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Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden: A Balboa Park Jewel

Discover a vibrant oasis in Balboa Park: over 1,600 roses in a nationally recognized garden offering beauty and tranquility year-round.

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The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, nestled in San Diego's Balboa Park, is a vibrant three-acre oasis boasting over 1,600 roses of various colors and species. With a history dating back to 1969, this award-winning garden offers a tranquil escape and a feast for the senses.

A brief summary to Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the peak bloom season (April-May) for the most vibrant display of roses.
  • Go early in the morning for softer light, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful experience.
  • Check out the pruning demonstrations held on the second Saturday of January to learn about rose care.
  • Consider using the free Balboa Park Tram from Inspiration Point to reach the garden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the San Diego Natural History Museum, cross the footbridge over Park Boulevard. The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is located to the south of the footbridge.

  • Public Transport

    Take MTS Bus Route 7 or Rapid 215 to the Park Blvd & Village Pl stop. The garden is a short walk away. A one-way fare is $2.50. Alternatively, from downtown San Diego, the Route 7 bus provides direct access to Balboa Park.

  • Driving

    From SR-163 South, exit at Park Boulevard. Turn left onto Park Boulevard. Limited free street parking is available on Park Boulevard. If street parking is unavailable, park in the lots north of the San Diego History Museum and use the footbridge to access the Rose Garden. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, often called the Balboa Park Rose Garden, is a stunning display of natural beauty and horticultural excellence. Situated on the eastern edge of Balboa Park along Park Boulevard, this three-acre garden showcases over 1,600 roses, representing more than 130 varieties. The garden's story began in 1969 with Dick Streeper and the San Diego Rose Society, who dreamed of creating a public rose garden in San Diego. With funding from the Parker Foundation, the garden was established in 1973 and officially dedicated in 1975 in honor of Inez Grant Parker, a philanthropist and equestrian. The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden has earned numerous accolades, including being named an Outstanding Rose Garden in the U.S.A. by All-America Rose Selections in 1978 and receiving the Award of Garden Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2003. In 2014, it was inducted into the Great Rosarians of the World Hall of Fame. Visitors can explore the garden's wheelchair-accessible pathways, admire the diverse collection of roses, and enjoy the fragrant atmosphere. Peak bloom occurs in April and May, but many roses are in bloom from March through December. The garden is also a popular spot for weddings.

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