Buddy Todd Park - Image 1
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Buddy Todd Park

4.6
·1k reviews·Oceanside, United States

A scenic hilltop park in Oceanside with a beloved playground, picnic areas, and panoramic city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, late afternoon

Grilling, picnics, and community vibes

CrowdMedium
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Buddy Todd Park - Image 1

Buddy Todd Park

Best Time

Weekends, late afternoon

Grilling, picnics, and community vibes

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic hilltop park in Oceanside with a beloved playground, picnic areas, and panoramic city views.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"This park is quite amazing to relax at...sitting atop a hill with a coastal breeze makes this a great picnic park."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

With great picnic spots and grills, bring your own food for a delightful outdoor meal .

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the walking paths and enjoy the park's expanse with comfy footwear .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Train Playground

The Train Playground

Children's Play Area

A standout feature for kids, this playground boasts a fun train structure that sparks imagination and active play.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Hilltop

Enjoy sweeping vistas of Oceanside and beyond from this elevated park, perfect for a relaxing picnic or a moment of reflection.

Shaded Picnic Spots

Shaded Picnic Spots

Picnic Areas

Numerous shade trees and well-equipped picnic areas with grills make this park ideal for outdoor gatherings and meals.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Breeze and Views

Perched atop a hill, Buddy Todd Park offers a refreshing coastal breeze and panoramic city views. It's a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, so consider bringing a blanket and enjoying the scenery. The park is known for its shade trees, making it a pleasant escape on warmer days.

Family Fun & Activities

This park is a hit with families, featuring a large playground with a unique train-themed section that kids adore.Instagram With ample green space, picnic areas, and sports courts, it's perfect for a day of play and relaxation. Keep an eye out for community events like movie nights and pack walks.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Grilling, picnics, and community vibes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls and cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
During community events
Why
Movie nights, pack walks, and more
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most fun day with the fam at Taste of Oceanside 🌴🌮 #oceansidecalifornia #sandiego #fyp @ZARA @Rip Curl @New Balance #carlsbad @Odie’s Pizza Co. @Beertown @SANCHOS TACOS @Handel’s Ice Cream @Blade1936 @Rose Cafe @stokedonsalsa @Oceanside, Ca
@valariebreckenridge
4.2K likes • 39.4K views

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

With great picnic spots and grills, bring your own food for a delightful outdoor meal.Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the walking paths and enjoy the park's expanse with comfy footwear.Reddit

I wouldn't travel to Oceanside for it, BUT if you're already heading there ... grab a coffee at The Cup and go for a short walk to catch a peek of the lot that was used for Pope's Skatepark in Animal Kingdom. #animalkingdom #animalkingdomnetflix #oceansideca #pope
@wandertobreathe
1.2K likes • 22.4K views
Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside 🚂 19 acre park on the top of a small hill with a play structure, swings (baby and regular), walking path/trail, plenty of grassy fields, numerous shade trees, picnic benches, basketball courts, volleyball court/net, and bathrooms 🚂Our favorite is the train part of the playground 🚂Free, easy parking and great views all around (ocean views as well as the pretty hills ...
sandiegoplaydays
140 likes • 7.8K views

🐶 Leash Your Furry Friends

Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash to ensure everyone's enjoyment.Instagram+1

☀️ Seek Shade on Sunny Days

Plenty of trees offer natural shade, perfect for escaping the midday sun.Instagram

K E E P ♥️ G O I N G!!! Take care of yourself, check on others, go outside! 🫶🏼🦋 Community events coming up: SD BLACK PRIDE AUG 8 -10 @sdblackpride Summer Picnic at Buddy Todd Park Aug 9 @nclgbtqresourcecenter FREE MALL location TBD Aug 24th #sunnystreetoutreach #commUNITY #mutualaid #grassroots #supportlocal #donatelocal #osidesfinest #advocate #oside #feedthestreets #spreadmorelove
sunnystreetoutreachmvmt
45 likes • 824 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

With great picnic spots and grills, bring your own food for a delightful outdoor meal.Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the walking paths and enjoy the park's expanse with comfy footwear.Reddit

🐶 Leash Your Furry Friends

Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash to ensure everyone's enjoyment.Instagram+1

☀️ Seek Shade on Sunny Days

Plenty of trees offer natural shade, perfect for escaping the midday sun.Instagram

📅 Check for Events

The park hosts movie nights, pack walks, and other community gatherings.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Buddy Todd Park's beautiful hilltop location, offering a refreshing coastal breeze and panoramic city views. It's praised for its ample shade, clean facilities, and a fantastic playground that kids adore. While generally well-maintained, some note that park bathrooms can occasionally be locked.

"Adventures at Buddy Todd Park....
This park is quite amazing to relax at...sitting atop a hill with a coastal breeze makes this a great picnic park. Large green grass area to relax. Picnic area off to the side near the basketball courts. This also features a sand volleyball area. The children play area is huge with plenty to do. The outline of the park is a walk area for those wanting to get their steps in. At a distance away is the small airport and parachutes gliding down doing acrobatic tricks whilst airborne.
Enjoy"

George Toth Jr.

"The scenery was very inviting, and the seating was just right for the occasion. We all had a wonderful time together ❤️. Will have another gathering in the near future!"

Tony Jenkins

"Buddy Todd Park is an absolute gem! It’s peaceful, clean, and full of open green space with tons of shade from big, beautiful trees. I brought my cat, Phoenix, here for the first time, and he had a blast exploring and even tried to climb a few trees (his favorite thing!). The park felt safe and well-maintained, and it was a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. We’ll definitely be back—Phoenix gives it two paws up!"

