The portico looking toward the museum
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Junipero Serra Park

4.5
·444 reviews·San Bruno, United States

Tranquil park with stunning bay views, shaded trails, playgrounds, and a famous (currently closed) 54-foot slide.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful trails, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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The portico looking toward the museum

Junipero Serra Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful trails, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil park with stunning bay views, shaded trails, playgrounds, and a famous (currently closed) 54-foot slide.

4.5
(444 reviews)

"A tucked-away gem offering shade, views, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Slide Status First! 🎢

The 54' slide is a major draw but often closed. Confirm its status before you go to avoid disappointment.

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Some trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the hikes.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 444 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary 54-Foot Slide

The Legendary 54-Foot Slide

Playground Area

Once a thrilling, steep descent, this epic slide is a must-try for adventurers (when open!).

Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Various trailheads

Explore shaded paths through oak groves and redwood trees, offering beautiful bay and city vistas.

Playgrounds & Picnic Spots

Playgrounds & Picnic Spots

Near Meadow View Picnic Area

Family-friendly playgrounds and shaded picnic areas make this a perfect spot for gatherings.

Airplane Spotting

Airplane Spotting

Higher elevation trails

Watch planes take off and land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – a hit with kids!

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Planning Your Visit

Slide Status & Park Access

The park's famous 54-foot slide is currently closed, much to the disappointment of visitors. Check the park's official status before your visit. Vehicle fees are payable by cash or at the kiosk in the Meadow View Picnic Area.

Trail Conditions & Views

Junipero Serra Park offers moderate hiking trails, some quite steep, so be prepared if you're not in peak condition. Enjoy stunning views of the city, bay, and mountains, with an exciting bonus of watching planes take off from SFO.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
Discover mushrooms & slugs
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Shaded picnic spots
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

There is 50ft long slide at Edgewood Park in Daly City. Anybody know of a longer or more epic one in the Bay Area?

Junipero Serra Park in San Bruno has a 54’ slide. https://supportparks.org/parks-map/junipero-serra-park/

Check Slide Status First! 🎢

The 54' slide is a major draw but often closed. Confirm its status before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Some trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the hikes. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Fun 🐕

Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, making it a great spot for furry friends. Reddit

Pay for Parking :moneybag:

Vehicle fees can be paid in cash or via the kiosk at the Meadow View Picnic Area parking. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Slide Status First! 🎢

The 54' slide is a major draw but often closed. Confirm its status before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Some trails are steep and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the hikes. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Fun 🐕

Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, making it a great spot for furry friends. Reddit

Pay for Parking :moneybag:

Vehicle fees can be paid in cash or via the kiosk at the Meadow View Picnic Area parking. Reddit

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Enjoy meals in shaded picnic areas, many conveniently located near playgrounds. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(444 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Junipero Serra Park is a cherished local gem offering beautiful bay views, shaded trails, and family-friendly amenities. While the closure of its famous 54-foot slide is a disappointment, the park remains a tranquil escape with well-maintained paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Visitors appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and dog-friendly nature, though some note the steepness of certain trails and the early restroom closing time.

"Junipero Serra park is a beautiful little getaway with stunning bay views, meadows, oak groves and redwood trees. The hiking trails are great and there is an awesome playground and picnic areas. The big slides are closed right now - it is very long and steep and a lot of fun so hopefully they reopen it soon.

Restrooms are clean for a park and well maintained - they close at 4:00. Very dog friendly with dogs allowed on leash throughout the park."

Daniel Tinkham

"❇️Junipero Serra Park in San Bruno

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families with kids: short, sweet hiking trails, two playgrounds, and picnic areas.

🥾1.6 mile loop on Quail trail to Live Oak Nature trail.

🍄 Discovered mushrooms and 🐌banana slugs after the refreshing rain.

🌳 Tranquil and green oasis, just minutes away from the city bustle.

✈️ View airplanes taking off and landing at SF airport from this park – an exciting bonus for kids.

🧺 Picnic areas with shade right next to playgrounds – great for summer get-togethers.

🐾 Leashed dogs are welcome to join in the adventure.

🚽 Yes
🅿️ Yes, vehicle fees can be paid in cash or the kiosk at the Meadow View Picnic Area parking."

Aarti Mehta

"Awesome place to get a fun little hike in and to enjoy the stunning view of the city. 😊 The park ranger I spoke to was nice as well.
There's a lot of steep paths, so if not in a good condition that's something to keel in mind!"

김나리

What People Like

Beautiful bay views
Shaded hiking trails
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Slide is closed
Steep trail sections
Restrooms close early

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Junipero Serra Park is located in San Bruno, California. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available within the park, with fees applicable. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local transit routes is recommended.

Yes, there is parking available. Vehicle fees are required and can be paid in cash or at the kiosk located in the Meadow View Picnic Area parking lot. Reddit

Junipero Serra Park is situated in San Bruno. Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point, but it's generally accessible via major roadways in the San Mateo County area. Using a GPS navigation app is advised.

While specific routes can vary, public transport options to parks in this area might involve bus lines. It's best to check with local transit authorities like SamTrans for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.

The park is generally accessible, but some trails are steep, which might be a consideration for visitors with mobility challenges. The playgrounds and picnic areas are typically easier to navigate. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a vehicle fee to enter Junipero Serra Park. This fee can be paid using cash or at the designated kiosk in the Meadow View Picnic Area parking lot. Reddit

Park hours can vary, and it's important to note that restrooms at Junipero Serra Park close at 4:00 PM. Always check the official park website or local listings for the most current operating hours.

While specific booking policies can change, it's often advisable to inquire with the park management or San Mateo County Parks department about reserving picnic areas, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons.

Unfortunately, the 54-foot slide at Junipero Serra Park has been reported as closed. Visitors should check for any updates on its reopening status before planning their visit. Reddit

Information on discounts for park entry is not readily available. It's recommended to check the official San Mateo County Parks website or contact them directly for any potential discount programs or passes.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular trails include the 1.6-mile loop combining the Quail Trail and Live Oak Nature Trail. Many trails offer shade and scenic views of the bay and city. Reddit

Yes, the park features two playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children. Reddit

Absolutely! Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, so your furry companions can enjoy the trails and open spaces with you. Reddit

Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city, the bay, and the surrounding mountains. You can also spot airplanes taking off and landing at SFO. Reddit

The trails are generally reported as being very nicely maintained and well-marked, contributing to a pleasant hiking experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Junipero Serra Park is primarily a natural space and does not have on-site restaurants. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy the picnic areas.

Yes, the park offers numerous picnic areas, many of which are shaded and conveniently located near the playgrounds, making it ideal for family outings or gatherings. Reddit

Information regarding specific BBQ facilities is not widely available. It's best to check with the San Mateo County Parks department for details on available amenities at picnic sites.

Since the park is in San Bruno, you'll find various dining options in the surrounding city and nearby towns. These range from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.

Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's advisable to check the official San Mateo County Parks rules and regulations or contact the park office for specific policies on alcohol consumption.

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic overlooks offering city and bay views are prime photography spots. The shaded oak groves and redwood trees also provide beautiful natural backdrops. Reddit

After rain, the park can be a good spot to find mushrooms and banana slugs, offering unique opportunities for macro photography. Reddit

Yes, the park's vantage points offer views of airplanes taking off and landing at SFO, which can be exciting for aviation photography. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for landscape and nature photography. Midday can be good for capturing the activity around the playgrounds and airplane views. Reddit

Drone usage in parks is often restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife. It's essential to check the specific drone regulations for San Mateo County Parks.

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