical Gardens are closed on Thursdays.

Admission to the San Diego Zoo is not included.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced