San Diego Archers · Parking Guide

Balboa Park Parking Fees — What Archers Need to Know

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What We Know

  • Council approval: Paid-parking program approved Sept 15–16, 2025
  • Targeted start: Monday, October 6, 2025 (start tied to system readiness)
  • Resident verification: Portal anticipated January 2026
  • Rates: Everyone pays the resident rate until verification is live
  • Access: Free ADA lot spaces and curbside meters
  • Transit: Free tram service continues from Inspiration Point
  • Parking types: Tiered lot pricing + on-street meters

Alcazar Parking Lot (closest to the range)

Map showing Balboa Park lot levels with the Alcazar Lot highlighted near the archery range

The Alcazar Parking Lot is a Level 1 lot. After crossing the Cabrillo Bridge on El Prado, pass the Mingei on your right and turn right behind the building down the short road to the lot. It’s a short walk to the Rube Powell Archery Range via the Palm Canyon path.

Tips:
  • If Alcazar is full, the Organ Pavilion or Casa de Balboa lots are the next Level 1 options nearby.
  • Inspiration Point offers 3 hours free with tram service to the center of the park.

Parking Rates (by lot level)

Below is the current Council-approved structure. The City indicated everyone will pay the resident rate until the resident verification portal is live.

Parking Levels & Locations
 Resident Non-Resident
Level 1 Alcazar, Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Organ Pavilion, Bea Evenson, Palisades, South Carousel $5 up to 4 hrs · $8/day $10 up to 4 hrs · $16/day
Level 2 Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Marston Point $5/day $10/day
Level 3 Lower Inspiration Point (first 3 hours free) First 3 hrs free, then $5/day First 3 hrs free, then $10/day

On-street meters (Balboa Drive, El Prado, Juniper Rd, Presidents Way, Quince Dr, Village Pl, plus 6th Ave & Park Blvd adjacent to the park): $2.50/hour, up to $10/day.

Good to Know

  • ADA: Blue-marked accessible spaces in lots remain free for vehicles with valid placards/plates. Curbside ADA meters in/near the park are free for placard holders.
  • Tram: Free tram runs between Inspiration Point and central destinations; frequency increases during peak times.
  • Payment: Pay at kiosks or via the ParkSmarter app (when live). No paper cash at kiosks; cards/coins accepted per City communications.
  • Passes: Quarterly/annual passes are expected for frequent users; details pending from the City.

Registered Volunteers

Per the City’s Parks & Recreation handout and the City’s follow-up email to Special Use Permit holders, free parking is proposed to continue for park-based employees, nonprofit staff, registered volunteers, and contractors when actively serving. Eligible users will receive placards and may park at Level 2 & Level 3 lots, Balboa Drive, and the West Mesa at no cost. Team members who choose to park in Level 1 lots or at metered spaces will be subject to standard rates. Misuse may result in permit revocation.

Eligibility highlights: City-registered volunteers; approved/registered nonprofit volunteers actively serving Balboa Park purposes; authorized contractors; employees of Balboa Park-based organizations holding special-use permits or leaseholds; and Balboa Park-based City staff.

For Club Staff: We are currently working with the City to provide a list of our active Staff members who will be eligible for free parking permits in Level 2 and Level 3 lots.

For Archers — Practical Options

  • Closest lot: Alcazar (Level 1) — Residents: $5 (up to 4 hr) or $8/day. Non-residents: $10 (up to 4 hr) or $16/day.
    Note: All users pay the resident rate until the verification portal is live (expected Jan 2026).
  • Value option: Lower Inspiration Point — first 3 hours free; tram service into the core. Good for longer range sessions or when Alcazar is full.
  • San Diego Zoo member? Zoo Lot — San Diego Zoo members get complimentary Zoo lot parking (per Zoo policy; subject to change).

FAQ

When do fees actually start?

After the City launches its pass program and related systems. The planner email noted October 6, 2025 as the target, but the Council linked actual start to system readiness. A resident verification portal is anticipated by January 2026. Until the portal is live, the City has indicated all visitors pay the resident rate.

Is street parking charged the same as lots?

No. On-street meters in/around the park are $2.50/hour up to $10/day.

Does ADA parking remain free?

Yes—blue-marked ADA lot spaces and ADA meters are free for eligible placard/plate holders.

Posted on by SDA.