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    Junipero Serra Park

    4.2 (72 reviews)

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    Parking lot of lower meadow view
    Karen W.

    We were invited to a family reunion picnic here and the weather turned out to be lovely. We were able to find the park but once we got inside ($6 Parking fee), we had to find the Buckeye Picnic area and had to go back to the kiosk to ask for directions to the picnic site and was given a map but the map didn't help. So I tried to call my relatives and we drove past the Buckeye picnic area a couple of times before we realized that the picnic area is in the lower Meadow View parking lot. Still really didn't see a sign for Buckeye picnic area but it's across from a home in the park. It was a lovely time getting together with long lost relatives we hadn't seen in 9 years and there were enough picnic tables and slides for the children nearby, a recycling bin but no garbage can. I could see why as bees and wasps were swarming around our food tables and it was really hard to eat as they were all around the food. My husband got stung on the lip as he was eating his chicken so luckily someone had Tylenol and ice to relieve the pain and swelling. I wish there was some way to make it more pleasant to eat at picnics, but there isn't.

    Big Slides Playground area (seating)
    Annabelle R.

    This is a cool park in San Bruno, a great stop on a cool and sunny Sunday afternoon. It's a multilevel park with lots of open space, large parking lots ($6 entry fee, cash only), huge grassy areas, lots of trees, multiple bbq/picnic areas great for family gatherings, and several small playgrounds. I loved that the park was not crowded at all when we visited. We drove up to the Upper Meadow View/ Big Slide Playground area, specifically to to check out the big slides. The sign says the play structure (side-by-side slides) is designed for kids age 5-12, but plenty of adults take advantage of these. It's quite fun gliding down the smooth surface, but it goes kinda fast so a crash landing is a possibility if not prepared. Luckily it's soft rubbery turf at the bottom. With all the dirt pathways and tall trees at this park, I would love to hike here and explore more of the area in the future. But appreciating the views and the rush from riding down the slides multiple times was enough excitement for a quick stop here on this day.

    "Slidezilla"!
    Anita T.

    Loved this park! It is close to our friends' home so we have hiked here with our kids. Pros: Decent length hike for kids with gentle uphill switchbacks. Great views all the way out to the bay and sfo!! Rewards you at the end with a fenced playground area with an amazing view that has a super tall slide (the kids call it "slidezilla") and a smaller version for younger kids. There are also rock climbing structures, a huge rope climbing structure, some spinning monkey bars, and 1 baby swing. There's also a smaller play structure down the hill. A ton of green space! Dogs allowed on trail (but not playgrounds) Cons: Can be quite muddy in the lower parts of the trail that drain towards the creek. Probably only a winter issue. Playground area is at the top of the hill and pretty windy / cold. There's a parking lot close to the playgrounds and pavilions but it looks like you have to pay, there's a ticket machine. The street side parking at the trailhead is free though.

    10.11.20
    Ann L.

    Checked out Junipero Serra Park in San Bruno Sun 10/11/20. Parking is $6, but there is residential parking on Helen Dr where you can walk-in. I went to San Bruno Mtn State & County Park first so used that parking pass for this one on the same day. Driving in noticed the first parking on the left was closed, had to turn Right. Went up and up and up to a higher parking lot. We did a loop hike Quail Loop Trail, DeAnza Trail, Live Oak Nature Trail, Pine Trail, back to Quail Loop Trail. All the playgrounds and picnic areas are Closed due to Covid19. I did see a huge gathering in the closed area near Rangers Station, wanted to tell Rangers but didn't. Covid19 will never go away! Most people wore mask. San Mateo County Parks Facebook mentioned park closed M-F for extensive road & culvert work until further notice, so I made sure to go Sun. Maybe worth a visit if you live nearby.

    Cathrin P C.

