Balboa Park: Guided Walking Tour

Discover a slice of San Diego’s history and culture with tickets to a guided walking tour of historic Balboa Park. Originally established in 1868, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park sits in the heart of downtown San Diego and has been a cultural icon of the city for decades. See the iconic California Tower, built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition; its façade depicts the city’s early history and the tower itself is a San Diego landmark.

Used for both the 1915 and 1935 expositions, the garden offered fairgoers a respite from the bustle of the exposition and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos of the California Tower. Keep your camera handy for Insta-worthy shots at every turn. Admire Southern California’s unique Spanish-style architecture at the Prado and follow the colorful tiles to the Spanish Village Art Center. Featuring over 200 contemporary artists, you can browse local crafts under terra-cotta roofs while sipping on the complimentary coffee.

On your way to the Botanical Garden, look up to see one of the largest Moreton Bay fig trees in California. In 1915, the Balboa Park Botanical Building was the largest timber-framed building with a lath roof, and its craftsmanship has stood the test of time. While the adjacent lily pond — and photogenic koi fish — may make for a nice photo opportunity, the pond served as an important part of the war effort, helping wounded soldiers and sailors during World War II.