Kate O Sessions Park
Location: Lamont St and Park Dr, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA (map)
Phone: (619) 525-8213; More info/Permits: Website
Park Highlights
79-acre Kate O. Session Park offers residents and tourists some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views of San Diego as well as a perfect location for picnics, kite-flying, family BBQs, ultimate Frisbee and other outdoor activities.
Lots of Space
Hikers can enjoy exploring 60 acres of preserved land around Kate Sessions Park, while those seeking a more relaxing day can grab a picnic table or a spot in the grassy fields. The expansive park is conducive to family gatherings or just bringing the kids to play. Any nice weekend (and there are many in San Diego) will bring out people of all ages to the park.
Scenic Views
Kate Sessions Park is known for offering some of the best views in San Diego. On a clear day, visitors to the park can see Mission Bay, Coronado Bay Bridge and even the hills of distance Tijuana, Mexico. It also features two play structures for children, picnic tables, BBQ pits, water fountains, bathrooms and trash cans.
The park is located atop Lamont Street at Soledad Road on the border between Pacific Beach and La Jolla.
Who Was Kate Sessions?
The park is named for the local botanist, horticulturalist and landscape architect Kate Sessions who helped design Balboa Park in the late 1800s. Many of the older cypress, pine, oak, pepper trees and eucalyptus found in the park were planted by Sessions, earning her the nickname “Mother of Balboa Park”. A statue of her still stands guard in Balboa Park today.
Alcohol Rules
Since the alcohol ban on San Diego beaches took effect in 2008, Kate O Sessions Park is one of the few scenic outdoor areas where drinking is still permitted. This has created some conflict between those who now flock to the park to drink and the park’s surrounding communities.
Events include Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green and July 4th festivities. During summer, there is great viewing of SeaWorld fireworks.
Amenities
- Multiuse Baseball/Soccer Fields
- Large, spacious grassy area with scenic views of Mission Bay, downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, ocean, and Mexico.
- Play Equipment
- Picnic Facilities
- Restrooms
Regulations
- Alcohol permitted (Check for updates. It may end up being banned.)
- No Glass Containers
- No Skateboards, Rollerblades, or Bladeskates
- Dogs must be on a leash during times.
