Queen Calafia's Magic Circle is located inside Escondido's Kit Carson Park. It's the only American sculpture garden by artist Niki de Saint Phalle and particularly unique because you can actually play in it. The collection of nine fun, mosaic-tiled sculptures are meant to be touched and enjoyed. Highlights include a big circular wall, playful serpents and a five-legged eagle. You'll find the garden inside of the 12-acre Iris Sankey Arboretum. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy it, art lovers should make this a side trip. Entrance is free and this is considered one of San Diego's hidden gems.
Recommended for Parks because: Queen Calafia's Magic Circle is the only American sculpture park by artist Niki de Saint Phalle and you can play in it.
Katie's expert tip: Entrance is free but be sure to check opening hours (the park is closed in the event that it rains).
Situated just above La Jolla Cove, this park is a nice place to stop and relax during a walk along La Jolla's boardwalk or a visit to the area's famous seals and sea lions. The wind blown trees here are thought to have inspired the truffula trees in "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss (who was a La Jolla resident). The large grassy area is popular for games, exercise and picnics. Little green huts line the park and serve as excellent spots for shade and sunsets. A lifeguard station is staffed year-round, and although on-street parking can be tough, a number of public garages are within walking distance.
Recommended for Parks because: It's a very popular beachside green space in La Jolla with a huge grassy area, funky wind-blown trees, epic views and spectacular sunsets.
Katie's expert tip: Below this park is where La Jolla's famous sea lions hang out.
There are two sections here that are worth a visit. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to bluffs overlooking the sea and eight miles of trails through unique landscape. The twisted Torrey pine tree is found in only two places on earth: in this park and on the Channel Islands almost 200 miles to the north. Due to conservation efforts the park is one of the wildest, most undeveloped spots in the state. Three hundred feet below at the base of the bluffs is a gorgeous sandy beach. The northern portion is popular for families and has lifeguards, bathrooms and limited parking.
Recommended for Parks because: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is thought to be one of the wildest stretches of land left in the state.
Katie's expert tip: The trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are excellent for kids and leisurely walks.
Read more about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach →
Kate Sessions park boasts one of the most spectacular views of San Diego including downtown, Mission Bay, the ocean and beyond. The parking lot faces the view so often times you'll see people working or resting in their cars while soaking up the surrounding nature. It's a popular on-leash park for dog walking, though you'll see plenty of off-leash dogs, too. Rest on the grass and read a book, get some exercise, throw a frisbee and enjoy San Diego at Kate Sessions park. There is also a children's play area off to the side with swings, slides and climbing. Restrooms are available.
Recommended for Parks because: In addition to spectacular views over Mission Bay, there is also a walking trail and small kids playground.
Katie's expert tip: Explore another more rustic walking/hiking trail behind the kids play area.
One of San Diego's largest and wildest parks, Mission Trails sprawls over 7200 acres. It includes more than 40 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities, a lake, campgrounds, and a fine Visitor and Interpretive Center where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Guided hikes are offered several times a week. The area is prime habitat for all sorts of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for snakes, lizards, roadrunners, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, deer and quail. The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is also available for camping on weekends by reservation only.
Recommended for Parks because: This enormous park is particularly popular for hikes and mountain bike rides.
Katie's expert tip: Check the park's event calendar to see if a guided hike or other fun activity is on offer during your visit.
Find out what life was like in Mexico and early America back in the 1800s. This spot is where the city of San Diego was born, and it contains historic treasures unearthed by archeologists over the years. The historic park includes several original adobes as well as a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, carriage collection and a museum filled with artifacts. Surrounding the park are some of San Diego's best Mexican restaurants, famous for homemade tortillas and fish bowl-sized margaritas. A perfect family day here would include exploring the park and its museums before a meal. Then digest by browsing the nearby shops.
Recommended for Parks because: Old Town State Historic Park is considered to be the birthplace of California.
Katie's expert tip: The park is gorgeous but the surrounding area has a lot to offer, too. There are shops, museums, Mexican restaurants with fish bowl margaritas and more. It's a historic area where the kids (and you) can blow off steam.
This park encompasses 4600 acres with 27 miles of shoreline of which 19 miles are sandy beaches. Facilities include marinas, a horseshoe court, sand volleyball courts, fire rings, picnic areas, children's play areas, and paths for biking, rollerskating and jogging. The park includes several wildlife preserves, making it a favorite with birdwatchers. Dogs are allowed at Fiesta Island. Water sports are incredibly popular here and spots to rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, aqua cycles and more are located at some of the various hotels on the bay in addition to Mission Bay Aquatic Center (which also offers lessons and camps for tourists and residents).
Recommended for Parks because: This man-made bay is a hub for leisure activities like walking and sunbathing as well as water sports.
Katie's expert tip: The bay beaches here are nice for young kids as there are no waves.
Waterfront Park, with the historic county building at the center, is incredibly popular with kids (and adults) for its splash fountain that you can actually walk into an get wet. There is also a reflecting pool, native plant garden, public art and state-of-the-art play equipment. The big grassy area is perfect for picnics and games. In the summer, evening movies are shown here. The park has ocean views and is located across the street from the Embarcadero and just steps from Little Italy (where you could grab a delicious picnic to-go), making it a perfect sightseeing break. There are parking lots nearby.
Recommended for Parks because: This huge downtown park is popular for with kids for its new play equipment and splash fountain.
Katie's expert tip: Waterfront Park is an excellent place to take a break in between sightseeing in Little Italy and the Embarcadero.
Don't leave San Diego without visiting the Cabrillo National Monument, perched high on the cliffs at the end of the Pt. Loma peninsula. You'll be awed by the spectacular view onto San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego, and the mountains looming beyond the skyline. Pose for a photo in front of the massive statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the Portuguese explorer who sailed into port under the Spanish flag in 1542. A museum, run by the National Park Service, tells the story of San Diego's discovery through films and displays. Wander through the Old Pt. Loma Lighthouse, built in 1854, to see how life was then for the lighthouse keeper and his family.
Recommended for Parks because: This is San Diego's only National Park and it also boasts panoramic views to downtown.
Katie's expert tip: Follow signs to the tide pools leading down from the monument for a view of fascinating sea life that is revealed at low tides (though it is a pleasant spot during any tide).
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 the park's museums (entrance to the park itself is free). The Zoo is a big attraction (and located next door), but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, playgrounds, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride. Wander through multiple gardens or the botanical building (with over 2000 plant species), take in an outdoor organ concert, or enjoy a presentation at one of several theaters. Getting around the massive complex is easy, thanks to the free tram and the fun electriquette rentals.
Recommended for Parks because: It's the nation's largest urban cultural park with 16 museums and multiple gardens.
Katie's expert tip: The Balboa Park Explorer Pass will provide entry to all of Balboa Park's museums at a reduced rate versus buying individual tickets.