Discover the Majestic California Tower in Balboa Park
Explore the California Tower, a historical landmark in Balboa Park, offering breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences in San Diego.
Perched in the heart of Balboa Park, the California Tower is a stunning historical landmark offering breathtaking views of San Diego. Its Spanish Renaissance architecture and rich history make it a must-visit for tourists. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas and a glimpse into San Diego's vibrant past.
A brief summary to California Tower
- California Tower, 1350 El Prado, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
- +1619-239-2001
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Check the tower's opening hours as they can vary by day.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top.
- Consider combining your visit with a stroll through Balboa Park's gardens.
Getting There
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Walking
Start at Coronado Ferry Landing at 1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118. Walk towards the ferry terminal and board the ferry to San Diego. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. Once you arrive at the San Diego Ferry Terminal, exit and head towards the left, following the waterfront path towards Broadway. After about 0.5 miles, turn right onto 5th Avenue and continue walking for about 0.3 miles until you reach the intersection with Elm Street. Turn left onto Elm Street, then take a right onto 6th Avenue. Walk for about 0.2 miles, and you will see Balboa Park ahead. Enter Balboa Park and follow the signs to the California Tower, which is located at 1350 El Prado.
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Bicycle
Starting at Coronado's Central Beach, rent a bike from one of the local rental shops. Head north on Ocean Blvd, which will turn into Silver Strand Blvd. Continue for about 2 miles until you reach the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Cross the bridge on the bike lane. Once in San Diego, follow 1st Avenue south towards downtown. After about 1 mile, turn left onto Broadway and continue for about 0.5 miles until you reach 6th Avenue. Turn right on 6th Avenue and then a left onto El Prado. Follow the signs to California Tower in Balboa Park.
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Public Transit
From Coronado, walk to the bus stop at 4th Street and Orange Avenue. Catch the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 901 heading towards San Diego. After about 20 minutes, get off at the 'Broadway & 5th Avenue' stop. Walk east on Broadway until you reach 6th Avenue, then turn left. Walk north on 6th Avenue for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto El Prado to enter Balboa Park, and follow the signs to California Tower, located at 1350 El Prado.
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