Top Rated Parks to Visit in Black's Beach

"Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban green space featuring natural vegetation zones, planted gardens and walking paths. It is one of the oldest public recreational areas in the country. The park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the site of free weekly concerts."

"Balboa Park is one of the largest urban cultural parks in the United States. It has been home to a pair of world's fairs, and many of the buildings here were built for these expositions.[Learn more]"

"Belmont Park opened for business in 1925 and remains San Diego’s oldest and only beachside amusement park. Things to do at Belmont Park include a ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, miniature golf, laser tag, arcade games, and a handful of other rides. It’s free to enter and walk through the midway full of pay-to-play carnival games and you can also grab a Dole Whip, giant ice cream cone, hot dog or other quick-service treats."

"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."

"This oceanfront amusement park offers thrilling rides and a boardwalk where you can soak in the sun at the beach or go surfing or swimming in the ocean. The most famous ride is the Giant Dipper roller coaster. Keep fit while indulging in activities like rock climbing, rock wall, zip line, and sky rope."

"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."

"There are several historic buildings to be found, including five adobes, a hotel dating back to 1870, and a reconstructed courthouse and stable. Educational events are frequent occurrences, from theatrical performances to blacksmith demonstrations to tours."

"San Diego State Historic Park marks the founding of the first European settlement in California and encompasses many of San Diego’s original buildings. Museums, shops, theater and restaurants can be found in this six-block area."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park encompasses 68-acres of resource-based land that is situated along the western edge of Point Loma. Here you will find sea caves, arches, and coastal bluffs, and you’ll be privy to stunning ocean views. From the cliffs (be careful), you might be lucky enough to catch the California seasonal whale migrations and dolphins but be sure to see the sunsets."

"Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues."

"It gives you plenty of vantage points to enjoy the sunset and watch the waves crashing against the cliffs. There’s an arch you can jump off during the summer and a secret (not-so-secret) sea cave/sinkhole (that you can explore at your own risk). More: Comprehensive List of San Diego Beaches"

"It is 3 miles of dog-friendly, running heaven and has over 20 fitness stations. These stations include everything from pull up bars for working your arms to plank stations for crunches. Because it isn’t well-known, this park is almost always uncrowded, rendering it quiet and peaceful."

"Situated in the center of the action sport industry in Alicante Road, Carlsbad lies the 32-acre Alga Norte Community Park. It includes the skate park which opened in January 2014, boasting its urban plaza theme merging a color palette that reflects its prevalent Spanish style architecture, and a transition arch influenced by the form of Carlsbad’s historic mission."

"Prepare yourself for an explosion of mosaics at this American sculpture garden, the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle (born France, 1930-2002), who was inspired by California’s rich history and culture. The garden consists of several large sculptures including a circular “snake wall’ measuring 400 feet in length (with heights varying from 4 to 9 feet) that surrounds the garden and open into a maze with walls and floors that are covered with black, white and mirrored tiles. The curved bodies of the monumental playful serpents slithering along the top of the wall form a pattern of solids and voids that allows visitors to see landscape vistas beyond the garden."

"Queen Califa’s Magical Circle is a special and enchanted garden, filled with brightly colored mosaic sculptures, inspired by California’s mythical and historical past. Hidden within Kit Carson Park, finding the garden is part of the fun. Designed by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the mosaic garden features nine large-scale sculptures, a maze entryway and is encircled by a circular snake wall."

"This beautiful bridge connects two sections of the Lake Hodges hiking trails which allow hikers to access either side of the lake. There is a desolate terrain with a very few houses overlooking the awesome canyon. The area attracts mountain bikers as well as mountain hikers."

"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."

"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."