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Alcázar Garden: A Spanish-Moorish Oasis

A vibrant Spanish-Moorish garden in Balboa Park featuring colorful tiles, ornate fountains, and meticulously designed flowerbeds. Open 24/7 & free to enter!

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Escape to the tranquil Alcázar Garden in Balboa Park, a vibrant recreation of the gardens at Seville's Alcázar Castle. With ornate fountains, colorful Moorish tiles, and meticulously arranged flowerbeds, this formal garden offers a serene and picturesque retreat.

A brief summary to Alcázar Garden

  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the garden's tranquility.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and intricate tile designs.
  • Check the Balboa Park event calendar for any special activities or exhibitions in the garden.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby San Diego Museum of Art or Mingei International Museum.
  • Take a moment to relax on one of the tiled benches and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Alcázar Garden is centrally located within Balboa Park and easily accessible by foot from many of the park's main attractions. From the Plaza de Panama, walk east along El Prado, passing the San Diego Museum of Man on your right. The garden will be on your left, just before the Mingei International Museum. From the Natural History Museum, walk north along El Prado; the garden will be on your right. There is no admission fee.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve Balboa Park, providing convenient access to the Alcázar Garden. Routes 3, 7, 120, and Rapid 215 have stops on the east and west sides of Balboa Park. From downtown San Diego, the Route 7 bus will take you to Park Blvd & Village Pl, a short walk to the garden. A one-way fare costs $2.50. Alternatively, the free Balboa Park Tram provides transportation within the park, with stops near the garden.

  • Parking

    Free parking is available in several lots throughout Balboa Park. The Alcazar Parking Lot is located off El Prado and Pan American Road, behind the Mingei International Museum. Other nearby parking lots include the Natural History Museum lot and the Inspiration Point lot. During peak times, parking can be difficult, so arrive early or utilize the free Balboa Park Tram from Inspiration Point.

Unlock the Best of Alcázar Garden

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Discover more about Alcázar Garden

The Alcázar Garden, nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, offers a tranquil escape inspired by the gardens of the Alcázar Castle in Seville, Spain. Originally named Los Jardines de Montezuma for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, the garden was redesigned by architect Richard Requa for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. Requa drew inspiration from his travels to Spain, incorporating Spanish-Moorish elements into the garden's design. The garden is renowned for its ornate fountains adorned with vibrant turquoise, blue, yellow, and green Moorish tiles. These fountains, along with tiled benches, create a visually captivating scene. Boxwood hedges border the formal garden, which is planted with 7,000 annuals, ensuring a colorful display throughout the year. Visitors can stroll along symmetrical paths, relax by the fountains, and admire the meticulous landscaping. The garden's shady pergola, draped in weeping vines, provides a cool respite. In 2008, the Committee of One Hundred restored the garden's historic tiles, ensuring the enduring beauty of Alcázar Garden for years to come. Today, the Alcázar Garden remains a popular destination within Balboa Park, offering visitors a serene and picturesque retreat.

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