General Park Use Permits and Applications

• Events at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park and Shoreline Parks
• Events at Community, Neighborhood, Mini-parks and Lake Grounds
• Mission Bay Mooring and Beach Bar Permits
• Other Permits for Balboa Park

Events at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park and Shoreline Parks

If you are interested in having a wedding, large picnic or special event in Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park, or one of our Shoreline Parks, you will need to obtain a permit from our permit center located in the Balboa Park Administration Building at 2125 Park Boulevard. The permit center is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Recorded information is available at (619) 235-1169 or email My Park. Applications are available below in PDF format which you can fill out in advance and bring with you to the permit center.

• Facility and Park Use Permit application (PDF: 37K)
• Modified Special Event Permit Application for Alcohol Consumption in Restricted Areas (PDF: 264K)
• Wedding Park Use Permit application (PDF: 57K)
• Fiesta Island Youth Camp application (PDF: 77K)
  • Youth Camp Rules and Regulations (PDF: 62K)
  • Youth Camp Map (PDF: 155K)

Please view the General Park Use Permit Rules and Regulations and please note, we do not issue permits for City Holidays.

Happy News for Brides and Grooms

Developed Regional Parks is happy to announce we are issuing permits for wedding sites a year in advance for designated wedding ceremony sites in Balboa Park and the Shoreline Parks and Beaches. The opening day for permits will be the first working Monday of each month, with all dates available for that month.

Developed Regional Parks hopes that by taking this step, it will allow brides, grooms, and all participants to fully enjoy the happiest time of their lives. Please call the Permit Center at 619-235-1169 for more information.

Park Use Availability

We now offer enhanced information about our permit sites which can be found via our City Map or by a listing of Best Sites for weddings, picnics, indoor events or classrooms.

Events at Community, Neighborhood, Mini-parks and Lake Grounds

The City of San Diego offers over 300 community and neighborhood based parks for patron enjoyment. If you would like to hold an event at one of these locations, please visit our community parks permit page for more information.

Mission Bay Mooring and Beach Bar Permits

Park and Recreation Developed Regional Parks Division issues permits for two types of long term boat storage on Mission Bay - moorings and beach bars. Permits are issued for a period of one calendar year beginning March 1st.

Mooring Permits
Owners of boats up to twenty-five (25) feet in length may apply for permits to use mooring locations in three areas of Mission Bay - San Juan Cove, Santa Barbara Cove, and Mariners Basin. The permit to use an in-water mooring space is non-transferrable, but the physical buoy and tackle are the property of the permit holder.
Mooring Permit Application and Information

Long-Term Beach Bar Permits
In several areas west of Ingraham Street, the Park and Recreation Department Developed Regional Parks Division maintains small beach areas where boats may be left overnight. Some beach bars are limited fo vessels fourteen (14) feet or less in length and eight feet wide. On others, maximum vessel length is seventeen (17) feet.
Beach Bar Permit (14 feet or less) application and information
Beach Bar Permit (17 feet or less) application and information

For further information contact:
City of San Diego
Park and Recreation Department
Developed Regional Parks Division
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego CA 92101
(619) 235-1169

Other Permits for Balboa Park

• Athletic Area Use Permits
• Outdoor Entertainment Permits
• Balboa Park Pedi Cab Permit

Athletic Area Use Permits

All permits and facility rentals are subject to availability. Fees are required in most rentals and are determined by the current City of San Diego Fee Schedule.

• Balboa Park Activity Center Gymnasium: Permit Applications, (858) 581-7100.
• Morley Field & Recreation Center: Picnic, Park or Athletic Field Permit Applications, (619) 692-4919
• Municipal Gymnasium: Permit Applications, (619) 525-8262

Outdoor Entertainment Permits

Information on how to obtain a permit and the rules & regulations are available in the Balboa Park Entertainer Program Brochure (PDF: 146K).

Balboa Park Alternate Form of Transportation Right of Entry Permit (Pedi Cabs)

Balboa Park Pedicab permits are issued by lottery on the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 AM (late arrivals will not be issued a permit).

Lottery Location
Balboa Park Administration Building, 2125 Park Boulevard (Park Blvd. at Inspiration Point Way). Meet at the rear of the building, outside door #1.

Permit Fee
Permits cost $49.00 per month and are valid within Balboa Park only. Cash or money order accepted. Balboa Park Pedicab Permits are non-transferable.

• City of San Diego Pedicab Operator's Permit and a City of San Diego Pedicab decal on the Pedicab.
• Valid photo identification (i.e. State Driver's License or passport)
• The Pedicab must be available for a visual inspection. Bring it with you to the lottery.

For more information, contact the Park Ranger office at: (619) 235-1122.