California Tower: A San Diego Icon
Ascend San Diego's iconic California Tower in Balboa Park for panoramic city views and a glimpse into the region's rich history.
The California Tower, a landmark in Balboa Park, has been a symbol of San Diego since its construction for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. This intricately designed structure, part of the Museum of Us, offers guided tours to its viewing deck, providing panoramic views of the city.
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
- Book your California Tower tour online in advance, as capacity is limited and tours often sell out.
- Arrive at Balboa Park early to allow ample time for parking and reaching the Museum of Us.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the 125-step climb to the top of the tower.
- Check the Museum of Us website for the latest tour schedules and any special events.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park, walk north towards the California Quadrangle. The California Tower is the prominent structure within the Quadrangle, easily visible from the Plaza. Enter through the California Building, which houses the Museum of Us, and proceed to the tour meeting point. Allow 5-10 minutes walking time within the park.
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Public Transport
Take MTS bus routes 7 or Rapid 215 to the Balboa Park East entrance. From the bus stop, walk west towards the California Quadrangle and the California Tower. Alternatively, take the free Balboa Park Tram from Inspiration Point (accessible by bus) to the Plaza de Panama, then walk north. A one-way fare on MTS is $2.50, valid for unlimited transfers within two hours. The free tram runs every 10-15 minutes.
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Ride Share
Request a ride to the Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. From the Plaza, walk north towards the California Quadrangle and the California Tower. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may cost approximately $10-15 from downtown San Diego to Balboa Park.
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Parking
Free parking is available in various lots throughout Balboa Park, including Inspiration Point, the Organ Pavilion lot, and the Natural History Museum lot. From any of these lots, follow park signage towards the California Quadrangle and the Museum of Us. Paid valet parking is available in front of The Prado Restaurant at the House of Hospitality. Note that parking can be difficult during peak times or major events. Although parking is currently free, the city is considering implementing paid parking in Balboa Park.
Discover more about California Tower
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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San Diego Zoo
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The San Diego Museum of Art
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Plaza de Panama
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Essential places to dine
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Prado
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Arctic Trader
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