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    Mission Bay Park

    4.4 (329 reviews)
    Open • 4:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Mission Bay Park Photos

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    Basketball court
    Jiansen W.

    It's funday Sunday at Mission Bay Park where there's plenty of sandy beach, bay water, and grass for everyone to enjoy. Plenty of folks are out here under tree-lined bayside beaches, shooting hoops on basketball courts, having picnics on benches/under shaded canopies, playing sports, relaxing on acres of grass, walking dogs, riding bikes, paddling on a board, and zooming through the bay on personal water crafts. Parking is plentiful and accessible.

    View from Bay Park, San Diego above Mission Bay.
    Budd B.

    My absolute favorite spot in San Diego to stay, play and enjoy the outdoors, restaurants and activities!

    Leslie B.

    Mission Bay Park is truly a staple in San Diego. It is like a playground for all ages. Recently, in my training for a marathon, I have been to Mission Bay Park at least twice a week, so I felt it was a good time to write this review. Mission Bay Park is huge, so there are a variety of different areas, with various activities to enjoy. First, I run there all the time. There is one trail that is just over eight miles, and another just over 12 that are both loops, which I much prefer to out and back runs. Fiesta Island, known for the off leash dog area, offers runs of approximately 5 miles or 3 miles. Mission Bay Park is really beautiful, with a variety of vegetation and many different types of birds. I love the wildflowers in late April. They are truly a sight to see! Through the years, I have gone to bonfires, gone windsurfing, floated around on the bay, had several picnics, taken my dog to run loose on Fiesta Island, and simply sat admiring the water and the sky. There are several restaurants and hotels just the other side of the walking/running trail with views of the bay to enjoy. I have been to a few weddings in Mission Bay park, a couple of birthday parties, and have been many times for other functions such as concerts, or alumni events. I sure hope the City of San Diego continues to uphold fire pits for the public as I heard they are trying to remove them. I also do wish they would change the hours when dogs are allowed. After all, how can we really enjoy the outdoors without our best friends? If you are visiting San Diego, I highly recommend you visit Mission Bay Park... and check out various locations of the park. It is one of the very best attractions in San Diego.

    Julia G.

    Went kite flying on a beautiful breezy and sunny Sunday afternoon. People were in the water, kayaking, swimming, BBQing, on boats, walking, strolling, on picnic tables, celebrating, laying on blankets, and sitting in the sun. Then there was me and my friend with smiles on our faces as we got our butterfly kites up high in the air! Yay!

    Post brunch walk
    Miori I.

    Mission Bay holds a lot of nostalgia for my husband and I. When in our dating phase, our first weekend getaway together was here and we had great conversations about our future walking along the paths. We were in town from LA for the weekend, had just had a big brunch nearby, and found our way to the Bay Park. We had only intended on walking a mile or two but we got to reminiscing and talking, just as we did almost 8 years ago. Our brunch walk, turned into a 6 mile walk with a sunset ending. I'm not mad about it at all. Beautiful park and bay with several activities taking place. I had no idea there was a winery/restaurant. We will be back to hang out there next time.

    Cute little crabs  along shore rocks

    This was a great park to hang out on Easter after brunch and enjoy a gorgeous day by the water relaxing and taking in the sun. We spent some good time just taking in the sun and watching the tide splash againt the rocks. It was a great time and super easy to find park and just enjoy a few hours away from crowds at the beach . We caught some cute little crabs crawling up the rocks too. Parking was easy and the water is low enough fo walk in knee deep and also do some paddleboardibg. Had an amazing day Easter weekend.

    Andrew W.

    It's a great place to walk around and getting refreshed!! It's just a beautiful place and you'll definitely enjoy this area! I was here for the sake of SeaWorld and had a great time there! Be there earlier to enjoy to the max! Bring your friends and family and have a great time there! Cheers

    The parking lot looks pretty Western and in need of TLC, but the area is great if you don't mind leaving your car?
    Matthew A.

    Lunchtime and much needed nature immersion! Today took me too this park right off the 805 Freeway. I just needed some sunshine and really wanted a moment to recharge with my Vons Onion Hoagie, homemade vegan Tomato soup, and crunchy baby carrots! Best unpaid 30 minutes, I've had in a while! Anyway, when the sun is out and there is a cool breeze, this place shimmers, with a quaint presentation of the rippling and calming Bay. If you want to experience another area most do not know. This is definitely a lucky break, but I say most may not know, because the parking area was empty midday. (Possibly the fact I went during a weekday) Unfortunately my smile went away when I was forced to catch a whiff mid-bite of smoke. Ehh.. it happens, so, not a mood-ruined moment. I was a little on the weary side, only because I was over dressed due to being in at work. So, I spent the better part of my meal and soaking of sun calming my nerves and occasionally checking my car. It doesn't hurt to be cautious. There plenty of space to run, walk, fly a kite, throw a frisbee, picnic, ramp for your water vessels, and bathrooms that are attended by the city park attendants. Places like these are great, but a caution to the tell, they are widely used, but if you're there for a positive experience, you're able to make one. Be weary the roads and parking lot, they appear to be in disrepair, a little old and worn with softball deep size pot holes. But if you are smart and lucky, you're able to traverse without too much trouble and the sunshine and green grass will erase any irritation or discomfort. Oh just remember the pot holes are still there when you're leaving too.

