San Diego: Balboa Park Segway Tour with Art & Rose Garden

Summary

Balboa Park segway ride art studios rose garden old globe theater

You’ll glide past gardens and theaters on a Segway tour of Balboa Park with a local guide leading the way. Smell roses in bloom, watch artists at work in Spanish Village, and stand where stars once performed at the Old Globe Theater. This small group day trip lets you see more of San Diego’s iconic park than you ever could on foot — and maybe leave with a story or two.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the weird little hum of the Segway under my feet as we rolled out from a shady patch near Balboa Park’s entrance — palms overhead, sunlight flickering on everyone’s helmets. Our guide, Alex, had this way of telling stories that made even the concrete paths feel like they had a history. He waved at a gardener clipping something I couldn’t name (not a plant person), and then we were off into what felt like a whole city tucked inside San Diego.

I didn’t expect to actually smell roses before seeing them, but when we got close to the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, there was this sweet scent in the air — kind of old-fashioned, almost syrupy. Alex pointed out his favorite variety (he called it “Mr. Lincoln,” which made me laugh for some reason) and let us pause for photos. The park’s so big you’d never cover it all on foot in one day; honestly, doing this as a day trip by Segway from downtown San Diego just makes sense.

We zipped over to the Spanish Village Art Center next. The tiles are all these wild colors — blues and yellows that look even brighter in real life than in photos. There were artists actually working outside their studios; one woman was painting tiny dogs on mugs and she let us peek inside her workshop. Li tried to say “thank you” in Spanish and totally butchered it, but she just grinned and waved us on. It’s those little moments that stick.

Our last stop was the Old Globe Theater — I could almost picture actors sneaking cigarettes backstage or maybe rehearsing lines under those old trees. Alex told us about famous actors who started here before Hollywood came calling (I only recognized one name). By then my legs were buzzing from standing but not walking — strange feeling — and I realized how much ground we’d covered without ever rushing. Sometimes I still think about that light through the eucalyptus leaves as we headed back, not quite ready for it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Segway tour of Balboa Park highlights

• Ride Segway through Balboa Park
• Watch local artists at Spanish Village
• Visit Inez Grant Parker Rose Garden
• See Old Globe Theater stage

Top questions

How long is the Balboa Park Segway tour?

The tour covers Balboa Park in one day; exact duration isn’t specified but includes stops at main attractions.

Is there an age limit for riding a Segway in Balboa Park?

The minimum age is 16 years old for this tour.

What attractions are included on this Segway tour?

You’ll visit Balboa Park itself, Spanish Village Art Center, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, and Old Globe Theater.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you start and end within Balboa Park itself.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for each guest during your Segway ride.

How many people can join per booking?

This private tour allows 2-3 people per booking maximum.

Are there any health restrictions for this Segway tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Can beginners join if they’ve never used a Segway before?

Yes, all physical fitness levels are suitable; your guide provides instruction before starting out.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Segway with helmet provided, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout Balboa Park’s highlights, bottled water to keep you cool while exploring gardens and art centers, plus plenty of time to stop for photos or questions along the way before returning to your starting point in the park.