Parking Update for School in the Park
The information regarding parking from the City of San Diego is changing day-to-day. Please check ClassDoJo for the lastest up-to-date information.
Paid parking is now in effect in most Balboa Park lots and on-street, metered spots as of January 5, 2026. Fees apply daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and vary by location.
(Closer to the park's center = higher rates.)
School in the Park Reimbursement
To help with this new fee, School in the Park will reimburse up to $5 toward your parking cost (one reimbursement per student, per family, per event). Simply show your parking receipt on the day of the Family Event to a member of the School in the Park team. This reimbursement only applies to the parking kiosks and not the street parking meters.
Please note that the monetary reimbursement is only for Family Events during the school day and will not count towards Saturday in the Park events or when checking out Family Passes.
How to Lower Your Parking Costs
The most effective way to lower your parking costs is to register for the City of San Diego Residential Parking (available to verified City residents):
Register online here: https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/
One-time registration fee: $5 (paid by you)
Verification of residency (car license plate number and one of the following: driver's license, utility bill, or vehicle registration) will take up to 2 business days. Please plan accordingly.
Benefits: Reduced daily rates and affordable pass options.
Non-residents (those living outside the City of San Diego) can use the portal but will pay full, higher rates. Please note there is free parking in designated spots for those with disabled placards/plates.
Please refer to the map below for detailed parking information based on the museum you’re visiting.
For more information, please visit https://www.sandiego.gov/parking/balboapark or call us at 619-572-6520.
How to Use the Parking Kiosk
Please see ‘Parking Kiosk Video’ from the City of San Diego on how to use the parking kiosks in Balboa Park. During busy times, lines can form at the parking kiosks. Please allow extra time to pay.
Parking Lots by Levels
Below you will find videos of each parking lot location based on level. Level One Lots are closest to central attractions. Please see map above for reference.
Level One Lots
The following are LEVEL ONE lots. We have included short video to give you a visual for each parking lot:
Alcazar, Bea Evenson, Casa de Balboa, Organ Pavillion, Palisades, South Carousel, and Space Theatre
Alcazar
Casa de Balboa
Palisades
South Carousel
Bea Evenson
Organ Pavillion
Pepper Grove
Space Theatre
Level Two Lots
The following are LEVEL TWO lots. We have included short video to give you a visual for each parking lot:
Federal, Pepper Grove, and Upper Inspiration Point
Federal
Upper Inspiration Point
Level Three Lot
The following is the LEVEL THREE lot. We have included short video to give you a visual for the parking lot:
Lower Inspiration Point