Quick Summary:

  • What is San Diego known for?
    • The lovely Pacific Ocean coastal city of San Diego is known around the world for its gorgeous public parks, boasting greater biodiversity than any other metropolitan region in the country.
  • What attractions can visitors enjoy in San Diego?
    • San Diego visitors can enjoy a wide variety of museums, zoological and botanical parks, and family-friendly attractions.
  • What makes Balboa Park special?
    • Balboa Park is one of America's oldest and most acclaimed dedicated urban park facilities, offering a range of cultural and recreational experiences.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Balboa Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Balboa Park | Parks in San Diego
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

2. Chicano Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Chicano Park | Parks in San Diego
© John/stock.adobe.com

3. Embarcadero Marina Park South

Category: Activities
Embarcadero Marina Park South | Parks in San Diego
© samantoniophoto/stock.adobe.com

4. Golden Hill Recreation Center

Category: Activities
Golden Hill Recreation Center | Parks in San Diego
© robertuzhbt89/stock.adobe.com

5. Harbor Island Park

Category: Activities
Harbor Island Park | Parks in San Diego
© sherryvsmith/stock.adobe.com

6. Heritage County Park

Category: Activities
Heritage County Park | Parks in San Diego
© Mikhail/stock.adobe.com

7. Hilltop Community Park and Recreation Center

Category: Activities
Hilltop Community Park and Recreation Center | Parks in San Diego
© Liliya Trott/stock.adobe.com

8. Kate Sessions Park

Category: Activities
Kate Sessions Park | Parks in San Diego
© VonWyliPhotography/stock.adobe.com

9. Lopez Ridge Park and Recreation Center

Category: Activities
Lopez Ridge Park and Recreation Center | Parks in San Diego
© Satoshi Kina/stock.adobe.com

10. Mission Bay Park

Category: Activities
Mission Bay Park | Parks in San Diego
© sherryvsmith/stock.adobe.com

11. Mission Trails Regional Park

Category: Activities
Mission Trails Regional Park | Parks in San Diego
© sherryvsmith/stock.adobe.com

12. North Park Community Park and Recreation Center

Category: Activities
North Park Community Park and Recreation Center | Parks in San Diego
© Denise/stock.adobe.com

13. Ocean Beach Park

Category: Activities
Ocean Beach Park | Parks in San Diego
© ryancslimakphoto/stock.adobe.com

14. Presidio Park

Category: Activities
Presidio Park | Parks in San Diego
© Reynand/stock.adobe.com

15. Robb Athletic Field

Robb Athletic Field | Parks in San Diego
© Penny/stock.adobe.com

16. Shoreline Park

Category: Activities
Shoreline Park | Parks in San Diego
© Reynand/stock.adobe.com

17. Silverwing Park

Category: Activities
Silverwing Park | Parks in San Diego
© lzf/stock.adobe.com

18. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center

Category: Activities
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center | Parks in San Diego
© Elizabeth/stock.adobe.com

19. Tecolote Community Park and Recreation Center

Category: Activities
Tecolote Community Park and Recreation Center | Parks in San Diego
© Parinya_k/stock.adobe.com

20. Waterfront Park

Category: Activities
Waterfront Park | Parks in San Diego
© f8grapher/stock.adobe.com

21. Zoro Garden

Category: Activities
Zoro Garden | Parks in San Diego
© Mikhail/stock.adobe.com

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.