Buddy Todd Park
A scenic hilltop park in Oceanside with a beloved playground, picnic areas, and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Grilling, picnics, and community vibes
Buddy Todd Park
Best Time
Grilling, picnics, and community vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic hilltop park in Oceanside with a beloved playground, picnic areas, and panoramic city views.
"This park is quite amazing to relax at...sitting atop a hill with a coastal breeze makes this a great picnic park."
🧺 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 .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Picnic Areas
Numerous shade trees and well-equipped picnic areas with grills make this park ideal for outdoor gatherings and meals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Breeze and Views
Family Fun & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 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.
🐶 Leash Your Furry Friends
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash to ensure everyone's enjoyment.
☀️ Seek Shade on Sunny Days
Plenty of trees offer natural shade, perfect for escaping the midday sun.
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.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore the walking paths and enjoy the park's expanse with comfy footwear.
🐶 Leash Your Furry Friends
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash to ensure everyone's enjoyment.
☀️ Seek Shade on Sunny Days
Plenty of trees offer natural shade, perfect for escaping the midday sun.
📅 Check for Events
The park hosts movie nights, pack walks, and other community gatherings.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buddy Todd Park is located on Mesa Drive in Oceanside. It features a small parking lot that is usually sufficient for visitors. 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.
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.
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.
Generally, you can bring picnic items, sports equipment, and well-behaved pets on leashes. 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 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. The park also hosts community events like movie nights and pack walks.
Yes, restrooms are available at the park. However, as with many park facilities, they might occasionally be locked.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Buddy Todd Park, provided they are on a leash. 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. 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, 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.
Occasionally, food vendors might be present during special events like movie nights. 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.
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. The playground, especially the train structure, is great for capturing candid family moments. 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.
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.
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
🐶 Pet Owners
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Buddy Todd Park's Amenities
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. A dedicated walking path circles the park, allowing visitors to get their steps in while enjoying the environment. The park also hosts various community events, from movie nights to pack walks for dogs, fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
Community and Events at Buddy Todd Park
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. 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. These events underscore Buddy Todd Park's importance as a gathering place for residents of all ages and interests.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit