Top Rated Parks to Visit in Serra Mesa

We've collected top 10 mentioned parks in Serra Mesa from other articles such as San Diego Photographer | Family Portrait Senior, Condé Nast Traveler, Things To Do.

Top Rated Parks to Visit in Serra Mesa

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
Mentioned by oldtown-inn.com
San Diego Theme Parks - Belmont, Legoland, & More
"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
25 Best Things to Do in San Diego, CA (for 2021)
"The area that Balboa Park sits on used to be home to the indigenous Kumeyaay village, which soon became an 1835 Spanish park, and then an American city park in 1870. It was named after the first European to cross Central America, Vasco Núñez de Balboa."
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 Busy Tourist
57 Best & Fun Things To Do In San Diego (California)
"With a gigantic wooden roller coaster that winds around the San Diego coastline, it’s the kind of destination that will stop you right in your tracks. The roller coaster is just the beginning. For high-octane fun, you’ll have your choice of slides, carousels, ziplines, tilt-a-whirls, vertical plunges and bumper cars."
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 Sidecar Photo
Great Places to Take Pictures in San Diego
"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."
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 The Crazy Tourist
50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California
"A time warp back to the mid-19th century, the State Historical Park in the Old Town is scattered with restored historic buildings, including five original adobes, as well as detailed replicas. The finest of the adobes is the Casa de Estudillo from 1827, one of the oldest remaining pieces of Spanish architecture in California. The park is free to enter and gives a sense of the intersecting cultures, as a Mexican pueblo became an American settlement."
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."
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 Touropia
25 Top Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"Just fifteen minutes’ drive west of downtown San Diego, you can find a stunning stretch of coastline known as the Sunset Cliffs. Now protected as a natural park, the area is named for its steep coastal cliffs that look out over the ocean and is a very popular place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Tumbling their way down to the ocean, the sheer cliffs and craggy coastal bluffs certainly make for a dramatic sight with hidden coves, tidal pools, and beaches lying at their foot."
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."
Spanish Landing Park
Spanish Landing Park
4.6 (782 ratings)4 (21 ratings)
Waterfront park boasting retro picnic pavilions, paths & a playground, plus a bell tower.
3900 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"
Mentioned by California Beaches
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."
Mathewson Park
Mathewson Park
4.4 (64 ratings)
700 Pomona Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
4.7 (6770 ratings)4.5 (69 ratings)
Public park featuring spray fountains, grassy areas & lots of play equipment for kids.
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by Red Tricycle
Soak Up the Fun at These Splash Pads & San Diego Water Parks
"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."
Mentioned by UpgradedPoints.com
The 30 Best Things To Do in San Diego [Free Activities & Family-Friendly Attractions]
"Waterfront Park consists of 12-acres of lush gardens and fountains that are perfect for cooling down in the intense San Diego heat. Kids will love playing in the shallow splash areas where fountains shoot water high in the air. Bring a picnic and relax on the grassy areas while admiring the views of the bayfront."
Mentioned by Sidecar Photo
Great Places to Take Pictures in 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."
La Jolla Hermosa Park
La Jolla Hermosa Park
4.7 (262 ratings)
5780 Chelsea Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Park
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
The Top 5 Parks in La Jolla
"This is more of a cozy picnic spot than a park, but for those interested in enjoying lunch with an ocean view?. It’s good to know about. When Ellen Browning Scripps Park gets crowded and you want to gaze at the ocean in a quieter space, come here."
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
4.7 (8377 ratings)4.5 (4496 ratings)
This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksAttractionEntertainment and recreationHistorical placeMonumentMonuments & Statues
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, head over to Cabrillo National Monument. You can check out the vintage Point Loma lighthouse and take in gorgeous views of the city harbor. Try to time your visit with low tide, because you’ll be able to check out the tide pools for creatures."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"This 160-acre preserve marks the site of the first European visit to San Diego, made by 16th-century explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo…"

Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Serra Mesa

Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach
4.6 (3209 ratings)4 (416 ratings)
Sandy space with ocean & bay shorelines offering fishing, swimming & picnicking, plus RV camping.
5000 CA-75, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
State parkNature & ParksBeaches
Mentioned by 10Best
San Diego's Best Sun-Kissed Beaches for Locals and Tourists
"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."
Mt. Helix Park
Mt. Helix Park
4.8 (1211 ratings)4.5 (128 ratings)
High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.
4905 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA
ParkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
4.8 (655 ratings)4.5 (41 ratings)
Rose garden & wedding locale showcasing more than 100 varieties, with peak bloom in April & May.
2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
GardenNature & Parks

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Serra Mesa

Bread & Cie
Bread & Cie
4.6 (839 ratings)
Cafe/bakery offering artisanal French breads & pastries, plus sandwiches, salads & breakfast fare.
350 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
CafeBakeryRestaurant
Amalo Brew Coffee
Amalo Brew Coffee
4.9 (19 ratings)
640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Coffee shopCafeDonut shopHot dog stand
Presotea
Presotea
5 (4 ratings)
4343 Mission Blvd Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Cafe

Best Spas in Serra Mesa

About Face
About Face
4.8 (17 ratings)
514 Pennsylvania Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Facial spaAirbrushing serviceSkin care clinicWaxing hair removal service
Mentioned by y Travel Blog
16 Awesome (& Free) Things to do in San Diego With Kids
"We asked our waiter at South Draft in Mission Beach, where is the best Mexican food in San Diego?. He immediately recommended Oscars Mexican Seafood as a great local, hole in the wall place to grab fish tacos in San Diego. He warned us there may be lines, and we avoided them by visiting the shack near La Jolla at lunch time."
Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Kona Kai Resort & Spa
4.3 (1431 ratings)
Posh, waterfront resort offering upscale dining, a marina & a spa, plus a beach & an outdoor pool.
1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
ResortHotelMassage spaWedding venue
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
18 Best Hotel Pools in San Diego (2021) - Water Slides, Day Passes, More
"Location: Shelter IslandWater slide: NoAdults-only pool: Yes. For a colorful, chic, and modern hotel with a swimming pool adjacent to the San Diego Bay, the Kona Kai is the place for you. This small, long family pool gives you a front seat to the path where boats navigate to their pier."
Orchid Day Spa
Orchid Day Spa
4.7 (26 ratings)
1033 B Ave #103, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Day spaMassage therapist

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Serra Mesa

4.6 (261 reviews)
Tower 23 Hotel
Hotel
$299 /night
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4.3 (46 reviews)
Coronado Beach Resort
Resort
$299 /night
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4.9 (31 reviews)
Luxurious and Spacious Gem Just 100 Steps to the Sand
Apartment · 6 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$507 /night*
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.