Parks and the outdoors in San Diego

72 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around San Diego.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 72.

DoDowntown
Amici Park
A small park in Little Italy, notable for its bocce (a popular sport in Italy) courts. You can also find Italian recipes engraved onto the sidewalk plaques and tables around the park.
EatMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Baja Beach Cafe
Mexican restaurant on the boardwalk with a Mexican seafood specialty. Including fish tacos, hamburgers, margaritas, and more.
Sun-Thu 8AM-12:30AM, Fri Sat 8AM-2AM
DoMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Belmont Park
A seaside amusement park located near the southern end of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a landmark with a number of shops, restaurants, an arcade, and a bunch of rides. The big attraction is the Giant Dipper, a historic roller coaster that is one of the only two remaining oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the west coast. Also popular is The Plunge, a historic indoor heated swimming pool that continues to be the city's largest indoor pool. Among the other rides is a FlowRider (a simulated wave attraction which you can bodyboard on), an antique carousel, bumper cars, slides, pendulum rides, tilt-a-whirl, and a trampoline.
Open April–December, hours vary by season and day of week; typically 11AM-8PMGeneral admission free, ride tickets $1 each (rides take anywhere from 3-6 tickets each); unlimited ride passes available
DoLa Jolla
Black's Beach
Set against high cliffs, Black's Beach is the largest nude beach in the country. There are two parts of the beach. There is the southern part in the City of San Diego, where nudity is not allowed (although this rule is rarely enforced), and the northern part in Torrey Pines State Park, where clothing is purely optional. Black's Beach has one of the most powerful beach breaks in Southern California, making it a popular, but dangerous, surfing spot. To get down to the beach, you have three options. First, you can walk from La Jolla Shores, which is a long stretch. Second, you can go to the Gliderport and take a breathtaking path on the side of the cliff that goes straight down. Don't come in high heels, although it's a safe enough path for surfers to run by you with their surfboards. The top is a great spot to watch the sunset! Third, you can drive along the cliffs north from the Gliderport. Park in the last allowable spot, and take another breathtaking path down. The second path is less beautiful but takes you farther towards the unexplored parts of the beach. The second path forks at the very bottom of the cliff. If you take the fork, which goes into the canyon, you will arrive via a twisty path at the bottom of a hidden waterfall which is home to hummingbirds. It's a few hundred feet in and well worth the walk. The full moon drum circle goes on here each month. Look for it on a rainbowgathering website. It starts at dawn and goes till dusk. People bring tents and sleeping bags, though most go back up the cliffs. This is a no alcohol event, but feel free to bring wood, a drum, juice and a trashbag to clean up.
SeeSan Ysidro
Border Field State Park
Mainly within Imperial Beach, but only accessible from San Ysidro. It includes the International Friendship Park, which is just inland from the place where the border meets the ocean. The road in the park is only open to vehicles on weekends when there is no flooding, but the park is still open when the gates are closed.
EatLa Jolla
Caroline's Seaside Cafe
Casual cafe situated right next to the beach on the UCSD-SIO campus. The cafe serves breakfast items including eggs, pancakes and lunch items including sandwiches and burgers. Seated is first-come-first-served casual setting (so no waiters only servers). Parking is limited and may need a UCSD parking pass on weekdays, however, 2-hr street parking is available.
8AM-3PM
DoDowntown
Children's Park
An unusual park with lots of grassy hills, shade trees, and a large water feature. Unfortunately, this park is usually occupied by homeless, so it wouldn't be a safe destination for children.
SeeLa Jolla
Children's Pool Beach
This beach is a favorite breeding spot for harbor seals. The beach is closed Dec 15-May 15 during breeding season, but you can still observe the seals from a safe distance. This beach used to be the children's beach, and there is an ongoing dispute between animal rights supporters and others who disagree about who should own the beach. Depending on the current turn of events, swimming may or may not be permitted. Occasionally, the seals vanish, but move a few hundred feet to the right, close to the cove itself.
EatOld Town-Mission Valley
Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Hotel
A beautiful dining establishment in a building built by Juan Bandini in 1829. Later, in the 1860s, a second story was added and it became the Cosmopolitan Hotel. You can eat in the garden amid flowers, trees, and fountains or inside the wonderful historic building.
Mon-Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-10PM
DoPoint Loma-Ocean Beach
Dog Beach
At the northern end of Ocean Beach, dog lovers can bring their pets along for a romp in the waves or a swim in the flood channel.
DoDowntown
Embarcadero Park
Also known as the Marina Park, Embarcadero Park is split into two parts, north and south, which shelter the marina. Very pleasant, with lots of trees, grass, and good views of the harbor. You can access the north park by walking through the Seaport Village shopping center, and you can reach the south park by going around the back side of the convention center.
DoMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Fiesta Island
This island in the middle of Mission Bay hosts the Fiesta Island Time Trial Series, hosted by the San Diego Bicycle Club. Competitors meet up to see who can ride the quickest 20k or improve the most. Single riders, tandems and teams are all welcome, and the event also hosts triathletes and world class road race athletes. There is always a waiting list for these trials, so early registration is vital if you want to take part in this very exciting aspect of cycling in Mission Bay Park.
DoDowntown
Gaslamp Quarter Park
A small square next to the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station with a small water fountain. Good views of the convention center.
EatDowntown
Hodad's
Local favorite with great burgers, milkshakes, and not a lot else. Lively little spot with funky decor. There is also a location in Ocean Beach.
DoDowntown
Horton Plaza Park
A historic square just north of the shopping center of the same name. A large fountain marks the center of the park.
SeeOld Town-Mission Valley
Junipero Serra Museum
Take the time to visit the historic site of what used to be the first ever California Mission, located in Presidio Park on the hill above Old Town. The museum includes exhibits on the life of Old Town and a tower which offers magnificent views of the area.
Sat and Sun 10AM-4PMby donation
EatNorth
Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens
Hidden behind the trees in the San Diego Tech Center, Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens feels more like a high-end sushi place than a brewery/restaurant complete with a koi pond. Lots of outdoor seating. Gets very crowded during the week for lunch & dinner. They serve their own beers on tap and have an extensive menu.
Closed Sat
DoLa Jolla
La Jolla Cove
A very popular beach for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, set against beautiful sea cliffs. In 2026, it was ranked by TripAdvisor as no. 1 in the United States and no. 7 in the world. The bluffs above the beach are grassy, making a great spot for picnics. Keep in mind that La Jolla Cove is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, so fishing, scavenging, or "swimming devices" (surfboards, boogie boards, inflatable mattresses, etc.) are not allowed. You may also find a very large number of sea-birds and animals flying, walking and lazing around the area in the daytime.
DoLa Jolla
La Jolla Shores
In north La Jolla, this beach has some of the gentlest waves of any beach in San Diego. The beach is notable for being near the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus and it contains the Scripps Pier. This is one of the only beach boat launching areas in La Jolla, so it's a popular spot for kayaking and surfing.
EatMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Lahaina Beach House
Cash only beach bar and grill along the boardwalk. Very popular with young people on the weekends, loud music and public restrooms here right by the beach.
9AM-9PM daily
DrinkMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Lahaina Beach House
Laid-back bar with a deck facing the beach and boardwalk in a bungalow-type house. Good selection of national and local beers. Both breakfast and lunch/dinner is served on most days.
DrinkMid-City
Lestat's Coffee House
Lestat's never closes, ever. Aside from the specialty coffee drinks and the local pastries, the walls are covered with art for sale, and the next door stage has nightly shows and open mics. Free wifi attracts all sorts of local characters and the back is always packed with people. They have a sister location in University Heights along Park Avenue.
DoNorth
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
A large park stretching several miles between the I-5/I-805 intersection and I-15, just south and roughly parallel to SR-56. There is very beautiful scenery which can be explored via the system of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The park also contains a few historical landmarks, including the Rancho de los Penasquitos, one of the oldest surviving homes in the region, dating back to 1823. Tours of the house are available every Saturday at 11AM.
Tue-Sat 9AM-5PMFree
SeePoint Loma-Ocean Beach
MCRD San Diego
It is a military base located north of the airport, about 3 mi north of downtown San Diego and 2.5 mi around the runways from the airport terminals. Recruits from west of the Mississippi River are trained here while others from east of the Mississippi River are trained in Parris Island. Recruits graduate every Friday, and there is a Family Day, when the recruits' families can spend time with them on Thursday. This is also where Marines train to become recruiters and drill instructors. Travelers reporting to recruit training and arriving at the airport will proceed to and wait at the USO to be picked up.
DoNorth
Marian Bear Memorial Park
It's in the San Clemente Canyon along SR-52 from I-5 to I-805. This large park contains some very scenic trails.
DoLa Jolla
Marine Street Beach
A local beach with some rough and dangerous surf. This is a great spot for body surfing and body boarding. No facilities are available here.
DrinkMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Mavericks Beach Club
Two-story bar and restaurant with lots of TVs and an open-air area. Open for brunch on weekends with family-friendly menu. Converts to a popular club at night.
DoMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Mission Beach
This beach is one of the calmest, easiest places to ocean swim in San Diego area. You can also go scuba diving (off the shore are several dive wrecks). Or you can bicycle or rollerblade along the boardwalk (several stores nearby rent equipment).
SeeOld Town-Mission Valley
Mission San Diego de Alcalá
The first of the Spanish California missions, founded in 1769 by Junipero Serra for the purposes of converting the native peoples who lived in the area at the time. In its long history, the mission has been the site of the first Christian burial and the first execution in California, saw bloodshed between the Spanish settlers and native peoples, and served as an armory in the years following U.S. annexation of California before being restored to an active church in 1941. Today, Mission San Diego is an active Catholic parish and a museum dedicated to the history of the mission. Tour the site, with its gardens, museum, and the original chapel.
