Whimsical Journeys at the Balboa Park Carousel
Experience the enchanting charm of the historic Balboa Park Carousel, a beloved ride in the heart of San Diego's cultural treasure.
Nestled within San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the Balboa Park Carousel is a charming, vintage amusement ride that offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. With its beautifully painted horses and nostalgic ambiance, this carousel is a perfect stop for families, couples, and anyone seeking a touch of whimsy in their travels. Enjoy a ride that not only celebrates the joy of childhood but also the rich heritage of this iconic park.
A brief summary to Balboa Park Carousel
- 1889 Zoo Pl, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
- +1619-239-0512ext.8
- Visit website
- Saturday 11 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, especially if you're with young children.
- Bring your camera to capture the vibrant colors and unique designs of the carousel horses.
- Check the carousel's schedule online to plan your visit around special events or themed rides.
- Combine your visit to the carousel with a leisurely stroll through Balboa Park's gardens and museums.
- Don't forget to try some local snacks available at nearby kiosks after your carousel ride.
Getting There
-
Public Bus
If you're starting from La Jolla Village, walk to the nearest bus stop on Prospect Street and catch the MTS Bus No. 30 towards Downtown San Diego. This bus will take you directly to Balboa Park. Get off at the stop labeled 'Park Blvd & Zoo Pl'. From there, it's a short walk to the Balboa Park Carousel located at 1889 Zoo Pl.
-
Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from one of the local rental shops in La Jolla. Head towards La Jolla Shores and take the bike path along the coast towards San Diego. Follow the signs to Balboa Park. Once you reach the park, find the entrance at the intersection of Park Blvd and Zoo Pl. The carousel is a short distance inside the park.
-
Walking
For those who want to enjoy a scenic walk, start at La Jolla Cove and head southeast on Coast Blvd. Continue to follow the path and merge onto La Jolla Shores Drive. Keep walking until you reach the intersection with La Jolla Scenic Drive and head south. You will eventually find yourself on Torrey Pines Road. Follow the road signs leading to Balboa Park. Once you arrive at the park, locate the carousel at 1889 Zoo Pl.
-
Rideshare
You can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride from your current location in La Jolla and input 'Balboa Park Carousel, 1889 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101' as your destination. The driver will drop you off close to the entrance of the carousel.
Discover more about Balboa Park Carousel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaza de Panama
0.5 km
Explore Plaza de Panama: A serene park square in Balboa Park, San Diego, where history, beauty, and culture unite for a memorable experience.
Casa del Rey Moro Garden
0.5 km
Explore the serene Casa del Rey Moro Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego—a tranquil escape featuring lush landscapes and cultural heritage.
House of Charm
0.5 km
Explore the House of Charm in Balboa Park, a captivating historical landmark showcasing stunning architecture and rich cultural experiences.
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
0.6 km
Explore the serene Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in San Diego, a cultural oasis showcasing stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Alcázar Garden
0.6 km
Explore Alcázar Garden in Balboa Park, a stunning blend of nature and history, perfect for relaxation, photography, and enjoying the beauty of San Diego.
California Tower
0.6 km
Discover the historic California Tower in Balboa Park, an architectural gem offering stunning views and a glimpse into San Diego's vibrant past.
Museum of Us
0.6 km
Explore the rich tapestry of human culture and history at the Museum of Us in Balboa Park, San Diego—a unique destination for curious travelers.
House of England
0.8 km
Explore the House of England in San Diego, a charming museum celebrating British culture and heritage amidst the beauty of Balboa Park.
Cabrillo Bridge
0.8 km
Discover the beauty and history of Cabrillo Bridge, an architectural gem in Balboa Park, San Diego, perfect for memorable walks and breathtaking views.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
1.2 km
Explore the wonders of aviation and space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where history meets innovation in a stunning setting.
Marston House
1.3 km
Explore the Marston House Museum, a gem of Arts and Crafts architecture in San Diego, showcasing rich history and stunning gardens.
San Diego Old Fire Alarm Communications Building
1.4 km
Discover the San Diego Old Fire Alarm Communications Building, a historical landmark showcasing the evolution of fire safety in a picturesque park setting.
Coulter House
1.6 km
Explore the historical charm of Coulter House in San Diego, a stunning landmark near the iconic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, revealing the city's rich past.
Long-Waterman House
1.7 km
Explore the Long-Waterman House, a historical landmark in San Diego's Bankers Hill, where timeless architecture meets lush gardens and rich history.
