Neighborhoods with the Best Parks in North County
While sandy beaches might be the first thing that come to mind when you picture San Diego, they are far from the only place to enjoy the outdoors. San Diego County is also home to innumerable parks. If you live in North County, then here's your guide to the many parks this area has to offer. And while this list may not be all-inclusive (there are a lot of parks, after all), they should give you a starting point for getting outside and exploring the many greenspaces San Diego has to offer.
Kate Sessions Park - Pacific Beach, San Diego
If you go to Pacific Beach, be sure to check out the nature-filled Kate Sessions Park. From this 70-acre park, you can take in expansive views of the Pacific as well as Mission Bay. The park is split into two main areas, so you can enjoy a hike on one side within a natural habitat, then circle back to the picnic area on a grassy knoll. This area is dog-friendly and great for picnicking, barbecuing, playing ball, flying kites, and any other park activity that suits you. Insider tip: If you want an unobstructed view of SeaWorld’s summer fireworks, Kate Sessions Park is a great place to camp out and take in the show. Bring snacks and a blanket and enjoy a night in the open air.
Lakeview Park - Discovery Hills, San Marcos
If you’re visiting San Marcos, head over to the quiet neighborhood of Discovery Hills and take a stroll through Lakeview Park. While it has a playground, splash pad, and picnic space, what’s most attractive about this park is its lake and hiking trail. Paved for convenience and shaded by trees, the path is open to local walkers, joggers, and bikers. While fishing is allowed at the lake, swimming, boats, and rafts are not.
Lake Hodges Park - Lake Hodges, Escondido
Lake Hodges Park, located in the Lake Hodges neighborhood in Escondido, is a water reservoir dating back to 1918. Lake Hodges includes a trail that’s part of the famed Coast to Crest, a 22-mile hiking trail spanning Highway 78 to Santa Fe Valley. Paved and full of rustic and scenic views, Lake Hodges makes for a great outing for mountain bikers, hikers, and dog walkers who want to spend a few hours trekking through the trails.
Mt. Helix Park - Casa De Oro-Mount Helix, La Mesa
If you want to jazz up your walk routine or challenge yourself, visit the Casa De Oro neighborhood and go to Mt. Helix Park. There you can tackle the steep trail to the top or create your own stairs workout using the 1,500 steps at the amphitheater. The amphitheater’s stone walls seamlessly integrate with the surrounding nature in this historic park, increasing its natural beauty. At the top of the mountain is a 360-degree view of wildlife, the memorial cross, the historic stone wall, and the amphitheater. A Mt. Helix bonus: There are walk-in Helix Yoga classes at the park on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9AM to 10:15AM, allowing visitors to get a good stretch in the morning before taking on a post-workout stroll on the trails.
Shoreline Park - La Playa, San Diego
Shoreline Park in the La Playa neighborhood spans the length of Shelter Island. This mile-long park boasts views of both the San Diego skyline and the San Diego Bay. As a park that sometimes reads like a boardwalk, Shoreline Park features public art, a beach, boat launch, bike paths, arbors, play equipment, and fire rings.
Mission Trails Regional Park- Mission Trails, San Diego
At a whopping 7,220 acres, Mission Trails Regional Park in Mission Trails offers open areas, hills and valleys, and recreational areas. One of the largest parks in the nation, it has boating on Lake Murray, 60 miles of trails, equestrian areas, and camping options at Kumeyaay Lake.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park - Point Loma, San Diego
Located in Wooded Area, a residential section of the popular Point Loma neighborhood named after its abundance of evergreens and Eucalyptus trees, is the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. With a collection of caves and cliff formations, it extends along the peninsula of Point Loma and overlooks the ocean. Sunset Cliffs makes for a great place to take in, you guessed it, picturesque sunsets. The park is particularly popular amongst ocean-gazers and surfers.
The Flower Fields - Carlsbad
From March to May close to 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers bloom, creating the Carlsbad Ranch staple of The Flower Fields. There are also another three acres of orchids, petunias, roses, sweet pea blossoms, and, as if that weren’t enough, a view of the ocean. The Flower Fields, when flowers aren’t in season, offers special events, such as their Bonsai Show and Sale, Basket Weaving, or Arts and Crafts. Remember: This is a seasonal park, so feel free to check their website for further details.