Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
Our award-winning park system features 159 facilities across more than 59,000 acres of land, including parks, camping parks, sports parks, community centers, open space preserves and historic sites. Nearly 400 miles of trails take visitors through multiple climates and habitats - from the coast to the desert and the valleys to the mountains. Parks and park facilities are open year-round (unless otherwise noted).
There is so much to see and do in San Diego County Parks!
Hit the trail! With one of the most diverse trail systems in the nation, the County offers nearly 400 miles of trails taking visitors through multiple climates and habitats - from the coast to the desert and the valleys to the mountains. AND, County parks and park facilities are open year-round (unless otherwise noted) – so you can get outside anytime of year!
Get cranking! Discover San Diego’s miles of biking trails in the county's parks and open space preserves. With an average temperature of 71 degrees, the region is one of the best places in the country for people to get around on two wheels.
Be Safe! Stay on designated trails and yield to pedestrians and horses. Remain alert and wear bright-colored clothing and reflective gear to make you more visible at night - use a bright headlight and taillight after dark.
Park Finder Map – Use the map to find a specific park or area and under Amenities select “Biking Trails.”
Get Outside – Bike Trails Finder – Across San Diego County, all jurisdictions
Bike and All Wheel Parks
Saddle up! Horseback riding in San Diego County is a rewarding outdoor experience. County Parks provides endless outdoor adventure with a wide array of trails, staging areas, and camping.
Camping Parks with Equestrian-friendly Facilities
Day-Use Equestrian Trails
Get Outside – Horse Trails Finder – Across San Diego County, all jurisdictions
Get stoked. The County offers multiple skateparks where you can ride, practice new tricks, and connect with other skaters. Each park features different rails, pipes, bowls, and other features to challenge both first-time skaters to seasoned pros. Please follow posted park rules and regulations. Helmets and protective gear are required. Smoking and alcohol are not allowed.
Get Outside – Skate Park Finder – Across San Diego County, all jurisdictions
Eat. Sleep. Fish. There is perhaps nothing as nice as heading onto the open water in a boat to go fishing or casting a line in from the shoreline of a lake. From the excellent trout and bass fishing of Lake Morena County Park, to Lindo Lake County Park with its Boathouse and neighboring Community Center, to Guajome Regional Park where two alluring ponds test the skills of any angler. You can even throw a line at Dos Picos County Park!
Meet Lake Morena's Fishing Guy! He'll have you catching the big one—hook, line and sinker. Check the latest fishing report at Lake Morena.
Although our Sweetwater Summit Regional Park does not offer fishing, it is available at the nearby Sweetwater Reservoir through the Sweetwater Authority.
Get Outside – Fishing Finder – Across San Diego County, all jurisdictions
Make a splash! San Diego County’s Splash Parks and Aquatic Playgrounds provide colorful water features for kids to cool down and make a splash. You’ll find Splash Parks at Hilton Head County Park, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, Eastview County Park, and the new Waterfront Park downtown.
Your Waterfront Park. This impressive Splash Park features a spectacular 830-foot-long fountain, which runs nearly the length of the park with jets shooting water 14 feet into the air. The fountain’s basins create a one-inch-deep splash area for children. This park, with its interactive fountain, expansive civic green and large interactive playground, is North Embarcadero’s new showpiece—and a whole lot of fun for the whole family.
Plant lovers can’t miss the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas encompassing four miles of garden trails, a wide collection of native and endangered plants, a whimsical children's garden, and the nation's largest collection of bamboo species. The garden offers a full line up of events including workshops, plant sales, and bird watching tours.
Dig, sow and grow. Community gardens are thriving across San Diego County parks and preserves, offering residents a place to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These shared garden spaces are perfect for anyone who loves fresh produce but doesn’t have room to garden at home.
Intergenerational gardens are also located at the Spring Valley Community Center and Lakeside Community Center.
The County also supports the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. Visit their site to find additional garden locations, and how to start or restore a community garden.
With its beautiful scenery and mild climate, San Diego is ideal for outdoor exercise. Regular physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, gain health benefits and have fun.
Our centers offer a variety of activities and classes for keeping fit, including sports like soccer, basketball, pickleball and tennis, and classes for dance, yoga, karate and more! Browse through our Program Guides and register online.
Geocaching is a treasure hunt that utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Internet to find caches as a recreational experience. There are three parks in the County system that are open to geocaching: Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County Preserve, Mt. Gower County Preserve and Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.
Visit the geocaching web page to view the policy or for more information.
Life’s a picnic! Nothing’s better than a picnic with friends on a beautiful day. The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation oversees approximately 50,000 acres of parks, historic sites, and open space preserves. From North County to South County, and the coast to the desert, there’s a park within 20 minutes of nearly every residence in the region. Even better, there are literally hundreds of established picnic spots that are ideal for a meal outdoors. Eighteen of our County Parks have reservable picnic areas for special occasions. From company picnics, wedding receptions and large family reunions, to birthday parties or team building events, we have a park for you!
View our list of day-use parks, or peruse our camping park portfolio – these locations were made for picnicking!
Enjoy your next alfresco dining experience under a canopy of ancient oaks, in a boathouse, or on a historic stage… If you’re planning to spend some quality time in the countryside, we encourage you to try some secret spots, which are on our rangers’ must-see list.
Along Old Highway 80 in El Cajon sits Flinn Springs County Park, a 95-acre day-use park with features for kids, athletes, brides – and even birders! Pull up a seat for 1 – 500. Accommodation is one of this park’s strong suites. Another benefit of Flinn is its small collection of semi-private picnic tables.
Head over to Lakeside to enjoy a little history with your PB&J… El Monte County Park is one of the oldest in the County Parks system, equipped with five prohibition era picnic tables. Each table dons a plaque bearing the names of early land-owners and community stewards.
