Mission Trails Regional Park
San Diego, CA
Free
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.8(7,822 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
The visitor center has an interactive museum and staff handing out maps, and reviewers with toddlers rate it highly. Many trails are flat and kid-friendly, with a creek to cool off in. Poison oak grows close to the paths. Shade is patchy, so bring water. Overflow parking at weekends.
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S. with kid-friendly trails, a visitor center, and Lake Murray. At 5,800 acres and about 60 miles of trails, it's billed as the largest urban open-space park west of the Mississippi, and its Cowles Mountain trail climbs to the highest point in the city of San Diego at 1,592 feet. Lake Murray, a reservoir built in 1894 at the park's edge, adds flatter shoreline walking and boating for families who want an easier day.
Good for
- Ages 10+
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1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Traves O'Neill★★★★★
Enjoyed a great hike up to the top of two of the peaks. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Watch out for poison oak, as it is close to many of the trails running along the river bed.
3 months ago
- Car H★★★★★
Mission Trails is one of San Diego’s hidden gems. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect without driving too far from the city. The trails are well-marked, with options ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes that give you a great workout. The views from Cowles Mountain or North Fortuna are stunning, especially at sunset. I love that you can choose different vibes here—hills, canyons, even the San Diego River running through some trails. It feels safe, there are always people hiking, running, or biking, but it never feels overcrowded. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat since some areas don’t have shade, but overall, this place is absolutely worth it. A must if you want nature, exercise, and amazing views right in the city.
a year ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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