Parking passes for Balboa Park are now available for advance purchase through a new online portal launched Jan. 2, 2026. City of San Diego residents can receive discounted rates by verifying residency through the portal, a process that may take up to two business days. Paid parking began Jan. 5 in park parking lots and at meters along park roads. Options include daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual passes, with one virtual pass required per vehicle and verification done by license plate. Free parking remains available for up to three hours at Inspiration Point.
Below are the rates going into effect on Jan. 5, 2026:
- Level 1 lots – Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades and South Carousel
- Non-resident rate: $16 per day and $10 for up to 4 hours
- Resident rate: $8 per day and $5 for up to 4 hours
- Level 2 lots – Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point and Marston Point
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day
- Resident rate: $5 per day
- Level 3 lot – Lower Inspiration Point
- Non-resident rate: $10 per day with the first 3 hours free
- Resident rate: $5 per day with the first 3 hours free
For those wishing to obtain passes, they are available for purchase via the portal, https://sandiego.thepermitportal.com/ , for both City residents and non-residents. One pass is needed per vehicle. The passes will be virtual – there will be no physical placards or tags given to pass holders, and passes will be verified via license plate information.
| Parking Pass Type | Verified City Resident Rate | Non-resident Rate |
| Monthly Pass | $30 | $40 |
| Quarterly Pass | $60 | $120 |
| Annual Pass | $150 | $300 |
Free parking remains available for disabled permit holders, and free tram service now operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with ADA-accessible vehicles and expanded shuttle options for park staff and volunteers.For information about the San Diego Zoo parking lots, visit the Zoo’s parking website.