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San Diego, CA
Best Parks (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Balboa Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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1549 El Prado The Promenade, San Diego 92101 • 619-239-0512 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride. Wander through multiple gardens or the botanical building (with over 2000 plant species), take in an outdoor organ concert, or enjoy a presentation at one of several theaters. Getting around the massive complex is easy, thanks to the free tram. Entrance to the park is free; attractions within the park are priced individually. |
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Ellen Browning Scripps Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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Coast Blvd, La Jolla 92037 • 619-235-1169 |
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Description:
LA JOLLA. Situated just above La Jolla Cove, this park is a favorite of weekend picnickers. It also invites strolls along the waterfront sidewalk and games of shuffleboard. Most of the surrounding area is a wildlife preserve, so it offers excellent swimming, diving and tidepooling. You may want to bring binoculars since sea otters and sea lions frequent the vicinity. A lifeguard station is staffed year-round, and although on-street parking can be tough, a number of public garages are within walking distance. |
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User Rating: 10 / 10
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Mission Bay Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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I-5 at Clairemont Dr, San Diego 92117 • 619-221-8900 |
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Description:
MISSION BAY. This park encompasses 4600 acres – with 27 miles of shoreline, of which 19 are sandy beach. Facilities include marinas, a horseshoe court, sand volleyball courts, fire rings, picnic areas, children's play areas, and paths for biking, rollerskating and jogging. The park includes several wildlife preserves, making it a favorite with birdwatchers.
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Mission Trails Regional Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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One Father Junipero Serra Trail Visitor Center, San Diego 92119 • 619-668-3281 |
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Description:
MISSION VALLEY. One of San Diego's largest and wildest parks, Mission Trails sprawls over about 5800 acres. It includes more than 40 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities, a lake, campgrounds, and a fine Visitor and Interpretive Center where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Guided hikes are offered several times a week. The area is prime habitat for all sorts of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for snakes, lizards, roadrunners, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, deer and quail. |
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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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San Diego Ave & Twiggs St, Old Town San Diego 92110 • 619-291-4903 |
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Description:
OLD TOWN. Find out what life was like in Mexico and early America back in the 1800s. This spot is where the city of San Diego was born, and it contains historic treasures unearthed by archeologists over the years. The historic park includes several original adobes as well as a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, carriage collection and a museum filled with artifacts. |
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Queen Califia's Magic Circle |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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Bear Valley Pkwy and Mary Ln Kit Carson Park, Escondido 92025 • 760-839-4691 |
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Description:
ESCONDIDO / RANCHO BERNARDO. If you’re traveling with children, or if you love art and the outdoors, a side trip to Escondido’s Kit Carson Park is definitely in order. Inside the park’s 12-acre Iris Sankey Arboretum is Queen Califia’s Magic Circle, a magnificent installation created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s a collection of huge bold, mosaic-tiled sculptures inspired by and named for the mythical Amazonian queen. Words cannot do it justice – it truly is one of the most intricate, colorful, whimsical things you’ll ever see. |
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Torrey Pines State Beach and Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Parks) |
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12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego 92037 • 858-755-2063 |
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Description:
LA JOLLA. There are two sections here. Along the bluffs overlooking the sea there are eight miles of trails through the unique landscape (the twisted Torrey pine tree is found in only two places on earth: in this park and on an island almost 200 miles to the north), and due to conservation efforts the park is one of the wildest, most undeveloped spots in the state. Three hundred feet below at the base of the bluffs is a beach – the northern portion is popular for families, with lifeguards and bathrooms. |
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