Top Rated Parks to Visit in Lemon Grove

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions for one fee. The Zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"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."

"With a gigantic wooden roller coaster that winds around the San Diego coastline, it’s the kind of destination that will stop you right in your tracks. The roller coaster is just the beginning. For high-octane fun, you’ll have your choice of slides, carousels, ziplines, tilt-a-whirls, vertical plunges and bumper cars."

"A Mission Beach linchpin, Belmont Park was opened by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels back in 1925. This amusement park has 12 rides, three oceanfront eateries, an 18-hole Tiki-themed mini golf course and a host of smaller attractions. But the king of Belmont Park has to be the time-honoured Giant Dipper."

"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."

"This park has an excellent history museum in the Robinson-Rose House at the southern end of the plaza. You’ll also find a diorama depicting the original pueblo at the park’s visitor center, where you can pick up a copy of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Tour Guide & Brief History ($3), or a presentation tour (free) at 11am and 2pm daily. Personal tours cost $10 and depart at 11:30am and 1pm."

"Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used."

"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."

"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."

"Whether your little splasher likes to get totally drenched by a bucket of water or just play in the spray zone, the Sweetwater Summit County Park's splash pad is tons of fun. For just three bucks kids can soak up the fun. Even more, there's a campground, so if you plan ahead you can make a night of s'more activities!"

"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."

"If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, head over to Cabrillo National Monument. You can check out the vintage Point Loma lighthouse and take in gorgeous views of the city harbor. Try to time your visit with low tide, because you’ll be able to check out the tide pools for creatures."

"This 160-acre preserve marks the site of the first European visit to San Diego, made by 16th-century explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo…"

"I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is access to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It’s steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach but also has a large grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun. It will soon be even more interesting when “The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza” (a.k.a “The Map”) is finished."

"If you’re searching for free kid-friendly things to do in La Jolla, you’d be surprised at what’s in store for you in Kellogg Park!"

"As mentioned above, Kellogg Park is a beachside park with a small playground and also a huge grassy area for kids to run around."

"I have to start saying that i love their decor, the outside area is well covered and warm, nice vibes!. Tables are big for a nice sharing experience, we…”more. Offers takeout and delivery"

"What to say....there are so many good places in Coronado but this one is really one of the best. 5 stars for service (thanks, Simone), atmosphere, wine a..."

"Crosby Street Park is a tiny little park that just happens to have a pier that extends way out into San Diego Bay which allows you to get some cool shots of the Coronado Bridge that most people may not have seen. Along the pier there are tug boats and military ships in the yards being fixed so it can give you some pretty interesting pictures. The park has lots of parking and this place is almost always deserted so  you will probably have it all to yourself."

"We are big fans of aircraft around here, so you know we couldn’t skip the San Diego Air & Space Museum. One of the many museums located in Balboa Park, you will probably already be nearby, so consider checking this gem out. This Smithsonian Institution affiliate is full of historic aircraft and spacecraft from all over the world, including the actual Apollo 9 Command Module."

"Tucked away in Balboa Park, this aircraft-themed museum is an experience you’ll never forget. The San Diego Air & Space Museum features ancient aircraft beside space-age technology. There is even a two-seat Flight Simulator so you can experience the flight action of World War I firsthand."

"Admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go San Diego® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Browse all available San Diego Multi-Attraction Passes."

"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."