    It's been a challenge to look for new neighborhood trails during lockdown. This one has entry points in Millbrae on Helen Drive, nearest cross street is Brookside Ln and the other trailhead is at San Bruno Park, near Santa Lucia Avenue and Saint Andrews Church. There are lots of loops and short trails within the park, mostly amongst tall trees. If you double up on some trails, you can get a good 4-5 miles. From entry point to entry point, it'll be about 2 miles. There are trail notices indicating one way direction. Only one bathroom is open and that's located in the heart of park where all the picnic tables are. Parking is available in residential Millbrae off Helen Drive and there's a free lot in San Bruno near Saint Andrews Church. Weather is usually just nice enough to get a couple of hours on the trails. Terrain is pretty easy to navigate and most trails loop from one to another.

    Iryna P.

    This is such a great park, we've lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years and have just now discovered it. It's nestled up on the hills close to 280 and you can easily get there from 101 as well. It is a big and spacious park, perfect for picnics, hiking and sightseeing. They have two playground structures for kids and lots of space for riding your bicycle or scooter. It's one of our favorite parks since it has something for everyone.

    Looking at Sf airport !
    Carolyn T.

    Had no idea this park was around me ! Beautiful day for a walk and people were all wearing masks . Parking was easy. Limited restrooms open. Lots of picnic tables available .

    Vinod A.

    Nice little park. With small parking space.Scenic view of San Francisco airport. It has got small gentle trails with picnic area. Trails are surrounded by trees so it's nice shaded You can reserve and have small outdoor party with barbecue pits. Trail has got play area closed currently with volunteers helping maintain the park. Be careful with poison oak on the trails.

    The party setup
    Geraldine C.

    Wonderful park! Came for my friends sons 8th birthday and it was beautiful!

    Park brochure
    A G.

    $6 car fee. 56 feet slide that is scary fast! Do the little one next to it before you attempt the monster! Nice views from Iris point - drive all GE way up and park next to the water tank! Biking paths. Climbing structures and little kids play ground

    Emmalouise B.

    This really is a lovely park. Tucked out of the way up Crystal Springs Road with a gorgeous view from the top. It has a large car park on the lower level along with a play park, benches and BBQ pits scattered about, large amounts of covered seating too along with restrooms. Parking here is $5 per car which is a small price to pay for the use and upkeep of such a lovely park. There are a hiking trails throughout along with a road which you can drive up to the top where again they have a play park with more seating and BBQ area. This is a great place to go if you just have one of those day's where you're stressed or just need some fresh air. I love taking the hiking trail up to the top and on the far side where the water tower is the view is lovely. I could sit on one of the log's that surround the parking spaces and just sit looking out to the view for ages without interruption - bliss.

    Oak Nature Trail
    Kaori M.

    This is a nice small quiet park. Trails are peaceful. Some are in the forest, Meadow Vista Trail has open vista, and I enjoyed activity at SFO. I like to watch landing and taking off. Not for hardcores but nice to check out. I am a rather hardcore, but I enjoyed hiking after another hike :) There are a lot of BBQ places and playing area for kids.

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    14 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very sweet park...beautiful views and a perfect little getaway with good hiking trails. My pups love it too!

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    16 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    11 years ago

    This is a great place to run. The hills will certainly challenge you and at the top you'll have a great view of San Bruno and SFO.

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    12 years ago

    Great place to train, run, exercise, or jet to enjoy a nice stroll and enjoy the views.

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    13 years ago

    Felt like I am in thick woods coz the trail is not paved. Great experience for a quick nature walk with kids as well.

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Over all I like the park. But the slide is super dangerous I fractured my tailbone. Worse pain ever be careful with the slides

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Junipero Serra Park

    Review Highlights - Junipero Serra Park

    It isn't like your modern park like San Bruno Park that you could find a couple miles away.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Sweeney Ridge

