It’s Playtime!

Favorite local parks for day tripping

We all have our favorite outdoor spots: a neighborhood park, your little’s first-choice playground, that one shady tree that’s perfect for a picnic.

But it’s fun to get out and explore beyond your normal stomping grounds—or better yet, discover awesome parks where the family can spend a whole day! San Diego offers a plethora of parks and playgrounds; some rise above the rest. We’ve scoped out the best of the best for your family’s next day trip. Time to explore!

San Dieguito County Park

1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Del Mar

Just off the coast of Del Mar, San Dieguito County Park has so much to offer that you’ll walk away tired—you may even get that naptime for the kids you were hoping for. Start your day by parking close to the Upper Park Entrance off Highland Drive, which is closest to the five— yes, FIVE!—playgrounds. There’s a tot lot close to the baseball field, and plenty to offer kids of all ages just up the hill. Once you’re done playing, put young kids in a jogging stroller or hiking backpack and take Sandstone Trail over to Hawk’s Nest Viewing Platform to enjoy views of the whole park. Walk down towards Activity Hill where you’ll find two amazing slides and fun suspension bridges. If you walk the rest of the way towards Pine Tower, you’ll find two ponds full of turtles and expansive green spaces perfect for a picnic. When you’re ready to head home, have your partner walk back to get the car or take the straight path closest to the Lower Park Entrance.

Insider Tips:

• Parking is $3, but there’s typically street parking available. • Grab a map near the parking lot or trailhead. • On your way, stop at Flower

Hill Promenade on Via de la Valle to pick up lunch.

Flower Child café offers a delicious menu, including vegan and vegetarian items.

Otay Lakes County Park

Photos by Sandra Page

2270 Wueste Rd., Chula Vista

With mountain and water views, this 78-acre park makes you feel like you’re on a weekend getaway. Otay Lakes offers something for everyone —a 0.8-mile hike to the water tower for beginners or a 2.7-mile hike up to the summit (feel those glutes burn!). There are two playgrounds—one built for kids ages 5 to 12, and an adorable boat playground designed for ages 2 to 5, which is fenced in (parents rejoice!). The playgrounds are next to each other and close to parking, bathrooms, and grassy picnic areas. Be sure to adventure down the small, well-groomed nature trail.

Insider Tips:

• Pay the $3 parking fee; street parking is not nearby. • Stop at Board & Brew on your way to pick up sandwiches (located on

Millenia Ave., near Otay Ranch Town

Center). Pro tip: Ask for extra sauce!

Photos by Sandra Page

Chollas Lake Park

Photos above and below courtesy of Sandra Page

6350 College Grove Dr., City Heights

This park is a hidden gem and keeps every member of the family happy. The beautiful lake is unlike anything in San Diego, featuring old trees with roots for kids to climb on all around the water. A paved walking trail surrounds the lake, with bathroom stops along the way. If you start your day at the playground, make sure to bring sand toys and running shoes. This playground has a special feature—exercise equipment for ages 14+ (not your typical pull-up bar) right next to the tot lot. Bring a picnic lunch and claim one of many shaded picnic tables along the walking path.

Insider Tips:

• If you start at the playground, skip the main parking lot.

Find the smaller lot right before it. • Grab lunch at Marketplace at the Grove on

College Ave., which offers everything from

Rubio’s to Coco’s Bakery.

Local mom and San Diego blogger, Sandra Page, can be found adventuring on Instagram at @playdatesandpints.

Photos by Sandra Page

March 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com