It's a fun neighborhood park, with some extra-special things…read more First of all, the lake. From this park, there's a nice, flat, shaded walk around Discovery Lake. It's relaxing and beautiful. Many times of the day, there's enough of a breeze to keep things cool. Second, there's a fun playground for the kiddos. Even if you don't have kids with you, I like hearing the sound of kids playing. I enjoy that this is a great place to start for a hike up to Double Peak Park. If you are working your way up to hiking further, you don't need to go very far to get to some nice view spots.

I'm not in this area often, but whenever I am, this park is a must-visit! It's the perfect spot to…read morerelax with a picnic in one of the many shady areas or stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The flat trail around the lake makes for a peaceful walk, and if you're looking for more of a challenge, you can continue up to Double Peak (maybe next time for me!) The scenery is beautiful, the trails are well-maintained, and there's plenty of space to unwind. I'd love to bring my niece and nephew here this summer for a playground and picnic day. They would have a blast exploring and enjoying the open space! Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area!

This is our favorite local park to go to with my little doggy Chloe and also go with my grandson's…read morepark is always clean and has a cute little splash pad just recently discovered that they have areas that you can rent and I'm excited to host my youngest son's college graduation there the prices were definitely affordable, which I appreciate.

On the way down to San Diego. We needed a place to let the dogs run around and stretch their legs…read more Found this place on Yelp. It's not to far from the freeway. It has both a large and small area for the dogs. Both are fenced in. Both have water and poopie bags available. For being in a neighborhood,it was pretty clean. It has a clay surface,like a baseball field. Which is what I prefer,no smell,and easier to keep clean. We lucked out,there was another beagle there today. To bad we really couldn't stay longer to play. But next time we know to plan ahead to stop at this place

It's a great place to walk your dog.. they keep the park clean...there is a nice pond with…read moreducks...there is a playground for the kids...and they also have a pool.

This park has a large butterfly and pollinator habitat on the edge near the school. Throughout the…read moreyear butterflies can be osbserved, with the peak being spring and summer. The best time to see butterflies is during warm clear weather, as butterflies are cold blooded and are most active during these conditions. Some of the butterflies observed and hosted here include: monarchs, swallowtails, orange and yellow sulfurs, painted ladies, various skippers, various blues, buckeyes, duskywings, gulf fritillaries and more.

Such a beautiful park! Has been my safe haven for the past 4 years attending Cal State San Marcos :)read more

Well being in San Marcos we decided on coming to Jacks Pond Park . Let me tell you this park has a…read moresmall parking lot . Next lots of families have Birthday parties here and there are a few Barns here . With a couple of benches for you to sit . There is a trail here but the trail is not too long pretty easy . There is a Playground for kids also . Lots of greenery and Barn style design . Lots of trees and leaves everywhere . But this park is not as big as the others I have been to . Overall nice park and good for families or just to relax and enjoy the park . I can see myself coming back and enjoying again !!

What a great place to hike to! I am glad there are many…read moretypes of paths up to Double Peak Park. Some days I feel like taking the paved of packed earth trails. Other times I enjoy scrambling on the many winding cross country trails. It's all good! Now if only someone would set up a coffee stand at the top

What a view! I came up for the Starwalk event hosted by the city of San Marcos through the Double…read morePeak Astronomy program. There was plenty of parking but we got there early just in case. We walked up to the check-in desk, provided our info, and were given instructions, star maps, and red lenses for our phones. We then walked to Mahnita Boyden-Wofford Amphitheater (a large cement amphitheater) and found seats facing the volunteer ranger presenting the night's info. Unfortunately, it was a bit too foggy to see much. The volunteer ranger (John Walsh) answered questions and explained differences between various stars, meteors, satellites and sky debris. Occasionally, the sky would open up for us to see a few stars. We did get to see the summer triangle and a satellite though. It was a good learning experience and I hope to do more in the future on a clear night. Tip: apparently it's tarrantula season so watch your step.

This park has it all and it's clean!…read more Sample parking and views for days. With a safe play area and restrooms within steps, it's ideal for a quick play date or even a celebration party. If you're looking for a spot to spend a few hours outdoors then make this park your choice and thank me later.

