Balboa Park Permit Facilities

Golden Hill Community Park

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Golden Hill Park is located in Historic Golden Hill at the north end of 25th Street. The Park is a very large grassy area with plenty of shade trees and picnic tables. There is a spectacular view of downtown San Diego from the west side of the park. Golden Hill Park is a neighborhood friendly park in a historic, significant, beautiful neighborhood. Weddings and picnics and are permitted for up to 100 people, food is allowed and there are restrooms in the park. No inflatables or glass containers.

The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. From Hwy. 94, exit 25th Street and head north until 25th ends. Parking is free.

Marston Point

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This location on the west side of Balboa Park has a grassy picnic area that is often used for large special events. It can be permitted for up to 200 people and food is allowed, but no alcohol. There is a restroom available a short walk away at the Pine Grove Picnic Area.

Marston Point is open from 6:00am to Dusk. From Hwy 163 South, take the University Ave and head straight on 6th Ave, then make a left onto Laurel Street into the park, then right at the first stop sign onto Balboa Drive. Continue to the end of the street and park area is found just before the Balboa Drive loops back north. There is a large parking lot nearby and parking is free.

Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn

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This area refers to the lawn at the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way at the south end of Balboa Park. It is a large grassy area with trees spread out throughout the lawn area and there is also a very large parking lot. The area holds many special events throughout the year, such as Fern Street Circus, Filipino Festival, Latin Festival and other large events. It can be permitted for up to 5,000 people but inflatables are not allowed. Food and alcohol are allowed but there is not a restroom on site.

This area is available from 6:00 a.m. to dusk. Take Hwy. 163 South to the Park Boulevard Exit, make a left at the stop sign and a left at Presidents Way. You may also park in the large lot to the east of Park Boulevard.

Pine Grove Picnic Area

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Located on the west side of Balboa Park, this is an area with a lot of trees and picnic tables and is also the site of the annual Haunted Trail. It can be permitted for up to 100 people and food is allowed, but no alcohol. There is a restroom available nearby.

The Pine Grove Picnic Area is open from 6:00am to Dusk. From Hwy 163 South, take the University Ave and head straight on 6th Ave, then make a left onto Laurel Street into the park, then right at the first stop sign onto Balboa Drive. The park area is too left when you reach the next stop sign. Parking is free.