Balboa Park Cultural District

Fleet Science Center

1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 238-1233

The Fleet Science Center is a science museum and planetarium in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. Established in 1973, it was the first science museum to combine interactive science exhibits with a planetarium and an IMAX Dome theater, setting the standard that most major science museums follow today.

Craveology

1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 1 (619) 238-1233 ext. 829

Craveology is the perfect location to pick up the lunch or treat you're craving. The casual, friendly atmosphere has a great selection of items, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, flatbread pizzas and hot sandwiches. We can satisfy any growling stomach! And if you’re looking to rejuvenate from your busy day, order one of our specialty coffees and have a seat at our beautiful patio in front of the iconic Balboa Park Bea Evenson Fountain. Admission to the Fleet is not required for a visit to Craveology.

Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego

1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 236-0011

The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego presents experimental art and learning with a mission to question everything. A highly dynamic platform and a living laboratory of art and ideas, the ICA aspires to surprise, excite, and challenge every assumption. ICA San Diego is everywhere and for everyone—a space for the public to gather, question, learn, and shape the future.

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-2721

A living, breathing work of art, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum (JFGM) represents the bond of friendship between San Diego and our sister city, Yokohama. The garden includes meticulous stone designs, calming koi ponds, delightful water features, traditional architectural structures and breathtaking vistas. Educational programs, exhibits, festivals and horticultural classes enhance and deepen visitors’ appreciation for Japanese culture.

Tea Pavilion

2215 Pan American Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-0048

This lovely café at the Japanese Friendship Garden serves Japanese green tea, herbal and specialty teas as well as sushi, Japanese noodles, rice bowls, miso soup, salads and snacks. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent views from the outdoor courtyard and deck.

Mingei International Museum

1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-0003

With a focus on the “art of the people” (Japanese: mingei) from all eras and cultures, the Mingei International Museum offers exhibitions and diverse community and educational programs to inspire visitors and celebrate creativity. Previous exhibitions have ranged from displays of functional Japanese ceramics and indigenous baskets to whimsical international folk toys and miniatures.

ARTIFACT at Mingei

1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 331-3569

ARTIFACT at Mingei features craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices, and botanicals. Located on the Commons level of the Museum, enjoy indoor or outdoor seating options surrounded by inspiring art.

CRAFT CAFE

1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

CRAFT CAFÉ serves museum guests, park visitors and neighborhood residents with daily grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.

Museum of Photographic Art at SDMA

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 238-7559

The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) strives to inspire, educate and engage the broadest possible audience through the presentation, collection, and preservation of photography, film, and video. Throughout the year, MOPA@SDMA presents a range of rotating exhibitions, which are complemented by a host of programs, including American Sign Language tours, conversations with artists, locally supported film festivals, and hands-on workshops that explore visual storytelling and incite meaningful dialogue.

The San Diego Museum of Art

1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 232-7931

Explore the San Diego Museum of Art’s permanent collection galleries, which include European, Asian and American paintings and sculptures, as well as a dynamic program of international temporary exhibitions and a delightful sculpture court and garden.

Museum of Us

1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-2001

The Museum of Us presents exhibitions and programs that address a vast range of histories and cultures, fostering conversation, self-reflection, and interpersonal connections.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-8291

Aviation history is truly a remarkable story, and it all unfolds at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The Museum’s display of space age technology, like the desire to journey to the stars, may never be finished, for it represents an adventure which the human race has truly just begun.

San Diego Automotive Museum

2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 398-0306

The San Diego Automotive Museum invites everyone on a road trip through the history of moving vehicles, with a collection that includes trend-setting cars like the iconic DeLorean, international motorcycles, rare memorabilia as well as videos that put the automotive experience and evolution into a cultural perspective.

San Diego History Center

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-6203

Dynamic, engaging exhibitions at the San Diego History Center highlight what makes San Diego so unique by exploring topics such as local women in law and the city’s Black leaders. Educational programs for children, families, and adults invite everyone to deepen their knowledge of America’s Finest City.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 696-0199

At every twist, turn and tunnel, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum powers curiosity with re-creations of beautiful train routes, lively exhibitions and educational programming that encourages critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

San Diego Natural History Museum

1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-3821

Nature lovers: this is your headquarters. For 150 years, the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) in Balboa Park has been the place where nature lovers gather to learn, discover, and share their love of this amazing place we call home.

Cafe at The Nat

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Museum of Art

1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102 1 (619) 232-7931

Explore the San Diego Museum of Art’s permanent collection galleries, which include European, Asian and American paintings and sculptures, as well as a dynamic program of international temporary exhibitions and a delightful sculpture court and garden.

Panama 66

1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 696-1966

Zagat-rated as one of the hottest new beer bars in the country located in The San Diego Museum of Art’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Court. Panama 66 features lunch and dinner, late hours, live music, and weekend brunch. Enjoy local craft beers on tap, exhibitions-themed cocktails, and locally-sourced seasonal sandwiches, salads, and entrees.

Timken Museum of Art

1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-5548

The Timken Museum of Art offers a rare and intimate encounter with world-renowned European Old Master paintings—including works by Rembrandt, Hals, Bruegel, and others—as well as 19th-century American art and a unique collection of Russian icons.

San Diego Veterans Museum

2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 1 (619) 239-2300

The Veterans Museum of Balboa Park honors those who have served in the U.S. military, showcasing the history of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. Set in the former chapel of the nearby Naval Hospital, the museum’s exhibits of patriotic and war-related memorabilia and artifacts bear witness to San Diego’s role in historic military events. Public programs raise awareness of and commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of service members past and present.