    I'm blessed to live across the street from Bay park! My doggo appreciates fiesta island too! Sometimes I just hop in jeep with tea and cruise the island see what everyone's doing.

    No sun, no problem
    Arnel D.

    Worth the price of admission! Free99... With tons of parking and clean restrooms, it's an ideal spot to have a relaxing bbq. You can easily see baby showers, birthday parties and even small weddings here on any given day. With the water as a beautiful backdrop, it's easy to see why it is such a popular spot for locals to tourists to visit. I used to frequent this place often as a child when my uncle had his boat. It's nice to see people enjoying their water sports including kayaks and paddle boards. If the water isn't for you but you still want to put in a workout, you can easily walk jog or even rode a bike here on their paved walkways. I plan to visit more often now that I have my own children. Maybe I'll see you there!?

    Kiddos having a blast
    Heliana M.

    What a beautiful park. In SD for a short vacation and enjoying all the lovely places we are experiencing. This park is simply gorgeous. Beautiful landscape and so well designed for the little ones. Ample slides, swings, climbing opportunities, pretend play, green grass areas and of course the beach. Spoiled for choice. Bathrooms quite clean and there is an area with sinks to wash the Lil ones afterwards and change them. Had a great time. Our children had an amazing time playing non stop. Beautiful. Recommend for all kids to visit :)

    Eva G.

    Love this place. Can get crowded but that's not surprising. The view is beautiful and tranquil. A great place to have a BBQ and hang out with friends. I like this place to take nice long walks and soak up the sun and the views of the water. It's a pet friendly place too.

    Dulce R.

    Amazing peaceful serene views? Then you have come to the right place! This was my go-to when I first moved to San Diego back in 2007, I would come here as my stress-reliever. You will see people running, biking, roller blading, walking and playing in the sand to flying kites. You can also release your boat at the dock. Parking can be somewhat tricky during the summer months but today was a perfect 80 degrees for February and while somewhat busy - it is not half as busy as it would be on a Saturday in June. The great thing is you can come here anytime of year and it is beautiful with hotels nearby, PB nearby and best of all - this is free - so bring your friends for a BBQ, bring your family for some fun or come here by yourself to get away from it all! You can also get a permit for larger events and groups to reserve the area around Mission Bay Park. If you haven't been here and you've visited or lived in San Diego, you are missing out!

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Mission Bay Park

    Do they gave fire pits to grill already at the park or do i have to bring my own?

    They have some but their condition is questionable. I'd bring my own.

    Do they have Pickelball?

    No I have not seen any! Only those that set up volleyball on the sand.

    Are the restrooms still open despite our current COVID situation?

    Can you have a bbq over there?

    Yes, you may BBQ at Mission Bay Park, please dispose of coals at one of the hot coal containers provided at many of the picnic areas. Practice safe distancing and weat a mask when visiting the park. Keep your gathering limited to household family… 

    How early should I go save a spot for a birthday party?

    If it's on the weekend, I'd say by 9am of you want the chance of any tables

    Can you bring a raft?

    Yes, rafts are allowed at Mission Bay

    Does anyone know if you can do long term RV parking here?

    No overnight camping or parking allowed at Mission Bay Park, strictly enforced. Most parking lots close at 10pm daily.

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - Mission Bay Park

    “Plenty of parking on both sides of the bridge, and great grassy spots to put up tents and set up BBQs.”

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Balboa Park - Outside the Botanical Garden

    Balboa Park

    4.8(2.9k reviews)
    5.4 mi•Balboa Park

    My wife wanted to stopped by here the moment we arrived to San Diego. We been here before like five…read moreyears ago when we first started dating. There different parking lot you can park at but I chose the parking lot near the Organ Pavilion area. Since we came before lunch time, I was able to find a good spot and you'll have to pay for parking here. My wife wanted to check out the Botanical Garden building first and then we went to the Art Center so my wife can shop over there. We also saw a long line of people looking to buy plants at Casa Del Prado. We didn't stay long because the sun was starting to come out and our daughter was getting fussy.