Lovely park that's well maintained. There's a trail that's attached to it. In the park there's a…read morebasketball court, a great playground, a huge stretch of grass, picnic tables, and seat benches that overlook San Marcos facing west of North County. I've had a lot of memories at Simmons Family Park and I love seeing the updates they've done to it and how clean they keep it.

Hollandia Park is a beautiful place for a stroll…read more It has something for everyone: a fantastic playground with a climbing wall for the kids, a great skate park, and it's totally dog-friendly. Parking along the road is super easy, too.

My grandkids are enjoying playing here this evening.... they are enjoying the climbing structure,…read more as well as the other equipment....it's early evening and a good time to play..

Really cute park for kids. Plenty of parking and bathrooms. They have tennis courts and a grassy…read morefield. I believe they also have a skate park but I didn't visualize it from where I was. There's plenty of fun for the kids with numerous slides. The only downside is only the tops of the slides are covered so sliding down when it's hot out can be a real burner. It limits the slides the kids can play on. There are wood chips on the ground so avoid sandals. This park is located next to the elementary school on the main road. You can't miss it!

Pretty flowers here! Many picnic tables for lunch. Only one field for sports. Parking was limited.read more

This Park and Recreation Center is the freakin' coolest I've ever seen!! Its on a hillside and they…read morehave everything you can think of! We took our pooch to the Dog Park near by and my son and I decided to go check out the Park and I'm so glad I did, first of all this place is truly a hidden gem unless you live back up here and know where your going. I of coarse had no clue this little part of San Marcos existed as it does today. I remember this area being strictly a two lane road and just mountains surrounding you back in the day on your way to Questhaven...................Oh was that along long time ago!! Any-who back to this beautiful park, they of a Recreation Center, 2 playgrounds, Picnic areas, Horseshoe pits (something every guy just loves to play, I guess the thought of them throwing the shoe and getting a ringer makes them a bit more manly but who knows....lol), 3 lighted ball fields, Trails, The Dog Park above it all and last but not least my favorite part of the park is the Water "Sprayground" how freakin' cool is that!!! You touch this pole and water spouts from the ground and sprays straight up in the air, my favorite one was the fuzzy sprayer it just kinda mists you. Why couldn't they have this kind of stuff when I was a kid do you know how much fun that would of been!!! The playground was cool my son had a blast I even let him play a bit with the Sprayground even though it was overcast and ugly yesterday. I had so much fun and can't wait to take him back when its a nice sunny hot day!! Maybe just maybe ill have to host a B-day party at this park one year, who knows but talk about an upgraded nice park anybody can go there and feel like a kid again I know I did............:)

San Elijo Park has a recreation center that you can rent out that holds 80 people max and tables…read moreand chairs are provided. There's also a kitchen, private bathrooms and the yard is included in your rental. The place is huge!! It has a dance floor and plenty of lighting. We used it to throw our son's 1st birthday party. The tables were a little used but put a table cloth cover, it's all good! Chairs were fine. Kitchen had a fridge and microwave and even dish washing soap. The supply room had paper towels for the bathrooms and supplies. Weekend rental is an extra $$ compared to weekdays. They do give you an extra hour for clean up. We rented from 11-3 (4pm with free extra hour for clean up) and the cost was around $450ish. Pretty good for indoor space! One thing is the front door is not open and looks closed. Many of our caterers could not find this place. No clear signage to go to the parking lot for entrance.

South Lake is a little lake that is less known than Discovery Lake. Hidden in neighborhoods off…read moreTwin Oaks, it's truly a hidden gem. It's on the map but it's not busy or have many kids. This is due to it being primal still. There's no playground or bathroom. It's a parking lot, then you walk down on the dirt path to the lake, which is also a dirt path around the lake. There lake is bigger than Discovery and it's a good loop. There's no shade. And since it's a dirt path, it's harder for kids to bike or walking. You can access the lake by driving or by a trail that connects the lake with Discovery Lake. The elevation is flat, and good walking loop. You can rent out some space for picnics and parties but not sure if you want to as it's all dirt and there's really no tables or seating area. Solely for a nice peaceful walking path with you, a friend, a stroller or a dog.

A one mile dirt walking loop around a small reservoir. Small amount of hills. Pretty safe but…read morealways be aware of your surroundings. * Parking lot is small. *A lot of illegal fishing going on.