I'd added parks in La Mesa and surrounding areas to my favorites in a map app a while ago,…read moreintending to check them out but hadn't. I was in the area of this park recently, and passed a parking area while driving on Bancroft. I was in need of a restroom so I turned at the first road after and that led to another, smaller parking area. I parked there, found the restroom I needed, then walked around a little bit. The park is on a slope. There is a covered area for family or company picnics@ some sort of a ball court. I walked down the slope to the other parking area. A dog would find plenty to sniff around at, but I didn't see much so I headed back to my truck. The parking area started filling. Some cars and vans with their clients, on outings. Some guy parked next to me was talking to himself and dumped what looked like grocery store dumpster finds out behind his vehicle, I guess to go through them. And commenting on stuff in my direction. Ok, time to go. 10 am by then so I made a mental note to come early again next time.

Came by here to eat our food from Valley Farm Market on our group get-together with Yelp Elites S &…read moreM. You would have to take quite a turn after seeing the sign on Bancroft if you are driving from the Valley Farm Market. Parking spots looked quite limited as there was only one way in and then one way out. The table we got was perfect for us to enjoy our BBQ ribs, chicken, and salads under the eucalpytus trees. But would say some of the other seating areas were pretty much in the sun, so wish there was a bit more shade to those closer to the parking lot. The area looked very family friendly, lots of shade, and the grassy areas looked perfect for dogs to run around. I read in another review that dogs aren't allowed there but don't think I saw the sign during our visit there, so might have missed it. The dogs that were there that day were quite friendly and no one seemed to mind. There were two pavilion areas towards the left of the park which were well shaded where parties can be hosted. Bathrooms are nearby the higher elevated one. Overall looked like a decent park.

We go here often with the kiddos as there is a great playground for varied ages and a big grassy…read morearea to kick around a soccer ball and a decent sized parking lots. Bathrooms are also here for convenience. I would love for the county to continue improving here and please don't feed the squirrels, they've become weirdly accustomed to it. Overall a classic we visit in the park rotation.

As a local to the area it needs more improvement. Homeless people are always hanging out. I love…read morethe layout but needs to be updated. The people who go are always welcoming and friendly. Everyone keeps to themselves. Be careful with your kids and furry friends with the squirrels, they have a lot of wholes around the park, they are not afraid of people.

Situated 1365' above San Diego and east of downtown, Mt. Helix Park is a hidden gem to most who…read morelive in or visit San Diego. It is well worth taking the scenic drive up Mt. Helix, starting in neighborhoods and stopping at or near the summit. Parking near the top is very limited, and the road is one way, so be prepared to take the first space you find as you approach the summit and walk to the top. At the summit, you'll enjoy spectacular views that stretch from the mountains to the east, south toward Mexico, and to the Pacific coastline to the west. Here you'll also find an open air amphitheater used for concerts, as well as lookout points and trail heads. Plan to spend time here absorbing the views, fresh air, peaceful surroundings ... and maybe a picnic. I highly recomend a visit.

Amazing, only issue is parking. I'd make sure to come early or park at the bottom and get a decent…read morewalk.

I was first introduced to this park many years ago when I came for my first swimming lesson as a…read morechild. After lessons, my brothers and sisters and I would go play at the park many times. Visiting the park as an adult no doubt brought back fond memories. The park still offers that green open space with mature trees, but new is the terrific community garden. I thought that was very cool. The playground equipment is closed for repair, as of this review, and they offer a small fenced off dog park area. Their plenty of parking and good restroom facilities on sight. The best part of this park is definitely the open space and hills and such. They still offer swimming lessons during the summer. This park brought back some good memories.

I was at this beauuutiful park for the La Mesa Earth Day Fair. It was a free community event…read morefeaturing eco-friendly vendors, a kids' zone, food trucks, and a clothing swap. I learned a lot from the vendors who provided some type of educational demonstration like composting and sustainable gardening just to name a few. The City of La Mesa did a fantastic job with putting this fair on...very well organized.

Very nice place for a family photo session. I can not speak to anything else at this location but…read morethe bridge was a last minute go too that was local and free. Walkers were mindful and our pictures came out great!

Very nice, well maintained trails. There are a bunch of different paths to take. Not a lot of tree…read morecover so I would recommend bringing water and a hat. Plenty of parking in the lot outside the trail or in front of the bridge which is also cool to walk across.

I had read this was a secret spot in La Mesa where folks could get a nice bump in their heart rate…read moreby ascending and descending these steps. The La Mesa Public Stairs were located on a hillside neighborhood in which the layout was essentially pedestrian connectors between three different terrace levels. You can park curbside on any street and then stroll over to the foot of the first set of stairs on Windsor Dr. The climb was pretty shaded when I came on a mid-afternoon, but it wasn't long before my breathing picked up. I occasionally use the stairmill at the gyms where I exercise. However, the machine can't simulate the elevation change that occurs when you are out in nature's terrain. At the top of each set, you had to cross a small street to reach the beginning of the next steps. I was able to go up and down one time in less than 10 minutes. If you repeat the path and do multiple circuits, then one can easily spend between 30 minutes to a full hour of cardio burn. The views near the top were pretty as you get a glimpse of some of La Mesa's upscale properties. Kids and leashed dogs would enjoy the climb as this is a family friendly activity.

SECRET STAIRS THAT ARE PUBLIC…read more I was introduced to the secret stairs history and all of the secret terraces on Meet Up (Saturday Morning Weekly Hike-La Mesa's Secret Stairs!). I hope you support the group). THE ENCHANTED TREE Totally worth 60 minutes at the beginning your day. Then to top the icing on the cake you'll be enchanted by The Enchanted Tree.  On the Meet Up you will learn historical tips about the stairs and the community. MOST GOALS CAN BE ACHIEVED 1000 steps, and I kept thinking, "That's how we reach our goals. One step at a time." I'm on step 222. Or 22. You got me step 2. But at least I'm stepping forward.  DO I NEED A DEFILIBRATOR? It's more of a walk rather than a workout though your heart rate increases. You can stay after the Meet Up and complete your own workout, which will likely be rigorous.  I would totally make this a stop for nonlocals visiting. You could seriously wear leisure clothes like jeans or workout wear. Actually, after the secret stairs I went to 24 hour and had an invigorating barbell session. I wore Doc Martens and that was suffice. Captipating views of the sky, the aweness of individual homes, landscapes, and land structures.  It was sort of like walking in nature.  Respect the residents-please. "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." -- Jimmy Dean #juken123 #onestepatatime #secretstairsthatarepublic #alternativetonature #respecttheresidents #theenchantedtree

We attended the grand opening of the new playground yesterday, and the new structures are…read moreimpressive. There are two sections, one for children 2-5 years old, and one for older children, 5-12 years old, as well as a swingset area. The playground is also ADA-compliant and was funded by Prop 68.

I love what they've done with this park - tore down all of the old equipment and replaced it with…read morebrand new equipment with sun shades above. Basketball court, plenty of picnic tables and bbq grills. They need to remodel the restrooms and water fountain- ick

I can tell the city has been working so hard to clean this up! No more homeless folks camped out…read morearound the front road/entrance. Bathrooms could use a bit of TLC though! The one I used didn't local at all

Homeless have taken over the park. Sleeping in bathrooms and their pets roam wild throughout the…read morepark. Trash and filth everywhere. This is no longer a safe place to visit. Several broken vehicles are parked in the lot. Some are being worked on. Oil is being poured out with no catch tray.