Border Field State Park is a state park of California containing beach and coastal habitat on the Mexico-United States border.

Ski Beach Park is located on east side of Vacation Isle off of Ingraham Street. There is a large grassy area, a picnic shelter with picnic tables, fire rings and a path for jogging or bike riding. Up to two inflatables are allowed. There is a boat launch and ski area on the south side, but no swimming is allowed. There is also a children's playground adjacent to the picnic shelter.

Vacation Isle Park is located in the south end of Vacation Isle, off of Ingraham Street, across from Ski Beach featuring sandy beaches, grassy areas, trees & picnic tables. There are trees which provide lots of shade.

Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses over 6,100 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre resource-based park stretching along the Pacific Ocean bordering the western edge of Point Loma. The park's topography includes intricately carved coastal bluffs, arches and sea caves. It affords inspiring panoramic ocean views. From the cliffs, California gray whales often can be seen migrating annually from the Bering Sea to Baja California and back.

The Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian bridge spanning Lake Hodges immediately south of the Interstate 15 span. The bridge was opened to the public on May 15, 2009.

Piedras Pintadas Trail head provides a wonderful opportunity to observe hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds at Lake Hodges. The reservoir, created when the San Dieguito River was dammed in 1918, is now a critical stop-over for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.

Harbor Island Park grants visitors spectacular views of the city skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge and all the activities happening on our dynamic waterfront. In addition to pristine views, Harbor Island Park features a shoreline path for walkers and joggers and a route for bikers.

Black Mountain Open Space Park offers numerous trails for hiking and biking, and boasts a variety of native animal and plant species. It is home to a wide variety of animal species. Mammals include mule deer, bobcat, desert woodrat, and Pacific kangaroo rat, and many others.

Fiesta Island, a large peninsular park located within Mission Bay, is a popular location for charity walks and runs, bicycle races, time trials and other special events. It is also the home of the annual Over-the-Line tournament.