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open space & regional parks
Explore over 20,000 acres of open space park land
Tri-Canyon Parks
These three open space parks are made up of 1,500 acres between Marian Bear Memorial Park, Rose Canyon Open Space Park and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center which include trails for hiking, biking and bird watching in unique natural habitats.
Mission Valley Preserve
Fifty two acres of the San Diego River Park is known as the Mission Valley Preserve, and it is under the supervision of the Park & Recreation Department's Tri-Canyon Park Rangers.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
With over 4,000 acres of open space, this preserve is home to many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Visitors using the 37 miles of multi-use trails have the opportunity to pass through 14 different habitat types and view a waterfall.
Black Mountain Open Space Park
Black Mountain Open Space park is comprised of 2,352 acres, has trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use and has over 80 species of birds. The centerpiece of the park is the 1,554 foot summit of Black Mountain, which provides 360-degree views of the area.
Open Space Canyons & Parkland Program
Open Space Canyons are located throughout the City of San Diego and you may find one just beyond your own backyard. A map is available for locating a canyon close to you. Trail maps are also available for exploring what is right in your own community.
San Pasqual & Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park
San Pasqual and Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park offers great hiking and bird watching including a challenging 1,755-foot summit.
Otay Valley Regional Park
Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) is a multi-jurisdictional planning effort by the County of San Diego and the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista.
Maps
Approximately 14 million visitors come to the park each year. Displays of internationally significant art treasures, exotic animal species, unique model railroads, world folk art, sports memorabilia and rare aircraft -to name a few- are on view in the park's museums.
This urban park, just minutes away from downtown San Diego, is also renowned for its brilliant displays of seasonal flowers, shady groves of trees and meandering paths through rolling lawns. Balboa Park is managed and maintained by the Developed Regional Parks Division of the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department.
Many of the museums along Balboa Park's Prado are housed in magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, originally constructed for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition. It was the first time that this richly decorated, highly ornamental architectural style had ever been used in the United States.
Discounted admissions to Balboa Park's major museums are available through the Balboa Park Explorer. Park museums also offer free admission one Tuesday per month on a rotating basis.
The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego's largest arts organization, is located in Balboa Park. On its three stages, the Globe annually presents at least 14 productions and 550 performances.
The rich ethnic diversity of San Diego is reflected in the Park's institutions:
Centro Cultural de la Raza
World Beat Center (celebrating cultures of African origins)
San Diego Museum of Man anthropological museum
Mingei International Museum (currently closed for renovation)
Japanese Friendship Garden
House of Pacific Relations - 17 cottages that are home to groups of diverse national origin.
Balboa Park's sports complex is named after John Morley, who was Park Superintendent from 1911-1939, years that encompassed two international expositions that were so crucial to the development of the park. The facilities at Morley Field include USTA-awarded tennis courts, a velodrome (bicycle track) where masters world cup championships are held, a swimming pool and a disc golf course.
Balboa Park also offers many family play and picnic areas, three leash-free dog parks, lawn bowling, canyon trails for hiking, and a golf course.
Annual attendance in the park is estimated at 15 million.
At the west end is a network of channels and islands - a perfect spot for everyone from windsurfers to water- skiers. You can swim, enjoy the sun or rent a boat to explore the thousands of acres of waterways.
Mission Bay Park offers boat docks and launching facilities, sailboat and motor rentals, bike and walk paths, basketball courts and playgrounds for children. It is one of San Diego's most fun-filled spots to visit.
Many people prefer to stay on shore and spend their leisure picnicking, riding a bike along the paths, playing volleyball, or flying a kite. There are close to 14 miles of bike paths along Mission Bay.
Public restrooms and showers are available and lifeguard stations are located in designated areas.
© 2020 San Diego Parks Foundation 501 c (3) non profit organization 83-2553368