Balboa Park Parking Changes: Free Zones Expanded for San Diego Residents
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has expanded free parking zones for City of San Diego residents in Balboa Park, adjusting a paid-parking program implemented last month. The changes aim to address concerns raised by residents and City Council members regarding the impact of parking fees on access to the park.
What’s Changing with Balboa Park Parking?
Starting March 2, 2026, residents of the City of San Diego will be able to park for free in the following lots:
- Pepper Grove
- Federal
- Upper Inspiration Point
- Lower Inspiration Point
- Marston Point
- Palisades
- Bea Evenson
Parking fees will still apply for city residents parking in premium lots, including:
- Space Theater
- Casa de Balboa
- Alcazar
- Organ Pavilion
- South Carousel
The cost for these premium lots is $5 for up to four hours or $8 for a full day. The City of San Diego states that parking rates for non-city residents remain unchanged and are available on the city’s website.
Reduced Enforcement Hours
In addition to the expanded free parking zones, Mayor Gloria has directed that parking enforcement in Balboa Park will end at 6 p.m., rather than 8 p.m. NBC San Diego reports this change is intended to further ease access for residents.
Addressing Budget Concerns
The expansion of free parking zones is expected to reduce city revenue. Mayor Gloria has received commitments from the City Council President and other councilmembers to identify service-level reductions to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Mayor’s office, this demonstrates a commitment to both resident access and fiscal responsibility.
Resident Reactions
The changes come after feedback from residents, including concerns about the financial burden of parking fees. One Encinitas resident expressed frustration, stating the changes felt like a “tariff on county residents” and indicated they would no longer visit Balboa Park or support businesses in San Diego.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of these changes on March 2, 2026, will be closely monitored to assess their impact on park access and city revenue. The City Council’s efforts to identify offsetting budget reductions will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of the program.