Golden Hill Fountain Grotto
1.7 km
Explore the Golden Hill Fountain Grotto: A serene historical landmark in San Diego's Balboa Park with stunning fountains and lush surroundings.
Unmissable attractions to see
Spanish Village Art Center
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant artistic enclave of Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, showcasing local talent and creativity in a picturesque setting.
Zoofari Party Area
0.2 km
Discover the Zoofari Party Area: A unique picnic spot surrounded by wildlife at the renowned San Diego Zoo, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Rex's Roar sculpture
0.2 km
Experience the awe-inspiring Rex's Roar sculpture in Balboa Park, a magnificent piece of art that embodies creativity and beauty in San Diego.
Balboa Park
0.2 km
Explore Balboa Park in San Diego: A vibrant cultural hub with stunning gardens, world-class museums, and rich history awaits every visitor.
San Diego Natural History Museum
0.3 km
Discover the remarkable journey of life on Earth at the San Diego Natural History Museum, where adventure meets enlightenment.
Desert Garden
0.3 km
Explore the Desert Garden in Balboa Park, a serene oasis featuring diverse desert plants and stunning landscapes for nature lovers and photographers.
San Diego Zoo Terrace Lagoon
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of the San Diego Zoo Terrace Lagoon, where vibrant gardens meet a rich tapestry of wildlife in a peaceful oasis.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
0.3 km
Experience the incredible wildlife and conservation efforts at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where learning meets adventure in a stunning setting.
Botanical Building
0.3 km
Discover the beauty of diverse flora at the Botanical Building, a breathtaking architectural gem in San Diego's Balboa Park.
Casa Del Prado
0.3 km
Experience the historical allure of Casa Del Prado in Balboa Park, a cultural gem filled with art, architecture, and scenic beauty.
Bea Evenson Fountain
0.3 km
Discover the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park, where beauty and tranquility meet in San Diego's urban oasis.
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
0.4 km
Explore the enchanting Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in San Diego, a floral paradise perfect for relaxation and stunning photography.
Lily Pond
0.4 km
Discover tranquility at the Lily Pond in Balboa Park, a serene nature preserve filled with vibrant lilies and stunning landscapes.
Zoro Garden
0.4 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Zoro Garden, a hidden oasis in San Diego's Balboa Park, perfect for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Timken Museum of Art
0.4 km
Explore the Timken Museum of Art in San Diego, a premier art destination in Balboa Park featuring free admission and extraordinary collections.
Essential places to dine
Busy Bee Cafe
0.2 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Busy Bee Cafe in San Diego Zoo, offering delicious American cuisine amid thrilling wildlife adventures.
Sweet Shack
0.2 km
Discover Sweet Shack in Balboa Park: a must-visit American restaurant offering delightful dishes and a cozy atmosphere for all visitors.
Safari Kitchen
0.3 km
Discover delicious hamburgers at Safari Kitchen in San Diego's Balboa Park – where taste meets adventure.
Prado
0.5 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Californian cuisine at Prado in Balboa Park – where great food meets stunning scenery.
Albert's Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at Albert's Restaurant in San Diego Zoo—perfect for families seeking great food amid wildlife.
Panama 66
0.5 km
Discover Panama 66 in Balboa Park – where American flavors meet artistic ambiance amidst stunning surroundings.
Sabertooth Grill
0.6 km
Experience delightful American cuisine amidst the beauty of Balboa Park at Sabertooth Grill – perfect for families and tourists alike.
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
1.3 km
Discover authentic French cuisine at Parc Bistro-Brasserie in San Diego - your destination for delightful breakfasts, brunches, and seafood specialties.
Trust
1.3 km
Discover Trust in Hillcrest - A New American dining experience blending seasonal flavors with innovative cocktails in San Diego.
Mister A's
1.3 km
Experience fine dining at its best with stunning views at Mister A's in San Diego - where American meets French cuisine.
Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant
1.4 km
Discover delicious American breakfast at Tobeys 19th Hole Restaurant in Balboa Park, where quality meets affordability.
RustiCucina
1.4 km
Discover RustiCucina in San Diego for an authentic Italian dining experience with fresh ingredients and classic recipes.
insideOUT
1.6 km
Discover insideOUT in Hillcrest: A vibrant restaurant offering exquisite Mediterranean dishes and an inviting lounge atmosphere perfect for all occasions.
The Balboa
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of San Diego at The Balboa Grill & Bar – where great food meets friendly service.
