Tips for People with Disabilities

Parking

Paid parking dedicated for people with disabilities is available off Park Blvd. in two locations - at the Fleet Science Center on Space Theater Way, and at the Natural History Museum on Village Place. These two lots are closest to El Prado and the Bea Evenson Fountain area. In addition, Lot A paid general parking, and Lot B paid preferred parking feature a limited number of accessible spaces. There is also limited free parking for people with disabilities near the Zoo. Visit the Parking page to learn more, including pre-purchased parking options.

ASL Services

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage will feature ASL translation from 6 p.m. -10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday 12/6 and 12/7.

Access to Venues in Balboa Park

Below are some tips for accessing various locations during December Nights. Long entry lines and crowds of people can be expected.

Balboa Park Visitors Center at the House of Hospitality – Ground level access is available at the northeast entrance, off the El Prado pedestrian area.

Bea Evenson Fountain area – There are ramps on the north and south sides of El Prado to access the fountain area (adjacent to the Fleet Science Center and the Natural History Museum).

Holiday Cheer Garden at Village Place – The Cheer Garden will be at ground level with access from El Prado.

Civic Dance Arts at Casa del Prado – Entrances without stairs are located on the north side of the building, with easiest access from Village Place sidewalk. Performances are on a stage in the central courtyard at ground level; there is an elevator to the second floor and the performances are visible from the balcony on the second floor as well. Evening shows are approximately 30 minutes long. Earlier shows are less crowded.

Comic-Con Museum – Main entrance is at ground level, and there is an elevator to the 2nd floor gallery.

Family Zone at the Municipal Gym – The main entrance and all activities are at ground level.

Fleet Science Center – Main entrances are at ground level, and there is an elevator in the museum to access exhibits on the 2nd floor.

International Cottages – Sloped sidewalks provide access to the area; some cottages have stairs at their entrance. The International Spirits Garden will be on a grass-covered slope, and an attendant or aide is strongly recommended for people with mobility devices.

Institute of Contemporary Art – The ground level lobby will be open during the event, accessed from El Prado.

Japanese Friendship Garden – Upper garden access only during the event, at street level near the Organ Pavilion.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater – Main entrance is at ground level, with a gentle slope inside of the theater.

Mingei International Museum – All entrances are accessible, and there is an elevator to access the upper gallery level.

Museum of Us – Visitors can enter the Museum using the ramp at the front entrance and use the east exit on the ground floor. An elevator to the 2nd level is also available.

The Old Globe – The main plaza featuring the Grinch Christmas tree is at ground level.

Panama 66 – Ground level access is at main entrance from the Plaza de Panama.

The Prado Restaurant at the House of Hospitality – Ground level access is available at the northeast entrance, off the El Prado pedestrian area.

San Diego Air and Space Museum – All exhibits are on the ground floor.

San Diego Automotive Museum – Wheelchair access is available through center/regular entrance for a visitor plus one attendant.

San Diego Floral Association Christmas Tree Display at Casa del Prado - Entrances without stairs are located on the north side of the building, with easiest access from Village Place sidewalk. The display is in room 101 and is accessible.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum at Casa de Balboa – Use the elevator inside of the building at the East entrance (near the San Diego History Center) to access the lower level where the Model Railroad Museum is located. The galleries and facilities are accessible for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other power-driven mobility devices, with safety railing and access ramps.

San Diego Museum of Art – Ramp access is on the east side of the main stairs at the front of the building. An elevator is available to access 2nd floor galleries.

San Diego Natural History Museum – Ramp access is available on both the north and south sides of the museum. Stroller parking will be at the north side only. An elevator to access exhibits on all levels is located inside the north entrance.

San Diego Zoo – The zoo grounds are accessible, however to ride the Skyfari guests who use mobility devices must be able to transfer to a gondola seat without assistance of Zoo team members or with the help of those in their party.

Spanish Village Art Center – All entrances are at ground level.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion – All levels of the pavilion are either at ground level or accessible by ramps on either side. Wheelchair space is available at the front of the seating area, closest to the stage.

Timken Museum of Art – Access the museum via the ramp at the northwest corner of the Museum. For additional accommodations, requests or questions, call the Museum's Front Desk at (619) 239-6663 or email: access@timkenmuseum.org