You will soon be charged to park at Balboa Park: Here's what to know
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)--The City of San Diego announced Monday that it has approved a plan to implement paid parking at meters and parking lots throughout Balboa Park.
According to a press release from the city, the proposal ensures that certified residents of the city can park for a discounted rate, while preserving some free parking options for park employees and volunteers.
Parking fees for the lots in Balboa Park and on-street metered parking are expected to be implemented later this year, upon the establishment of an annual or quarterly pass program for visitors.
There will also be a difference in fees for residents and non-residents of the city that is slated to begin January 2026. Under the Resident Verification Program, city residents will pay half the price to park compared to non-residents.
The price to park in lots within Balboa Park varies depending on how close the lot is to the center of the park.
These are the rates that would be implemented under the Resident Verification Program:
- Level 1 lots include Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades and South Carousel.
- Non-resident rate: $16 per day and $10 for up to 4 hours.
- Resident rate: $8 per day and $5 for up to 4 hours.
- Level 2 lots include Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point and Marston Point.
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day.
- Resident rate: $5 per day.
- Level 3 lot includes Lower Inspiration Point.
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day with the first 3 hours free.
- Resident rate: $5 per day with the first 3 hours free.
According to the release, non-resident parking will increase when the program is implemented.
The roads within Balboa Park that will have meters installed are Balboa Drive, El Prado, Juniper Road, Presidents Way, Quince Drive and Village Place – and around the park on Sixth Avenue and Park Boulevard. Meter rates will be $2.50 per hour with a maximum of $10 per day.
Those with a Disabled Person license plate or placard will continue to park for free in meters in or near the park, and ADA parking will also be available in marked parking spots.
The San Diego Zoo will also begin charging for parking in its three lots; however, the system and fees will be implemented by the zoo.
A free tram service that goes from the Inspiration Point parking lot to several stops within Balboa Park will also continue to serve visitors.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement regarding the decision.
“Today’s vote was a step toward adopting a paid parking program that will finally deliver on our long-standing goal of creating a dedicated funding source for the park, ensuring it can be self-sufficient and well-maintained," Mayor Gloria said in a press release. "Every dollar collected will stay in the park, supporting upkeep and improvements for the more than 13 million people who visit San Diego’s crown jewel each year."
According to the city's press release, by state and local law, parking revenues must be reinvested in the park with eligible expenses to include operations and maintenance.
