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Balboa Park Small Group Tour: Discover Hidden Gems
5.0
124 Ratings
San Diego
Uncover the hidden gems of Balboa Park on a small group walking tour. Explore gardens, admire architecture, learn about the park’s history, and enjoy a beverage at a popular coffee cart.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Alcazar Garden - Originally developed for the 1915 Exposition, this garden was redesigned for the 1935 Exposition off the Alcazar Gardens in Seville Spain
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
What's Not Included
- Guide gratuity
Additional Information
Explore the hidden corners of splendid Balboa Park on this intimate group strolling tour of San Diego’s cultural masterpiece. You’ll encounter diverse gardens, impactful architecture, and gain insight into the park’s past as well as the cultural entities that reside in it today. Cap it all off with a drink from a popular coffee kiosk.
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2-hour exploration of Balboa Park on foot
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Understand how two exhibitions moulded the park and revolutionized San Diego
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Uncover the park’s connection to the Navy
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Don’t forget to bring a camera as this is the city’s most photogenic tour!
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Sample a drink from a coffee stand in the park
- Let us know in advance if you would like an audio system.
- Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Location
698 El Prado
El Prado
We meet at the Founders Statues near 698 El Prado between 6th Ave and Balboa Drive at the west entrance of Balboa Park. It's on the only corner with an incline. If using ride share services request SEFTON PLAZA as the drop off location. Otherwise you may get dropped off in the wrong place.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(124 Ratings)
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Lyn_s
Sep 1, 2024
Balboa Park - Jennifer was extremely knowledgeable and made history fun! Everyone should do this at least once so they understand the history of Dan Diego!
Review provided by Viator
Janine_g
Aug 23, 2024
Great tour! - Great overview of and introduction to Balboa Park. Very helpful for planning future visits to museums! The coffee stand is charming with great coffee.
Review provided by Viator
Wildonva
Jul 28, 2024
Balboa Park is a gem! - Jennifer gave us a fun and informative tour of Balboa Park sharing the history as well as giving us information about the museums and current programs. I ended up spending over 5 hours walking around, eating, and going to a museum. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q7540utdonnad
Jul 19, 2024
Balboa Park - Jen is a fabulous guide. She made our tour both educational and fun 👍😊 I highly recommend this tour, specifically Jen. So much to learn.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garywd1882oc
Jul 19, 2024
Balboa Park Walking Tour - The Balboa Park walking tour was top rate and highly recommended. We went to most attractions in the park. Mostly walked by, not entered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saadia_p
Jul 16, 2024
Having fun at Balboa Park - We enjoy the tour, very informative. Balboa Park in the very beautiful place to visit. Will definitely come back!
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_s
Jul 8, 2024
Excellent way to learn about Balboa Park. - We really enjoyed learning about the history of Balboa Park and all the ways to enjoy it! Jennifer does a great job personalizing the tour to the group's interest. We also liked the added benefit of supporting a local business and getting a little refreshment along the way.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_p
Jul 3, 2024
Great tour - Jennifer was extremely knowledgeable about the area. There is so much history and detail in the structure of the buildings you would not know if not for the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Brenda_b
Jun 18, 2024
Great Orientation to Balboa Park and its attractions. - Jennifer was both knowledgeable and entertaining. She did a great job guiding us through the park and sharing the history of the park and the individuals who had the vision. The stop for a treat at Daniel’s Coffee Cart was perfect
Review provided by Viator
Debbie_h
Jun 9, 2024
Wonderful - Jennifer lead us in a wonderful guided tour. she answered all our questions and added a bit of humor.
Review provided by Viator
