Top Rated Parks to Visit in Central Beach

"It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden."

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"Day 1: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Downtown & The Gaslamp District [Skip to Page] Day 2: Old Town, The Midway & Coronado [Skip to Page]"

"Located on the sands of Mission Beach, Belmont Park takes you back to when amusement parks were simpler. Carrying on the tradition of old-time family fun, San Diego's only beachfront theme park is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, as well as other classic rides like Beach Blaster, Chaos, Krazy Kars, Vertical Plunge, Tilt-A-Whirl, Liberty Carousel, Crazy Submarine, and Thunder Boats. Popular in the 1930s and 40s, the park received a $2 million renovation and reopened in 1990."

"Belmont Park is a fun-filled seaside amusement park, complete with roller coaster rides, arcade games, and fairground foods. Belmont Park offers something for everyone, with a range of attractions, from old-fashioned rides to adventurous rock climbing activities. The Giant Dipper roller coaster ride is for thrill-seeking older kids who meet the height requirement of 50 inches tall."

"Belmont Park is a fun little spot in Mission Beach with a cool old roller coaster. It’s great for night shots with the lighting and rides. Best part, you can visit without paying anything."

"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."

"Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used."

"The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful 68-acre local treasure on the western side of Point Loma. The park has numerous dramatic scenic spots that include coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. Don’t forget to snap some golden hour pics and watch the incredible sunset."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"This historic park overlooks Old Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Old Town)"

"Crosby Street Park is a tiny little park that just happens to have a pier that extends way out into San Diego Bay which allows you to get some cool shots of the Coronado Bridge that most people may not have seen. Along the pier there are tug boats and military ships in the yards being fixed so it can give you some pretty interesting pictures. The park has lots of parking and this place is almost always deserted so  you will probably have it all to yourself."

"San Diego has its own version of Central Park: The Waterfront Park, located along the Embarcadero in Little Italy. Opened in 2014, it's become a family-favorite destination for locals. The 12-acre park is just a stone's throw from the bay and is decked out with tons of innovative ways to entertain kids including a splash pad and slide––but it's the giant fountain, with its many jets, that is the park's main attraction."

"Located in downtown San Diego along the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is perhaps best known for its interactive splash fountains and its extensive, family-friendly open spaces. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held here in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)"

"If you can’t make it across the bridge to Coronado, you can walk along Harbor Bay to get a photo as well. The angle is a bit different and it’s a good deal harder to park but it can be done."

"Glorietta Bay Park is a city park with a small north-facing beach on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado Island. The park is located in a protected spot on […]"

"It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542; first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later became the west coast of the United States. The lighthouse, which is often used to depict San Diego, dates from 1855 and was decommissioned in 1891. Both are part of the National Park Service."

"Located in Cabrillo National Monument, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse has an iconic spiral staircase that everyone loves to photograph. In Point Loma, you’ll also get a great view of the San Diego skyline over the bay. More: Tide pooling at Cabrillo National Monument + Secret Sea Cave"

"This historic lighthouse stands watch over the San Diego Bay at Cabrillo National Monument. It has magnificent birds-eye views of the bay and is a fantastic photo spot. The cost to enter Cabrillo National Monument is $20/car or $10/individual on foot or a bike."

"The Barrio Logan distillery is open Tuesday - Sunday for dine-in and take out. Order online here for pickup or delivery for their food, wine, and spirits."

"Butchers cut is a contemporary grill and premiere steakhouse that offers an unmatched selection of beef, fish, and pasta. As the premier steakhouse of San Diego located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, we offer an ambiance with a rustic and vintage vibe that takes you back to a simple and...Mehr"

"Another popular area for locals to hangout throughout the day and especially at sunset. Few beaches in the World provide a more of a picturesque view variety than this coastline. Popular area for local surfers as there are big reef break waves."