The 11 Largest City Parks in California

When living in the city, everything can feel overwhelming. There’s a reason New York is called The Concrete Jungle. Sometimes, you just need to relax in nature to let off some steam and spend time in the great outdoors.

Even though California is bustling with busy cities, there are a plethora of city parks from San Francisco to San Diego. These parks have everything from wildlife to picnic areas to skate parks! 

Some of these choices even have species of plants and animals that you won’t find in many other places around the world! Take a look at our top 11 picks for the largest city parks in California. 

1. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

California’s south San Francisco Bay is home to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is a thriving metropolitan area with seven million inhabitants and among the biggest city refuges in the entire country.  

The refuge, which largely consists of coastal marsh, salt wetlands, mud flats, and seasonal swamps, is essential to maintaining the physical and biological integrity of San Francisco Bay. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge has over 200 different bird species. 

This refuge oversees more than 30,000 acres of publicly accessible land. This includes 38 miles of biking and hiking trails. There is also a visitor center and an environmental education center.

While it’s a great place to hike, many people visit here to go birding! 

2. Mission Trails Preserve

Another one of the largest city parks in California is Mission Trails Preserve. Over 8,000 acres of both organic and constructed recreational areas make up Mission Trails Regional Park. Its rocky hills, valleys, and wide-open spaces depict San Diego before Cabrillo’s arrival in San Diego Bay in 1542.

It gives locals and visitors to San Diego a means to enjoy the city’s historical, artistic, and leisure elements. It’s right alongside Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park. Mission Trails Regional Park, which is conveniently situated eight miles northeast of central San Diego, offers a short, natural diversion from the city’s congestion. 

Mission Trails Regional Park presents roughly 60 miles of trails. You can also enjoy kayaking on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, various immersive hikes, and a cutting-edge Visitor and Interpretive Center.

3. Griffith Park

Third on our list, Griffith Park is the most recognizable. Griffith Park is one of the biggest city parks with urban nature areas in the entire country. This popular park spans 4,210 acres. It has both natural chaparral-covered terrain and groomed gardens and picnic spots. 

The elevations of the park, which are located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, vary between 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level. The variety of options is broad as well. Ranging from admiring tigers at the Los Angeles Zoo to seeing world-class musical performances at the Greek Theatre.

On the 53-mile stretch of hiking paths that crisscross the remarkably untouched landscape of Griffith Park, you may get away from the hustle and bustle by yourself or with a skilled guide. You can hike to the Griffith Observatory or Bronson Caves. Visitors can also stroll through the urban wonderland to Fern Dell’s beautiful, fern-filled valley.  

4. Mission Bay Park

Next is the perfect city park during a warm California day. The country’s biggest aquatic park is called Mission Bay Park. Approximately 4,235 acres of it are divided relatively equally between land and water. 

There are 27 miles of shoreline in Mission Bay, and 19 of them consist of sandy beaches. Eight of these are the ultimate swimming destinations. Average attendance at the park is 15 million per year. Everybody from surfers to sunbathers will love this location. 

Hundreds of acres of waterways can be explored by renting a boat, swimming, or simply relaxing in the sun. Boat docks and launching areas, kayak and motorboat rentals, cycling and walking pathways, basketball courts, and kid-friendly playgrounds are all available at Mission Bay Park. 

It is among the most entertaining places to visit in San Diego.

5. Los Penasquitos Canyon

The Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is situated among Mira Mesa to the south. Rancho Penasquitos and Sorrento Hills are in the opposite direction. The name means “Little Cliffs.” It extends for roughly seven miles. 

This park spans over 4,000 acres in both Lopez and Penasquitos Canyons. Both now and in the past, the abundance of earth’s resources and the scenic appeal of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve have drawn visitors. 

The Preserve’s Native American past extends back as long as 7,000 years. Over 500 plant species, in excess of 175 different bird species, and a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals are examples of the canyon’s tremendous biodiversity. 

6. Black Mountain Park

At the time of writing this, this park consists of 2,352 acres. There are potential plans that it could expand in the future. Black Mountain Open Space Park consists of a number of hills, peaks, and valleys that are covered in woodland and sage. 

