Balboa Park Parking Fees Take Effect Monday, Discounts Available for San diego Residents
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A new era of paid parking begins Monday at Balboa park, but San Diego residents can secure discounted rates by registering through an online portal. The city is implementing the fees to address a budget shortfall, with revenues earmarked for park maintenance and operations.
The shift to paid parking,approved by the San Diego City Council last year,will impact surface lots and streets within the park,excluding the San Diego Zoo’s parking facilities,which will maintain its own program. Residents are encouraged to register now at https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/ as address verification can take up to two business days. A one-time $5 registration fee applies to all users, even those residing within the city limits.
The decision to introduce parking fees has sparked mixed reactions. One local resident, who frequently visits the park with her dog, expressed frustration, stating, “No, it’s not fair. We’re already jacked up so much with the food costs and everything else… the park was one of the last places you could go for free.”
Understanding the new Parking Rates
Parking costs at Balboa Park will vary depending on the lot’s proximity to the park’s center. Here’s a breakdown of the rates taking effect Monday:
- Level 1 Lots: (Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades, and South Carousel) – $16 per day / $10 for up to 4 hours (non-residents); $8 per day / $5 for up to 4 hours (residents).
- Level 2 Lots: (Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, and Marston Point) – $10 per day (non-residents); $5 per day (residents).
- Level 3 Lot: (Lower Inspiration Point) – $10 per day (first 3 hours free for non-residents); $5 per day (first 3 hours free for residents).
In addition to daily and hourly rates,annual and monthly passes are also available. Parking will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Payment Options and Accessibility
Visitors have multiple options for paying for parking, including coins, credit cards, and Apple Pay at the park’s 50+ kiosks. According to a city spokesperson, online payments are also accepted.While some kiosks experienced vandalism prior to the launch, officials assured the public that choice payment methods remain available. The city’s vendor is working to resolve the issue with kiosk functionality.
Those with valid disabled person license plates or placards will continue to receive free parking in designated ADA spaces within and near Balboa Park.The city is also expanding its in-park tram service to operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and a free on-call shuttle will be available for park employees and volunteers outside of tram operating hours.
Parking passes are virtual and linked to license plate information; no physical placards will be issued. Metered parking is also being installed on surrounding streets, including Balboa Drive, El Prado, and Juniper Road, at a rate of $2.50 per hour with a $10 daily maximum. Annual and monthly passes will apply to meters within the park, but not those located on surrounding streets.
The city emphasizes that all parking revenue will be reinvested back into balboa Park, supporting its ongoing operations and maintenance as mandated by state and local law. For more detailed information, visit the city’s website.
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