Balboa Park covers a huge 1,200 acres and it's minutes away from downtown San Diego. It has over 85 cultural and recreational organizations here, including fifteen museums and various performing arts groups, like the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre and the world-famous Old Globe Theatre, which presents at least 14 productions and 550 performances a year. And speaking of "world famous," Balboa Park is also home to the San Diego Zoo, where you can stroll around the 100-acre grounds, discovering colorful and exotic species of animals displayed in spacious natural habitats.

Balboa Park is also acclaimed for its horticultural treasures – a host of glorious gardens including an award-winning rose garden and a butterfly garden; rare plant species; 58 different varieties of palm trees; and an outstanding Botanical Building housing over 2,000 different tropical plants. All these botanical marvels are set among manicured lawns, shady groves of majestic trees or nestled within peaceful vistas.

The rich ethnic diversity of San Diego is reflected in the Balboa Park’s attractions: the Centro Cultural de la Raza; WorldBeat Center celebrating cultures of African origins; the Japanese Friendship Garden; and the House of Pacific Relations–17 cottages which are home to groups representing 30 different nations.

Begin your visit in the Balboa Park at the Visitors Center, located in the historic House of Hospitality. Knowledgeable volunteers at the Center will help you make the most of your visit to the Balboa Park.