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Balboa ParkvsBelmont Park
Both are highly recommended by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Balboa Park scores slightly better than Belmont Park. Balboa Park is ranked #12 in San Diego with praise from 9 reviews like Condé Nast Traveler, Concierge and Where.
Balboa Park
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
National Geographic Lonely Planet
Where Where Show All Reviews
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
From $0/night
Concierge "As Central Park is to New York City, Balboa Park is the center of this out-of-doors city."
Lonely Planet "Balboa Park includes a number of gardens, reflecting different horticultural styles and environments, including Alcazar Garden , a formal, Spanish-style garden." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Besides trails, dog parks, and play areas, the historic Balboa Park is home to such attractions as the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Museum of Art." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "It’s pretty much impossible to get bored at this park." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Balboa Park endures as an idyllic sylvan retreat and the nation's largest urban cultural park." Full review
Afar Magazine "Balboa park is a landscape of arts and culture in San Diego, including museums, such as The Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Photographic Arts." Full review
National Geographic "The nation’s largest urban cultural park includes the San Diego Zoo (see below), the Old Globe, 13 major museums, unique gardens, and fanciful architecture that originated with Expos in 1915 and 1935." Full review
Lonely Planet "All attractions are easily walkable, or jump aboard the park's tram to whizz around them all at speed." Full review
Where "At 1,200 acres, this lush green space overlooking downtown San Diego is the largest urban cultural park in the country, home to more than 17 museums, theaters and other cultural institutions." Full review
Where "The cultural heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country." Full review
Belmont Park Lonely Planet
Fodor's Afar Magazine Where Condé Nast Traveler
U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109
From $0/night
Lonely Planet "This old-style family amusement park at the southern end of Mission Beach has been here since 1925." Full review
Fodor's "The once-abandoned amusement park between the bay and Mission Beach Boardwalk is now a shopping, dining, and recreation complex." Full review
Afar Magazine "Belmont Park is right on Mission Beach and is a little amusement park with a wooden roller coaster." Full review
Where "Located right on Mission Beach, Belmont Park offers nostalgic summertime fun and modern entertainment for the whole family." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—at Belmont Park, we embrace it. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report19.0
"A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Go back in time to an old-style beachside amusement park with rides, arcades, and views of the Pacific"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Travel + Leisure "This vintage amusement park features bumper cars, a carousel, and other classic attractions as well as shops, restaurants, and snacks"
22 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids
February 21, 2023
Frommer's "There are a variety of carnie-style rides at Belmont Park, but something more unique awaits next door at the Wave House." Full review
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Note: As of this writing Belmont Park has declared bankruptcy over a lease dispute with the city.
