When my daughter turned one, I knew I wanted to have a party at a park and I knew I wanted to serve beer and wine (because I was *really* looking forward to toasting with the friends and family who helped get us through the first year!). But, it was surprising difficult to find the alcohol policy for parks in San Diego. This section of the Municipal Code outlines the parks where you can’t have alcohol… and section 56.54 part b says that “it is unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage at any time, upon any public property, not including parks and beaches except as specifically listed in Appendix 56.54A”… so, alcoholic beverages are allowed at parks except where it isn’t.
Also, that Municipal Code only applies to the City of San Diego… Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Santee, Escondido and all the other cities in San Diego have different codes. So, I’ve done my best to break it all down for you below!
One quick disclaimer: This is a compilation of information available online, and updated to the best of my ability. I am not responsible for any fines or charges brought against an individual relying solely on this information.
Also, glass containers are generally prohibited at any park (it is dangerous to bring glass to parks regardless), so please don’t bring glass beer or wine bottles or wine glasses. Bring out the cans of beer and boxes of wine (and plastic cups)!
Alcohol Policies By Park
The easiest way to determine if alcohol is allowed at a specific park is to search for the park in our database and click on the “alcohol policy” tab. Of course, rules and laws are subject to change – if there is signage at the park prohibiting alcohol, then it’s best to abide by them. Another tip is that you can click on the “Park Details” tab and see if there is a number to call for reservations or information about the park, then you can call and double-check.
ALL San Diego Parks where Drinking is Allowed
If you want a list of ALL the parks where you can drink, check out the blog post I wrote on that below!
Alcohol Policies By City
Some cities and areas in San Diego County have a general policy regarding alcohol at parks. Here is the list I compiled and consulted when I was researching allllllll the parks in our database:
Carmel Valley – see City of San Diego
Carlsbad – beer and wine only
City Heights – see City of San Diego
Chula Vista – Alcohol is allowed at most parks with the exception of the following:
- Eucalyptus Park
- Friendship Park
- Harborside Park
- Lauderbach Park
- Memorial Park
- Orange Park
- Rienstra Park
- SDG&E East & West Parks
Clairemont – see City of San Diego
College Grove – see City of San Diego
Coronado – Alcohol is not permitted at all Coronado Parks and Beach per municipal code (there are sometimes exceptions for city events at Tidelands Park)
Del Mar – not allowed March – Labor Day (see under “Is alcohol allowed on the beach?”), except San Dieguito County Park (see SD County Parks exceptions, below)
El Cajon – not allowed, except Flinn Springs County Park (see SD County Parks exceptions, below)
Encanto – see City of San Diego
Encinitas – varies; see specific park policy on this page
Escondido – Alcohol is not allowed in Escondido Parks (except Felicita Park, see SD County Parks exceptions below)
Grantville – see City of San Diego
Hillcrest – see City of San Diego
Imperial Beach – not allowed per Municipal Code 9.04.010
La Jolla – see City of San Diego
La Mesa – permit required (see “Can I have alcoholic beverages at my event?”)
Lemon Grove – No smoking, alcohol or marijuana in Lemon Grove parks
Linda Vista – see City of San Diego
Mira Mesa – see City of San Diego
National City – banned in all public parks (except Lincoln Area County Park, see SD County Parks exceptions, below)
Normal Heights – see City of San Diego
North Park – see City of San Diego
Ocean Beach – see City of San Diego
Oceanside – Alcohol is allowed at some parks, but is is NEVER permitted (regardless of location) at events, activities or dances that is intended for youth. NO alcohol at parks near beach:
Fireside
Caesar Chavez
John Landis
Buccaneer
Libby Lake
Sante Fe
Buddy Todd
Tyson Street
Old Town – see City of San Diego
Otay Ranch / Otay Mesa – see City of San Diego
Poway – Allowed 10am-9pm, not allowed on playgrounds or parking lots
Rancho Bernardo – see City of San Diego
Ranch Peñasquitos – see City of San Diego
San Carlos – see City of San Diego
San Diego – alcohol at City of San Diego parks is not prohibited unless there is a 24, 12 or 16 hour ban on alcohol – see specific parks where alcohol is prohibited here
San Diego County Parks – see below
San Marcos – Drinking in public is not allowed in San Marcos
San Ysidro – not allowed
Santee – Beer and wine are permitted in parks. Liquor is not permitted in any Santee park.
Vista – Beer & Wine is not allowed in any City park without an approved permit from the Recreation & Community Services Department.
San Diego County Parks - Exceptions to Policies by City
As if it wasn’t confusing enough… the County of San Diego has parks throughout San Diego County, and alcohol is allowed at most County of San Diego parks. These parks, of course, are located in cities throughout San Diego…
Here are the San Diego County Parks where alcohol is prohibited:
All 4S Ranch Local Parks and Sports Park
Agua Caliente (pool areas),
Cactus
Collier
Eucalyptus
Goodland Acres
Hilton Head
Jess Martin (skate park area)
Lamar
Lindo Lake
Nancy Jane
Old Ironsides
Rainbow
Spring Valley
Sweetwater Lane
Waterfront Park
For more information, please call the park directly or call (858) 565-3600 or (877) 565-3600, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Here is a list of some San Diego County Parks where alcohol is allowed, by city:
Chula Vista – alcohol is allowed at Otay Lakes County Park
Del Mar – alcohol is allowed at San Dieguito County Park
El Cajon – alcohol is allowed at Flinn Springs County Park
Escondido – alcohol is allowed at Felicita Park
Lakeside – alcohol is allowed at Louis A. Stelzer County Park, and El Monte County Park
National City – alcohol is allowed at Lincoln Acres County Park
San Diego – alcohol is allowed at Heritage County Park, with permit
Search by Alcohol Policy
All the information above is helpful (I hope!) if you’d like to check the policy on a specific park (or area), but what if you want to find a park that allows alcohol? Or, you want to find a park that prohibits alcohol? You can search our park database!
Click here to search for Parks by Alcohol Policy!
Finding a park in San Diego that allows alcohol (or a park that prohibits alcohol) is easy with our searchable park database.
Simply go to the database and check the box that applies to you (Alcohol Allowed or Alcohol NOT Allowed). You can refine your search even more by selecting a location or other features (restrooms, barbecues or gazebos, for example).
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