Marston House image

Marston House

Museum Historical landmark

This 1905 house exemplifies the Arts & Crafts movement, plus features period furniture & pottery. People often mention tour, house, Diego, history, grounds, Beautiful, Marston, Balboa, interesting, great,


Address

3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

Website

www.balboapark.org

Contact

+1 619-297-9327

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (171 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (45) house (31) Diego (24) history (22) grounds (14) Beautiful (14) Marston (12) Balboa (10) interesting (10) great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michael “Mike” L. 2 years ago on Google • 123 reviews
    Definitely check out this piece of San Diego history. The house is beautiful, the grounds are well-kept, and the rose garden is a real delight.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine H. 4 years ago on Google • 123 reviews
    Fascinating house with plenty of history in the roots of San Diego and the creation of Balboa Park. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the house and the area and the rooms are beautifully setup. Touring the grounds can be done individually and is well worth it on a sunny day.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry H. 7 months ago on Google • 385 reviews
    Very interesting house and the people who show you around are very knowledgeable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane D. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited last year, had a great tour with a docent. The house, grounds and history is terrific. My docent shared great stories and was very detailed. Unfortunately, I toured again this weekend with my sister and got a docent who regurgitated information - mostly focused on the donated art and furniture. He was brisk and did not have the care and knowledge of the previous docent. He wasn't interested in answering questions and was quick to dismiss us due to his "next tour" waiting - but come to find out there wasn't anyone waiting for him. Still worth seeing, but the quality of the docent is what will make the visit worthwhile.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zaim J. 5 months ago on Google • 237 reviews
    I had a wonderful visit to the Marston House museum and gardens. The historic house was filled with fascinating artifacts, and the meticulously maintained gardens were a serene escape. A perfect blend of history and natural beauty!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael A. 4 months ago on Google • 175 reviews
    Unique house to visit, quiet tour, hardly any kids, it's for the older crowd that want to know more about Balboa Park and early San Diego history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Boris V. 4 years ago on Google
    The Marston House is a spectacular, walkable house, Museum and Garden. I invite you to pack a picnic lunch and just roam the grounds. Early morning and evenings are when the local critters are active.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shania M. 4 years ago on Google
    I have been selling Real Estate in San Diego for 3 decades. I would go to this Lively Irving Guild home. Today I decided to give back and be an upstairs docent. The Marston Family is a very Philanthropic family. They were always creating in doing for other people. A great story something that you should go and listen to and learn about.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Betty T. 4 years ago on Google
    Must get tickets for a guided tour to go inside. Tours are about an hour long and the docent does a great job of describing the history and architecture.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rick D. 1 year ago on Google
    I can't believe I'd never been here after 50 years in San Diego. Beautiful gardens.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lotty S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice tour guide and beautifully maintained flower garden!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hector S. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a small hidden gem not to be missed, i enjoy how relaxing it is walking around this house and garden. Gives you the feel of that place of when it was built and gives you its San Diego history and why its stand till today. Its not free but a few bucks. Tickets are sold at the small hidden gift shop. Please support places like this to keep these places open for years to come and many to enjoy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirk H. 5 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    After taking the your I now know why people taste it so high. My wife had a wonderful your of this beautiful house. The wood craftsmanship throughout the house is amazing. The history lesson about the significant contributions this family made to San Diego was fascinating.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff W. 5 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    Fabulous example of this architectural type, with the added bonus of the family history displays. Our docent was a restoration carpenter and could point out the various woods used throughout. Parking is street only and limited.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 daniel- #. 2 years ago on Google
    Great older home, similar grounds to MaryTylerMoore Mansion MY family built in 1890s Lake of the Isles Mpls! Where we INVENTED the Gas Garden Tractor! #7footApartHikes [Google] will do in October the Marston Canyon & Cypress Canyon other side Scenic Route 163(SR). See @MeetUp San Diego Day Hikers soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place for a stroll. So many pretty flowers!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justice D. 1 year ago on Google
    We so enjoyed our guide and the tour! Beautiful home and grounds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful grounds. Excellent gift shop. Wonderful end of summer concert series. A San Diego gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karthik S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing afternoon with a spectacular guide at Marston house! Learned a lot about San Diego’s history. I did a guided tour with Ainsley and it was amazing. She was very organized and punctual. I didn’t t miss anything during the tour. Ainsley was through and explained every minor details through out the house which was really informative. I would highly recommend her guided tour!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua W. 4 years ago on Google
    Even as a native San Diegan, I only just recently discovered this architectural gem on the edge of Balboa Park. This stretch of 7th St is gorgeous and dominated almost exclusively by beautiful homes designed by Irving Gil in the early part of the 1900s. Gil was a Quaker and appropriately reminds me of a less decorative Frank Lloyd Wright. The docent did an amazing job pouring out Gil’s unique details throughout the tour of the house’s first and second floors and I learned a lot about his style. The tour is also provided a wealth of information about the Marston family - who you learn was influential in the growth and development (and preservation) of San Diego from starting the turn of the century. This family besides being endlessly generous to the community was remarkably ahead of their time socially. All around, the tour of the Marston house was a great and engaging learning experience that I would highly recommend to every resident of San Diego with any interest in history or just pretty old houses. I was able to visit on a weekday for a 3pm house tour and was the only guest so i lucked out and got a personal tour. The lady staffing the gift shop is incredibly nice and also full of interesting facts as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 barry d. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent place with highly qualified guidance
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 robyn h. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    This is not a self guided tour. You are given the tour by this man who continuously talks about things that might not interest you. The house also has water damage all around the inside so if your allergic to things like mold, i warn you. You cannot go ahead of the tour and walk out or explore on your own. It’s not much of a museum, it’s just an old house with no original furniture either. The person giving tour talks so much about the architecture (not spectacular) and gives you no head space to read the notes that are around the house. So if your looking for a relaxing, thinking space (how I like to view museums) I would not go here, within the first minute or two of the tour I wanted to ask to get my money back to leave.

