San Diego's Best-Kept Open Secret How does a place this…read morebeautiful have so few reviews? I've been coming to Chollas Lake for decades, and I'm still amazed at how many San Diegans don't know it exists. I recently toured a home nearby, and even the realtor had no idea this lake was here. That's a shame because this is one of Southeast San Diego's hidden treasures. This can be a destination for dramatic views & sunsets. There's even several entrances. Each gate time open and closure is different. I walk here to give my thoughts to the trees, practice walking meditation, and simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. The eucalyptus, the water, the sunshine, and the open space have a calming effect that's hard to describe until you experience it. The best trails aren't always the famous ones. The recent renovations are fantastic. The trails are clearly marked, easy to follow, and nearly impossible to get lost on. They're gentle on the knees, stroller friendly, and accessible for many wheelchairs depending on the type. While most of the route is relatively flat, there are a few hill inclines if you're looking to elevate your heart rate. If you're new to hiking, Chollas Lake is also a great place to build confidence before tackling more challenging trails. There's a visible waking loop and other short dirt trails that weave through native shrubs, giving you a taste of hiking without committing to rugged terrain. There are shaded sections throughout, with only a few sunny stretches if you choose the longer route. Restrooms are available at the entrance, portable toilets are located around the lake, and additional restrooms are near the baseball fields. There's a playground for children, plenty of space to ride a bike. Fishing has always been a favorite activity here. One thing I've always appreciated is how well people care for this park. Visitors generally clean up after their pets, and the lake remains one of the most peaceful places to time with nature. Whether you're having a bday party, holding hands, training for bigger hikes, pushing a stroller, riding a bike, casting a fishing line, or simply looking for a peaceful place to think, Chollas Lake has a way of making everyone feel welcome. And to everyone who visits, remember that the ducks call this place home. Please enjoy them from a distance and treat the wildlife with the respect they deserve. This lake has been quietly serving the community for generations, and I hope it continues to do so for many more.

The walk trail can be short or long…read more Usually it takes about 30 minutes to walk the lake route. There are ducks to see on the lakes a lot of shade, and sometimes there is a slight breeze. Would highly recommend if you just want to get out and be one with nature.

THE HANGOUT (4.5 stars)…read more Couple years ago they put in place the dog parks - finally. North Park is such a dog friendly neighborhood - it makes sense to have a dog park. It's located at North Park Community Park - the north east corner (closest corner to the water tower). There is a big and small dog park section. I've seen these dog parks grow thru the years. The big dog park use to have grass and now and for the past several year it's just DIRT. The small dog park also use to have grass but now it's those weird dry grass stuff and dirt. The small dog park isn't as used as the big dog park. And if the big dog park is closed off for cleaning everyone moves their big dogs into the small dog park (which is tiny) and there isn't room for small dogs to play safely. A lot of regulars and same faces. My previous Pom enjoyed the normal community park as she was well behaved without a leash. Yes, outside of the dog areas dogs are to be leashed but many dogs that are well behaved out playing in the grass area. There are MANY respectful owners watching their dogs. Wednesdays some of the neighbor peeps meet up in the grass area. I bring my new dog there to socialize her and she refuses to leave. She will lay on the grass and won't get up when it's time to leave. I have a soft spot for this park as I've seen it transform from it being just a dump to what it is now. We heart North Park.

A hidden gem for littles, parents and dog owners in North Park…read more Decent size playground with a huge grassy field. I believe there are bathrooms too. The only thing this park is missing is shade and more parking. Other than that, it's great! There are two play structures, one for big kids and another for little ones. It's walking distance to a lot of restaurants and coffee shops which is a plus!

I don't like this park, people who come here are not nice (especially the people who bring their…read moredogs to the dog section). Also, the dog section is always very lonely and the few people who do bring their dogs don't like to let their dogs play with other dogs. Like I said, a lot of mean people come here. I don't recommend this park.

