Balboa Park Walking Tours

Balboa Park Walking Tours

The heart of Downtown San Diego

Gardens, Architecture, and Heritage

Balboa Park is the oldest urban park in the country, as the land had been reserved by city founders to create a space for the community to play. Activities in the early days included hiking and plant cultivation, and educational establishments were formed to continue the education of both children and adults. People came to Balboa Park to free themselves of the bustle of the port area and today, the park continues to be a safe haven for those looking to learn and appreciate the arts and sciences of how the world around us works. From visiting museums like the Museum of Us that shares the story of human evolution in all parts of the world, or the Ruben H. Fleet Center that educated visitors on the science of the solar system, electricity, and physics, there is so much to explore in any of the 18 museums that are situated within the 1,200-acre park. Balboa Park is one of the many treasures of America’s Finest City.

On our Balboa Park walking tours, we help eager learners appreciate the park and all of its glory.  Our expert guides lead you on an immersive Balboa Park walking tour with insights into the park’s extensive history and architectural marvel. From sharing the history of how this park got its start, and the Spanish Revival architecture that adorns the pathways and houses the museums and educational programs. We visit some of the many gardens that are cultivated by local volunteers and staff to celebrate the flora of the world. Explore the iconic Botanical Building and lily pond, and stroll by the Alcazar Garden – a garden that features intricate geometric designs and vibrant floral arrangements. You’ll also walk by the Spreckle’s Organ Pavilion, the world’s largest outdoor organ venue, and a true work of art, and get a true understanding of the importance Balboa Park has had on the community of San Diego throughout the years, since 1915. Contact us today to book a guided private tour!

Why Choose a Balboa Park Tour

When you fly into the San Diego Airport, and are seated on the right side of the plane, you’ll soar over the park, and the iconic California Tower.  Green areas surround the Plaza of notable Spanish Architecture, and you’ll notice the expansiveness of the urban park.  Balboa Park is beautiful, and iconic when visiting San Diego.  There are many gardens to visit, including a spectacular rose garden that can be smelled before you see it, cactus gardens, a palm canyon, a Japanese friendship garden, the botanical garden with tropical plants, lily ponds, and so much more. Hop on this  San Diego tour and keep your camera handy for the many photo opportunities around every corner! The Spanish Village Art Center is an adorable area lined with local art galleries and workshops, and you can meet local artists at work and purchase unique handmade items. There are many museums to explore, and the San Diego Zoo resides in the Park.  Our trained guides will share insightful information about the “whys” and “hows” of the park, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of this incredible destination.

Balboa Park Highlights

Spreckels Organ Pavillion

Spanish Revival Architecture

Lush Gardens

Ocean Beach Brewery Tours

Spanish Art Village

Majestic Trails

Our San Diego Tour Guides

Our San Diego Tour Guides

Kaylee Killebrew - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: 5 years, I quickly fell in love with this city. 

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting people from all over the world, making them laugh, showing them some of my favorite spots and creating meaningful memories. 

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is:  Hillcrest or Old Town. Both are walkable and friendly places with endless restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc. You can find me in Old Town most weekends.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: This is a tough choice, for atmosphere and cocktails probably InsideOUT or Coasterra. For Breakfast…Morning Glory or Great Maple. For Dinner, Queenstown, Underbelly or Bronx Pizza. There are way too many options to choose from!

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: To Read on the beach, host dinner parties with friends or scope out new happy hour spots.

Kaylee Killebrew

Kaylee Killebrew - Tour Guide

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Magdalene Medofer - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: my whole life, I was born here.

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: meeting new folks and sharing San Diego with them.

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: Barrio Logan, I love the history of Chicano Park, the eclectic artisan shops, and extensive food scene.  The weekend is the best time to explore and watch the lowrider car clubs cruise the neighborhood and visit the shops.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Artifact at the Mingei in Balboa Park.  Any dish off their international food menu will blow your mind.  They also host monthly themed dinners that highlight a particular cuisine and region.

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Go for a hike at Cuyamaca State Park and swim at Green Valley Falls.

Magdalene Medofer

Tour Guide

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Aparna Thakur - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: 1 ½ years!

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting new people, showing them around and telling stories and history of the city.

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is: La Jolla because of its beautiful beaches, great restaurants and shopping as well as abundance of sea life.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Brigantine

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Watching sunset in point loma Ocean Beach

Aparna Thakur

Tour Guide

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Raul Torres Valadez - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: One year recently and also when I was a teenager.

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting new people.

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is:  Pacific Beach and Coronado.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: Oscar’s Mexican seafood and Birrieria la Huasteca.

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: Hike in the canyons.

Raul Torres Valadez

Tour Guide

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Ben Schorr - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: 5 years, I quickly fell in love with this city. 

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is: Meeting people from all over the world, making them laugh, showing them some of my favorite spots and creating meaningful memories. 

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is:  Hillcrest or Old Town. Both are walkable and friendly places with endless restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc. You can find me in Old Town most weekends.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is: This is a tough choice, for atmosphere and cocktails probably InsideOUT or Coasterra. For Breakfast…Morning Glory or Great Maple. For Dinner, Queenstown, Underbelly or Bronx Pizza. There are way too many options to choose from!

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: To Read on the beach, host dinner parties with friends or scope out new happy hour spots.

Ben Schorr

Tour Guide

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Bleu Ford - Tour Guide

I’ve lived in San Diego for: A long time!  I moved to San Diego in 1986 so I have lived here for most of my life.  I consider it my adopted home town.

My favorite thing about being a tour guide is:  I love both meeting new people and sharing knowledge about this beautiful city.  After retiring from USPS I wanted to do work that brings me joy and I have found that being a guide.  I love getting a laugh from a group or seeing the spark of excitement when I share a bit of San Diego’s colorful history.

My favorite San Diego neighborhood is:  I am partial to my own hood, North Park.  I love living here!  We lost so many great places due to Covid but it warms my heart to see that this neighborhood is returning to being a vibrant and fun place.  It always seems like there is something new or some fun event happening.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego is:  A few of my go-to favs are Buona Forchetta in South Park for relaxed patio dining with great food Jimmy Carter’s in Hillcrest for the comfortable and colorful ambiance and great Mexican comfort food and Shwarma Guys food truck (which parks regularly at 30th and Grape in South Park).  It is my go-to “I’m super hungry and too tired to cook” take home.  It always hits the spot.

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is: I recently got an e-bike and my new love is re-discovering the uptown area on two wheels.  It is pretty amazing how differently you see the city on a bike.  I love strolling through Balboa Park with my wife.  We are so lucky to have this awesome park with such a rich history so close to our home.  Finally, you can’t beat an early morning walk along the harbor.  The waterfront is beautiful in the morning quiet with a bit of fog hanging in the air.

Bleu Ford

Tour Guide

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