Fletcher Cove Beach Park

Fletcher Cove Beach Park, Solana Beach

Located right across from the restaurant "The Naked Cafe" is a fun small playground with wonderful views of the pacific ocean. It has a basketball court, large grassy area and picnic tables. Kids had fun for a while but were more excited to get down to the surf and sand.

Location:

• Located at 111 S. Sierra, at the end of Plaza street where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the beach. Map to Fletcher Cove Beach Park

Highlights:

• Great Views
  

Be Aware:

• Check for high tide if you want to go down the steep hill to play on the coast
  

Checklist:

• Parking lot adjacent to playground. Also street parking and larger parking lot across street
  

• Recycled rubber play surface


• Bathrooms are on the other side of grassy area
  


• Not too much shade


• Tons of viewing areas. Up top near the life guard facility has some benches to soak up the ocean view
  


• Plenty of picnic space on the tables, grassy area or down on the sand
  

Las Verdes Park

Las Verdes Park, Encinitas

I've edited this passage a few times. Not too much to say about this park. This would be an "oh, were passing that park let's go play for 30 minutes" kind of moment. A small neighborhood park with a play structure that looks more like an art sculpture. Parts made the kids think...how do I play on this? A crazy slide in my mind. No sides, curves and dangerous to an impulsive kid. Mine figured a safe(haha) way of laying on their backs while straddling. Bring a ball and run those kids back and forth on the great grass patch.

Location:

• Set across the street from the San Diego Botanical Garden (formerly known as Quail Botanical Garden) at 1390 Paseo De Las Verdes in Encinitas. Map to Las Verdes Park

Highlights:

• Swings are always fun
• Looks like it may be part of a trail system

Be Aware:

• No bathrooms

Checklist:

• Parking only available on the street
• Play surface is recycled rubber
• No bathrooms
• Shade triangle over play structure and over picnic table
• Lovely views of neighborhood and San Diego Botanical Gardens
• Quick picnic spot

Links:

• City of Encinitas website
• San Diego Botanical Gardens website

Mulberry Park

Mulberry Park, San Marcos

So, let's just say the kiddos were NOT thrilled about visiting this park. They could see from the car that it was way below their typical large play equipment standards. We were meeting friends so the excuse was to stay and wait and see what happens. Well, we ended up staying 2 hours and they had a great time. The play structures were small for my kids (7 and 5 year old) but they were with friends and got wet on the spray ground and all was well!

Location:

• Located at 751 Mulberry Drive. Off East Mission Road between Meadow View Lane and Vereda Road. Map to Mulberry Park

Highlights:

• We had the park practically to ourselves
• Quiet
• Part of the trail system
• Huge grass field to throw around a football or kick a ball around

Be Aware:

• Bring a towel. The kids got surprisingly wet with the little bit of water that came out of the spouts

Checklist:

• Parking lot off of Vereda Road
• Mix of recycled rubber and wood chips. Concrete under water spouts
• Nice clean bathrooms
• Sparse shade
• Nice views of the hills and community
• BBQ or bring a picnic for the great grass areas or on several tables

Links: City of San Marcos Website