Parks & Recreation - Parks

In this chapter you’ll find parks where you can have lunch, fly kites, take a walk, discover a nature center, or have a wonderful family outing. As in other chapters of the book, we’ve divided the material into regions and then listed those entries alphabetically. Of course our list isn’t exhaustive; we’ve tried to list the brightest stars in a galaxy of possibilities. If you want to visit a beach park, check out the sites listed in our Beaches and Water Sports chapter.

Although we mention some wilderness areas in this chapter, see our Recreation chapter if you want to know about other ones and the serious hiking, biking, climbing, and other rugged activities that happen in them. Further camping possibilities are listed there, too.

Besides the smaller parks listed here, where people can jog after work or picnic at lunchtime, we’ve included some national forests and large regional parks and preserves, and we’ve sometimes narrowed in on certain areas within them. Cleveland National Forest, for instance, takes up a major section of the East County and offers some superb places to picnic, camp, walk, and hang out. Since Cleveland National Forest is huge, we haven’t just said, “Head east, friends.” Instead we’ve done some of the scouting for you and selected parks within the area that are special, such as Palomar Mountain State Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

But large or small, all the parks here offer outdoor fun for adults and are just right for families, too. See the Kidstuff chapter for suggestions on where to let the rug rats run free.

Whether you’re hiking alone or with another person, it’s wise not to roam into unfamiliar and isolated areas after dark. Pets, on 8-foot leashes and with a responsible owner, are normally welcome in county parks, but not in all city parks. They must be attended at all times, and it might be smart to call to find out if Fido is welcome.

We’ve included special information to make your park visits more enjoyable. For example, at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve you might see vultures and foxes, but you won’t find drinking fountains. You’ll need to bring your own water. At Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, you can reserve a place for some thrilling nightlife—if you’re into stargazing. Star parties are held during the summer months. When there are specific hours of operation or if the park has unusual restrictions, we’ve noted that.

Laws against picking wildflowers, removing plants, and tampering with archaeological artifacts or the animal and natural features in state, county, and city parks are enforced.

Some parks let you reserve picnic areas for parties and reunions. For some camping areas, the reserved list is long. It’s always sound advice (in our popular county) to make park reservations well in advance of the date you plan to visit. See the sidebar in this chapter for phone numbers of major camping locations and the individual parks for more details.

Wait no more. Pack a lunch; grab a hat. Now let’s head out and explore San Diego’s parks.

Parks & Recreation - Recreation

San Diego is famous for its abundance of recreational activities, both indoor and outdoor. The perception that locals and visitors spend much of their time in pursuit of recreation is no myth. From bicycling to bowling to hang gliding to in-line skating, the opportunities are almost endless. So numerous, in fact, that we’ve devoted entire chapters to water sports and golf. In this chapter we’ll cover everything else and give you enough information to get you started on your favorite sport.

We’ll tell you where to find the county’s best hiking and walking trails. If being airborne appeals to you, we’ll direct you to places where you can hook up with a hot-air balloon or a hang glider. And we promise to keep earthbound enthusiasts busy but safely anchored.

Part of the appeal of San Diego is that you can combine relaxation with fresh air, exercise, and a ton of fun. We encourage you to try something new while you’re in town. Rent a pair of in-line skates and glide around Mission Beach. Or join an impromptu game of volleyball at the beach or in one of the county’s many parks.

A couple of good sources for organized (and usually free) hikes, walks, bicycle tours, and many other activities are Thursday’s “Night and Day” section of the San Diego Union-Tribune and the San Diego Reader. The Reader comes out on Thursday and is distributed free at record stores, bookstores, grocery stores, and many other businesses throughout the county. They both have comprehensive listings of things to do around town. Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that San Diego’s balmy climate can be deceiving. Don’t forget your sunscreen, even when the temperature is mild, and a sweatshirt or windbreaker in case the day turns brisk.

Parks & Recreation - Beaches And Water Sports

What’s the first thing everyone, including locals, thinks of when they think San Diego? Beaches, of course. Long stretches of tan sand, sparkling blue ocean, sunny days basking in the warm California sunshine with your toes buried in the sand—all these images float through the minds of those hankering for sun and surf. Guess what? It’s no myth. Those magical beaches do exist. Even better, there’s never a fee to use any of San Diego’s beaches, just an occasional parking charge.

For those of you who want to interact with the blue Pacific but prefer a little more activity than just dreaming away the day with maybe a splash in the water to break things up, we also have a whole bunch of water sports you can enjoy. We’ll show you where to rent Jet Skis, surfboards, scuba equipment, and more. If fishing is what sends you to nirvana, we’ll point you to the best piers and sportfishing expeditions. We’ll give you the scoop on licensing requirements and where to get your equipment. We’ll even tell you what fish you can expect to reel in.

Picture yourself sailing across the smooth waters of Mission Bay in a kayak or a sailboat. You can even rent a powerboat and take the whole family water-skiing. Or try something new and rent a sailboard. With just a short lesson, you can be sailing across the water with nothing but a sail and a surfboard to move you along. And don’t think you need to bring a lot of stuff with you. Virtually everything you need, from basic equipment like a boat to wet suits and life jackets, is either easily rented or comes as part of a package.