San Diego, January 9, 2026
As of January 5, visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego are required to pay for parking, ending over a century of free access. This decision aims to tackle the city’s budget issues and enhance park maintenance. Parking rates vary based on location, with discounts available for city residents. Free parking is still offered for those with valid ADA placards or during short visits at designated areas. Revenue from this initiative will be used to fund necessary park services and infrastructure improvements.
San Diego Implements Paid Parking at Balboa Park
San Diego, CA – As of January 5, 2026, visitors to Balboa Park are required to pay for parking, marking a significant shift from over a century of free parking. This change aims to address the city’s budget shortfall and fund park maintenance and improvements.
Parking Rates and Passes
The new parking fees are structured as follows:
- Level 1 Lots (e.g., Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades, South Carousel):
- City Residents: $8 per day or $5 for up to 4 hours
- Non-Residents: $16 per day or $10 for up to 4 hours
- Level 2 Lots (e.g., Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Marston Point):
- City Residents: $5 per day
- Non-Residents: $10 per day
- Level 3 Lot (Lower Inspiration Point):
- City Residents: $5 per day (first 3 hours free)
- Non-Residents: $10 per day (first 3 hours free)
Hourly parking meters within the park and on adjacent streets charge $2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of $10. These meters are enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Payment can be made via credit card, mobile payment apps, or coins. The Park Smarter App is available for smartphone payments.
Resident Discounts
San Diego residents can obtain discounted parking passes by registering their vehicle’s license plate through the city’s online portal. A one-time $5 registration fee applies, and verification may take up to two business days. Once verified, residents can purchase monthly, quarterly, or annual passes at reduced rates:
- Monthly Pass: $30
- Quarterly Pass: $60
- Annual Pass: $150
Non-residents will pay higher rates for these passes:
- Monthly Pass: $40
- Quarterly Pass: $120
- Annual Pass: $300
Free Parking Options
Free parking remains available for up to three hours at the Lower Inspiration Point lot. Visitors can also use the free Balboa Park Tram to reach other areas of the park. Additionally, vehicles displaying a valid ADA placard can park for free in designated spaces within parking lots and on park roads.
Implementation and Revenue Use
The paid parking program is part of the city’s efforts to address a substantial budget shortfall. Revenue generated from these fees will be allocated to support park services, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring the continued enhancement of Balboa Park for all visitors.
Background
In September 2025, the San Diego City Council approved a plan to implement paid parking at Balboa Park. The proposal aimed to improve parking management and support the park’s long-term financial sustainability. The plan included a tiered parking system, with rates varying based on proximity to the park’s central attractions. Residents were offered discounted rates upon verification through an online portal. The program officially began on January 5, 2026, with the goal of generating revenue to fund park maintenance and improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did paid parking begin at Balboa Park?
Paid parking at Balboa Park began on January 5, 2026.
What are the parking rates for Level 1 lots?
For Level 1 lots, City residents pay $8 per day or $5 for up to 4 hours, while non-residents pay $16 per day or $10 for up to 4 hours.
How can San Diego residents obtain discounted parking passes?
San Diego residents can obtain discounted parking passes by registering their vehicle’s license plate through the city’s online portal. A one-time $5 registration fee applies, and verification may take up to two business days.
Is there any free parking available at Balboa Park?
Yes, free parking is available for up to three hours at the Lower Inspiration Point lot. Additionally, vehicles displaying a valid ADA placard can park for free in designated spaces within parking lots and on park roads.
How will the revenue from paid parking be used?
Revenue generated from paid parking will be allocated to support park services, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring the continued enhancement of Balboa Park for all visitors.
Key Features of Balboa Park’s Paid Parking Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | January 5, 2026 |
| Parking Rates | Tiered rates based on lot proximity; Level 1 lots: $8/day for residents, $16/day for non-residents; Level 2 lots: $5/day for residents, $10/day for non-residents; Level 3 lot: $5/day for residents (first 3 hours free), $10/day for non-residents (first 3 hours free) |
| Resident Discounts | Discounted passes available upon verification through the city’s online portal; one-time $5 registration fee; verification may take up to two business days |
| Free Parking Options | Up to three hours free at Lower Inspiration Point lot; free parking for vehicles with valid ADA placards in designated spaces |
| Revenue Allocation | Funds will support park services, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements |
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