San Diego Archers · Parking Guide

Balboa Park Parking Fees: What Archers Need to Know

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What We Know

  • Start Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
  • Current Status (Dec 2025): Park lots remain free. Perimeter meters (6th Ave, Park Blvd) are ACTIVE ($2.50/hr).
  • Resident verification: Portal expected to launch late Dec/early Jan.
  • Access (City Lots): Free for ADA placard holders.
  • Access (Zoo Lot): PAID for ADA placard holders (unless Zoo Member).
  • Transit: Free tram service continues from Inspiration Point.
  • Parking types: Tiered lot pricing + on-street meters.

Alcazar Parking Lot (Closest to Range)

Map showing Balboa Park lot levels

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. From there, it’s a short walk to the Rube Powell Archery Practice Range on the west side of the parking lot.

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 (Effective Jan 5, 2026)

Below is the approved fee structure starting January 5, 2026. Residents must register via the "Park Smarter" portal (once live) to receive discounted rates.

Parking Levels & Locations
 Resident (Verified) Non-Resident
Level 1 Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Palisades $5 (4 hrs) · $8/day $10 (4 hrs) · $16/day
Level 2 Federal, Pepper Grove $5/day $10/day
Level 3 Lower Inspiration Point First 3 hrs FREE, then $5/day First 3 hrs FREE, then $10/day

On-Street Meters: Active NOW on 6th Ave & Park Blvd ($2.50/hr). Internal park meters (e.g. Balboa Dr) start Jan 5 ($2.50/hr, $10 max).

Good to Know

  • ADA (City Lots): Blue-marked accessible spaces in City lots (like Alcazar) and curbside meters remain FREE for vehicles with valid placards/plates.
  • ADA (Zoo Lot): NOT FREE. Standard parking rates ($16/day) apply to ADA spaces in the Zoo lot unless you are a registered Zoo member.
  • Tram: Free tram runs between Inspiration Point and central destinations.
  • Payment: Pay at kiosks or via the ParkSmarter app. No paper cash at kiosks.

Registered Volunteers

Per City regulations, free parking continues for registered volunteers and staff actively working in the park. Eligible users will receive placards valid for Level 2 & Level 3 lots.

For Club Staff: We are currently working with the City to provide a list of our active Staff members for eligibility in Level 2/3 lots.

For Archers — Practical Options

  • Closest lot: Alcazar (Level 1) — Residents: $8/day. Non-residents: $16/day.
    Recommended for loading/unloading, but costly for full day shoots.
  • Value option: Lower Inspiration Point — first 3 hours free; tram service into the core.
  • San Diego Zoo member? Zoo Lot — Approx. 15-minute walk to the range — Free for members (requires online plate registration). Non-members: $16/day ($8 resident).
    Note: ADA placards do NOT grant free parking in this lot.

FAQ

When do fees actually start?

January 5, 2026. However, meters on 6th Ave and Park Blvd are already installed and enforced ($2.50/hr).

Does ADA parking remain free?

It depends on the lot. In City-managed lots (Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, Inspiration Point) and street meters, ADA parking is FREE. In the San Diego Zoo lot, ADA parking is PAID ($16/day) unless you are a Zoo Member.

How do I prove residency?

You will need to register on the "Park Smarter" portal (launching soon) with a driver's license, utility bill, or vehicle registration. There is a one-time $5 fee for verification.

Posted on by SDA.