    Balboa Park is one of my favorite places to visit in San Diego. Every time I come down here to…read morevisit my daughter who is studying in San Diego, I try to stop by if I have some free time just to walk around and relax. This place is more than just a park. I really enjoy the beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and unique Spanish style architecture. The area around the California Tower is especially beautiful. Walking around here and taking in the peaceful atmosphere is always a nice experience. I usually park in one of the parking lots inside the park (around $10). If you are lucky, you may find free parking in the surrounding areas, but honestly, parking can be difficult, especially on busy days. What I like most about Balboa Park is that you don't need to visit all the museums to enjoy this place. You can simply walk around, enjoy the gardens, take pictures, and relax. One thing to keep in mind is that the park is very large. If you don't plan ahead, you may end up walking more than expected. But that is also what makes this place special , every visit gives you a chance to see something different.

    Photos
    Balboa Park - Wedding at Balboa Park

    Wedding at Balboa Park

    Balboa Park - Nativity Display

    Nativity Display

    Balboa Park - PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

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    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

    Civita Park

    Civita Park

    4.6(178 reviews)
    3.7 mi•Mission Valley

    After hearing about this spot from a friend, I have always wanted to come. I was able to on a hot…read moreday, despite it being hot, it was also very windy (cool). I would recommend a light jacket-- of course depending on the day. They have clean restrooms with sinks to wash your hands outside, but no paper towels or drying station. They had many choices of where to sit, where to play, even tables to eat, and more. People rollerblading, skateboarding, yoga, playing soccer, this spot is full of life! I really enjoyed my time here as even the birds and butterflies were all flying around. I will happily come back to explore more of what this park has to offer.

    Pros: Spacious, plenty of walking paths, with nice clean facilities, which include 2 family…read morebathrooms with baby diaper changing stations and several drinking fountains. There's also a row of small fountains for kids to play, run through and splash in. Cons: It's a really nice park ON A COOL DAY. Lately, with temperatures 10 to 19° above "normal average" - or maybe it's just the new normal - it's hard to recall the last time we got to experience a cool day. But here, the way the gazebos, tables, and benches are set up reflects a pretty severe case of denial that this is Southern California, and not quite within walking distance from the beach. It WILL get hot whenever it damn pleases, with or without notice. It did so in February already, in case you missed it. We came a few times for the farmers market. Both days were unfortunately " 80°F" her weather report, which in reality feels like 92°F, and we had to scramble to find a little bit of shade, so that we could eat our street food without passing out from heat stroke. We huddled awkwardly on the curb under a small tree. Other people passing by with food in their hands looked at us with envy. NOT A SINGLE PERSON sat on the readily available benches with tables, because they were in the blazing sun, yet lacked any shade. Never mind an umbrella, not even holes to put one in!! Denial much?? It's really sad, because it's a beautiful place. It just DESPERATELY needs more shade for the visitors to feel comfortable without clinging to trees or the bathroom walls.

    Photos
    Civita Park
    Civita Park
    Civita Park - Tunnel Mural

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    Tunnel Mural

    The Children's Park - The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA

    The Children's Park

    4.3(37 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    We enjoyed the park here! It had more people than usual when we play at parks but it was downtime…read moreand comic con weekend. Great play structures. Built with probably age 7+ in mind but my toddler was able to enjoy everything easily. The slides were metal but it didn't burn anyone going down. I was happy there was a good amount of shade! Bring your own food and snacks. Prices are ridiculous. The ice cream truck was $6 for an ice cream sandwich. Prices are not posted and I didn't have the heart to say nevermind and disappoint the kiddos. Great park!

    This is more based on the dog park that's on the same lot as the Children's Park. This one uses…read moreturf, which i find has it's benefits on the days after a rainstorm since it doesn't get muddy. There are four big pine trees with separate retaining walls around three of them for owners to sit down. With it being so close to the bay, there's often a nice breeze that goes through the park. There's no divide between small dogs and big dogs, so it's best to just keep an eye on your dog, and many owners around here are usually respectful. The street parking immediately adjacent to the park is free, however, it has a limit of 30 minutes, and the parking meter workers are strict on it if they're around. I bring my dog here around lunch time because those who live/ work in the area tend to bring their dogs during their break time and my dog gets his socialization time. They close 8am-11am MWF for maintenance/ cleaning. Currently, both gates are broken so it's not as secure as it should be, and who knows when the city will actually fix it. There're a few agility structures and a water dispenser. The children's park itself looks pretty cool for kids with a lot of structures with slides and swings. There's also another separate area with fixed exercise equipment that looks well- maintained. The water feature in the park is a water feature, not a pool.

    Photos
    The Children's Park - The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA

    The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA

    The Children's Park - Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.

    Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.

    The Children's Park - Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.

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    Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.