Daily 9AM-4:30PM$3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children
DoNorth
Mission Trails Regional Park
This massive park along the San Diego River between San Diego and Santee is a hidden jewel among the city's park system. Consisting mostly of rugged, hilly scrubland, Mission Trails offers an excellent diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city. Numerous trails criss cross through the park, and there's an excellent visitor center with exhibits on the flora, fauna, and the human history in the area. You can also see the Old Mission Dam, which once provided water to the original mission community of San Diego just to the west in Mission Valley. Cowles Mountain, the tallest point in the city (1,591 feet above sea level), offers a lovely view of the surrounding area clear out to the ocean and is popular with runners and hikers, with several challenging trails ranging from three to five miles (round trip) featuring steep climbs, wooden steps, and rock crossings. Mission Gorge is one of the most popular rock climbing spots in the area, with over 150 routes from 5.0 to 5.12 grades, and suitable for the novice and the experienced climber. In the summers the gorge can be extremely hot in the direct sun, but the crag stays cool and shaded in the until around noon or 1PM. The rest of the year you can climb all day. Also within the park is Lake Murray Reservoir, which is open to boating and fishing.
Free
DrinkMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Moonshine Beach
Sister location of Moonshine Flats in downtown, the Pacific Beach location offers the same activities but in a larger space - including open air sections. The club offers line dancing lessons (select days), live country bands, karaoke, and club music. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a cover charge can be avoided by signing up for the free guest list on their website.
EatMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Mr. Frostie
A Pacific Beach institution, Mr. Frostie's has been selling soft serve ice cream since 1949. The simple, no frills menu also includes sandwiches and hot dogs, but it's the dipped ice cream cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits that will make this place outlast any trendy yogurt shop.
Sun-Thu 10:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 10:30AM-10PM
EatMid-City
North Park Creamery
Soft-serve ice cream, with the option of a "dip" that forms a hardened shell around the ice cream. Good vegan and dairy-free options.
DoPoint Loma-Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach
A large sandy beach, which cater to just about every beach-going type, offering designated surfing and swimming zones, which are monitored by the local life guards.
DoPoint Loma-Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
Extends out over the waves and offers great views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and coast. A tackle shop in the middle of the pier provides bait and supplies for the many fishing enthusiasts who frequent the area. This is one of the few places that visitors can fish without a California fishing license. Pole rentals are available at the bait shop as well.
DoBalboa Park-Hillcrest
Old Globe Theatre
The original theater, designed to copy Shakespeare's theatre in London, was built in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition in only 32 days and featured shortened versions of Shakespeare plays. In 1941, the U.S. Navy ordered the Old Globe to remove equipment and records for a period of 24 hours -- the Navy had acquired Balboa Park for use during World War II. By the summer of 1947, the federal government returned the park to the City of San Diego. In 1978 the theatre was destroyed by fire; a rebuilt theatre opened in 1982. The area hosts three stages including the Old Globe itself, the Cassius Carter Centre Stage, and an outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theater. You will usually have to purchase tickets in advance.
EatMission Beach-Pacific Beach
Olive Cafe
Nested between the bay and the beach, Olive Cafe provides breakfast scrambles, burritos, pancakes, breakfast bowls, and baked goods. Sister establishment for Olive Baking Company, which is a small, quick casual bakery, less than a block away. Parking is tough around the area and can get busy in the weekends.
DoDowntown
Park at the Park
For the 81 Padres home game days, this grassy berm overlooking Petco Park is closed to the general public, open as a place to view the game for the price of a ticket. But for the other 284 days of the year, the park is open to the public. The park has a small baseball diamond, a playground, and there are various monuments to the achievements of the Padres, such as a statue of star player Tony Gwynn nearby.
SeeLa Jolla
Salk Institute of Biological Studies
Near UCSD is this architectural monolith; the structure for this noted institution is built out of unfinished concrete and perched atop the cliffs overlooking the ocean. It is one of famed modernist Louis Kahn's most important works. Two symmetrical buildings stare at each other across a courtyard, the length of which runs a wide river which reverses into a pool and, through a small waterfall, down towards the dining hall seating area. The building is surrounded by a moat, and sports orange trees in the courtyard. In addition, many doors are deliberately unlabeled to encourage scientific exploration. The Salk gives tours, but you must schedule them (they are early in the morning).
SeeBalboa Park-Hillcrest
San Diego History Center
This museum has a large collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history of the city. If you don't want to pay to enter the museum itself, you can just walk into the building (which contains three separate museums) and look at some historical photographs on the walls of the atrium.
Daily 10AM-5PMFree, by donation

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to San Diego (CC BY-SA 4.0).