The Iconic Balboa Park Carousel! The carousel is enjoying a recent renovation with repairs and new paint. It's really beautiful. The entire family can enjoy riding on the vintage giraffes, horses, zebras and other animals, reaching for the brass ring. (Hint: mount one of the tall outside critters) You can easily stop here for a go-round prior to heading into the Zoo or any of the other amenities at Balboa Park. If you plan to cruise around the park, bring sunscreen, water and your wallet. There will be many opportunities to purchase a snack, museum ticket or precious keepsake.

A must-do in San Diego is a visit to the Balboa Park Carousel. This historical attraction, in operation since 1910, showcases 56 hand-carved animals, ranging from horses and lions to tigers, zebras, and even a dragon. Adding to its uniqueness, the carousel features a brass ring dispenser, allowing riders to try and grab a ring during their journey, and if successful, they earn a free ride. The Balboa Park Carousel offers a delightful and nostalgic experience, providing a glimpse into San Diego's rich history.

One of the coolest things to do in San Diego is to visit the Balboa Park Carousel. This historic attraction has been spinning since 1910, and features 56 hand-carved animals, including horses, lions, tigers, zebras, and even a dragon. The carousel also has a rare feature: a brass ring dispenser that lets riders try to grab a ring as they go around. If you catch the brass ring, you get a free ride! The Balboa Park Carousel is a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy a piece of San Diego's history.

I have been coming here my entire life. I am 44 years old. My father is 76 years old, and this is both of our most favorite places in San Diego! Being born and raised here, it's a staple for my family. My brothers, parents, nieces and nephews, and great nieces. We all love this carousel. No carousel compares... It's always a competition to see who can get the brass ring for the free ride!! This carousel is an absolute MUST if you're visiting San Diego or live here!

They are currently closed for construction. Keep an eye out for updates on Balboa Parks website (they have contact info to find out more). I went once and it was a lot of fun, even as an adult. It goes super fast too! It's a carousel. Fair warning it can be loud and there is people noise, music, and flashing lights.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$1–5

this carousel has been in Balboa Park since 1910, but it's older than that. It's really nicely cared for and well restored. Even still has the brass ring game. Tickets are 4 for $14. If you like cauliflower, this one is great!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

One of the oldest and most historical carousels in the US, dating from the year 1910. If you check on the inside there are paintings of native Americans. There's a wide variety of animals you can ride on, and it's for all ages. Tickets are $4 per person.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful park to visit. We wanted to go visit the cherry blossom park but it was quite crowded and completely sold out.so we saw the cherry blossom from outside and went to the carousel in the park and my 18 month old grandson had great fun riding his favourite zeba
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

$4 per rider (even if standing with small child). Many carousel animals and seating to choose from both moving vertically and stationary (as well as a couple rocking multi-seat areas)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$1–5

They say one of the oldest carousel in the san diego from 19th century. Big enough so no crowd any day of the week. Just next to parking so very easily accessible.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

I was born and raised in San Diego. Back in the 70's we spent a lot of time there as a family. I especially loved the carousel and often won the gold ring (free ride). Years later I confirmed I had been adopted. My bio mom told me she has handed me over to my new parents there in 1967

Very small but sweet set of rides outside the SD zoo. My kids really enjoyed this carousel, though they were too big to go on the smaller ride.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Absolutely the BEST! HONESTLY A GEM OF SAN DIEGO. If you are just in town visiting or a local, you have got to go. It will take you back to your childhood. Added bonus, they play the STARWARS theme song, if that isn't BADASS I don't know

One of, if not THE best carousel we've ever been on! The animals and carousel have been very recently refurbished (for a small fortune!) and it SURE shows! It's a gorgeous and yet functional work of art! It's one of the few that really

The carousel itself was great. $4 a ticket. The parking area next to it is very small and gets packed quick, but there is other parking nearby.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

It's newly refurbished and the ride is so smooth. The music is great and my son loves the organ that plays itself.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Said it was open, but it wasn’t. Called and no answer. Weekday hours wrong. Don’t recommend. Edit: Must have seen my review and changed the hours. Still leaving my review as it ruined our vacation.
Visited on
Weekday

The carousel is a wonderful place for kids of all ages! It is a 5-minute ride into the past on beautiful horses that are well maintained and the people working there are very sweet it's only $3 and well worth it

They recently renovated this carousel from 1910. It's always a good time. If you ride it before 5pm, you can try to grab the brass ring for a free ride.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

I've been riding this beautiful carousel since the 1960s and it is soo much fun! I used to try to catch the brass ring riding on my fav animal, the giraffe. It's beautiful to just watch too! More

This is the best carousel in town (and we've seen them all)! It is gorgeous, the staff is 100% dedicated to making it enjoyable, and there is the added fun of the brass ring.

It’s great place to bring your kids. I came around 4pm lots of people but no wait just bought my tickets and hopped on it was great and lots of fun. More

Great place for some quick fun. 100% bring your kids.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Pretty awesome especially if you have kids. My twins loved it. And it has a wonderful piece of history attached it it. A must see.

I now bring my granddaughter here, the 3rd generation since the 60's. It just never gets old. Granddaughter just loves it!

3 stars is kind of an incomplete. My wife really wanted to see it. Looks like its temporarily closed until spring.

My kids loved riding the Balboa Park Carousel! It was a fun stop while we waited to ride the miniature train.

A fan place. They just need to be ashamed they charge a ticket for adults just to stand next their small kid

If you can't find parking, you can go to the parking lot near the zoo.

Newly renovated. Beautiful carousal, fun for all ages