Skip to main content
Dusty Rhodes Park park in Point Loma, CA
Photo: Leonardo Yabu
View of Dusty Rhodes Park in Point Loma, CA
Photo: P B
View of Dusty Rhodes Park in Point Loma, CA
Photo: UGURCAN SAHIN

Dusty Rhodes Park

4.4(789 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the playground equipment and open spaces for exploration, while elementary-aged kids love the larger play structures and ample room for sports, frisbee, and kite flying on the grassy fields.

About

Dusty Rhodes Park is a scenic waterfront gem in Point Loma that combines everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With stunning San Diego Bay views, a well-equipped playground, sprawling grassy areas for running and playing, and plenty of shaded picnic spots, it's an ideal destination for families seeking both recreation and relaxation by the water.

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and Coronado Bridge
  • Well-maintained playground with equipment for multiple age groups
  • Spacious grassy fields perfect for picnics, games, and kite flying
  • Waterfront location with opportunities to watch boats, sailboats, and marine activity
  • Shaded picnic areas with tables for family meals

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early on weekends to snag a shaded picnic table with bay views - they fill up quickly by mid-morning
  2. 2.Bring a kite or soccer ball to take advantage of the large open grassy areas that are perfect for active play
  3. 3.The adjacent dog park is separately fenced, so kids can safely play in the main park area while watching boats on the bay
  4. 4.Pack layers or a light jacket as the waterfront breeze can be cool, especially in the afternoon
  5. 5.The park has excellent photo opportunities with Downtown San Diego and Coronado Bridge views - perfect for family pictures

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall provide ideal weather with mild temperatures and lighter winds, though summer mornings are beautiful before the afternoon breeze picks up.

What to Know

The park is free to visit with ample street parking available along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Restroom facilities are on-site, but there's no food available for purchase, so pack snacks and drinks for your visit.

Seasonal Notes

The park is open year-round and beautiful in all seasons. Summer can be breezy in the afternoons, while winter offers clearer views and occasional whale watching opportunities from the waterfront. Spring brings the greenest grass and wildflowers in surrounding areas.

More Activities Near Point Loma

Park

Naval Training Center Park

4.7Free

Naval Training Center Park is a massive 46-acre destination that keeps families entertained for hours with its multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, seasonal splash pad, skate park, and wide-open grassy fields perfect for picnics and games. Set within the historic Naval Training Center grounds in Point Loma, this well-maintained park offers a safe, clean environment with plenty of shade and modern amenities that make it a favorite among San Diego families.

Park

Shoreline Park

4.7Free

Shoreline Park is a bayside gem in Point Loma that combines playground fun with stunning waterfront views. Kids can play on the equipment, watch boats cruise by from the fishing pier, and enjoy wide-open grassy areas perfect for running around, all while parents soak in the gorgeous downtown San Diego skyline across the bay.

Adventure

Bayside Trail

Free

The Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument offers families an easy, flat path perfect for little legs and training wheels, with breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and downtown skyline. Kids will love exploring the rocky tide pools at low tide, spotting crabs, sea anemones, and other marine life, while the paved trail makes it accessible for strollers and beginner cyclists.

Park

Cabrillo National Monument

4.8$

Cabrillo National Monument offers an incredible combination of hands-on tide pool exploration, a historic lighthouse to tour, and some of the best whale watching spots in Southern California. Kids can climb the lighthouse stairs, search for sea creatures during low tide, and learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing through interactive exhibits,all while taking in breathtaking Pacific Ocean views that stretch to Mexico on clear days.