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    Pantoja Park

    4.0 (26 reviews)

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    Closeup photo of a beautiful butterfly

    This is one of my favorite parks to go to downtown. Not only are there little bunnies everywhere, there are also butterflies and hummingbirds! My favorite is at night when the opossums come out though! Lol

    Beautiful full grown trees
    Jack M.

    This is a great little park in the heart of downtown San Diego. It has huge over grown trees that have been established for years. I enjoyed sitting here chatting with a friend a few days ago and looking at the surrounding city scape. The place is pet friendly as long as you pick after, well you know, and there is plenty of room for tossing a Frisbee, football, or playing net volley ball. While I was there most people I saw ere walking their pet are sitting around having conversations. Great little park amongst the hassle and bustle of the city.

    Parkery
    Jessica S.

    I love this little quaint park, tucked away in downtown San Diego. I always saw it referenced on maps of the area, but never really thought much about where it was located, or what it even looked like. We've taken to coming here at least once a week, with the mongrels in tow, to hang out on a bench, under one of the huge trees, while soaking up the heat and people watching (typically with a light breakfast and a latte from Elixir in hand). The park itself is clean, with a lot of green space that dogs love, and some impressive trees that drop...things...on the ground. There have been many a discussion as to they types of trees in the area, but neither of us know much about trees (it's not a palm, it's not a jacaranda, it's not a pine...) The nice thing about this little park is that it's close to the trolley and a few different cafes, shops and just a short walk from Seaport Village. Plus, there's a lot of street parking all around the place, so if you have to drive, you have a good chance of finding a parking space. All in all, not a bad place to while away a beautiful, sunny morning.

    Joe T.

    A nice open space near the convention center and seaport village. Place is dog friendly. It is quiet and usually not very busy every time I have walked by. There is plenty of street parking nearby. Downside is there no public restroom. There is coffee shop across the street and is only a block over from the Seaport Village. A nice place to sit outside, catch some sun, and have an outdoor lunch.

    Pantoja Park, San Diego
    Doug K.

    Pantoja Park is one of the few parks in downtown San Diego. As the building boom continues, that there is a park in downtown San Diego at all is exciting in and of itself. But this park is special. Pantoja Park is the city's oldest park. Created in 1850 and named after the Spanish explorer, Don Juan Pantoja y Arriaga, who first surveyed and charted San Diego Bay in 1782, it is a rare pocket of quiet greenery amid all the bustle of downtown redevelopment. Then there is the statue in the park. Like much of San Diego it is not what is expected. Your first glance of San Diego decieves you; you have to take a closer look to figure out what's really going on. The statue must be Don Juan Pantoja, right? No, the tall figure standing on the pedestal in the park is Benito Juarez, Mexico's first president of native descent. The statue was given by the Mexican government to the city of San Diego in 1981 as a gesture of friendship. We have to preserve what little green space we have in downtown. If ever enough people agree that Pantoja Park is nothing more than a rectangle of open space, Pantoja Park is dead, and another condo site is born.

    Elyse R.

    Driving through downtown and stumbled across this cute little park in the middle of the city! Great for dogs, picnics, and for naps :) This park is quite, perfect for relaxing! You would have never thought you're in the middle of the city!

    Pantoja Park sign
    Mike C.

    Cool, small, dog park. I would say that the circumfrence is no bigger than a quarter mile in length. There are a few benches here and there. A statue and the rest is grass. Smells like dog pooh though, and the homeless congregate here during the day. At night, it seems more quiet since there is no one here, as one of the rules for the park is no sleeping overnight. Other rules include no smoking, no alcohol, no glass containers, and dogs must be leashed and to clean up after your pet. I like this park too because I can actually sober up and just hang out here for a bit. Since I usually park my car at the Navy base on PCH, this place is good spot to just chill for a bit after a night of debauchery and shenanigans. There is no closing time here, but you can't sleep overnight. And it's not scary at night, don't worry, you're good. You may have seen this once or twice as you drove by but it's a tiny park, so if you have the time, stop by here on G st. between Columbia and India, and take a 5 minute walk through the park. It's cool.

    Monday afternoon in Pantoja with the pooches.
    Alisa C.