  • 5/5 Keith B. 4 years ago on Google
    Total hidden gem in Balboa park. Great for painting, meditation or whatever.

  • 5/5 Mark H. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderfully restored Arts and Crafts style home.

  • 4/5 Zach M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good I like 🤙🤙🤙

  • 5/5 Alex G. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the first time and was very impressed. Blanca was an excellent tour guide/docent. She was very knowledgeable and you could sense her passion for the history. The house itself is gorgeous and the property is beautiful. A hidden and underappeciated treasure of Balboa Park.

  • 5/5 Richard M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting part of San Diego history, if you have an hour to spare take the tour. The garden tour is separate and isn't always available.

  • 4/5 Alice L. 4 years ago on Google
    We came here on a whim because we didn't feel like leaving San Diego yet to go back to the OC. Parking was a bit difficult, since there was Earth Day fair going on at Balboa Park next door but we eventually found one close by :) We didn't do the indoor tour and had fun walking around the gardens and grounds instead as there were really cool picture spots that totally reminded me of Secret Garden. There's also some hidden paths too that take you parallel to the freeway. All in all, a nice spot for photography :D

  • 5/5 Jasmine L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful old mansion

  • 5/5 Joseph W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great information and interesting house

  • 5/5 Eladio Cordero- E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful heritage, part of the culture of our beloved city of San Diego ca. (Original) Una herencia hermosa,parte de la cultura de nuestra querida ciudad de san diego ca.

  • 4/5 Alan r. 3 years ago on Google
    Great space. Bright, open and flawless signage. Aquarium & exhibits are spot on. Exactly what you'd expect from a world class place like this. Do yourself a favor and check out the Biophilic rooftop ~ creative, interesting and solid view.

  • 4/5 Charlie M. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve never been inside but the exterior and grounds deserve attention. As the yard slopes down toward the bridal trail and highway the carefully manicured gardens give way to increasingly overgrown areas with every indication that something marvelous lies beneath. A compelling place for those who wander! I’d recommend starting any Balboa Park adventure from here.

  • 5/5 Alex G. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful property tucked away in the corner of Balboa Park. My girlfriend and I enjoy historic buildings and the Marston house did not disappoint. It has been well preserved and the design of the house is very well thought out. The architecture was truly ahead of its time.

  • 4/5 Lydia P. 5 years ago on Google
    I love this place. I do not go inside as much as I'd like. I walk the grounds mostly. It's a beautiful place. Beautiful grounds. I like to think of the original owners and how they would walk their grounds and how it was, before the freeway, before homeless. Don't ever walk alone, some of the path/trails lead away to more secluded places and due to the over run of homelessness, it is not smart to venture off without the company of friends, dogs, others.

  • 5/5 Sara 1 year ago on Google
    Great tour of the house and adorable collection at the gift shop.

