A Local's Guide to Balboa Park: San Diego's Green Heart

Built for a world's fair more than a century ago, Balboa Park has grown into one of San Diego's most magical corners — 1,200+ acres of gardens, fountains, and Spanish Colonial architecture holding 17 museums. Whether you're a member who bounces between galleries on a whim or just want a free afternoon among cherry blossoms and koi ponds, this park has a way of slowing the whole city down. Here's everything you need to see, do, and know before you go.