Engagement Guide to Balboa Park, San Diego
Official Website: Balboa Park
Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography
Balboa Park spans over 1,200 acres of area within San Diego County. The park hosts a variety of unique buildings, museums, spaces, trails, gardens, and nature centers. Some of the most notable are San Diego Zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden.
ADMISSION: Admittance is FREE to enter the park grounds.
PARKING: There are 11 free parking lots. There are electric car charging stations located in the Fleet Science Center, and San Diego Zoo parking lots.
DOGS: Dogs allowed and must be leashed at all times.
BEST TIME OF WEEK AND DAY: Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds from the weekends. Early morning and golden hour are recommend for the best lighting.
BEST LOCATIONS:
Japanese Friendship Garden: This is by far my favorite place in Balboa Park if you prefer privacy and lush green gardens. Morning Photoshoot Reservations are $150 per hour plus admission. All photoshoot reservations must take place between 8:30 am and 10 am and is a 1 hour minimum.
Alcazar Gardens: The patterns of this garden was inspired by the Alcazar Castle in Spain. The gardens is situated perfectly between two museums which provides plenty of shade during the mid-day sun. The boxwood hedges are complimented with thousands of annual and roses. This is one of my favorite places at Balboa Park if you want a mix of gardens and architecture background of Balboa Park.
Spreckles Organ Pavilion: An open air organ pavilion and considered the world’s largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue.
Other notable locations:
Casa Del Rey Moro Garden
Bea Evenson Fountain
