The City of San Diego has enacted paid parking in Balboa Park as of Jan. 5, 2026.

Parking revenue collected in the park is designated for Balboa Park improvements, maintenance, and transportation services to help preserve this historic cultural district.

Quick tips for Museum guests

• Best value option: Park at Lower Inspiration Point (Presidents Way) for up to 3 hours free, then take the free tram into the central park area.
• City Resident are free in certain lots or receive a lower rate if you preregister at this website:
  • https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/
• Paid hours: Most paid parking is enforced daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Paying is easy: Use the kiosks (credit card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, coins) or pay by phone using the Park Smarter app for meters.

On-street parking meters (roads in and near the Park)

• Parking meters are installed on several roads within Balboa Park (including Balboa Drive, El Prado, Presidents Way, Zoo Drive, and others), plus some adjacent streets.
• Rate: $2.50/hour (up to $10/day) inside/near the park; enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Some meters outside the park (Sixth Ave + Park Blvd areas listed by the City) are $2.50/hour with a four-hour maximum.
• Note: The City resident discount does not apply to parking meters—it applies to lots and passes only.

Parking lots (daily rates)

Balboa Park parking lots use a tiered system (levels) based on proximity to the park’s center. Paid parking in lots is enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Level 1 - Central Balboa Park Lots (closest to museums)

Lots: Organ Pavilion, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar Garden, Space Theater, and South Carousel.

• Verified City resident: $5 up to 4 hours / $8 full day
• Nonresident: $10 up to 4 hours / $16 full day

Level 2 - Larger Peripheral Lots

Lots: Pepper Grove, Upper Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Federal, Palisades, and Bea Evenson.

• Verified City resident: Free
• Nonresident: $10/day

Level 3 - Lower Inspiration Point Lot

• First 3 hours free (all visitors), then:
• Verified City resident: Free All Day
• Nonresident: $10 full day

To get the free three hours, use the kiosk at Lower Inspiration Point and follow the on-screen steps.

Free tram service (great option from Inspiration Point)

• A free tram continues to serve Balboa Park visitors.
• Departs: Inspiration Point (Park Blvd & Presidents Way)
• Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
• Accessible: Trams have ADA-accessible ramps (ask the conductor for help).

ADA accessible parking

• For vehicles with a Disabled Person license plate or placard:
• Free, no time limit at parking meters in and near Balboa Park
• Free in parking lots when parked in marked blue accessible spaces

If blue spaces are full and you park in a regular lot space, payment is required—but with an ADA placard you may park free at any metered spot on roads within Balboa Park for an unlimited time.

San Diego resident discounts (lots & passes)

• Verified City of San Diego residents can get free and discounted lot rates and passes, but must register online in advance (kiosks can’t verify residency on-site).
• One-time registration fee: $5
• Website: https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/
• Verification may take up to two business days.

Parking passes (frequent visitors)

The City offers monthly/quarterly/annual passes; each pass is virtual and applies to one vehicle (license plate). Visit https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/ to sign up.

Pass pricing:

• Monthly: $30 (verified resident) / $40 (nonresident)
• Quarterly: $60 (verified resident) / $120 (nonresident)
• Annual: $150 (verified resident) / $300 (nonresident)

Parking FAQ

Do I have to pay to visit the Museum?

Parking rules are set by the City for Balboa Park. Paid parking is generally enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m. in lots and at meters (with listed holiday exceptions).

What’s the easiest parking plan for families?

Consider Lower Inspiration Point (first 3 hours free) and take the free tram into the park.

How do I pay?

Use parking kiosks (cards, Apple Pay/Google Pay, coins) or pay via the Park Smarter app for meters.