Parks and Rec

Kick Off Summer at Parks

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and you can begin your adventures by attending one of the many events San Diego County Parks and Recreation is hosting to kick off the season.

In addition to these terrific events, all 126 County parks and preserves will be open on Memorial Day.

Summer Movies in the Park Kickoff

movies in the park

The 2018 season of Summer Movies in the Park opens with “Coco” on Friday, May 25 at Waterfront Park. Enjoy games, giveaways, music and activities before the movie starts. Bring chairs or blankets. Pop some popcorn, pack a picnic or enjoy a meal from food trucks. It is sure to be a fun night under the stars! The movie will start around 8 p.m.

 

  • Location: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego
  • Date: Friday, May 25
  • Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Warrior Hike Challenge

Warrior_hike_1125Channel your inner warrior by heading out on the Warrior Hike challenge to the top of El Cajon Mountain in El Capitan County Preserve in San Diego’s East County. There are three levels to this hike: the 1-mile “boot camp” jaunt, 6-mile “recon” trek, and 10+ mile “warrior” journey. All hikers should bring plenty of water and sun protection.

  • Location: El Capitan County Preserve, 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside
  • Date: Saturday, May 26
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Wildflower Hike

SantaYsabelPreserve2Hike among oaks and sycamores while taking in this year’s wildflowers in beautiful Santa Ysabel County Preserve. Travel along the Santa Ysabel Creek on this moderate, 7-mile hike. Meet at the Farmer Staging Area off Farmer Road.

 

 

  • Location: Santa Ysabel East County Preserve, 500 Farmer Road, Julian
  • Date: Saturday, May 26
  • Time: 8 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Wilderness Garden Trail Trek

Wilderness Gardens
Wilderness Gardens

Join a ranger for a behind-the-scenes adventure at Wilderness Gardens. During the 4.5-mile hike, explorers will enjoy the picturesque views of Palomar Mountain, the Pauma Valley and get a close look at the path of the San Luis Rey River. Photographers and bird watchers should bring a camera and binoculars to capture the dramatic landscape and more than 40 bird species. Meet in the staging area.

  • Location: Wilderness Gardens County Preserve, 14209 Highway 76, Pala
  • Date: Saturday, May 26
  • Time: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Fee: $3 parking fee
  • Age: All

Sky Hunters: Birds of Prey

Our Feathered FriendsJoin a representative of the Sky Hunters organization to learn about the behaviors of hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Have you ever wondered what you would do if you found a sick or injured raptor? This program is not only educational but also allows you to view these amazing birds closer than you normally would in the wild.

  • Location: William Heise County Park, 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian
  • Date: Saturday, May 26
  • Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
  • Fee: Free for campers/$3 parking fee for day-use visitors
  • Age: All

Nature Touch Tables in the Mountains

Lindo Lake Touch Table

Young guests can touch a variety of items, including animal pelts, and learn about nature at the Touch Tables at Santa Ysabel. The table will be set up in the Farmer staging area – a great place to stop before or after your hike.

  • Location: Santa Ysabel East County Preserve, 500 Farmer Road, Julian
  • Date: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Dairy Mart Trail Loop Nature Hike

DairyMartLoopBoardwalk596x373

Join a park ranger for an easy hike on the beautiful Dairy Mart Loop Trail. Learn about the plants in the Tijuana River Valley and how some were used by Native Americans. Get some information about the permanent bird species in this area and other migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Bring binoculars if you have them along with water, sunscreen and/or hat, and wear sturdy shoes. Parking is off Dairy Mart Road at the North Staging Area.

  • Location: Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, 2721 Monument Road, San Diego
  • Date: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: 6 and older

Oakoasis Sunday Stroll

Oakoasis Sunday Stroll 1This is a nice and moderately challenging walking opportunity that the whole family can enjoy, especially adults and teens. Be prepared for a few hundred feet of elevation gain and loss on a dirt trail that is steep and slippery in some areas. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this 3-mile loop that features fantastic overviews of San Vincente Reservoir. RSVP required, call (619) 561-0580.

  • Location: Oakoasis County Preserve, 12620 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside
  • Date: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: 10 a.m. to noon
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Junior Rangers

Louis Stelzer Junior Ranger 1Do you like science and nature? Meet park staff to learn about birds and plants as well as geology and local history during the Junior Rangers program for youth. Plus, be prepared for a short hike. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and bring water for the hike. RSVP required, call (619) 561-0580.

 

  • Location: Louis A. Stelzer County Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside
  • Date: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: 11 a.m. to noon
  • Fee: $3 parking fee
  • Age: All

Hullabaloo on the Waterfront

hullabaloo_5440Find out what all the hullabaloo is about on Sunday when local musical duo Hullabaloo plays a family-friendly concert. All ages will enjoy the evening of singing and dancing at Waterfront Park. The “kid folk” act plays about 300 shows a year from private parties to libraries and parks. If you are not familiar with this the local and legendary band, have a watch from last year.

  • Location: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego
  • Date: Sunday, May 27
  • Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Fee: Free
  • Age: All

Visit sdparks.org for even more trails, parks and open spaces to explore. And if you’re capturing your County Parks adventure on Instagram, be sure to tag us @CountyofSanDiego.

Michelle Mowad is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact