Since both Balboa Park
and the San Diego Zoo are popular, it is reasonable to assume that it can be
crowded. However, the outer picnic areas, particularly along 6th
street are usually not too bad. The best feature
is that parking inside the park is free. You can get to the park and the zoo by
taking Park Blvd. off the
163 freeway, or the San Diego Freeway (5). Also, for just Balboa
Park you can take Laurel
street right into the park (it becomes El Prado).
Prices for the Zoo range from $19.75 to $32.00, and package prices (for the
bus tour and skyway) are available. Also, there are plenty of discount coupons,
i.e. AAA, AARP, etc. so check before you pay. Plan to spend at least a half day
each in the park and at the zoo but don’t do both in the same day. Take your
time, relax and allow yourself to leisurely experience these truly remarkable
and unique venues in San Diego.