The San Diego History Center

LOCATION

The San Diego History Center in Casa de Balboa 
is located in the heart of Balboa Park
1649 El Prado, Suite #3 San Diego, CA 92101

Casa de Balboa is located at the east end of El Prado, near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the Bea Evenson Fountain. Casa de Balboa also houses the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

For a location map: Balboa Park Map
For detailed information about parking: Parking & Transportation

ADMISSION

Your donation is your admission to our museums. We don’t charge a fixed admission fee but look to your generosity to help make history accessible to all in our community, removing barriers for those who otherwise not be able to experience our region’s history. Suggested minimum donation: $10.

HOURS

• The operating days and times are Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am to 7pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm.
• Visit the Research Services page for the latest information on access to the SDHC collections.

WINTER HOLIDAYS
Sat Dec 24– SDHC (11am-3pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
No Taste SD
JSM (11am-3pm)
Sun Dec 25 – closed
Mon Dec 26– SDHC (11am-4pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
Tues Dec 27– SDHC (11am-4pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
Wed Dec 28– SDHC (11am-7pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
Taste SD 1:30-6:30 pm
Thurs Dec 29– SDHC (11am-7pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
Taste SD 1:30-6:30 pm
Fri Dec 30– SDHC (11am-7pm open), with Let There Be Light Activities
Taste SD 1:30-6:30 pm
Sat Dec 31– SDHC (11am-3pm), with Let There Be Light Activities
No Taste SD
JSM hours (11am-3pm)
Sunday, January 1st – closed

Research Services

Balboa Park:
The Jewel of San Diego

Join us for a 30-minute Emmy Award-winning documentary that highlights the past, present and future of Balboa Park, one of San Diego’s most recognized and beloved public landmarks.

Screening daily at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
Film times are subject to change.  Please contact the San Diego History Center Welcome Desk for more information.

For More Information

Please click here for more information on the film

WHILE YOU ARE HERE

• No food or beverages.
• No pets. Service animals are welcome.
• Photography is permitted. Tag us! No flash, video, tripods, monopods, or photos in areas with the “no photo” symbol. 
• You may be photographed or videotaped while inside the museum.
  Speak with a Visitor Service Associate if you prefer to opt-out.
• No large bags, oversized items, or plants.

BALBOA PARK EXPLORER PASS

The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to some of the best museums San Diego has to offer, including the San Diego History Center. There are many options to chose from to make your visit memorable. Click the link below to learn more and purchase your own pass.

Learn More