SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS & NATURE

The vast tract of Southern California terrain that makes up expansive San Diego County is filled with wonderful parks and conservation areas that preserve nature’s grandeur along with important historic treasures. State and county parks, white-sand beaches, wilderness areas, sparkling lakes, and exquisite gardens ensure a setting of scenic beauty for every activity. Whether your passion is mountain biking, downhill skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, or just relaxing on a picnic — the ideal environment will never be far from home with a San Diego County address.

State & National Resources

California Department of Parks & Recreation
800-777-0369
https://www.parks.ca.gov

California State Game & Fish
916-445-0411
https://wildlife.ca.gov/

National Park Service
San Diego Region
619-557-5450
https://www.nps.gov

National Parks Reservations
800-365-2267
https://www.nationalparkreservations.com

State Parks & Beaches

Border Field State Beach
San Diego 619-575-3613
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff 760-753-5091
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad 760-438-3143
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Descanso 760-765-0755
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Leucadia State Beach
Encinitas 760-633-2740
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Moonlight State Beach
Encinitas 760-633-2740
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Palomar Mountain State Park
Pala 760-742-3462
https://www.parks.ca.gov

San Elijo State Beach
Cardiff-by-the-Sea 760-753-5091
https://www.parks.ca.gov

San Onofre State Beach
San Clemente 949-492-4872
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Silver Strand State Beach
Coronado 619-435-5184
https://www.parks.ca.gov

South Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad 760-438-3143
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Tijuana Estuary National Reserve
Imperial Beach 619-575-361
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Torrey Pines State Beach
Del Mar 858-755-2063
https://www.parks.ca.gov

Torrey Pines State Reserve
Del Mar 858-755-2063
https://www.parks.ca.gov


City-County Park Systems

San Diego County Parks
Information Line 858-694-3049
Reservations 858-565-3600
Toll Free 877-565-3600
https://www.sdparks.org/
Nearly 80 facilities include local and regional parks, fishing lakes, community centers, special use facilities, ecological preserves, and open spaces. County parks provide year-round recreational opportunities and cover more than 35,600 acres.

MUNICIPAL CONTACTS

Carlsbad Parks & Recreation
Carlsbad 760-434-2824
https://www.carlsbadca.gov

Chula Vista Parks & Recreation
Chula Vista 619-409–5979
https://www.chulavistaca.gov

Coronado Parks & Recreation
619-522-7342
https://www.coronado.ca.us

Del Mar Parks & Recreation
Del Mar 858-755-1556
https://www.delmar.ca.us

El Cajon Parks & Recreation
El Cajon 619-441-1754
https://www.cityofelcajon.us

Encinitas Parks & Recreation
760-633-2740
https://encinitasca.gov/Residents/Recreation-Programs

Escondido Parks & Recreation
Escondido 760-839-4691
http://recreation.escondido.org

Imperial Beach Parks & Recreation
Imperial Beach 619-628-1385
https://www.imperialbeachca.gov/

La Mesa Parks & Recreation
La Mesa 619-667-1300
https://lamesaparks.org/

Lemon Grove Parks & Recreation
Lemon Grove 619-825-3800
https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/community/parks

National City Parks & Recreation
619-336-4290
https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/community/parks

Oceanside Parks & Recreation
Oceanside 760-435-4500
https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

Poway Parks & Recreation
Poway 858-668-4570
https://poway.org/

San Diego Parks & Recreation
San Diego 619-525-8219
https://www.sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation

San Marcos Parks & Recreation
San Marcos 760-744-9000
https://www.san-marcos.net/departments/parks-recreation

Santee Parks & Recreation
Santee 619-258-4100
https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/our-city/parks-civic-center-rooms/city-parks-674

Solana Beach Parks & Recreation
Solana Beach 858-720-2450
https://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us

Vista Parks & Recreation
Vista 760-726-1340
https://www.cityofvista.com

Regional Highlights

Balboa Park
1549 El Prado
San Diego 619-239-0512
https://www.balboapark.org
The crown jewel of San Diego’s park system is world-renowned Balboa Park, home to 15 museums, arts and international culture associations, wonderful gardens, and the acclaimed San Diego Zoo. Many venues feature Spanish Colonial Revival architecture graced by brilliant seasonal blooms and mature greenery.

Japanese Friendship Garden
Balboa Park
2125 Park Boulevard
San Diego 619-232-2721
https://www.niwa.org
This exquisite garden that offers an enchanting blend of Zen serenity, Koi fascination, bonsai craft, and greenery is only one of the wonderful gardens in Balboa Park.

Mission Bay Beach & Park
San Diego 619-525-8219
https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation
Internationally known as the home of SeaWorld, Mission Bay Park offers the West Coast’s largest aquatic man-made park covering more than 4,000 acres. Marinas, restaurants, shops, thrill rides, and sport-fishing cruises combine with 27 miles of pristine shoreline. The paved boardwalk and sandy beaches along The Strand set the stage for swimming, fishing, boating, water sports, sailing, sports and games. Mission Bay Park adds an array of recreational facilities including nature centers, bike paths and walkways.

Pacific Beach
San Diego 619-235-1169
https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation
Extending from Mission Beach is Pacific Beach, a three-mile expanse along the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Tourmaline Surfing Park. The public-access fishing area of Crystal Pier is a well-known landmark. At the south end of the beach area is Belmont Park with a vintage roller coaster, rides, shops, and restaurants.

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego 619-234-3153
https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/
One of the world’s most famous and visited zoos is nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, complemented by the Wild Animal Park in nearby Escondido.