    Maruta Gardner Playground - Klover & Kai

    Maruta Gardner Playground

    4.8(29 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    The most amazing park my toddler and I have ever had the pleasure of visiting- thus far!!!…read more As we were driving to Old Town, we passed by a few playgrounds prompting my little monster's request for some play time. After we were doing doing some basic tourist-y things, I hopped on Yelp in search of a few parks located withing the vicinity. Maruta Gardner Playgound seemed to be the most entertaining and appropriate for my wild child. Parking was plentiful and the size of this particular playground was great. Not only was the look and design very unique, you really couldn't ask for a better view. Seating was plentiful and again, the design of things were so cool. Shade is easily found and the play structure is great for children + adults of all ages. Lastly, there are restrooms and water fountain located not too far. Shout out to Ms. Maruta Gardner!! My daughter and I thank you because this place wouldn't have been possible without you. Your dedications and love for your community was undeniable. Thank you for beautifying everything around you and rest in paradise. 5/5 Stars!! Definitely a must if you are in San Diego!!

    This is a fantastic park! Truly has activities for all ages and lots of seating for parents. The…read moreswings and climbing structure are so fun! I also love that it's right across the street from mission beach. We love to walk along the beach then come and play or vice versa. Generally safe area and haven't seen many homeless loitering about. Pretty clean and minimal litter.

    Photos
    Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

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    Liberty Station NTC Park - the sky looks like this ...possibly due to the wildfires in Pacific Palisades and LA areas

    Liberty Station NTC Park

    4.6(175 reviews)
    4.0 mi•Liberty Station, Point Loma

    Liberty Station NTC Park - Spacious, Scenic, and Full of Life…read more Liberty Station NTC Park is such a huge, beautiful space and truly one of the best multi‑use parks in San Diego. It's home to so many local events -- 5Ks, food festivals, art fairs, adoption events -- and there's always something happening. There's plenty of parking nearby, lots of trees for shade, and a great trail throughout the park for walking, running, or biking. You get gorgeous waterfront views, and the whole area is super dog‑friendly. It's the perfect spot for a family gathering, picnic, birthday celebration, dog day out, or a hot‑girl walk. And one of my favorite things: after hanging out at the park, I love heading to the Liberty Public Market food hall or True Food Kitchen for something to eat. A great, versatile outdoor space that really shows off the best of Liberty Station.

    An overdue review for a park my pup and I frequent. There free parking, a lake, fields of grass,…read morecafes, restaurants, a movie theater, art galleries, retail shops, grocery stores, events and walkable pathways. It all sounds perfect with the exception of the airplane noise up above. The San Diego international airport is nearby and the planes pass by so frequently and loudly, you cannot hear. Also, I hate the planes immision of air pollution. Even if you wear your earbuds to cancel the plane noise, the air pollution is more prevalent here :( I like this park, my friends live nearby in Point Loma so we've frequented this park. I suggest you visit but keep in mind the overhead plane noise and air pollution.

    Photos
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park

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    Kate O Sessions Memorial Park - Kate Sessions Memorial Park in San Diego.

    Kate O Sessions Memorial Park

    4.6(350 reviews)
    2.2 mi•Pacific Beach

    OBSESSED! I came here when I first moved to SD and somehow forgot just how gorgeous this park is…read more I've been back twice recently and just soaked it all in. The weather was perfect, sun was out and it was one of those places where it's easy to lose track of time. Sooo soo peaceful ! One disclaimer.. be careful where you walk and where you step. There's a pretty big gap between the grass and the edge of the pavement in one area that is easily hidden. I wasn't paying attention, tripped and scraped both of my knees. Thankfully my ankle ended up being okay after icing it at home. Be careful lol. There's so much space in the park so don't worry about nabbing a great spot. Bring a blanket or beach chair, have a picnic, take in the city views, or just sit and relax for a while. Before you get all the way up the main overlook, there's a large flat grassy area before you enter that looked perfect for birthday parties or small get togethers. Both times I visited were during the day and it wasn't crowded. I did see quite a few people sunbathing lol don't think I've ever seen that at a park before. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to unwind and enjoy some of the best views in San Diego, definitely make some time for Kate Sessions Park!

    This was my second time visiting this park, and I absolutely love it. The views are breathtaking,…read moreand the atmosphere is so peaceful. I enjoy bringing a blanket, relaxing on the grass, and looking up at the beautiful sky. It's the perfect place to spend some quiet time alone or gather with family and friends. Both times I've visited, I was able to find parking at the top without having to circle around, and there's also street parking available. The park is very clean, well-maintained, and has a playground for kids. I highly recommend this park if you're looking for a peaceful place to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy some beautiful views.

    Photos
    Kate O Sessions Memorial Park - Happy Sunday!

    Happy Sunday!

    Kate O Sessions Memorial Park - Kate Sessions Memorial Park in San Diego.

    Kate Sessions Memorial Park in San Diego.

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    Playground

    Mission Bay Park - parks - Updated September 2026

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