Balboa Park in San Diego spans 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and cultural venues spread across a hillside that feels more like a small city than a typical park. You’ll find 15 major museums here, from the San Diego Natural History Museum to the Fleet Science Center, plus theaters hosting everything from Broadway-style musicals to intimate concerts. The real draw for visiting with a dog is the three dedicated off-leash dog parks scattered throughout the grounds—Grape Street Dog Park is the most popular, with separate areas for small and large dogs where you can actually let your dog run while you’re visiting.

The park’s layout means you can easily spend a full day here without feeling rushed. If you’re not interested in museum hopping, the botanical gardens alone justify a visit. You’ll see everything from Japanese Friendship Garden to the Desert Garden, and dogs are welcome on leash throughout. The Spanish Village Art Center is particularly good if you want to watch artists at work while your dog gets the hang of walking past interesting smells and sounds.

Fair warning: Balboa Park gets genuinely crowded on weekends, especially around the museums and main promenades. Summer heat can be intense too, so plan for early morning or late afternoon walks if you’re visiting June through September. The park has water fountains, but they’re spaced out, so bring your own water bowl or collapsible dish.

Parking is plentiful but can be scattered—some lots fill up faster than others on busy days. If you’re combining museum visits with dog time, the Grape Street lot puts you closest to that dog park and gives good access to the gardens heading north. You could realistically hit a museum, walk the gardens, and let your dog play for a solid half-day without backtracking.