(KGTV) - Summertime in San Diego presents some of the best days for families to get outside and spend time together.
While San Diego's beaches are often a go-to attraction for tourists and locals alike, the county's local parks offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors close to home and within your own community.
Here's a look at local parks across the San Diego County perfect for an afternoon picnic or day outside -- and sure tourists are invited too.
Chula Vista Marina View Park; 900 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Website
-- Marina View Park has all the amenities for a picnic, complete with playground areas and a magnificent view of the bay.
Embarcadero Marina Park; (South) 200 Marina Park Way, (North) 400 Kettner Boulevard
Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Website
-- If you're looking for ample parking and proximity to downtown San Diego, Embarcadero parks offer a prime location to catch the sea breeze and enjoy the bayfront.
Mission Bay Park; 2688 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: Open 24 hours; Website
-- Mission Bay Park combines the best of central San Diego, with views of the bay and beach and plenty of room to stretch out or walk around. Families can make use of bike paths, playgrounds, and swimming areas throughout the year.
Balboa Park; San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: Open 24 hours; Website
-- Balboa Park has long been a go-to spot for a lot of San Diegans, whether they're from North County or the South Bay. It's proximity to museums, arts centers, gardens, and historical areas make this area a unique spot to park the family for the day.
Liberty Station NTC Park; 2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours: Open 24 hours; Website
-- Visitors to NTC Park love this area's location near the bay and shopping, dining, and art. For families looking to enjoy San Diego's scenic views and take part in a little shopping are sure to take a liking to this area.
La Jolla Shores Park; 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Open 24 hours; Website
-- Picnicking by the ocean doesn't get much better than at La Jolla Shores Park. The view overlooking the bay can't be beaten and the park offers plenty of space to toss a football or frisbee around and the park is located just down the street from La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock.
Black Mountain Open Space Park; Rancho Penasquitos
Hours: Dawn to dusk year round; Website
-- More than 2,000 acres of trails and open space make Black Mountain Open Space Park a great place for families looking to get active or take in the sights. Hilltop Community Park offers a playground and room for dog walkers and families to chill out, while nearby trails will lead up to a 360-degree view of the region.
Encinitas Community Park; 425 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Website
-- Encinitas Community Park packs a lot of fun into the community. A skate park, sports and recreation fields, and picnic facilities make this a great spot for locals to relax or get active at.
Kit Carson Park; 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025
Hours: Sunrise to sunset; Website
-- Kit Carson Park is a great spot for families to enjoy North County, with three ponds, playgrounds, lighted athletic fields, an arboretum, hiking trails and more, it's easy to make a day out of a picnic here.
Alga Norte Community Park; 6565 Alicante Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Website
-- An aquatic center, dog park, playground, and shaded picnic areas make Alga Norte Community Park a prime spot to picnic in North County. The 32-acre park gives locals the County's largest skate park and plenty of space to lay out a blanket and enjoy the day.
Mark Saunders is a KGTV digital producer. Follow him on Twitter at @MarkCSaun.
