Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park
Coastal parks with playgrounds, grassy areas, and stunning ocean views, perfect for picnics and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Coastal parks with playgrounds, grassy areas, and stunning ocean views, perfect for picnics and family fun.
"This is a beautiful place to hang out, whether going to the beach or at the park or community center."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking fills up fast! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends for the best chance.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
The grassy areas are perfect for picnics with amazing ocean views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Playground
Powerhouse Park
A newly renovated playground with swings and a sand area, offering stunning ocean views. Perfect for kids of all ages.
Expansive Grassy Area
Powerhouse Park
A large, well-maintained lawn overlooking the Pacific, perfect for picnics, yoga, or simply relaxing.
Seagrove Park Bluffs
Seagrove Park
Offers scenic trails on bluffs above the beach, providing panoramic coastal vistas and a short walk to Powerhouse Park.
+1
Sunset Views
Powerhouse Park & Seagrove Park
Both parks are renowned for their spectacular sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best for Picnics & Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking fills up fast! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends for the best chance.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
The grassy areas are perfect for picnics with amazing ocean views. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore the bluffs and beach, so wear comfy footwear.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Enjoy the park with your furry friends, as long as they are on a leash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking fills up fast! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends for the best chance.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
The grassy areas are perfect for picnics with amazing ocean views. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore the bluffs and beach, so wear comfy footwear.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Enjoy the park with your furry friends, as long as they are on a leash.
🎶 Check for Summer Music
Summer often brings music events to the park, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park for their spectacular ocean views, well-maintained grassy areas perfect for picnics, and family-friendly playgrounds. The accessibility to the beach and the stunning sunset vistas are consistently highlighted as major draws. While parking can be a challenge and expensive, the overall experience is considered a beautiful coastal escape and a slice of paradise. +2
"There's a large grassy area overlooking the ocean, great for picnics. There's plenty of benches for watching the surfers. Music events are common over the summer. Paid parking is available across the street, but there's also street parking if you get lucky. There are several restaurants walkable for lunch."
Kimberly Floyd
"This is a beautiful place to hang out, whether going to the beach or at the park or community center. There is a lot offered. The beach and ocean is beautiful and everything is in walking distance. We very much enjoyed visiting."
J.R. Balazs
"Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, San Diego, is nothing short of spectacular. It combines the serene beauty of a coastal escape with the charm and accessibility of a well-maintained public park, making it, in my opinion, one of the best beach destinations in the world.
From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean greets you with open arms. The park sits on a bluff directly overlooking the beach, offering panoramic views of the coastline, vibrant sunsets, and the calming sound of crashing waves. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply relaxing with a book while enjoying the sea breeze.
The beach itself is wide and clean, with soft sand and gentle slopes into the ocean. It’s perfect for all kinds of beachgoers—whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or just lay out in the sun. The waves are moderate, making it a great spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners. Families with kids will love the tide pools at low tide, where little ones can explore and discover marine life in a safe and fun way.
The grassy park area is beautifully maintained and includes plenty of benches and picnic tables, ideal for gathering with friends or hosting casual events. The iconic Powerhouse Community Center building adds a unique architectural charm to the location, and it’s often used for weddings and celebrations thanks to its unbeatable oceanfront setting.
What really sets Powerhouse Park apart is its atmosphere. It’s peaceful and relaxing, yet full of life. You’ll often see joggers, yogis practicing at sunrise, families enjoying picnics, and surfers running toward the waves. And just a short walk away, you’ll find a variety of excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques along Camino Del Mar—making it easy to spend the whole day in the area.
Free and metered parking is available nearby, though it can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea. Restrooms and showers are also conveniently located, making it practical for a full day at the beach.
All in all, Powerhouse Park offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, recreational fun, and coastal charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this beach delivers a memorable experience every time. It’s more than just a beach—it’s a little slice of paradise."
bashar mraish
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Both parks are located in Del Mar, California, right off Camino Del Mar. They are adjacent to each other, with Seagrove Park slightly north. You can easily access them by car. Public transport options are limited, but the Coaster train stops nearby in Del Mar, requiring a short walk or ride-share to the parks.
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. There's a paid parking lot directly across from Powerhouse Park, which can be expensive for longer stays ($20 for 2 hours). Free street parking is available on surrounding streets, but it fills up very quickly. Arriving before 9 AM on weekends is highly recommended for free street parking.
The closest public transport is the Del Mar stop for the COASTER train. From the station, it's about a 15-20 minute walk or a short ride-share to reach Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park.
Yes, the parks are adjacent and easily walkable from each other. Seagrove Park is just a short stroll north of Powerhouse Park, and you can explore the bluffs at Seagrove.
Yes, restrooms and showers are conveniently located at the parks, making them practical for a full day of beach and park activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, both Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park are public parks and are free to enter. There are no admission fees.
The parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for the community center building may vary.
Access to the beach is free, as are the parks. You only pay for parking if you choose the paid lot.
While there are many picnic tables and benches, they are typically on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger events, you may need to contact the local parks department for permits.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in both parks, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your pets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the playground, have picnics on the large grassy area, relax on the beach, watch surfers, and take in the sunset. Sound healing sessions have also been noted. +3
Absolutely! It features a fantastic playground with swings and a sand pit, plus a wide grassy area for running around. The beach is also family-friendly. +3
Seagrove Park offers scenic trails along the bluffs above the beach, providing great views. It's a short walk to Powerhouse Park and its amenities.
Yes, the beach is suitable for swimming and surfing. The waves are generally moderate, making it good for various skill levels.
The park is a popular spot for events, including music events during the summer and weddings at the historic Powerhouse Community Center building.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques within walking distance along Camino Del Mar, offering various dining options.
Definitely! The park has ample grassy areas and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a picnic with ocean views. +1
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors within the park itself, but the proximity to restaurants makes it easy to grab food.
You'll find a range of options, from casual pubs and cafes to more upscale dining, catering to different tastes.
The historic Powerhouse Community Center building is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations due to its stunning oceanfront setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the ocean and coastline. +1
The panoramic ocean views from the bluff, the playground with the ocean backdrop, and the historic Powerhouse Community Center building are all highly photogenic. +1
Yes, Powerhouse Park is renowned for its stunning sunsets, making it a prime location for capturing breathtaking sunset shots. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial photography or large events, permits might be required.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and park landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park
The parks are particularly popular with families due to the newly renovated playground at Powerhouse Park. It features a fun sand pit and swings, providing hours of entertainment for children of all ages. The beach below is easily accessible, with soft sand and moderate waves suitable for swimming and beginner surfing. Tide pools can also be discovered at low tide, offering a chance for little ones to explore marine life.
Beyond recreation, the historic Powerhouse Community Center building adds architectural charm and serves as a popular venue for weddings and events. The area is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with locals and visitors enjoying activities like jogging, yoga, and simply soaking in the coastal ambiance. The proximity to Camino Del Mar means a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops are just a short walk away, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the area.
Navigating Parking and Access
For those seeking free parking, street parking is available on the surrounding residential streets. However, these spots fill up extremely quickly. Many visitors recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, to have a good chance of finding free street parking. If you don't mind a bit of a walk, you can often find parking further away and enjoy a pleasant stroll to the parks.
Public transportation is an option, with the Del Mar stop on the COASTER train line being the closest. From the train station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk or a short ride-share to reach the parks. This can be a good alternative to dealing with parking hassles, especially if you're coming from another part of San Diego.
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