• Alcazar Garden - Modeled after Spanish palace gardens, this tranquil haven boasts vibrant tiles, geometric flower beds, and breathtaking seasonal blooms. It’s a hidden treasure ideal for a peaceful break amidst architectural splendor.
• Botanical Building and Lily Pond - As one of Balboa Park’s most photographed locations, this 1915 lath structure showcases a lush array of tropical plants and seasonal floral displays, beautifully mirrored in the serene lily pond at its entrance.
• Cabrillo Bridge - Stretching across Cabrillo Canyon, this impressive arched bridge provides panoramic views and a grand entrance into the park’s core. It stands as a striking emblem of Balboa Park’s early 20th-century design aspirations.
• California Tower - This ornate, Spanish Colonial Revival tower rises above Balboa Park with distinctive elegance. Once closed for decades, it now offers one of the finest skyline views in San Diego, along with layers of history.
• Casa De Balboa - Originally part of a world’s fair, this majestic building now hosts several museums and cultural institutions. Its graceful façade and courtyard continue to embody the park’s blend of beauty and functionality.
• Casa del Prado - This intricately detailed building is a masterclass in architectural theater, housing museums, youth programs, and lush courtyards. Every arch, column, and flourish tells a story.
• House of Hospitality - Now home to the Balboa Park Visitors Center, this reconstructed 1915 building combines ornate charm with a welcoming mission. Its courtyard café is one of the park’s best-kept secrets.
• Comic-con Museum - 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.
• San Diego Air & Space Museum - 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• San Diego Automotive Museum - 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• San Diego Museum of Art - 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.
• Casa del Prado Theatre - 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide
• App and Tour Download

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Explore the essence of Balboa Park by experiencing El Prado in a whole new way. This self-guided walking tour encourages you to delve deeper into the narratives, styles, and surprises that define San Diego’s cherished promenade.
Discover how architecture, ambition, and artistry turned a temporary exposition into a lasting cultural landmark at each stop.
As you wander past intricate facades, secluded courtyards, and striking colonnades, you’ll uncover how theatrical design and innovative engineering have shaped not only the park but also San Diego’s identity.
GPS-triggered audio enriches each structure with vibrant history and unexpected insights throughout the journey.
This tour provides a thoughtful, immersive experience at your own pace, whether you’re a newcomer or a local viewing the park with renewed perspective.
Visit for the beauty—stay for the stories embedded in the walls.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.