On Nov. 18, the San Diego City Council approved a new fee structure for all Balboa Park parking lots and in-park roads. Monthly, quarterly, and annual passes will be available to City of San Diego residents at discounted rates, while non-residents will pay higher fees. Without a pass, parking will cost $2.50 per hour on park roads and $5–$16 per day in lots. Paid parking is set to begin Jan. 5, 2026. Residents seeking discounted passes must register their license plate through an online portal now in development.
The rates for the parking passes will be as follows:
City of San Diego residents
- Monthly, $30; Quarterly, $60; Annual, $150
Non-residents
- Monthly, $40; Quarterly, $120; Annual, $300
Level 1 lots: Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades, South Carousel
- Resident rate: $8 per day and $5 for up to 4 hours
- Non-resident rate: $16 per day and $10 for up to 4 hours
Level 2 lots: Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Marston Point
- Resident rate: $5 per day
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day
Level 3 lot: Lower Inspiration Point
- Resident rate: $5 per day
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day
Meter rates on in-park roads will be $2.50 per hour with a maximum of $10 per day.
Hourly and daily parking will be enforced 8a.m.- 8p.m.
Parking will remain free for registered staff and volunteers while on duty, and all visitors can park free for the first three hours at Lower Inspiration Point. Individuals with valid ADA placards can park for free in designated spaces and on park roads. New meters and kiosks are being installed along Sixth Avenue, Park Boulevard, and within Balboa Park, with fees activated once installed. Revenue collected inside the park must be reinvested in Balboa Park operations and maintenance, while funds from adjacent streets must support mobility and traffic-safety improvements. The free Inspiration Point tram will continue service, and new special-event parking fees were also approved based on event type, duration, and space needs.