Whether your preference for parks is large or small, active or passive, cultural or whimsical, Downtown San Diego offers a variety of scenic and attractive parks providing users with opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Below is a list of Downtown parks and their locations.
Amici Park
At the corner of State and Date streets in Little Italy. Located within Little Italy, Amici Park features Bocci ball courts, a small amphitheater and a large green playing field. Adjacent to Washington Elementary School, the students use the park as a playground area during school hours and the community uses it at all other times.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the premier urban parks in the United States. This 1,400-acre park houses more than 80 cultural institutions, 15 museums and art galleries, four theaters, one pipe organ and the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Enter on Laurel Street or Park Boulevard. For more information about the park visit www.balboapark.org
Children's Park
A series of grassy knolls large trees and a large water feature and fountain make this one of Downtown's favorite parks. Located across from the Children's Museum at First Avenue and Island Street.
County Administration Center Parking Lots
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a master plan for a waterfront park encompassing the County Administration Center property and its adjacent parking lots. The park is intended to complement the historic building and contribute to the waterfront activities envisioned in the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan.
Gaslamp Quarter Park
Located at the trolley stop at Fifth Avenue and Harbor Drive, at the foot of the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, this open plaza offers incredible views of the newly expanded Convention Center and includes a whimsical water feature.
Horton Plaza Park
Easily recognized as the backdrop to NBC 7/39's street-side studio, this plaza is nicely landscaped with a unique water feature/fountain in the center. It is located on Broadway between Third and Fourth Avenues.
Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade
Across from the San Diego Convention Center, this beautifully
landscaped linear park is a favorite for pedestrians joggers and bicyclists. Its public art enhancements celebrate the dreams of Dr. King. Located along North
Harbor Drive.
North and South Embarcadero Marina Park
Just south of Seaport Village is the North Embarcadero Marina Park. This large open waterfront park is great for picnics or watching the activity in the harbor. Directly behind the Convention Center is its counterpart, South Embarcadero Marina Park, which is the site of special events concerts and festivals.
Pantoja Park
This is a large grassy area perfect for throwing the ball
around or even a soccer game. There are several large trees for some summer shade as well. It is located on G Street between State and Kettner Boulevard.
Park at the Park
As part of the San Diego Padres new ballpark in Downtown, a large, elevated park located directly behind the outfield wall will provide fans with the unique opportunity to picnic and watch baseball from a grassy slope. The Park at the Park will feature all of the elements associated with a neighborhood park, including open space to throw a baseball, toss a Frisbee, or just relax. Surrounding the Park at the Park will be a 400,000 square foot mixed-use development project, consisting of retail and office space to provide people with an exciting variety of shopping and dining opportunities.
City of San Diego Parks and Recreation
For additional information on Downtown San Diego's many fine parks please click on this link: www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/
Parks Newsletter [PDF 1MB]
PARKS COMING SOON
Cortez Hill Park/Tweet Street
Tweet Street will be an urban park uniquely designed to make downtown more livable for people and birds. This linear park reclaims excess freeway right-of-way and transforms it into a park and trail system that will encourage people's awareness and appreciation for park and wildlife resources within urban San Diego. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2003.
North Embarcadero Visionary Plan
Five public agencies, the City, County, Port District, Navy and CCDC, worked in concert to produce a master plan for downtown's western waterfront between Market and Laurel streets. Improvements include an expansive tree-lined, bayfront esplanade along the waterfront featuring restaurants, shops, scenic viewing areas and public art. Schematic design is currently underway.
