When we first moved to San Diego in 2009 – like most post college grads we found ourselves living in Pacific Beach. We loved living there for a long time, but never did I see it as a kid-friendly place! Slowly I started exploring off of Garnet and to my surprise I saw – playgrounds?! Now, we don’t live close but I find myself in the area with my kids almost weekly. The bays are the best for little kids, and the beach view playgrounds are hard to beat! Here are a few of my favorite playgrounds in the area.

Kate O Sessions

Kate O Sessions Park was named after San Diego’s head botanist, Kate Sessions. Kate Sessions was the ‘Mother of Balboa Park’ and is responsible for planting hundreds of exotic plants throughout San Diego. After her fighting for a park on Mt Soledad, the city put aside land for a park. It was originally named Soledad Terrace Park, but was renamed in 1957 on Kate Sessions 100th birthday.

The best-known area of the park has some of the most beautiful views of Mission Bay, the ocean and downtown San Diego – but on the west side before you reach the beautiful hill, you’ll find a playground for kids tucked away by the trailhead.

Quick info:

Address: 5115 Soledad Rd., San Diego, CA 92109

Hours: Sunrise-Sunset

Parking: Lot can be found when you drive in close to the hill, street parking on Soledad Rd as well.

The playground at Kate Sessions park has plenty to offer for kids of all ages, with play structures designed for 2-5 year olds, as well as 5 and up! Make sure to bring a blanket and some snacks, the park offers plenty of shady trees for a picnic – or walk over to the hill and have a sunny picnic with the beautiful view of San Diego!

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Fanuel Street Park

This quaint, picturesque park is located right on Mission Bay and a popular go-to for parents in the neighborhood. There are fun climbing structures and swings, and a boardwalk nearby for walking, biking, etc!

Quick info:

Address: Fanuel Street and La Palma Street, San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: 858-581-9927 (for birthday reservations)

Hours: Sunrise-Sunset

Parking: Small parking lot at the top of the park, street parking is also available.

                              What we love most about this spot is that you can go back and forth between the beach and the playground – and my girls have never met a beach they don’t love! It helps when you want to spend a whole morning in one place. Pack up snacks, lunch, and grab coffee on your way – and you and your crew can enjoy hours at this spot.

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Mission Bay Park Playground

With views of Mission Bay, the park is nestled between the bay and a large grassy area for families to relax. It has age-specific climbing structures, swings and tons of sand. There are also walk-bike paths for family members who have outgrown the jungle gym.

Quick info:

Address: 1344 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: (619) 284-1978

Hours: Sunrise-Sunset

Parking: There is a lot right in front of the playground, but its limited! A lot of street parking as well, but as you can imagine on weekends it gets busy early.

Mission Bay is HUGE and it can be hard to choose where to spend time, but this playground is definitely worth a visit. My girls usually last about 45 minutes at any given playground – but we stated at Mission Bay Park Playground for over three hours. Picnic spots, bathrooms, covered tables, and more play structures then I can count means a good morning!

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Not only does the Pacific Beach area already have some great playground options, but they’re only going to get better! In 2018, Mayor Faulconer announced oer $40M in infrastructure upgrades planned for Mission Bay Park – the latest is the complete overhaul on Bonita Cove Park – now dubbed Maruta Gardner Playground, named after a longtime community member. Over the next few years, nearly $8 million is going to be spent to replace playground equipment at Crown Point, Santa Clara, Tecolote North, Tecolote South, Bonita Cove East, Dusty Rhodes, Mission Point, Playa Pacifica and Robb Field!