    Sweeney Ridge

    4.3
    (190 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    This is a nice enough spot to go for a hike. It was easy to find my way to the Sneath Lane Trail…read moreParking using google maps, a small lot within a residential neighborhood, that fits about 10-15 vehicles. It was foggy, cold, and incredibly windy during my visit last week, and of course, there's an incline as the trail wraps around the mountain. But it wasn't too bad, the actual climb up didn't feel as difficult as it looked from a distance, starting with the sneath lane trail then connecting to other trails higher up. In fact, there are many options for different trails to take. The Baquiano Trail had a dirt pathway while the Notch Trail toward the Nike Missile Control Site was paved. Near the SF Bay Discovery Site, there's a small restroom building (it was pretty clean for a park facility, on a Thursday afternoon). The gorgeous foliage lining the various paths was captivating, along with lovely views of the hills, lake (san andreas reservoir), and sunlit scenery in the distance. Too foggy to enjoy the views the higher you get though, just a giant cloud of fog everywhere. I barely made it three miles out before turning back. It was just far too windy and foggy to wanna be out there very long (I'm sure hot days would be even worse with zero shade to be found). Plus my legs definitely had a workout from the uphill trek. Luckily the jog back down was a breeze. And I did slow down to appreciate the vegetation and vast array of plant species, once again, before leaving.

    There are a few entrances, but I think the most popular one is on Sneath Lane. This trail is paved…read moreand pretty steady and not too difficult for about a mile but then gets a bit steeper for the next mile to the top. On the way up you can see views of the San Andreas Reservoir Lake. After the rain you can hear the water flowing and see some little streams and wild mushrooms. To the ridge is a little under 2 miles. I like the fact there is a small bathroom which I find quite rare on trails like this. To the left is the San Francisco Discovery Site which has a plaque with some information. Apparently, this was the place the Spanish settlers first saw the San Francisco Bay. To the right the trail goes along the ridge to the remains of the old Nike missile site. The views are stellar, and one can see for miles on end, Marin, the city, Pacifica Mount Diablo, etc. I love watching all the planes coming in and out from nearby SFO. From Sneath the hike is about 5 miles and 2 hrs. I've also gone the Mori Trail route which is nice because it's not paved but this trail is steeper. It's worth checking out the funky Shelldance Orchid Gardens which is located at the trailhead but they are only open on the weekends.

    Photos
    Sweeney Ridge in mid March
    Sweeney Ridge in mid March
    Sweeney Ridge in mid March
    Sweeney Ridge in mid March
    Plants and flowers along the trail

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    Plants and flowers along the trail
    Alta Loma Park

    Alta Loma Park

    4.3
    (20 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    Parking: There are two lots. One by the baseball field…read morewhich is a shortish walk to the kids playground, and one right next to the playground which I didn't park at because I couldn't figure out how to get there. A wanderer explained I would need to get back on the freeway and go around etc. so I just shrugged and hauled myself on the paved path to the park. Playground: I'm such a fan because my son is 17 months and the playground was a great size for him. The slides are low to the ground so I feel comfortable with him going down on his own. I wish the swings were longer cause it's a lot back and forth quick swings but he doesn't complain and asks to jump back and forth between the two options. The area is very small, but not crowded so a sweet low key option for a parent who doesn't want to run around too much. There's a fun dome like spinning seat and a larger swing to sit with your kid in as well. There's not a ton at this park but what there was enough. Safety: I felt super safe here! I There were a handful of people with kids resting at some of the few picnic tables who kept to themselves. There were a few teenagers that strode in but they also kept to themselves. The flooring at this park is spongey and I had no worries about my son falling. There is a concrete "stage" with concrete seating around it that my son loved climbing on so I was close-by for that play area. Resting: Plenty of grass for picnics and 2-3 picnic tables that I noticed. Nothing was shaded though. Overall: I would definitely come back. My son was not ready to leave as he loved it here. I just need to figure out the correct parking lot!

    Pretty park. Nice grill area. Cool playground for toddlers and big kids…read more My daughter is in between big kid and toddler and she did struggle to get to the side bc the only way on the big slide is to climb the rope jungle gym. It took her practically the whole day to build the courage bc it's so high in the air. The park is clean and people there were so nice.

    Photos
    Vroom. Vroom!
    Vroom. Vroom!
    #IrieBeBe had the Playground all to herself (Panoramic, 06.11.14)
    #IrieBeBe had the Playground all to herself (Panoramic, 06.11.14)
    Finally under well deserved construction! View of the smaller lot & playground

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    Finally under well deserved construction! View of the smaller lot & playground

    Junipero Serra Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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