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The Story of San Diego's Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado

New To The Site! San Diego, USA
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from $7.99 per person

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Casa de Balboa and the House of Hospitality are two of the park's most elegant buildings.
Balboa Park is home to many beautiful gardens to explore and the California Tower.
The House of Hospitality was rebuilt in the nineties, and now houses Balboa Park's Visitor Center.
The Botanical Building was constructed in 1915 for the Panama–California Exposition.
Balboa Park also holds the San Diego Museum of Art, which displays a range of collections from around the world.

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120 to 150 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

Step into the heart of Balboa Park and discover El Prado like never before. This self-guided walking tour invites you to look beyond the beauty and explore the stories, styles, and surprises behind San Diego’s most beloved promenade.
You’ll uncover how architecture, ambition, and artistry transformed a temporary exposition into a timeless cultural icon at every stop.
As you stroll past ornate facades, hidden courtyards, and dramatic colonnades, you’ll learn how theatrical design and clever engineering helped shape not just the park and San Diego’s identity.
GPS-triggered audio brings each structure to life with rich history and unexpected insights along the way.
This tour offers a thoughtful, immersive experience at your own pace, whether you're a first-time visitor or a local seeing the park with fresh eyes.
Come for the beauty—stay for the stories hidden in the walls.

What's Included

  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
  • App and Tour Download
  • Audio Guide
  • Smartphone (bring your own)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

El Prado
San Diego, CA 92103, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Pan American West Road
San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Kate Sessions Cactus Garden can be found inside the park, three-quarters of a mile from the starting point of the tour on Pan American W Road. This is beside the Balboa Park Club and Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre.

What To Expect

Alcazar Garden

Inspired by Spanish palace gardens, this peaceful oasis features vibrant tiles, geometric flower beds, and stunning seasonal blooms. A hidden gem perfect for a quiet pause amid architectural grandeur.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

One of Balboa Park’s most photographed spots, this 1915 lath structure is a lush showcase of tropical plants and seasonal floral displays—reflected beautifully in the serene lily pond out front.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cabrillo Bridge

Spanning Cabrillo Canyon, this dramatic arched bridge offers panoramic views and a grand approach into the heart of the park. It’s also a striking symbol of Balboa Park’s early 20th-century design ambition.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

California Tower (Pass By)

This ornate, Spanish Colonial Revival tower rises above Balboa Park with distinctive flair. Once closed for decades, it now offers one of the best skyline views in San Diego—along with layers of history.
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Casa De Balboa

Once part of a world’s fair, this stately building now houses several museums and cultural institutions. Its elegant façade and courtyard continue to reflect the park’s blend of beauty and function.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Casa del Prado (Pass By)

This richly detailed building is a masterclass in architectural theater—home to museums, youth programs, and lush courtyards. Look closely: every arch, column, and flourish tells a story.
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House of Hospitality

Now home to the Balboa Park Visitors Center, this reconstructed 1915 building pairs ornate charm with a welcoming mission. Its courtyard café is one of the park’s best-kept secrets.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Comic-con Museum (Pass By)

Celebrate pop culture past and present at this dynamic museum, born from the legendary Comic-Con itself. Exhibits range from comics and superheroes to video games and fandom history.
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San Diego Air & Space Museum (Pass By)

The round, futuristic 1935 Ford Building once celebrated innovation—and still does. Inside, you’ll find flight simulators, historic aircraft, and space exploration exhibits that will inspire all ages.
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House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations

Step into a world of cultural exchange at these charming international cottages. Each weekend, you’ll find music, food, and traditions from dozens of cultures that call San Diego home.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kate O Sessions Cactus Garden

Created by Balboa Park’s legendary landscape designer, this garden is home to rare succulents and dramatic desert plants. It’s a quiet retreat with sweeping canyon views.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kate Sessions Statue

This elegant bronze honors the Mother of Balboa Park, who transformed much of the park’s landscape with her visionary plantings. A fitting tribute to one of San Diego’s great unsung heroes.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Plaza de Panama Fountain

This central plaza links many of the park’s biggest attractions and offers space to rest, reflect, or people-watch. It’s a social crossroads surrounded by striking architecture and history.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

San Diego Automotive Museum (Pass By)

From muscle cars to motorcycles, this museum celebrates the history and innovation of the automobile. Car lovers will find plenty to admire—from sleek designs to quirky classics.
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Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Home to one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the world, this open-air pavilion hosts free concerts year-round. Its dramatic stage and soaring acoustics make every performance memorable.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Zoro Garden

Originally a nudist colony exhibit during the 1935 Exposition(!), this sunken stone garden is now a peaceful butterfly habitat. Its unusual history makes it one of the park’s most unexpected delights.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

San Diego Museum of Art (Pass By)

Balboa Park’s premier fine arts museum showcases a world-class collection ranging from Spanish Old Masters to contemporary works. Its iconic façade and rotating exhibits make it a cornerstone of the park’s cultural scene.
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Casa del Prado Theatre (Pass By)

Tucked behind ornate facades, this intimate theater hosts performances by local youth, schools, and community groups. It’s a vibrant example of how Balboa Park nurtures creativity at every level.
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Spanish Village Art Center

Colorful tiles lead the way into a working artists’ colony filled with open studios and galleries. From ceramics to jewelry, you can meet the makers, watch them at work, and even take home a handmade piece of San Diego.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bea Evenson Fountain

This graceful modern fountain honors Bea Evenson, the preservationist who helped save Balboa Park’s Spanish Revival architecture. A tranquil landmark at the plaza’s edge, it’s both a tribute and a favorite photo stop.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 18 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Story of San Diego’s Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-403897P18


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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Story of San Diego’s Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access).
  • App and Tour Download.
  • Audio Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Smartphone (bring your own).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the The Story of San Diego's Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Story of San Diego's Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
  • App and Tour Download
  • Audio Guide
  • Smartphone (bring your own)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
  • Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
  • Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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