Top Rated Parks to Visit in Palo Verde Lake

"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 Explorer Pass, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"Located on the sands of Mission Beach, Belmont Park takes you back to when amusement parks were simpler. Carrying on the tradition of old-time family fun, San Diego's only beachfront theme park is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, as well as other classic rides like Beach Blaster, Chaos, Krazy Kars, Vertical Plunge, Tilt-A-Whirl, Liberty Carousel, Crazy Submarine, and Thunder Boats. Popular in the 1930s and 40s, the park received a $2 million renovation and reopened in 1990."

"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."

"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."

"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."

"In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began."

"The six square blocks on the site of San Diego's original pueblo are the heart of Old Town. Most of the 20 historic buildings preserved…"

"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"

"Although the beach below this steep hillside waterfront park is nicknamed Garbage Beach, it is anything but. However, a visit to this beautiful spot has to be earned. The descent is so steep that a fixed rope has been installed for safety."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."

"This is a little park lining the back of La Jolla Shores Beach. It’s very family-friendly due to its vast green space, playground and restroom & shower facilities. The playground is quite new, with one area geared towards babies and toddlers and another part made for older children."

"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."

"A visit to the San Diego Harbor is not complete without a stroll through the Embarcadero Marina Park. Surrounded by the bay on three sides, the Embarcadero Marina provides an authentic San Diego experience complete with scenic views and fresh sea air. Visitors also get a chance to discover the loyalty and courage of many of our Naval Military personnel through various memorials and statues including the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, The Homecoming Statue, and the USS San Diego Memorial."

"During the summer season, a variety of venues host free concerts from local, regional, and national artists. From the Coronado Summer Concerts in the Park to the La Jolla Concert by the Sea, there is an event planned for every week of the summer. At these free concerts, guests are invited to bring their own food, beverages, chairs, and towels for the ultimate concert experience."

"Embarcadero Marina Park South is a park in San Diego, in the U.S. state of California. Embarcadero Marina Park South is situated 1 km northeast of Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center. Photo: jimmyweee, CC BY 2.0."

"Ocean Beach is a thriving seaside beach community with plenty of charm. Watching the sunset over the water at Ocean Beach is a spectacular sight to see. It is also the perfect time to take those spectacular, perfectly-lit “golden hour” shots along the beach’s palm tree-lined road."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"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!"

"Intimate and classic, this French-inspired eatery highlights seasonal ingredients in a contemporary setting. Recognized as a leading authority on fine wine, the founder of the Wine..."

"Consistently ranked among OpenTable’s Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie is also one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. Established in 1988, The WineSellar and Brass..."

"Consistently ranked among OpenTable’s Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie is also one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. Established in 1988, The WineSellar and Brass"

"Fine dining and elegance don’t have to feel stuffy, and Top of the Market is the perfect example of that. Whether you’re seated inside or out on the expansive deck you’ll be able to enjoy magical harbour views and high-end seafood straight from the fish market downstairs. Locals head here for date night often, but it’s easily one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego for anniversaries and other celebrations too."

"Ordering takeout from Market is as close as you’ll get to eating at the restaurant where each dish incorporates seasonal ingredients. Takeout is a three-course chef’s tasting menu and includes a choice of starter, entree and dessert. Plan accordingly— ordering three days in advance is required."

"For the first time in 14 years, the Michelin-starred restaurant has introduced a takeaway dining experience. The Addison at Home series from chef/director William Bradley and team features a four-course menu with rotating themes, available for pick-up Thursday through Sunday nights. Starting Friday, February 12, it will reopen its heated outdoor terrace for dine-in service over Valentine’s Day weekend with subsequent reservations available Tuesday through Saturday."

"Appropriately located in the opulent Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison is certainly a special occasion spot. Be prepared for artistically-prepared, modern French cuisine paired with a bottle from their extensive fine wine collection. Executive Chef William Bradley has wowed local and national critics with his elegant, farm-to-table, artisanal approach to cooking."

"Addison Restaurant is a truly classy establishment with a focus on authenticity and grandeur. It’s a setting where anything is possible, which makes it a wonderfully romantic place..."

"LIVKRAFT is a luxury health and wellness center that combines advanced fitness recovery systems with a world-class spa-like atmosphere. Our mission is to bring state-of-the-art recovery treatments used by professional athletes & celebrities to a luxury everyday setting that provides clients the o..."

"Saturday’s checklist: ✅Fresh Maine Lobster Roll ✅House-made coleslaw ✅Wet wipes for your hands-and the DROOL 🤤 Come and get it!!!. Order online at www.lobsterwest.com and choose your location and we will have it ready for you. Outside seating available, socially distanced of course, in Encinitas, Coronado, and Carlsbad at the @windmillfoodhall."

"This casual mini-chain with a location in Encinitas proves that you can find worthwhile lobster rolls on the West Coast. Along with made-to-order rolls filled with imported Maine lobster, the shop also serves versions filled with scallops, crab or shrimp. Flights of soup, coleslaw, baked beans, and salads fill out the rest of the menu."