There’s never a bad time to go for a walk in California, especially if you’re in San Diego. Residents of the city have more access to public parks than other major California cities, according to the Equinox Project. The study showed that about 78 percent of San Diego residents live within a half mile of a park in the city, and San Diego County has more than three acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Although San Diego has the largest amount of park acres per resident, cities like San Francisco and Sacramento have more walkable park access. 

Organizations like GetOutsideSanDiego.org also help residents find one of the many 1,100 parks throughout San Diego County closer to them. They can search by park name, location, address, or neighborhood zip code as well as filter what type of recreation they are looking for, making it easy for them to find the right park and amenity for their needs.

Here are six walkable parks throughout San Diego.

Mt. Helix Park - La Mesa

Views from Mt. Helix Park / Shutterstock

One of the most recognized landmarks in San Diego County is Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa. It has a 1,370-foot mountain peak that offers a half-mile route for bikers, runners, and walkers. Built as a memorial to Mary Carpenter Yawkey and known as the Yawkey Trail, the trail commemorates Mary’s appreciation for the scenic views at the top of the mountain. The park also includes an amphitheater that offers more steps for an additional workout. Afterwards, check out the walk-in Helix Yoga classes on held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Dogs, picnics, and photography are all welcome. 

Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park - Pacific Beach

Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park

Located in Pacific Beach, Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park is comprised of two different park areas. The first is ideal for hiking through nature, with trees and scrub-covered open space. The second part offers a great view of the Pacific Ocean, and its grassy slope makes it easy for outdoor activities, such as kite-flying and frisbee-tossing. It also has a dog-friendly recreation area as well as a playground on the west side near the .75-mile paved walking path. 

Lake Miramar - Scripps Ranch

Miramar Reservoir in Scripps Ranch, CA

Located in Scripps Ranch, Lake Miramar hosts a five-mile trail that wraps along the lake, offering views of various San Diego neighborhoods, such as Mira Mesa and University City. The walk is easy, as the terrain is mostly flat with a paved path all around the lake. Scenic views are available along each step with a few accessible off-road trails, one of which leads to a smaller park. 

Centennial Park - Coronado

Centennial Park looking towards San Diego

Just across the bay from Downtown San Diego, you’ll find Centennial Park in Coronado. This historic park is ideal for biking, kayaking, sunbathing, swimming, and paddle boarding, as well as for scenic strolls. It offers beautiful views of the Downtown San Diego skyline, including the convention center and USS Midway along its walking paths, as well as views of the rose garden and historic ferry ticket booth. Although it’s only 2.1 miles along the peninsula leading to Tidelands Park, it proves that a little bit can go a long way.

Mission Trails Regional Park - San Diego

Photo by Michael W. Murphy / CC BY

With over 7,000 acres of open space, Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It has more than 60 miles of trails as well as rugged hills and valleys perfect for hiking and biking, as well as rock climbing opportunities. The trails are good for all levels of experience, from a center loop trail to the five-peak challenge, which covers all five peaks in the park including Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego. Though an urban park, it has no shortage of wildlife and outdoor recreation that’s great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. 

Lake Hodges - Escondido

Bench and Trail around Lake Hodges in Escondido, CA

Located in Escondido, Lake Hodges is a lake and reservoir that offers a plethora of varying terrain for trekking with its riding trails and hiking paths along a 22-mile stretch from Santa Fe Valley to Highway 78. There you’ll find river valleys and streams, open fields, rocky terrain, marsh-like wetlands, canopied oak forests, and elevated vistas. There aren’t any water fountains, so make sure to bring your own water bottle.