The park is great the pet owners are lame as hell and do not pick up after their pets. The park is…read morethin and long broken up into about 9.5 sections. 1) dog park 2) basket ball court 3) covered picnic area 4) grass area 5) restrooms 6) kids play area 7) children's play area 8) children and child's grass area 9) chess tables 9.5) A2B walk path This park is well made and would be amazing if the owners of the pets needed a license to own a pet. Its too bad that there is pet excrement everywhere. There are also pet bags everywhere and trash cans, So Literally a pet owners here are lame and lazy as fck.

I arrived here and left very disappointed. This dog park is lonely and the people who bring their…read moredogs here don't let their dogs play with other dogs. I don't recommend this place at all.

Accessibility: this park really is not accessible as it is all wood chips inside, no paved area for…read morewheelchairs to move easier on. There are also only three small benches to sit on inside the dog park, and there is almost zero shade. In certain parts of the day there will be zero shade, period. It's very hot here for people and the dogs. Experience: wood chips...that's the first thing to say. The entire dog park has woodchips with no grass or paved areas, so when the wind blows and when dogs are running around, playing, lots of dirt flies up in the air and gets the dogs dirty as well as getting in your eyes. Also the fences of this dog park are super short so big dogs could easily jump over them. I have a 14 pound, small dog, and people were bringing other small and big dogs in here. It wasn't too busy on a Saturday which was surprising but all of the other dogs were friendly and the owners were very responsible, picking up after their dogs. I think it is great there is a fenced in dog area at all over here, but I wish they would do a few upgrades on accessibility as well as adding grass and more trees for shade.

Took great care of my little bluenose Pitbull, she was taken to the dog beach and worn out from…read moreplaying for several hours. They also were able to facilitate me being in town only for a short period of time and allowed me to go out and about to the bars and restaurants I wanted to check out when unable to take her with me. They played with her and ensured she was taken out plenty of times to use he bathroom so she had no accidents and ensured she got as much lovin' as she could handle. I'm thankful they took such good care of my little baby. Would highly recommend.

If I could give this business 10 stars I would! Mandie and her crew have made a huge difference in…read morethe life and happiness of our crazy 22 month old lab! He has had so much fun on his outings and loves running with"the pack". He gets tired out and I have peace of mind knowing that he is getting out and about while we are at work.

This is the most open and spread-out Dog Park in San Diego! Situated behind the Balboa Tennis Club,…read moreit has everything you need...water fountain, benches, hiking trails, poop bags, restrooms, stunning canyon views, etc. Watch the videos, to get an idea of the layout. Plenty of free parking.

This is an open park (no fences) and solid dirt (no grassy areas). But a great place for your four…read morelegged friends to run their little tails off. Dogs are always well behaved - I think a lot of that has to do with the lack of fencing-dogs listen to their parents here! It's pretty hot and dusty in the summer - so remember to bring water.

This hidden to gem is just blocks from all the hustle and bustle of Downtown…read more Far enough from the graffiti tagged buildings and makeshift homes. It offers an amazing view of the Coronado Bridge and all its surroundings. On a clear day, if you took a picture, it would be postcard worthy. I like to visit here on my lunch to take in the fresh air and reduce my stress level. I'll be back again, most likely on a busy Monday or Friday.

Great views but do not go here at night or too close to sunset. My friend and i were watched and…read morelater followed by a group of 3 men as we started to leave the park.

Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park is tough to review objectively, because depending upon what you want…read morea park to have, you will probably evaluate it differently from me, so feel free to add a star or two as you see fit. As of this writing, I am currently the Duke. This is because I check in while I'm passing through during my neighborhood walks. Here's a list of amenities: Restrooms. Sometimes they are open, sometimes not. Basketball court. Popular playground for young kids. Dog run that I think is temporary. The older one is closed. Amphitheater where occasional events are held, like festivals and group meditation classes. Picnic tables. Parking lot as well as street parking. Other observations: Some people live here. Dogs often run freely throughout the park despite the dog run. Message to my people: Please respect all and enjoy my duchy safely and responsibly.

A nice neighborhood park, clean and relatively uncrowded. Parking situation is tight.read more