Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cowles Mountain

We've collected top 10 mentioned parks in Cowles Mountain from other articles such as Old Town Trolley Tours, San Diego 2 days itinerary, Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cowles Mountain

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Belmont Park
Belmont Park
4.5 (11290 ratings)4 (768 ratings)
Vintage games, gift shops, rides & an iconic wooden roller coaster right next to the beach.
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Amusement parkWater & Amusement ParksParkTheme Parks
Mentioned by Touropia
25 Top Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"With a lovely old-style look and feel, the historic Belmont Park certainly makes for a fun day out thanks to its roller coasters and rides, attractions, and eateries. Since 1925, the beachfront amusement park has been one of Mission Beach’s main draws and can be reached in just fifteen minutes from downtown San Diego. Although it is home to some charming carnival rides such as a carousel and bumper cars, the park’s standout sight is its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster which is now a National Historic Landmark."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
Best San Diego Theme Parks and Amusement Parks
"Perched steps from the sand of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is fun for Dole Whip, carnival games, rides and more. Play arcade games, ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and dine at one of the ten places to eat. Head here also for a little bit of beachside shopping for swimwear and funky souvenirs."
Mentioned by Attractions of America
Top 26 Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"This is one of the most fabulous family-friendly tourist attractions in San Diego. Plus, it has a lot of history. It provides an opportunity for amusements, games, and food at a historical, classic American boardwalk."
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
4.6 (19180 ratings)4.5 (5262 ratings)
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkHistoric Walking Areas
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"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."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"There are several historic buildings to be found, including five adobes, a hotel dating back to 1870, and a reconstructed courthouse and stable. Educational events are frequent occurrences, from theatrical performances to blacksmith demonstrations to tours."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"The six square blocks on the site of San Diego's original pueblo are the heart of Old Town. Most of the 20 historic buildings preserved…"
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
4.8 (4784 ratings)4.5 (1916 ratings)
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
5-Day Best of San Diego Itinerary
"Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down. Finish off the day over the hill at Officine Buona Forchetta, where some of the city’s best Italian dishes include handmade pasta and authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza."
Mentioned by Jasmine Alley
49 Most Instagrammable Places in San Diego in 2021
"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."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
25 Best Things to Do in San Diego, CA (for 2021)
"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."
Palm Trees Garden
Palm Trees Garden
401 K St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Park
Mentioned by Jasmine Alley
49 Most Instagrammable Places in San Diego in 2021
"Ocean Beach is a thriving seaside beach community with plenty of charm. Watching the sunset over the water at Ocean Beach is a spectacular sight to see. It is also the perfect time to take those spectacular, perfectly-lit “golden hour” shots along the beach’s palm tree-lined road."
Lindo Lake County Park
Lindo Lake County Park
4.4 (1223 ratings)4 (31 ratings)
12660 Lindo Ln, Lakeside, CA 92040, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife AreasBodies of Water
Kellogg Park
Kellogg Park
4.7 (1383 ratings)4.5 (24 ratings)
Besides a playground with swings & slides, this beachfront park offers grassy areas & sunset views.
8277 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
ParkNature & ParksPlaygrounds
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
20 FREE Things to Do in La Jolla | San Diego Attractions
"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."
Heritage County Park
Heritage County Park
4.5 (109 ratings)
Charming county park featuring several restored Victorian homes & the city's first synagogue.
2454 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Park
Centennial Park
Centennial Park
4.8 (1503 ratings)4.5 (40 ratings)
Sweeping panoramas from an expansive lawn with benches, a rose garden & a small beach.
1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
ParkNature & Parks

Best Zoo in Cowles Mountain

Northern Frontier
Northern Frontier
4.7 (202 ratings)
Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Zoo
Asian Passage
Asian Passage
4.6 (30 ratings)
San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Zoo
Mentioned by Ultimate Disney Planning Guide: MickeyVisit.com
Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park
"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
The San Diego Zoo
"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."
Living Coast Discovery Center
Living Coast Discovery Center
4.6 (706 ratings)4.5 (182 ratings)
Interactive center focuses on animals native to the San Diego Bay such as stingrays & sea turtles.
1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA
ZooZoos & AquariumsAquariumBird watching areaEvent venueNature preserveWedding venueWildlife refuge
Mentioned by Go San Diego
6 Best San Diego Museums for Kids
"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."
Mentioned by Crazy Family Adventure
15 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In San Diego With Kids
"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
24 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids for 2021 (Family Friendly!)
"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

Cheap Places to Eat in Cowles Mountain

Green China Grill
Green China Grill
4.2 (123 ratings)
4688 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
Chinese restaurantChinese noodle restaurantDelivery Chinese restaurantHalal restaurantRestaurant
Cheesy Express
Cheesy Express
4.5 (288 ratings)
Counter-serve spot offering a range of grilled-cheese sandwiches & dessert melts in a casual space.
3219 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Sandwich shopTakeout Restaurant
Great Wall Express
Great Wall Express
3.9 (218 ratings)
Basic Chinese eatery offering a menu of noodles & stir-fries, plus fried chicken & mashed potatoes.
501 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Chinese restaurantAsian restaurantChicken restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Mentioned by Ciao Bambino!
10 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids | Kid-Friendly San Diego
"From the Little Italy Mercato Farmer’s Market on Saturdays to some of the state’s best craft breweries and taco joints, San Diego has great food. Spots like Tribute Pizza and Galaxy Taco are family-friendly and tasty enough to satisfy everyone. Plant-based eatery Donna Jean is delicious, a major hit for our vegetarian family."

Best Museums in Cowles Mountain

Coronado Historical Association
Coronado Historical Association
4.5 (215 ratings)4 (8 ratings)
Nonprofit association with permanent & special exhibits of local history & art, plus vast archives.
1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Local history museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Moke Experience
Top 10 Things To Do on Coronado Island
"Coronado’s rich and complex history is a fascinating subject even for those that don’t consider themselves history buffs. The Historic Walking Tour sponsored by the Coronado Historical Association is a great change of pace and something your whole family will enjoy. Stroll through historic Coronado while a knowledgeable guide spills all the details behind the architecture and adventure that makes Coronado so unique."
Mentioned by Holidify
Best Museums in San Diego That Are Too Interesting to Miss
"It is a not-for-profit organization with permanent and transitory exhibitions of local art & history and vast archives. It is a landmark Historical Association building that lies right in the center of the city. Also, there is a Museum Store that offers antique items for sale and a Museum Café in the Museum building."
Tijuana Cultural Center
Tijuana Cultural Center
4.8 (14823 ratings)4.5 (700 ratings)
Modern museum with exhibits & installations on Mexican history & culture, plus an IMAX theater.
Paseo de los Héroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Cultural centerMuseumsIMAX theaterSpecialty Museums
Old Town Model Railroad Depot
Old Town Model Railroad Depot
4.8 (342 ratings)5 (148 ratings)
2415 San Diego Ave Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Rail museumMuseumsExhibitTheme parkToy museumSpecialty Museums

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cowles Mountain

3.2 (2131 reviews)
Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo SeaWorld Area
Hotel
$114 /night
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Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego
Hotel
$678 /night
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4.5 (697 reviews)
Crown City Inn Coronado
Hotel
$164 /night
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