Picnics, Playgrounds, & Panoramas: 5 Parks in La Jolla We Love

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With summer well on its way, San Diegans are venturing outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. Though La Jolla is known mostly for its beautiful beaches, there are some spots in the Village that are a bit more tucked-away but still offer those stunning views we all know and love. Picnic, play with the kids, or just relax on the grass at one of these four hidden parks in La Jolla.

Cuvier Park

Coast Boulevard & Cuvier Street

parks in la jolla

Also called the “Wedding Bowl,” this particular park is known mostly for hosting some spectacular nuptial ceremonies; but when it isn’t being utilized for a wedding, this park is a stunning little escape from the hustle and bustle of surrounding La Jolla. It’s located just across from MCASD La Jolla, but actually sits several feet below sea level – lending it a much quieter and more secluded feel. It provides a picture-perfect view of the ocean and cliffs nearby. 

Edwards Sculpture Garden

700 Prospect Street

parks in la jolla

A bit more well known than the others, this park sits just below the MCASD and provides a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy their sculpture garden. Stroll through the gardens and check out 16 art installations, and then grab some grass space and enjoy a picnic lunch (the nearby Museum Cafe is delicious!) with a great view of the ocean across the street. Entrance is totally free and the gardens are open 11am-5pm daily.

During the summer, the Museum hosts The Shore Thing every Thursday evening on the garden terrace; enjoy free admission, cocktails, live music, and casual dining fare while watching the sunset.

Villa La Jolla Park

8436 Via Mallorcaparks in la jolla

This playground is tucked away in a small community, and is generally not very busy. There’s a ton of different play equipment – swings, a large play structure for older kids, a couple of structures for younger toddlers, two large slides, and two smaller slides. The area is surrounded by a large grass field, so it’s safe. Parking is never an issue since it never gets very busy, and there is plenty of open, grassy space that makes for a perfect picnic lunch spot.

La Jolla Hermosa Park

Intersection of Camino de la Costa & Chelsea Avenue

parks in la jolla

This is lovely secluded little spot that’s still relatively unknown, even by locals. There are a few picnic tables, some benches, charcoal grills, and a spectacular view of the rocky coast to the north, as well as a few steps down a short rocky path leading to a great viewpoint. Come here to catch the sunset or just to enjoy a quiet, peaceful afternoon.

Kellogg Park

8200 Camino Del Oro

parks in la jolla

Probably the most popular on the list, this park is located right on La Jolla Shores and offers a big playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. Next to it are several expansive grassy areas that are great spots for laying out a blanket and watching the sunset. There are bathrooms, showers, barbecues, and bonfire pits.  
[images: pinterest.com/MrsBakalarski, yelp.com/museum-of-contemporary-art-san-diego-la-jolla, garykent.com]
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Emily Ruchlewicz

Emily Ruchlewicz

News & Feature Writer at http://www.lajollabluebook.com/
Emily Ruchlewicz is a News and Feature writer at Blue Book Publishers and has written more than 100 La Jolla-related articles. Follow her blogs to stay informed about new businesses, read exclusive interviews with local business owners, and keep up with community events. (emily@lajollabluebook.com)
Emily Ruchlewicz

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