Balboa Park

Explore Balboa Park via its extensive trail and pathway network, which offers opportunities for a variety of activities. Check out the biking, walking, and accessible routes through the park!

San Diego's 1,000-acre urban park is home to 15 museums, performing arts spaces, numerous gardens, playgrounds, a sports complex, various fields and courts, picnic areas and pavilions, three off-leash dog parks, the San Diego Zoo, and so much more.

Interpretive panels at the main trailheads have maps and trail regulations. The main trailheads are located at Park Blvd & Zoo Place, Park Blvd & Morley Field Drive, Florida Drive & Pershing Drive, and Morley Field (west of the tennis courts and southwest of the velodrome). Official trail routes have an assigned color and number with markers placed along the way, but there are plenty of pathways and trails that are not included in a designated route

Here are a few highlighted routes to check out! From the 6th and Upas St gateway, a 1.5-mile trail composed of level concrete walkways is lined with trees as it loops through the West Mesa area's north end. From the Park Blvd gateway, follow the #31 round red trail markers to explore the park’s most popular sites, located in the historic 1915 Panama California Exposition section of the park. This route uses sidewalks and pavement. Additional trails have a variety of surfaces including dirt, grass, gravel, concrete, and asphalt. Biking is permitted on the trails and dogs on leashes are welcome.

The Visitor's Center is located at 1549 El Prado. Restrooms and water stations are marked on the TrailLink map, as well as all the park's facilities and amenities. The free Balboa Park Tram provides transportation within the park as it loops around the cultural district with stops near several parking lots.

Parking and Trail Access

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides easy access to the park, especially from downtown Sand Diego and Mission Valley. The main bus routes through Balboa Park are Route 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (City College), and Rapid 215. Check out the MTS website to plan your visit or download PRONTO, the free MTS mobile app.

Bike racks are available for those who prefer to bike to the park.

For those driving, parking is available at eleven free lots located throughout the park. View the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.