Become an Explorer!

One pass, 16 museums across Balboa Park.

What's included

Museum Access

Entry to 16 participating museums across the Balboa Park Cultural District. The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Comic-Con Museum, and performing arts venues are not included.

Museum Schedules

Some museums have limited operating days; link out to the full participating museum list.

Annual Pass

365 days of access, starting at $109.

Parkwide Pass

All 16 museums over 7 consecutive days, $78 for adults (12+) and $52 for youth (3-11).

Limited Pass

4 museums over 1 day, $66 for adults (12+) and $43 for youth (3-11).

Why Become an Explorer

Newsletters

Gain access to exclusive Explorer-tailored weekly newsletters

Park Picks

Get personal recommendations from Balboa Park team members

Explorer Experience Events

Exclusive invitations to monthly Explorer-only special events

How it works

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01

Choose Your Pass

Pick the option that fits how you plan to visit: Annual for repeat visits across the year, Parkwide for a full week of access, or Limited for a single day.
02

Complete Your Purchase

Buy securely through explorer.balboapark.org and receive your pass details by [confirm: email, mail, or account login].
03

Visit and Show Your Pass

Bring your pass to any participating museum during its posted hours. [confirm exact check-in method: physical card, QR code, or ID lookup].

Frequently Asked Questions

Explorer is Balboa Park's annual pass program. It gives general admission to 16 museums in Balboa Park for 365 days from the date of purchase, with no blackout dates.

Family passes cover up to four children, and there are also Adult, Student, and Senior options, so you can choose the pass that fits your household.

No. The pass itself has no blackout dates, though individual museums keep their own hours and some close on specific days, many on Mondays and the San Diego Museum of Art on Wednesdays.

Some museums run special exhibitions with an added admission fee. These are often discounted for Explorer passholders, but it's worth checking with the museum ahead of a visit.

Your pass is valid for 365 days starting on the date you purchase it.

Payment plans aren't currently offered.

Visit the Balboa Park Visitors Center or the front counter of the museum you're visiting for assistance.

A replacement can be issued for a $5 reprint fee. Contact explorer@balboapark.org or visit the Visitors Center.

No. Every Explorer card must carry a specific person's name; guest passes aren't part of the program.

No. The Zoo, Safari Park, Comic-Con Museum, and performing arts venues are not included.

Explorer News

Ready to Become an Explorer?

One pass, 16 museums, 365 days of access across Balboa Park.

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