WorldBeat Cultural Center

2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 230-1190

WorldBeat Center creates unity by way of diversity, celebrating all cultures through live arts, multimedia, education, and research. As part of their dedication to promoting, presenting, and preserving the African Diaspora and Indigenous cultures, WorldBeat offers year-round classes in international dance and drumming, organic gardening, and African history.

One WorldBeat Cafe

2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 230-1190

All-vegan cafe offering organic, Caribbean-inspired soul food and kombucha on tap.

Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel

1889 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 1 (619) 239-0512

A traditional merry-go-round built in 1910, with hand-carved animals & chance to catch the brass ring.

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

1550 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-0512

The Botanical Building presents some of the Park’s vibrant seasonal flower displays. Built for the 1915-16 Exposition, along with the adjacent Lily Pond and Lagoon, the historic building is one of the largest lath structures in the world. The Botanical Building plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants, featuring fascinating collections of cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants, and palms.

Casa de Balboa

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Casa de Balboa is building was originally known as the Commerce and Industries Building, and later called the Canadian Building, the Palace of Better Housing, and the Electric Building. It is currently home to the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and the Balboa Art Conservation Center.

Cafe in the Park

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 331-1992

A wide variety of options make Café in the Park a perfect place to grab a bite. From salads to sandwiches, soup, paninis, baked goods, specialty coffees, and even breakfast options, Café in the Park has something for everyone. Café in the Park is located in the Casa del Balboa building, between the San Diego History Center, and the Museum of Photographic Art.

Casa Del Prado

1650 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

The Casa del Prado, also known as the Casa, and the adjacent Casa del Prado Theatre are historic reconstructions of buildings from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. They are also the home to a number of youth arts organizations, the Park & Recreation Dance Program, and the San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation and Library.

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet

1650 El Prado Suite 209, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-3060

Set in the beautiful Casa del Prado, the Civic Youth Ballet offers affordable, year-round classes and productions helping to guide students to better understand and appreciate the art of ballet. In addition to summer ballet camps and intensive courses, it offers an outreach program that makes ballet classes available to over 600 students in San Diego public schools.

San Diego Junior Theatre

1650 El Prado #208, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-1311

Enhancing children’s lives through innovative, high-quality theatre education and production.

San Diego Youth Symphony

1650 El Prado #207a, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-3232

At San Diego Youth Symphony, we offer every student musician at any level the opportunity to participate in one of our 12+ orchestras and wind ensembles.

Comic-Con Museum

2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 546-9073

The San Diego Comic Convention (Comic-Con International) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation organized for charitable purposes and dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations

2191 Pan American W Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 1 (619) 234-0739

The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages is a complex of cottages in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. Built for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, they currently house 34 groups that "promote multicultural goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programs".

United Nations International Gift Shop

2171 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-5044

Get ready for a shopping trip around the world at the UN Building and Gift Shop. Find hand-crafted sculptures, jewelry, dolls, and more from four continents.

House of Hospitality

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-0512

The House of Hospitality was originally built for the Panama–California Exposition as the Foreign Arts Building. Intended to be temporary, it was changed to the House of Hospitality for the California Pacific International Exposition.

Balboa Park Visitors Center

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 1 (619) 239-0512

Visitor center at Casa de Balboa providing maps and information about Balboa Park's attractions, plus a gift shop.

The Prado Restaurant

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 557-9441

The Prado, an award-winning, full-service restaurant located in the House of Hospitality, offers charming indoor and outdoor dining. The unique décor blends the historical aspects of the House of Hospitality and whimsical accessories inspired by the Park museum collections. The diverse cuisine includes an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and imaginative entrées. The lounge combines a lighter menu with a wide variety of margaritas, sangria, beer, wine and other beverages.

Prado Perk

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Located in the courtyard of the House of Hospitality across from the Balboa Park Visitors center, Prado Perk is the perfect stop for coffee, teas and pastries. The coffee cart offers a selection of coffee, espresso and lattes with coffee locally roasted by Café Moto. Hot and iced teas are also available as well as mini-milks for the kids.

Marston House Museum & Gardens

3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 297-9327

Explore one of California’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture, designed by renowned local architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill at the dawn of the 20th century. The house-turned-museum sits on five acres of English and California-influenced gardens with a gift shop located in the carriage house.

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101

A new viewing platform around the iconic Moreton Bay Fig tree, which is located between the Natural History Museum and Spanish Village in Balboa Park, was unveiled on April 30, 2021. The tree was planted in the early 1900s and measures in at a staggering 78 feet tall. It is among the largest of its kind in California.

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1515

The San Diego Zoo is 100 acres in size. It is well known for its lush, naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 660 species and subspecies and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 plants.

Spanish Village Art Center

1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-9050

Discover San Diego’s beautiful Spanish Village Art Center, an early 20th-century depiction of an old village in Spain. Home to artist’s studios and spaces, as well as live art demonstrations and art-making activities, these quaint buildings and vibrant courtyards, feature colorful concrete tiles, flowers, and unique entryways.

Daniel's Coffee Cart

1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 867-2860

Coffees, teas, lattes, pastries and more. Now located at Spanish Village Art Center.

Spreckles Organ Pavilion

2125 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 702-8138

Marvel at the sight and sound of the amazing Spreckels Organ, which consists of more than 5,000 pipes ranging in length from 12 inches to 32 feet. Housed in an ornate vaulted structure with highly embellished gables, the 100-plus-year-old organ comes to life each Sunday during free weekly concerts.