San Dieguito County Park

I've come to this park for my kids' cross country race events but it was my first time checking out the trail.
The walk was short & sweet. The distance to the lookout and the suspension Bridge is short from either side of the park entrance but if you do go from the el camino real side, you have to go up the steps. No steps are involved from highland dr entrance going through the sandstone trail.
It is very do-able with kids.
Really enjoyed the view with all the wild flowers blooming.
It wasn't crowded on the trail because there was an spring event going on for the kids near the entrance of the park so I'm unsure how it is here normally.
The park is nice and clean.

When adults and teens could have their own ‘playground’ a.k.a the sports area, the park is 5 stars for me. Loved the sports area!! But I hope the city will build more courts, as one volleyball and basketball won’t be enough on warmer days. Also, maybe the park would make lower park and upper park connected with cars in the future, it’s gonna be better to enjoy the entire area.

Got a chance to explore the San Dieguito County Park today for a picnic event and everyone liked it. There are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample amount of parking space. Parking is $3 per car for the full day. I must say, this is a very nicely managed park.

There are 2 kids playgrounds on the right side, just after enterence. Lot of seating area with shades as well.

Park Rangers were also available easily and very helpful for any kind of information you need.

Very well maintained and naturally rich park. Parking outside is free. Parking inside the park is $3. This place is so huge it is easy to get lost in here. Multiple parking lots scattered around the park. Large well maintained baseball field. Multiple playgrounds. Basketball court and pickleball court. The hike has plenty of vistas and fun things like a rope bridge. The lower park has a beautiful beautiful grass meader between trees. There's so much space that every picnic felt private. Plenty of BBQ grills and picnic tables. We also stumbled upon a wedding gazebo. The bathrooms are plentiful and very clean! Wow! This place is a treasure

I love this park.

Learned about this park through my job. There are tons of wonderful picnic areas throughout this park (upper and lower). Areas have two separate entry points, connected only through hiking (as far as I can tell). Entry is $3 to park your car (and to help park upkeep).

Lower part of park is lower elevation but is actually northern on the maps in picture. Lower was much quieter and more grassy area with lots of trees and picnic tables. Almost all if not all picnic areas had bbq grills for use. The picnic tables tended to cluster around the perimeter of the lower park near and around trees. Area has a lot more quiet grassy expanse for getting in touch with nature, two small bodies of water aerated by two fountains for that nice water sound to relax to, some duckies, a butterfly garden (pictured with a nice passion fruit trellis with fruits), and plenty of parking. Lower park also has a gazebo (although the grass around it is slated and may be too spongy to be a good walk in white dresses). Very nice relaxing part of the park.

Upper part of park is higher elevation but actually southern on the maps. Upper park is more recreation area with multiple playgrounds for little kids, a scout cabin, a sports court, lots of picnic tables underneath fabric covering (what my company uses for department meetings). Lots of restrooms, relatively clean. Some normal gazebos with some BBQ grills. Picnic areas are spread out so it is possible to get away from playground sounds and other gatherings but not as much as lower park. Plenty of parking near the recreational areas and away. Still a good area to relax in nature.

In-between the parks are some nice sand lined hiking trails with look out points and suspension bridges. Not as much coverage from the sun. Lookout points gave a nice view of the lower park and all around the park. Enjoyed the trek from upper to lower park, not sure if I hit all the hiking trails this county park had to offer.

The park also has a fitness hike (fitness bars etc) located around the whole county park that has its own map provided in the upper park entrance kiosk (unsure if lower park has a kiosk). And also a scavenger hunt map for kiddos and kiddos at heart (map found in upper kiosk).

Good mix of trail and recreation park, and definitely a great walk for young and older kids, for dogs of all sizes and energy, and for adults wanting some hiking and nature connection without committing to longer hikes.

We have been having our company picnic here for years at San Dieguito County Park . This is the first time we used Area #5 and there are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample parking space.

Good to know:

Parking is $3 per car for the full day.

Park Rangers were also available easily and very helpful. See map picture.

Playground: Lots of playgrounds on Area 1-4 but no kids playground for areas 5-9.

Lots of seating places with shade and grills installed. See pic of BBQ.