Hob Nob Hill
1.7 km
Discover the charm of Hob Nob Hill in San Diego: where classic American comfort food meets cozy diner vibes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
North Star Science Store
0.4 km
Explore the North Star Science Store in Balboa Park, a unique gift shop filled with science-themed treasures for curious minds and adventurers.
Sydney's Shoppe
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Sydney's Shoppe, the charming gift shop in San Diego's iconic Balboa Park.
Panda Shop
0.5 km
Discover unique panda-themed gifts and local crafts at the charming Panda Shop in San Diego's Balboa Park, perfect for all ages.
Bibliotique
0.5 km
Explore Bibliotique in Balboa Park, San Diego for unique gifts, artisan crafts, and memorable souvenirs reflecting the local culture.
Tusker's Trunk
0.7 km
Uncover unique wildlife-themed souvenirs and gifts at Tusker's Trunk, the charming shop in San Diego Zoo, perfect for all ages.
Arctic Trader
0.8 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs that celebrate San Diego's wildlife at Arctic Trader, located in beautiful Balboa Park.
United Nations International Gift Shop
0.8 km
Explore the United Nations International Gift Shop in San Diego for unique gifts, books, and clothing that celebrate global cultures and promote peace.
Gold Leaf
1.7 km
Explore Gold Leaf in South Park, San Diego - a charming gift shop offering unique home goods, children's toys, and stylish furniture for every taste.
Bad Madge & Co.
1.7 km
Explore a curated collection of vintage clothing and unique furniture at Bad Madge & Co. in San Diego's charming South Park neighborhood.
The Gold Dust Collective
2.2 km
Discover unique antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade gifts at The Gold Dust Collective in San Diego's vibrant North Park neighborhood.
The Cave of Wonders
2.2 km
Explore The Cave of Wonders in San Diego, where enchanting gifts, unique jewelry, and mystical treasures await in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hunt & Gather
2.2 km
Explore the charm of vintage fashion at Hunt & Gather, where unique clothing and accessories await in the heart of North Park, San Diego.
Rosamariposa
2.3 km
Explore Rosamariposa, a charming gift shop in Downtown San Diego, offering unique treasures that capture the essence of local artistry and culture.
Vitreum
2.3 km
Explore Vitreum, San Diego's unique gift shop offering locally crafted treasures and artisanal gifts that capture the city's vibrant spirit.
Stroll
2.3 km
Explore Stroll Boutique in Downtown San Diego for unique fashion and gifts that embody the coastal charm of California.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lady Carolyn's Pub
0.6 km
Experience the charm of Lady Carolyn's Pub in Balboa Park, where cozy ambiance meets delightful beverages in San Diego's cultural heart.
The Corner Drafthouse
1.3 km
Experience the best of Californian cuisine and craft beer at The Corner Drafthouse, a vibrant bar and restaurant in San Diego's Bankers Hill.
Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
1.7 km
Discover the exquisite flavors and cozy ambiance at Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe, a San Diego dining destination for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Whistle Stop Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant culture of South Park at Whistle Stop Bar, where live music meets a laid-back atmosphere in San Diego.
Part Time Lover
2.2 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail scene at Part Time Lover in North Park, San Diego, where every sip tells a story in an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Office Bar
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Office Bar in North Park, San Diego, known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere.
Vin de Syrah
2.5 km
Discover the enchanting Vin de Syrah, a premier wine bar in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, offering exquisite wines and an inviting atmosphere.
Room 56
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Room 56, San Diego's top cocktail bar, featuring innovative drinks and a stylish atmosphere.
Gaslamp Tavern
2.6 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Gaslamp Tavern, where great food and sports combine in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
Trailer Park After Dark
2.6 km
Discover the quirky charm of Trailer Park After Dark, a unique bar and restaurant in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter offering creative cocktails and delicious food.
False Idol
2.6 km
Discover False Idol, a tiki bar in San Diego offering exotic cocktails and an immersive island atmosphere that delights every visitor.
Star Bar
2.6 km
Discover the excitement of Star Bar in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, where karaoke and sports come together for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Noble Experiment
2.7 km
Discover Noble Experiment, an upscale speakeasy bar in San Diego offering craft cocktails and a unique prohibition-era experience in a hidden setting.
Neighborhood
2.7 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of San Diego at this dynamic gastropub, where gourmet cuisine meets a lively bar atmosphere.
Young Blood
2.7 km
Discover Young Blood, the cocktail bar in Downtown San Diego where vintage charm meets innovative mixology for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