Cory Wilcox

What People Like

Beautiful views and breeze
Great playground
Plenty of shade

What People Dislike

Occasional locked restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buddy Todd Park is located on Mesa Drive in Oceanside.Instagram It features a small parking lot that is usually sufficient for visitors.Reddit Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules if you're not driving.

Yes, there is a small parking lot available at the park. It's generally sufficient for the number of visitors, especially on weekdays.Reddit

While specific bike racks aren't always highlighted, biking is a great way to access local parks. Consider checking for bike lanes on your route to the park.

The park has walking paths and picnic areas, and while specific accessibility details aren't always detailed, many areas are likely accessible. It's always a good idea to call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.

Buddy Todd Park is situated in Oceanside, with Mesa Drive being a key access point. Major roads in the vicinity include Highway 78 and I-5, providing good connectivity.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Buddy Todd Park is a public park and does not have an admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors.Instagram

As a public park, Buddy Todd Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms might vary.

While there are many picnic tables, they are typically first-come, first-served. For larger events like baby showers, reservations might be necessary for specific areas.Instagram

Generally, you can bring picnic items, sports equipment, and well-behaved pets on leashes.Instagram Alcohol and amplified music might have restrictions, so it's best to check with the city's park regulations.

Yes, the park is suitable for events like baby showers Instagram and community gatherings. For larger events, it's advisable to contact the Oceanside Parks and Recreation department for permits and guidelines.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the playground, play basketball or volleyball, have a picnic, go for a walk, or simply relax under the shade trees.Instagram+1 The park also hosts community events like movie nights and pack walks.Instagram+1

Yes, restrooms are available at the park.InstagramReddit However, as with many park facilities, they might occasionally be locked.Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Buddy Todd Park, provided they are on a leash.Instagram+1 It's a great spot for a dog walk and socialization.

The playground is quite large and features a popular train-themed structure that children love.Instagram It offers plenty of opportunities for active play.

While kite flying is generally permitted in open park areas, drone usage may be restricted. It's best to check with the city of Oceanside's park regulations regarding drone operation.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the park itself is ideal for picnics with its grills and picnic areas,Instagram+1 there are various dining options in Oceanside. You can find restaurants and cafes a short drive away.

Yes, Buddy Todd Park has barbecue grills available, making it a perfect spot for a cookout.Instagram

Occasionally, food vendors might be present during special events like movie nights.Instagram Otherwise, it's best to bring your own food for picnics.

Given the grilling facilities, barbecue items are popular. Many visitors also enjoy bringing sandwiches, salads, and snacks for a relaxed picnic experience.Instagram

There are no permanent concessions at Buddy Todd Park. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and beverages.

📸 📸 Photography

The hilltop offers stunning panoramic views of the city and coast, perfect for landscape shots.Instagram The playground, especially the train structure, is great for capturing candid family moments.Instagram The mature trees also provide beautiful natural backdrops.

Absolutely! The elevated position of the park provides excellent vantage points for capturing beautiful sunset views over the city and potentially the ocean.Instagram

Yes, you're welcome to take personal photos at events. For professional photography or commercial use, it's advisable to check with the city for any necessary permits.

The park's location near a small airport offers a unique chance to photograph parachutes gliding down, adding an interesting element to your shots.Reddit

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shade trees offer some relief for portraits.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Buddy Todd Park is a fantastic destination for families. The large playground, especially the unique train-themed structure, is a major draw for children.Instagram With plenty of open green space, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, it's perfect for a family picnic or a day of active play. Parents can relax under the shade trees while kids burn off energy. Keep an eye out for family-friendly events like movie nights hosted at the park.Instagram

🐶 Pet Owners

Dog owners will appreciate Buddy Todd Park as a great spot for their furry companions. The park features walking paths and open grassy areas, ideal for exercise and socialization. Pack walks are frequently organized here, offering a chance for dogs to play together.Instagram Remember to keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

🚶‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking to stay active, Buddy Todd Park offers a dedicated walking path that circles the park, perfect for a stroll or a brisk walk.Reddit The park also has basketball courts and a volleyball area for more energetic activities. The hilltop location provides a bit of an incline, adding a challenge to your workout while you enjoy the views.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Buddy Todd Park's Amenities

Buddy Todd Park is a 19-acre public space in Oceanside, California, offering a variety of amenities for visitors. It's situated on a hill, providing a pleasant coastal breeze and scenic views of the surrounding city.Instagram+2 The park is well-equipped for recreation and relaxation, featuring a children's playground, basketball courts, a volleyball area, and ample grassy fields perfect for games or simply lounging.Instagram+1

For those who enjoy outdoor dining, Buddy Todd Park boasts numerous shade trees and picnic benches, along with barbecue grills, making it an ideal location for family gatherings and cookouts.Instagram+1 A dedicated walking path circles the park, allowing visitors to get their steps in while enjoying the environment.Reddit The park also hosts various community events, from movie nights Instagram to pack walks for dogs,Instagram fostering a strong sense of community among residents.

Community and Events at Buddy Todd Park

Buddy Todd Park serves as a vibrant hub for community activities in Oceanside. It's a popular venue for organized events, including movie nights hosted by Parks and Rec,Instagram which often feature local food vendors.Instagram The park also hosts specialized gatherings like reiki and sound bath sessions,Instagram nature therapy sessions,Instagram and tree treks led by arborists,Instagram showcasing the park's diverse appeal.

Furthermore, the park is a frequent spot for community-organized walks, such as pack walks for dogs, encouraging socialization and exercise for pets and their owners.Instagram Even unique events like medieval battles using foam swords have taken place here, highlighting the park's versatility and its role in bringing people together for fun and recreation.Reddit These events underscore Buddy Todd Park's importance as a gathering place for residents of all ages and interests.

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