Parking Update for School in the Park
The information regarding parking from the City of San Diego is changes frequently. Please check ClassDoJo for the latest up-to-date information.
Paid parking is now in effect in all Balboa Park lots and on-street, metered spots as of January 5, 2026.
Important Parking Update for School in the Park Family Events
Starting Monday, March 2, 2026 verified City of San Diego residents can park for free all day in 7 of Balboa Park's 12 lots after registering their vehicle through the city's online permit portal. The five remaining "premium" lots will keep paid parking, but verified residents get half-price rates via the portal.
The city has also reduced paid parking enforcement hours, now running from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (previously until 8 p.m.).
City of San Diego residents can get verified by visiting the City's online permit portal at sandiego.thepermitportal.com. The one time registration fee is $5 (paid by you) and takes up to 2 business days.
Drivers displaying a valid disabled person license plate or placard may park for free all day in any available spot in the lots or along park roads, in addition to designated blue ADA spaces.
Table of Locations and Parking 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.
For more information, please visit Parking Information for Balboa Park | City of San Diego Official Website 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, Casa de Balboa, Organ Pavillion, South Carousel, and Space Theatre
Alcazar
Casa de Balboa
South Carousel
Organ Pavillion
Space Theatre
Palisades
Bea Evenson
Pepper Grove
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, Bea Evenson, Palisades, 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
Visit the City of San Diego's official parking page for more details: click here.