In the Summer of 2022, we were supposed to travel to Germany (a trip that was also supposed to happen in 2020 and 2021), but flight delays and cancellations forced us to postpone one more time. We turned lemons into lemonade by planning an epic road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, stopping for lots of fun all along the way. It was the BEST trip!! In addition to all the major attractions (ballparks, Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Exploratorium), you know we stopped to check out some EPIC parks and playgrounds!
Here are a few of the best playgrounds in California!
Dennis the Menace Park
Monterey, CA
We spotted this gem when we were driving to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and knew we had to make time to check it out. It is AMAZING. Dennis the Menace Park is a part of El Estero Park Complex, which includes a skate park, a dog park, ballpark, fishing and boating… it’s very cool. The playground first opened on Nov. 17, 1956, and was the result of creative efforts donated to the City by Mr. Hank Ketcham, creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip. There is a statue of Dennis the Menace at the entrance.
This park features a giant suspension bridge, a fun roller slide, a maze, a giant spinner, a climbing wall, play structures, tunnels… everything a kid could want! Definitely check it out if you’re in Monterey.
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940
Sunny Fields Park
Solvang, CA
This adorable park fits right in at Solvang, CA! The structures are all wooden – including the gingerbread house and puppet theater! You might think that the Hans Christian Andersen Park (also in Solvang) would be the charming park, but, if you want Solvang charm, you need to go to Sunny Fields.
This park features a giant wooden playground, swings, a puppet theater, and a gingerbread playhouse.
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 900 Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang, CA 93463
Koret Children's Playground at Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
My family thought this was the perfect stop after checking out the Golden Gate Bridge. We spread out our picnic blanket while our daughter went down the concrete slides again and again! This is believed to be the oldest public playground in America, which makes me happy.
This park features beautiful tile mosaic play sculptures, fun tidal waves you can climb, swings, climbing ropes, play structures, a carousel (paid attraction), and large grassy areas. The greater Golden Gate Park is 1,017 acres and features gardens, museums, a tea garden… it’s beautiful!
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco, 94122
Kid's World in Alameda Park
Santa Barbara, CA
This playground was incredible! We loved that we could sit right in the middle and occasionally see our daughter emerge from the giant play structure around us. The entire playground is fenced in, and had different areas for little kids (ages 2-5) and bigger kids (ages 5-12). She loved the giant shark and whale, and challenging herself with some of the playground equipment. Also, she learned to pump her legs while on the swings at this park (core memory)!
According to Santa Barbara Parks, the 8,000 square foot playground features a castle, swings, slides, bridges, a shark, a whale, and more.
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 1400 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waterfront Park
San Diego, CA
Obviously, I’m partial to San Diego parks… but, if I *had* to pick the best park in San Diego, it would be Waterfront Park. (My second place would be Civita Park). You could easily spend a whole day here between the interactive water jets (which are free to use!) and the traditional playground. I’ve written a whole post on what to bring to Waterfront Park to make the most of your visit!
Waterfront Park is in downtown San Diego, right along the water, and pretty close to the airport. It surrounds the County Administration Building. The water jets are on both sides (the north side is quieter), and the playground is just west of the south jets. The playground has big metal slides, swings, spinners and rope courses.
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Courtney's Sand Castle
San Clemente, CA
This beautiful park is accessible to all! It has a super fun sand castle theme, and is right off the 5 freeway in San Clemente. To learn more about this gem, visit my friend at Fun Orange County Parks!
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 987 Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
Tatum's Garden
Salinas, CA
This playground is fully-accessible and AMAZING. It’s so cute and super fun. It was named for Tatum Bakker, a Salinas native living with Spina Bifida.
You know a park is cool when it has its own webpage!
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 1 Maryal Dr, Salinas, CA 93906
Shane's Inspiration Griffith Park
Los Angeles, CA
Another super cool inclusive and accessible playground (we love accessible playgrounds here!). This one is space ship and water-themed that encourages imaginations to SOAR!
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 4800 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Adventure Playground
Irvine, CA
If you have never experienced an adventure playground, you should check one out! This is one of only three adventure playgrounds in the US! This playground features equipment centered around self-directed play. According to my friend Michelle at Fun Orange County Parks, “These spaces allow kids to build forts, play in the mud, and get creative with unstructured play outdoors!”
You can learn more about this park over at Fun Orange County Parks!
Restrooms: yes
Picnic tables: yes
Address: 1 Beech Tree Ln, Irvine, CA 92612
What Else??
I’d love to hear from you… what are some other cool parks and playgrounds in California for us to visit on our next road trip?? Please tell me in the comments 🙂
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