Items | San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee
San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee
(186) Reviews
Balboa Park
Important Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Let us know in advance if you would like an audio system.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic destinations, but with more than 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and historic architecture, it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. This guided walking tour brings the park to life through engaging stories, context, and carefully chosen highlights.
Now in our 10th year, we’re proud to be one of the longest-running tour operators in the park. Your guide explains not just what you’re seeing, but why it’s there—unpacking the symbolism of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, introducing the people behind the park’s creation, and pointing out details many visitors miss.
The tour blends iconic sights with quieter corners, moves at a rel...
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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
Guide gratuity
Meeting Points
Departure
698 El Prado
Meeting address for FOUNDER’S PLAZA at west entrance to park is approximate. If 698 EL PRADO doesn’t appear on your map or app, use SEFTON PLAZA. Look for 3 statues on only sloped corner at Balboa Dr & El Prado. If driving, allow extra time to park & pay. Ride Share drivers may drop at wrong statue.
Return
1350 El Prado
San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee
(186) Reviews
Balboa Park
About
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic destinations, but with more than 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and historic architecture, it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. This guided walking tour brings the park to life through engaging stories, context, and carefully chosen highlights.
Now in our 10th year, we’re proud to be one of the longest-running tour operators in the park. Your guide explains not just what you’re seeing, but why it’s there—unpacking the symbolism of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, introducing the people behind the park’s creation, and pointing out details many visitors miss.
The tour blends iconic sights with quieter corners, moves at a rel...
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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
Guide gratuity
Meeting Points
Departure
698 El Prado
Meeting address for FOUNDER’S PLAZA at west entrance to park is approximate. If 698 EL PRADO doesn’t appear on your map or app, use SEFTON PLAZA. Look for 3 statues on only sloped corner at Balboa Dr & El Prado. If driving, allow extra time to park & pay. Ride Share drivers may drop at wrong statue.
Return
1350 El Prado
Itinerary
1
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.
50 minutes
2
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.
5 minutes
3
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.
5 minutes
4
Alcazar Garden
Originally developed for the 1915 Exposition, this garden was redesigned for the 1935 Exposition off the Alcazar Gardens in Seville Spain
5 minutes
5
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.
5 minutes
6
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.
5 minutes
7
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.
10 minutes
8
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!
10 minutes
9
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
Planted for the 1915 Exposition, this magnificent tree has seen a lot in the century since, and we'll get up close and personal thanks to a new viewing platform.
5 minutes
10
Bea Evenson Fountain
Named for the founder of the Committee of One Hundred, this fountain attracts children, dogs and birds, plus also has a surprising feature that is activated by the Fleet Center next door.
5 minutes
11
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.
5 minutes
12
El Prado
The main area of the 1915 Exposition, the ornate buildings hold an interesting history, and some surprising architectural details.
