4 Senior-Friendly Parks in San Diego

Few things are more pleasant than taking a leisurely stroll through a beautiful San Diego park. Lucky for us, there are a lot of senior-friendly parks in San Diego! Studies show that walking has many health benefits for seniors. If you’re not an avid walker, consider gradually increasing the days you go for a walk outside. Walking just 30 minutes a day is all you need to reap the many health advantages.

Benefits of walking for seniors include strengthened muscles and joints, improved heart health and circulation, reduced bone mass loss, better sleep, enhanced balance, improved mental health and reduced risks for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

If you’d like to get out and go for walk, here are four senior-friendly parks great for a nice walk in the park.

Central San Diego

Presidio Park Trail

You’ll be reminded of San Diego’s rich history as you walk near the historic monuments of Old Town. The trail in Presidio Park offers scenic views and leads visitors through a eucalyptus grove, amongst many other types of trees and plants. The park has benches and picnic tables for resting, as well as public bathrooms.

North County San Diego

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

This coastal wetland offers breathtaking views for nature lovers. Walk through the lagoon’s two-mile trail to view the marsh, native plants, prickly pear cactuses, prehistoric shells (left there by local native Americans) and a wide variety of fish, birds and insects. Keep in mind that it’s an ecological preserve, so nothing can be moved or touched. If you’re interested in learning more about the local nature, check their website for information about their speaker series.

South San Diego

Otay Valley Regional Park

Experience a peaceful walk through a natural river valley by venturing through Chula Vista’s massive Otay Valley Regional Park. With 8.3 miles of walking trails, seven ponds, limited equestrian riding and dozens of native animals (including gray foxes, raccoons, desert cottontails and American badgers), there is plenty to see and explore. More than 200 species of birds visit the park within a year, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars for birdwatching.

East San Diego

Lake Murray

Enjoy the presence of both nature and people by traveling to Lake Murray (which is actually a reservoir). The relatively flat trail that almost circles the lake is 6.4 miles round trip and is a popular spot for San Diegans of all ages. There are also plenty of picnic tables in case you want to bring a picnic.

Start planning routine walks to help strengthen your body, lift your mood and give you fresh air.