Kate Sessions Park

Kate Sessions Park is one of San Diego's best-kept secrets -- a hilltop park in Pacific Beach that offers what is arguably the finest panoramic view in the city, completely free. Named after Kate Olivia Sessions, the pioneering horticulturist known as the Mother of Balboa Park, this 79-acre park sits on a hillside overlooking Mission Bay, the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla, downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and the mountains to the east.

The park's design is its genius: it is simply a large, well-maintained grass hillside with scattered trees, walking paths, and benches. The simplicity is what makes it special. Families bring picnic blankets, kids bring balls and kites, and everyone faces west.

For families with young children, the wide-open grass hillside provides the most natural play environment imaginable. The hills are gentle enough for a 2-year-old to navigate and extensive enough for a 12-year-old to explore.

The sunset experience at Kate Sessions is special enough to plan a trip around. The sky transitions through gold, orange, pink, and purple, reflected in Mission Bay below. Families who bring a picnic dinner and eat on the grass during sunset consistently describe it as a trip highlight.

Parking is on the street along Soledad Road. On weekend evenings, spots fill quickly -- arriving 60-90 minutes before sunset is recommended.