Top Rated Parks to Visit in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix

"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."

"The area that Balboa Park sits on used to be home to the indigenous Kumeyaay village, which soon became an 1835 Spanish park, and then an American city park in 1870. It was named after the first European to cross Central America, Vasco Núñez de Balboa."

"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."

"Built in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckles, this amusement park reopened in the late 1980s and is the only beachside amusement park in Southern California. Perhaps the biggest draw is the Giant Dipper, the original wooden roller coaster. The Plunge, the largest indoor heated pool in California, has its fans, as does the Wavehouse, a huge fitness center that shares the same building."

"Belmont Park is an amusement park and entertainment center located along Mission Beach. The historic Giant Dipper roller coaster has been around for over 95 years, and there are many other classic rides to enjoy, such as bumper cars and a carousel. Get a hole-in-one at the tiki miniature golf course or battle against your enemies in the Tron-themed laser tag experience."

"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."

"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"

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"The perfect way to end your weekend at Coronado is with a Sunday afternoon concert in Spreckles Park. Located at the center of the island right on Orange Street, Spreckels park has a cute playground making it a great hang-out for families. You can also get a taste of the local art scene on the first and third Sundays of each month when the Coronado Art Association hosts Art-In-The-Park."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"Honoring the slain civil rights leader, the tree-lined Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade features sculptures like the stainless steel “Breaking of the Chains” by renowned artist Melvin Edwards. There is also a fountain and a hedge maze."

"Earlier, we mentioned The Nolen was honored as the second-best urban view in San Diego. It was second to the one and only, Mister A’s. Mister A’s has a famous lineage dating back to 1965, when the renowned entrepreneur and restaurant owner, John Alessio, or Mr. A, decided to open this rooftop restaurant and bar."

"Best for: the viewLocation: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Menu. Mister A’s boasts one of the best views in San Diego from their 12th floor restaurant. The restaurant welcomes foodies but photography buffs will also enjoy the expansive vista of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean."

"You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to partake the elegance of Mister A’s. This sophisticated rooftop restaurant is one of San Diego’s toughest reservations (and for good reason). Dining at Mister A’s is a coveted experience."

"Le Parfait Paris is San Diego's newest patisserie and boulangerie. Located in the downtown Gaslamp District, Le Parfait Paris is distinctly chic with its large, open windows and street-side patio. Intentionally minimalistic in design, a bevy of colorful macarons and desserts are housed like fine jewelry in transparent refrigerated cases for roving eyes to adore."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Le Parfait Paris (@le_parfait_paris) on May 11, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"

"Imperial BeachConveniently located right at the entrance to the Imperial Beach Pier, Cow-A Bunga Ice Cream has been serving its handcrafted ice cream to locals since 2000. Grab a cone, ice cream sandwich, or sundae and go for a stroll on the pier or along the beach. They also serve huge shave ice treats, delicious coffee drinks, and smoothies.How to:Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."

"This Imperial Beach spot has been owned by French Chef Fabrice Gaunin for 17 years. With prime views of the pier, Cow-A-Bunga serves equally impressive ice cream. Along with his wife, Nelly, each flavor is handmade in the shop one bucket at a time, sourcing farmers markets for local ingredients, like raspberries and strawberries for special batches."

"Time: Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.Specials: $2 off of appetizers and other food and drink specialsOcean View: Panoramic ocean viewWhy Go: Counter-serve café serving mostly Italian cuisine adjacent to UCSD with views in addition to indoor and outdoor seatingNeighborhood: Torrey Pines/UCSDAddress: 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, California 92037"

"It's always good, but the drinks are pretty inconsistent in quality. It seems like they always have new employees making the drinks different ways."