Parks and Recreation

Scattered Purple Sand Verbena flowers bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park agains the brown, earthy backdrop of the desert in east San Diego County. The mountains are in the background, against the blue sky sprinkled with clouds. There are a few yellow flowers peeking out of the purple patches, too.
Travel and Outdoors
Where the wildflowers are: The annual Desert Bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
After a rainy winter, the Borrego Springs desert region east of San Diego is expected to bloom quite nicely with vibrant desert wildflowers in spring 2024.
February 29, 2024 05:22 PM
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Botanical Building September 2023
Development
3 things to know: Progress on the Botanical Building’s restoration in Balboa Park
Here’s where the project stands as of mid-September 2023.
September 19, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Bayside Trail Point Loma
Play
Hiking and nature walk guide for San Diego
For outdoor adventures, check out these 28 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around San Diego, California.
September 13, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Sugar skulls
Events
Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 events in San Diego
From festivals and community programs to a themed weekend at Petco Park, here’s how to celebrate in San Diego.
September 13, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
The Canyoneers volunteer hiking group from The San Diego Natural History Museum
Travel and Outdoors
TheNat’s Canyoneers kick off their 2023-2024 hiking season in San Diego County
The group of volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum will lead 60 free, local hikes from September 2023 to June 2024 — their 51st annual hiking season.
September 1, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A crane digging ground at waterfront park.
Development
Waterfront Park under construction for the Waterfront Park Active Recreation project.
The new development will bring recreational courts and fields, a dog park, and more activity options to the bayfront destination.
September 1, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD Torrey Pines Golf Course
Play
Link up for tee time: 18 golf courses in San Diego
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 18 golf courses in San Diego are sure to make for a good round.
August 30, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Pacific Beach SD
Travel and Outdoors
The coast with the most: San Diego’s beautiful beaches
From Coronado and Pacific Beach to Encinitas and Oceanside, San Diego’s beaches are unmatched — it’s an abundance of riches, really.
August 29, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Rendering Eucalyptus Park entrance
Parks and Recreation
Renovations coming to Eucalyptus Park in Chula Vista
The redevelopment plan will include a skate plaza, a second playground and dog park, splash pads, and improvements to existing amenities.
August 21, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD San Diego Zoo Safari Park Elephant Valley rendering
Education
Have you herd? “Elephant Valley” coming to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2025
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hopes the new savanna-like environment makes strides for conservation of the species.
August 10, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
bug bingo
Travel and Outdoors
Let’s play bug bingo
If you’re the kind of kid who’s always looking for creepy-crawlies, use this field guide to bugs… and see if you can get a bingo.
August 7, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
SD Build NCC SANDAG San Elijo Activity Hub and Park and Ride
City
Grand opening: The San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride has arrived in Encinitas
The new facility near Interstate 5 features 166 parking spaces and info on access points to the San Elijo Lagoon and nearby hiking trails.
August 4, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Elijo Lagoon
Travel and Outdoors
Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in San Diego
These are three of our favorite local accessible trails that are wheelchair-friendly.
August 3, 2023
 · 
Trevor Peters
The Sherman-Gilbert House in Heritage Park San Diego.
History
Discover local history at Heritage Park in Old Town
The 7.8-acre space in Old Town is home to seven historical buildings built during San Diego’s earliest years as a city.
July 31, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The 100-year-old historic carousel in Balboa Park
Entertainment
Restored Balboa Park Carousel will reopen on National Carousel Day 2023 in San Diego
The historic attraction will spin again on Tuesday, July 25, with free rides for the special occasion.
July 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A rendering of a pirate-themed playground at Pepper Park along the National City Bayfront
Development
3 things to know: the redesign of Pepper Park at the National City Bayfront
Construction is expected to begin in early 2024.
July 17, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Lake Murray
Culture
Lovely lakes to visit in San Diego, California
It’s not just about the beautiful beaches in our county — we’re a land of great lakes, too.
July 6, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Over-the-Line OTL championships
Culture
2023 Over-the-Line World Championships return to Fiesta Island
The sport was invented on South Mission Beach and since 1954, continues to be synonymous with San Diego’s summertime culture.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A past Big Bay Boom Fourth of July Fireworks show over San Diego Bay.
Culture
Where to see Fourth of July 2023 fireworks in San Diego
From San Diego Bay to east, south, and north San Diego County, dazzling displays of patriotism will light up our local skies on Tuesday, July 4.
July 3, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD New Children's Museum
Play
Kid-friendly activities in San Diego
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that San Diego, has to offer — complete with art exploration, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
June 19, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Carlsbad Strawberry Company U-pick season
Culture
Carlsbad Strawberry Company open for 2023 U-pick season
The berry sweet activity is open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at 1050 Cannon Rd.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Summer Movies in the Park 2023
Culture
Summer Movies in the Park 2023 returns across San Diego County
The free, outdoor movie series kicks off Memorial Day weekend and runs through late October.
May 24, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD MLS coming to San Diego
Sports
Score: Major League Soccer expands to San Diego
The league’s 30th team — San Diego FC — will play at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley starting in 2025.
May 18, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Birch Aquarium Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Education
Birch Aquarium’s Loggerhead Sea Turtle gets a check-up
The sea turtle has lived at the facility since 2014, getting a 3D-printed shell brace and growing to a healthy 210 pounds.
May 18, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Spreckels organ pavilion with an organ player on the stage
Parks and Recreation
10 free summer concert series in San Diego
Explore San Diego’s parks while enjoying live music all summer long at these rockin’, jazzy, and dance-worthy events.
May 15, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Jr new play area
Entertainment
New ‘Rescue Jr.’ play area coming soon to SeaWorld San Diego
The kid-friendly zone will feature a splash pad, climbing structures, and new rides — replacing the theme park’s Sesame Street Bay of Play.
May 12, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
San Diego skyline photo in black and white
Tourism and Hospitality
National Travel and Tourism Week: San Diego’s tourism, by the numbers
The industry plays a major role in our city’s economy, job creation, and overall vibe as a feel-good hotspot.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Westfield UTC pickleball courts
Sports
New pickleball courts debut at Westfield UTC in San Diego
The courts are open from sunrise to sundown, free to the public for a limited time.
May 8, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
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