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San Diego North beaches, open-space preserves and parks offer an abundance of natural and cultural riches for all. Many of the parklands have been developed as traditional parks with campsites, picnic tables and playgrounds. Others are maintained as various types of open space, including urban canyons, river courses, mountains and meadows. A variety of educational programs are available at select locations for youth and families.   » Attractions » Beaches » Campgrounds   » Casinos » Communities » Cultural Arts » Golfing » Historic Sites   » Museums » Parks » Recreation » Restaurants » Shopping » Spas » Tours » Wineries   Parks     » Agua Caliente County Park   | view map       The park has geothermal-heated springs offering soothing mineral waters in both indoor and outdoor pools. 140 sites. Open Labor Day to Memorial Day.     » Anza-Borrego Desert State Park   | view map       This state park is famous for its spring desert flowers, desert habitat and visitors center.     » Blue Sky Ecological Reserve   | view map       The Reserve is located 1/2 mile north of Lake Poway Road. Hiking, campfire programs and guided wildlife walks are offered every Saturday and Sunday.     » City of Vista Parks & Community Services   | view map       Park & Community Services.     » Daley Ranch   | view map       A wilderness preserve with extensive hiking trails among famous Engelmann oaks and a variety of plants and animal species.     » Dos Picos County Park   | view map       Designed for campers and picnickers, RV and tent sites under shady oaks are also available.     » Escondido History Center   | view map       The Escondido History Center (formerly Heritage Walk Museum) in Grape Day Park includes the first library, a barn and windmill, a Victorian house, the 1888 Santa Fe Railroad depot, a railroad car and model train, and a working blacksmith shop.     » Felicita County Park   | view map       Seven reservable picnic areas on 53 acres, museum, playgrounds, ball fields, hiking trails, oaks and year-round stream.     » Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve   | view map       1,700 acres of coastal sage scrub and chaparral-covered hills bordering on the 325-acre Goodan Ranch, a mix of grassland, riparian, coastal sage, oak woodland, and mixed chaparral. Hike, bike or ride the trails.     » Guajome County Park   | view map       Guajome Park offers camping and opportunities to hike, picnic, ride horses and fish and has 34 tent/RV sites.     » Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve   | view map       Hiking and horseback riding available on 1,712 acres of mixed chaparral. Group camping reservations available.     » Kit Carson Park   | view map       Picnic areas, children's playgrounds, ball fields, tennis and fitness areas, hiking, as well as a new skate park.     » Live Oak County Park   | view map       This 26-acre park is open daily for visitors to enjoy the playgrounds, baseball fields, wild flower gardens, picnic areas and open space.     » Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve   | view map       Hiking, biking and horseback riding amid 3,000 acres of grassland, oak woodland, riparian and marsh lands, plus the historic 1800s Los Penasquitos Adobe.     » Mount Olympus Preserve   | view map       Undisturbed ancient chaparral on 661 acres. Has hiking trails and panoramic views.     » Mt. Gower Open Space Preserve   | view map       A very primitive area of 1,590 acres with eight miles of hiking trails. Watch for the California gnatcatcher. Group camping reservations available.     » Old Town State Park   | view map       Located in San Diego, Old Town State Park marks the site of the first European settlement on the West Coast.     » Palomar Mountain State Park   | view map       Camping, picnicking, hiking trails, fishing, and pets are allowed at this park near the famous Palomar Observatory.     » Queen Califia's Magical Circle   | view map       Queen Califia's Magical Circle. A Niki de St. Phalle sculpture garden located in Kit Carson Park.     » San Diego County Parks & Recreation   | view map       San Diego County Parks and Recreation operates over 70 locations offering campgrounds, picnic areas, parks, open space preserves, hiking trails, interactive programs and historic sites.     » San Dieguito County Park   | view map       Just minutes from the ocean, the park has picnic areas, a covered dance ramada, ball field and hiking trails.     » San Dieguito River Park   | view map       The San Dieguito River Park is the agency responsible for creating a natural open space park in the San Dieguito River Valley. The Park will someday extend from the ocean at Del Mar to Volcan Mountain, just north of Julian.     » San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve   | view map       The San Elijo Lagoon encompasses over 900 acres of diverse coastal habitat between the cities of Solana Beach and Encinitas, extending inland to the community of Rancho Santa Fe. Free public nature walk on the second Saturday of every month at 9 a.m.     » Volcan Mt. Wilderness Preserve   | view map       Hiking and docent-led nature walks amid 2,410 acres of oak and pine woodlands, grasslands and riparian.     » Wilderness Gardens   | view map       Nature trails and picnicking amid 676 acres of oak woodland and riparian lands. Docent-led hikes.     » William Heise County Park   | view map       Lots of camping among peaceful mountain meadows which have miles of scenic hiking and equestrian trails.     Back to top

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