Hikers, bicycle riders, and horseback riders have a variety of pathways at their disposal to explore this open space park’s wonders. There are many paths and dirt roads on Black Mountain that wind through canyons dotted with lush chaparral, native prairies, and riparian regions. 

A 360-degree view can be enjoyed from Black Mountain’s peak by climbers and cyclists who like the exertion of the rugged mountain trail. With simple to moderate topography through ravines, prairies, and riparian corridors, the trails provide outdoor enthusiasts with a fascinating and varied experience. 

For those who love animals, this park is the best!

7. Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area

The Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area was constructed in 1951 when the City of Los Angeles obtained a 50-year lease for 1,700 acres in the northeastern region of what had previously been a portion of the historic Encino Rancho. 

It is one of the bigger open places in the San Fernando Valley and has a lot of big recreation areas such as parks, several golf courses, a model airplane field, an Olympic velodrome, a wildlife sanctuary, a water treatment facility, and an armory.  

Two miles long and home to a lot of the best paddling, boating, and birding opportunities in the L.A. basin is the Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone. It offers a tranquil haven apart from the nearby clamor of metropolitan activity.

8. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Nestled on the cliffs overlooking Torrey Pines State Beach, the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has been devoted to protecting its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, as well as other local animals in its natural habitat. 

The park contains a number of well-maintained paths that snake around the cliffs and offer amazing vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It is a coastal habitat of pine trees and sandstone gorges.

The park offers fantastic hiking opportunities for all skill levels, with both simple, family-friendly paths and more challenging trails. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is open for day use only. 

It’s important to note that pets are not allowed here. In the park, rattlesnakes have been seen; make sure that you remain on the trails and avoid approaching any snakes or animals of any kind. 

9. The Presidio

Next, let’s talk about The Presidio – and not the movie! The Presidio, a national park site in San Francisco, offers countless trails, entertaining activities, and magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is always new information to learn! 

You could discover anything to do at one of the Presidio’s most popular attractions whether you’re more into nature, San Francisco history, or entertainment. The 1,491-acre park offers a variety of free family activities as well as treks along the ocean and outdoor art displays. 

Find the ideal location, whether it has a breathtaking view, a covered area, barbecues, or room for a big party. If you visit Baker Beach you’ll get amazing views of the water. You’ll also get views of the naked beachgoers at this clothing-optional beach. 

10. Hansen Dam Recreation Center

A flood control structure called Hansen Dam is located in Los Angeles, California’s Lake View Terrace area, in the northeastern San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the dam over 80 years ago.

A 1,300-acre reservoir, commonly known as Hansen Lake, is housed within the dam. A moderately sized lake that is filled with circulating drinking water and enables free fishing and sailing is part of the Recreation Center and Park. 

Even on holidays, the lake is accessible, however, it might be closed if there is a severe storm or if there are scheduled events. A smaller swim lake with purified and chlorinated water is also present at the location, and it can accommodate 2,800 swimmers.

The three lakes located within the flood control basin are serviced by lifeguards from the City of Los Angeles. Baseball fields and soccer pitches are also accessible at this park, along with picnic tables, BBQ pits, and kid-friendly play areas.

11. Golden Gate Park

We can’t talk about public parks in the Golden State without talking about Golden Gate State Park. Discover the 1,017 acres of this renowned park, which includes gorgeous lakes and meadows as well as exciting activity hotspots. 

Everybody can find something to do around Golden Gate Park. The Nate Thurmond Basketball Courts at the Panhandle are among the most well-known and recognizable in the city. 

Here, players can play competitive casual games of basketball while taking in the scenery of old trees, a play area, and the commotion of busy nearby streets. Miles of roads and paths in Golden Gate Park are ideal for runners. 

The unlimited variety of roads, trails, and undulating landscapes allows runners to customize their workouts to their own demands. A 7.4-mile loop travels around the park’s exterior. Popular trails include a 4.5-mile circuit on the park’s western edge.

Discover a park that is so abundant that it sustains 19 different ecosystems and more than 2,000 species of animals and plants. There are a plethora of lakes and gardens to enjoy here as well. 

Summary of the Largest City Parks in California