Between the lines: A popular spot for out-of-towners, it sees about 14 million visitors each year, according to the city.
Yes, but: There are a few perks for residents, including free admission to some museums on Tuesdays each month.
Plus, kids go for free at several museums and the Japanese Friendship Garden in October.
What we're watching: The $21 million renovation of the park's iconic Botanical Building is expected to be completed this fall.
Fun fact: Balboa Park was renamed from "City Park" ahead of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which spurred the construction of the park's iconic Spanish Colonial Revival buildings.
It's named in honor of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, the first European to spot the Pacific Ocean while exploring Panama.