Restrooms: Restrooms are close to each of the Picnic Area 1-5

Picnic area: The picnic area is very beautiful with shades and benches for even up to 100 people. Number # 5 was nice because the restrooms were a few steps away and parking closeby to get all of our food and drinks to the space. Good shade from the trees.

We would do a larger area next time with room for live music.

5 Star park for events, group pictures, hiking and more!

I walk around 30min only because is almost dark but what I see was beautiful, they have a native herb garden, long hiking trail, a lot trees and the smell is between honey and eucalyptus. I love it.

This is a very cool place. Came on a Sunday morning, lots of seating and picnic area. Nice and clean, plenty of space for kids to run around. A few pretty cool hiking trails with some old suspension foot bridges (they’re in good condition lol) Parking is a few dollars inside. There’s some outside parking as well. Although I’d plan on paying if coming during busy times. Very nice, might bring the family one day for a bbq.

Very beautiful park for easy but well maintained trails, picnic, sports and just to hang out with family and friends.

This park is huge! We entered off Highland Dr. There is street parking or you can pay $3. There are hiking trails, several play structures (I saw at least 6!) and picnic areas. Unfortunately, most of the picnic areas are closed at this time. Bathroom are plentiful and I love how they have signs posted at each play structure with limitations on the number of people allowed.

Beautiful park in Del Mar area for having some rest on a weekend. Hikes trails are quite short, however, they nicely connect lower and upper park making it easy to get from one to another in several minutes. There is a lot of wildlife and several top points where one can find info about local nature (both animals and plants) and history. Parks have lots of playgrounds, so it's a great place to visit with kids. Parking is $3 inside the park or free on the street. Park is close to the beach, so after exploring local hike trails we headed to the ocean. Overall great experience!

I love this park. You can pay to go in and park closer to the different trail heads or park right outside and walk in. We have done either depending on the activity. Parking is like 3 dollars per car. And they take cash or card. The hikes are fun for the kids, they have been doing them since they were 4 and 2. Great big fields and lots of places to grill. They also have a great inclusive playground on one side of the park. My kids love coming here for picnics, hikes, gatherings or just play. Definitely recommend.

A local gem! Beautiful grounds with many short trails in the coastal chapparel. Great spot for hiking with little ones (~3 years old and up).

Good for picnics and family time in the park.

The lower park is in a beautiful glenn and has our favorite spots. If you're looking for playgrounds for the kiddos then stick with the upper park which offers five great playgrounds.

Even though the park is expansive there are quite a few restrooms, so you should always find one not too far.

Parking is currently $3 for the day or you can opt to park just outside (there is some parking outside both the upper and lower park gates).

It was clean. Tons of space for picnic and the hiking trail was a bit short but still enjoyable. Didn't see any rattlesnakes or wildlife during my hike there.

Great place to hike and enjoy the view with the kids. The 2 suspension bridges are cool. Very spacious, it has many playgrounds in the area but we cannot use right now due to Covid19. After paying $3 at the gate, you should turn left to park at the other parking so it's closer to the trail.

Multiple playgrounds, easy trails, bridges, and clean bathrooms! Took my kiddos for a short hike and we explored every playground. They never complained and had a blast.

Amazing discovery in San Diego. This is one of the best parks in San Diego for small hikes, kids play areas, picnics and gorgeous little hikes and views of San Diego. Hikes are quite kid friendly. Lots of areas in the park to explore. Don't miss the suspension walking bridges for great pictures.

Masks - saw almost everyone wearing masks and if not then putting them on when passing by you.

Beautiful park. Lovely place to hold birthday parties and events. Lots of parking, many play structures and picnic areas. It's a hidden gem!

A gem part of a local treasure that's well hidden in the middle of the city in Lomas Santa Fe.
I love this place, it's pretty small but between lookouts, hanging bridges, trails that go through canyons and wooden stairs that go up or down, its definitely one of my favorite parks

It is a lovely place for children!
There are not too many children and adults. Moreover, everyone is respectful enough for keeping the distance (because of COVID). That means that people who visit the park have good manners and follow the rules. You can less worry about your children and people around.
There is a parking lot in the park (not free). However, you can leave your car close to the park's entrance on a little free parking. It is less safe, but it is you to decide. I would recommend the park's parking lot.
The playground itself is absolutely okay.
I recommend this place for spending time with your children.