    A small park in the Marina District that is dog...no, pet friendly! I've seen cats walking with leashes and a homeless man walking with his pigeons!!! I would give it a 5 star if it weren't for the irresponsible dog owners that do not clean up after their dogs...bags are provided! So no excuses for not picking up the poop! There are signs saying dogs must always be leashed, but a number of people let their dogs run around and I'm fine with it as long as the dog is well behaved. I always see many business people come to take a break here or even take their lunch to enjoy the nice day. If I worked close to the park, I would definitely take advantage of it for a nice, peaceful break.

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    17 years ago

    Doggie poo situation has gotten better. Yay. Sans doggie poo - what a beautiful park..and soo many birds!

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    10 years ago

    Nice dog park has a few benches mostly in the sun. I havent seen a restroom. But I think its nice for a lunch outside

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    Ask the Community - Pantoja Park

    Review Highlights - Pantoja Park

    Driving through downtown and stumbled across this cute little park in the middle of the city!

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    Civita Park - Basketball court! Can you make a basket?

    Civita Park

    4.6(173 reviews)
    4.6 miMission Valley

    Civita Park in Mission Valley has quickly become one of my go-to spots, especially since it's just…read morea short drive from home. It's super accessible with ample parking, and I love that there are multiple entry points and routes you can take depending on how long of a walk you're in the mood for. This park truly has something for everyone. There's a splash pad, basketball courts, a great playground for kids, and even a giant chess game, which is such a fun and unique touch. It's also an amazing place to walk your dog--I bring mine here all the time, and he absolutely loves all the open grass and the variety of paths we can explore. One of my favorite features is the set of stairs that lead up toward the residential areas and the dog park. If you take them all the way up, you're rewarded with really pretty views at the top, which makes the little climb totally worth it. Overall, Civita Park is clean, well-designed, and perfect whether you're looking to be active or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Definitely a Mission Valley gem!

    Pros: Spacious, plenty of walking paths, with nice clean facilities, which include 2 family…read morebathrooms with baby diaper changing stations and several drinking fountains. There's also a row of small fountains for kids to play, run through and splash in. Cons: It's a really nice park ON A COOL DAY. Lately, with temperatures 10 to 19° above "normal average" - or maybe it's just the new normal - it's hard to recall the last time we got to experience a cool day. But here, the way the gazebos, tables, and benches are set up reflects a pretty severe case of denial that this is Southern California, and not quite within walking distance from the beach. It WILL get hot whenever it damn pleases, with or without notice. It did so in February already, in case you missed it. We came a few times for the farmers market. Both days were unfortunately " 80°F" her weather report, which in reality feels like 92°F, and we had to scramble to find a little bit of shade, so that we could eat our street food without passing out from heat stroke. We huddled awkwardly on the curb under a small tree. Other people passing by with food in their hands looked at us with envy. NOT A SINGLE PERSON sat on the readily available benches with tables, because they were in the blazing sun, yet lacked any shade. Never mind an umbrella, not even holes to put one in!! Denial much?? It's really sad, because it's a beautiful place. It just DESPERATELY needs more shade for the visitors to feel comfortable without clinging to trees or the bathroom walls.

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    Maruta Gardner Playground - Klover & Kai

    Maruta Gardner Playground

    4.8(29 reviews)
    6.2 mi

    The most amazing park my toddler and I have ever had the pleasure of visiting- thus far!!!…read more As we were driving to Old Town, we passed by a few playgrounds prompting my little monster's request for some play time. After we were doing doing some basic tourist-y things, I hopped on Yelp in search of a few parks located withing the vicinity. Maruta Gardner Playgound seemed to be the most entertaining and appropriate for my wild child. Parking was plentiful and the size of this particular playground was great. Not only was the look and design very unique, you really couldn't ask for a better view. Seating was plentiful and again, the design of things were so cool. Shade is easily found and the play structure is great for children + adults of all ages. Lastly, there are restrooms and water fountain located not too far. Shout out to Ms. Maruta Gardner!! My daughter and I thank you because this place wouldn't have been possible without you. Your dedications and love for your community was undeniable. Thank you for beautifying everything around you and rest in paradise. 5/5 Stars!! Definitely a must if you are in San Diego!!

    This is a fantastic park! Truly has activities for all ages and lots of seating for parents. The…read moreswings and climbing structure are so fun! I also love that it's right across the street from mission beach. We love to walk along the beach then come and play or vice versa. Generally safe area and haven't seen many homeless loitering about. Pretty clean and minimal litter.

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    Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

    Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

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    Pantoja Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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