  • 5/5 Magnolia P. 10 months ago on Google
    The experience was like finding a diamond ring while walking in an urban area. The tour with Patti was memorable and fun.

  • 5/5 Carla T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great tour guide, very knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Thomas G. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing architectural tour. Jennifer does a wonderful tour.

  • 5/5 Dana W. 5 years ago on Google
    Wonderful part of San Diego history that more people should see. We took the 90 minute architectural tour from Jennifer and she was a great host. Tons of interesting info about the local architect who designed and built the house in 1905 for the Marston family, and about the architecture of the house and of the period. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Mike S. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful home museum with very knowledgeable tour guides. They have different tours available. My wife and I find architectural history interesting so we took the architectural tour which runs about 90 minutes. Jennifer was our tour guide and did an outstanding job.

  • 5/5 richard v. 4 years ago on Google
    Well maintained historical site in San Diego. Really informative tours.

  • 5/5 Bernie T. 4 years ago on Google
    This house and its surrounding property are marvelous. It's a great place to see some unique flora and fauna. It's tucked away at Balboa Park.

  • 5/5 Jonathan H. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful example of early 20th century arts & crafts architecture, shown by a highly informed tour guide. A low-key, quiet, uncrowded attraction that isn't for everyone, but we enjoyed it very much.

  • 3/5 Brianna B. 4 years ago on Google
    I didn't get the tour, but I walked around the grounds. Beautiful, large lot in the middle of a highly urban area.

  • 5/5 Debbie H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great tour

  • 5/5 carlos .. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 susan W. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a lovely Arts and Craft home a must see

  • 5/5 Courtney C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historical house. Wonderfully kept by SOHO.

  • 5/5 Juvencio R. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent walk and a lot beautifull houses around that your eyes can enjoy.

  • 5/5 LINDA S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting San Diego history!

  • 5/5 Raziel M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great scenery

  • 5/5 Zed S. 4 years ago on Google
    HISTORIC HOUSE ! My wife and I were riding our bicycles in the area and decided to take a close look at this large historic house. The residence sits on an elevated site with excellent views particularly from the rear. Built in 1905 it was home to the wealthy Marston family of San Diego for many years. A guided tour is available which could be quite fascinating. It's a very interesting looking house.

  • 5/5 KEJ 4 years ago on Google
    Must not be missed while exploring San Diego. The essence of our history begins at Marston house.

  • 5/5 Allen “Mosko East Side S.D” O. 2 years ago on Google
    Ilike to visit the grounds wether the tour is open or not some people choose to sit and sketch here

  • 5/5 robert G. 5 years ago on Google
    It's fun to see San Diego's history, and to hear all the stories.

  • 5/5 patrice g. 5 years ago on Google
    A great place. A great tour. A great legacy of a philanthropic family!

  • 5/5 Russell P. 5 years ago on Google
    Best spot to talk a dog walk, I haven't been in the museum, but I have walked the gardens with my dog Rebel almost daily. Beautiful hidden Balboa park gem.

  • 5/5 Rand F. 5 years ago on Google
    Historically interesting tour. The property is beautiful. The details about the life of an early San Diego business person showed him to be an innovative and progessive citizen

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing! Beautiful home!

  • 5/5 Ray C. 5 years ago on Google
    We learned a lot about San Diego history from the perspective of a founding father, a philanthropist who contributed so much to the common good 100 years ago. A memorable experience for residents and tourists alike.

  • 5/5 Brenda C. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Jen C. 5 years ago on Google
    Pls come check this place out if you are into history or architecture. Amazing, not included in the explorer annual pass though, still need to pay 15pp.

  • 5/5 David B. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the guided tour and learning a little about San Diego's history.

  • 5/5 Valeria F. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to enjoy and have a Picnic.

  • 5/5 Mimi M. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Our tour guide at this site was one of the most knowledgeable gentleman on the many historical sights we've visited over the years. We loved the architecture, listening and reading the informational material during the tour. I loved the fact that Mr Marston probably started the concept of fragrance identity in his department stores. You know- when you step into Macy's blindfolded - you know exactly where you are. Forward thinking department store businessman who had babysitting services in the basement of his stores so his customers could leisurely shop. So many philanthropic projects that shaped San Diego. Take this tour to broaden your horizons about this city.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie S. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Very informative! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the beautiful home. Knowledgeable and friendly docents who are truly passionate about sharing the history of the home and San Diego.


Call +1 619-297-9327 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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