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California Tower, San Diego Travel Guide

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Ascend San Diego's iconic California Tower in Balboa Park for panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant history.

The California Tower, a landmark in Balboa Park, offers a glimpse into San Diego's past. Built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, its intricate Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and stunning views make it a must-see attraction.

A brief summary to California Tower

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring California Tower.

  • Book your California Tower tour in advance, especially during peak season, as tours often sell out.
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking, as it can be challenging, especially on weekends and during special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the tower's 125 stairs.
  • Check the Museum of Us website for current tour schedules and any special events that may affect access to the tower.

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Explore California Tower on the Map

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Buy tickets

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Book tours with entry

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Book tours without entry

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park, walk north towards the California Building. The California Tower is the prominent tower attached to the Museum of Us. Enter the museum and follow signs for the California Tower tour. Allow approximately 5-10 minutes to walk from the Plaza de Panama to the tower entrance. No additional costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Take MTS bus routes 3, 7, 120, or Rapid 215 to Balboa Park. From the bus stop, follow signs towards the Plaza de Panama and the California Building. The California Tower is the prominent tower attached to the Museum of Us. A one-way fare on MTS is $2.50. Youth 18 and under ride free with the Youth Opportunity Pass. The walk from the bus stop to the tower can take 10-15 minutes.

  • Ride Share

    Request a ride to the main entrance of the Museum of Us in Balboa Park. From the drop-off point, the California Tower will be easily visible as the attached tower. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a ride from downtown San Diego, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Check your ride-sharing app for exact fares.

Discover more about California Tower

The California Tower, soaring 200 feet above Balboa Park, is an enduring symbol of San Diego. Designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, the tower is an architectural hybrid, blending Plateresque, Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Rococo styles with Gothic influences. This intricate design, reminiscent of Spanish Colonial churches in Mexico, reflects the spirit of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, for which it was built.The California Tower is part of the California Building, which houses the Museum of Us. For nearly 80 years, the tower remained closed to the public, only to be reopened in 2015 after extensive rehabilitation. Today, visitors can ascend the tower on guided tours, learning about the history of Balboa Park and the diverse communities of the region. The tours culminate in breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego, from the Pacific Ocean to the Cuyamaca Mountains.The California Building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Exposition, the building housed an anthropological exhibit called "The Story of Man through the Ages". This exhibit evolved into the Museum of Us, which continues to educate and inspire visitors today. The California Tower stands as a testament to San Diego's rich history and architectural heritage, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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