It’s been talked about for weeks, and now Monday afternoon, the San Diego City Council will consider paid parking across Balboa Park and surrounding streets.
The council’s discussion will include evaluating a rate structure from $5.00-$15.00 per day depending on the location of the lot.
This proposal also recommends establishing parking meters on streets in and around the park — with an hourly rate of $2.50
M.G. Perez
M.G. Perez
Gloria Moeller unpacks her photography to sell at the San Diego County Art Mart show, Sunday, in Balboa Park, July 27. 2025.
Sunday morning, about a dozen artists unpacked their cars in the parking lot next to the Speckles Organ Pavilion. It is just across the street from the spot where they sell their art work every weekend during the summer.
Jaime Camacho is a Colombian artist who is part of the San Diego County Art Mart show. He told NBC 7, “if you charge parking, people are not going to be enthusiastic about spending money just to see art. It’s against the community of artists.”
“Some days when I’m here I don’t make very much, and other days I make a lot,” said Gloria Moeller, a photographer with the show. Her photos are priced in a range from $5 to $700.
According to the city proposal, she and her customers could pay $15 a day to park in the nearby lot.
Moeller said, “one of the major things that visitors to our show say to me is ‘where do I pay for parking?’ When I tell them it’s free, their faces light up and they say ’really, it’s free?”
The pay structure is not one price fits all. Mayor Todd Gloria has recommended a three level plan with the price based on location in the park.
Jaime Camacho is a painter who works in pastels, oils, and acrylics. He showed his art work, Sunday, in Balboa Park, July 27, 2025.
High traffic lots like the one near the Automotive Museum and the Air and Space Museum would be another top level $15 charge per space, per day.
“I just came from the Whittier area. So, if I had to pay to come here, I’ll just stay (home),” said Shawn Lane. He is a member of a motorcycle group that holds a gathering in the parking lot every last Sunday of the month.
Bill Ferguson is another motorcycle rider who is part of the group. “The city always needs money. They got to actually start backtracking. As a taxpayer, I say ‘hey, when are we getting a refund or when are we taking away some of the taxes that have occurred over the years all our lives?” Ferguson said.
For all of us who work, what we are making will (all) go to parking. It’s a big deal.
Lisa Capano, Balboa Park Staff Employee
The more remote parking lots would charge the lower level $5 rate. That is not much of a relief for Balboa Park staff employees and volunteers who report to their jobs several days a week.
Lisa Capano works for the park’s visitor’s center.
“What are we going to do? For all of us who work, what we are making will (all) go to parking. It’s a big deal,” she said.