A night walk through the park can offer a whole different experience.
Balboa Park is mostly quiet at night, with only a few buildings open after 5pm, and most of the museums and galleries closed. The park can also be full of families walking or theater goers returning from a show. The various lights throughtout the park add a special atmosphere. The Old Globe often has plays going in their theaters, and many of the patrons head over to the Prado Restaurant for a drink, light meal or happy hour. The Ruben H Fleet's Science Center has an IMAX screen where there are movies, or other events at night. Occasionally, the Spanish Village Art Center has events at night with music, food and wine. The San Diego Museum of Art has a calendar of night time events from movies to music.