Balboa Park Parking Fees Partially Rolled Back for San Diego Residents

Free parking to be offered in select lots, but non-residents still required to pay

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The city of San Diego is reinstating free parking in select Balboa Park lots for verified city residents, following widespread criticism of new parking fees at the popular attraction. The move, promised by Mayor Todd Gloria, comes after council members and park stewards objected to the fees, which they said were hurting attendance. While city residents will be able to park for free in seven lots, non-residents and those living outside the city will still be required to pay the new parking fees.

Why it matters

Balboa Park is a beloved community asset, and the new parking fees had sparked backlash from both residents and local leaders who felt the charges were unfair and would limit access to the park. The partial rollback of fees for city residents is an attempt to address these concerns, though the city still faces budget challenges that the parking revenue was intended to help solve.

The details

Starting Monday, February 28, San Diego residents will be able to park for free in seven Balboa Park lots, provided they register their vehicle's license plate online and show proof of residency. Enforcement of the free parking for residents will begin on March 9, with warnings issued, and citations starting on March 16. Residents will still be required to pay for parking in premium lots. Non-residents and those living outside the city will continue to pay the new parking fees, which range from $5 for up to four hours to $8 for a full day.

  • The new free parking for San Diego residents will begin on Monday, February 28, 2026.
  • Enforcement of the free parking, with warnings issued, will start on March 9, 2026.
  • Parking citations for non-compliant vehicles will begin on March 16, 2026.

The players

Todd Gloria

The mayor of San Diego who promised the rollback of parking fees for city residents.

Balboa Park Cultural Partnership

The organization representing the park's museums and attractions, which warned that the new parking fees were hurting attendance.

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What they’re saying

“The mayor's decision is the start of movement in the right direction, but we would like to see more done for regional residents because access to the park is essential not only to city residents, but to people from throughout the county who have depended on and supported the park for generations.”

— Peter Comiskey, Executive Director, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the impact of the parking fees and free parking for residents, and may make further adjustments in the future based on feedback and attendance data.

The takeaway

The partial rollback of parking fees for San Diego residents is a compromise aimed at addressing community concerns, but the city still faces budget challenges that the parking revenue was intended to help solve. The long-term impact on Balboa Park's accessibility and finances remains to be seen.