Harbor Island Park

Ahhh… the memories of this place.
The very first time that I discovered this local treasure was when I first went for a walk along its shores with my Beloved. Around that time, we were simply the best of friends, I often shuttled her to see her Mother in San Diego. We were just kids then, and she didn’t have a clue how passionately and deeply in love I was with her.
I held her soft hands, and thought to myself that perhaps, I could spend the rest of eternity walking with her. We revisited this place during our recent visit to San Diego, and it still affords a beautiful view of the San Diego Skyline, and its beautiful harbor.
I dug up an old poem that I wrote when we were still dating, and only recently shared this with her.
You’d think by now, after all these years, that she would realize the depth of my love of her.
And yet, she’s still discovering that the man she loves is so very full of surprises that she may never fully comprehend how the simple touch of her hand made my heart soar, so very long ago.
FACELESS STRANGERS IN A VOID
We were both faceless strangers, living in a void.
We both reached through the emptiness, but neither
one of us knew how!
So, I held out my hand, hoping for a warm touch.
An encounter with another’s feelings.
But, all I felt was a quiet breeze.
As if pointless souls headed down empty paths,
Eager and rushing towards pointless and
unfulfilled goals.

I kept holding out my hand.
One day, your hand brushed mine —
If only for an instant!
I looked, and the spot where we touched took form.
It was red from the warmth of your touch.
But, it quickly turned pale, as if life itself had
been ripped from within.
Who could have given me life?
Who could have given me purpose?
Who were you, and where were you?
Moments later, I felt your touch again.
But this time I held on!
The rush of emotions engulfed me.
I was overwhelmed, and for a moment eternity stood
still.
For a moment, I knew who you were!
You pulled away, as if shamed by the feeling.
Doubting that all these feelings could be real.
It was simply a shameful hoax to give you hope.
I followed the trail of your heart.
I knew that you needed me as much as I needed you.
Yet, you doubted your heart.
Believed in the lies of those whose lives were
emptier than yours!
I waited, and I wept!
Now that I was half, I wanted to be whole.
The pain from holding out my hands was only exceeded
by the painful longing in my heart.
Where were you, the person that made this all real?
Then you came back!
First, it was simply your hands.
Oh, how wonderful they felt!
They were soft, and they trembled in anticipation.
Your heart asked, «Is this all real?
My heart answered, «Come to me, and we’ll make it real!»

I slowly pulled you through the void.
I reached out and touched your face.
And when I first saw you, I realized how beautiful you were!
Then I slowly kissed your lips…

Cool place to go for a peaceful walk. Nice view of the water, a little grass. Bring a date or a long lost friend.

Great little park to go for a stroll with excellent views of downtown San Diego. They’ve got some very good restaurant selections in the area! We really liked the Coronado brewing co.

A quiet, less touristy area to run and have a fantastic view of SD skyline and the water. The whole loop (one end to the other and back around) is about 2.8 miles. Makes for a good loop.
I come here after work and it’s pretty empty. It’s probably the weekend you want to worry about finding parking and such. Parking is no problem on weekdays. Just the right amount of people running, walking, dog walking and taking pictures of the skyline.
Good for running and the view!

Great views of Coronado and downtown, walking right along the coast, pretty small and quiet since it’s so out of the way. There is one bathroom, it’s a very basic park so don’t plan on having picnics or volleyball here, not even a cookout. Walk by, sit around on the benches, that’s about it.

Harbor Island Park is a beautiful spot to take in the breathtaking views of San Diego. I’ve came here a few times and there’s a nice grassy area and a few seating areas. This park makes for a nice path to go for a scenic stroll along the sidewalk which is right by the water where you can go for a walk or run, take pictures, and admire the views of the San Diego skyline at day or night. This park is also a great alternative to the cell phone lot when waiting to pick up loved ones from the airport because it is easy to get in and out of as parking is a cinch! Come here pre or post Lindbergh Field, you won’t regret it ;]

Very clean classy area to walk, jog. relax. I rarely come on weekends but I have never had a problem with crowds or people. Enjoy

If you’re looking for a place to unwind, relax and enjoy a nice evening walk with a spectacular view, this small little detached island in point Loma is beautiful.
This was my everyday spot just to clear my mind for the next upcoming day.

The Naval Training Center would bequest shape San Diego as well as help the cause of freedom here and abroad. Construction didn’t begin until 1921 and by 1923 the first recruits arrived and a rich San Diego military history had begun. The first buildings constructed on the site included a mess hall, the first four barracks buildings, the dispensary, the fire station, and the watchers’ quarters, among others. The first four schools included preliminary radio, yeoman, bugler and band.
The 1930’s were marked by expansion and modernization. A new mess hall, library, Protestant and Catholic church, medical units, heating plan and offices were added. The growth was fortuitous because of what the beginning of the following decade would bring.
During the war years of 1941 – 1945, the Naval Training Station continued to grow to accommodate the need for sailors. During the peak of World War II, in September of 1942, the population reached 333,000, the most that the station would ever see. 25,000 of those were young recruits. Many new buildings were added, and the size of the Station tripled. A total of 41 schools had been established to meet the needs of recruit training. Throughout the next 40 years, the center remained a vital part of the military effort even as late as the 1990s. With San Diego being home to more than a sixth of the Navy’s fleet, the Naval Training Center has played a key strategic role throughout the last security.

My favorite park in San Diego!
Not only this place holds a little bit of history to my heart, it’s the perfect place to have a picnic, take pictures and walk/​run while overlooking the San Diego bay, the downtown skyline & Coronado island.
Clean, peaceful and beautiful here!

After dropping off my sister at the airport I was in the mood for a leisurely stroll. I searched for the nearest park and Harbor Island popped up so I drove on over. I was initially worried when I passed the parking spots right next to the bay. I thought those few spots were all they had and they were all taken but the address on Unilocal led me to the parking lot where there were plenty of spots.
It was a nice walk with a beautiful view of the city and the coronado bridge. There were several people out walking, jogging, running, and fishing. There was even a wedding going on which I tried not to stare at but weddings are so darn beautiful so I couldn’t help it.
There are several no skating and no biking signs posted but a few people did ride by on bikes. I wouldn’t recommend it since it’s such a narrow path.
I would’ve given this place five stars except I went to use the restroom and while there were 3 stalls there were no doors on any of them! It didn’t look like there were once doors but they broke and fell off, it looked like there were never doors! I find that to be very odd. A pregnant lady like myself needs access to a restroom with doors, but other than that it was a good experience.

Place to run/​walk away from the crowds. Before summer hits, parking is easily found but be aware once the tourists come, Good luck finding a place to park.
Plenty of locals trying their hand at fishing. Some joggers and some dog walkers like me. It’s a nice view of the downtown area and the boats passing thru.
I can’t honestly rate it 5 stars because the experience is good and fun but not necessarily the rave. It’s an ideal place to go to when you just want to be in the harbor area without the crowds.

I love coming here to jog and walk my dog during the day. Great place to have a picnic, go for a walk and hang out. Many benches and grass areas to sit. I always see people fishing and walking their dogs.
Fun place and great environment for families and little kids.
The view of the city at night is amazing here too.

This park is a total gem!
The parking is plentiful & free. We parked at a lot across the street from the Hilton. We went on a Holiday wknd and there wasn’t very many people there.
It is kind of just a long sidewalk along the Bay, but there is a shady grassy area with some benches to sit. And there’s benches along the sidewalks.
It is amazing for picture taking if you want the San Diego skyline. Just beautiful!

Perfect place to jog, walk, run, skip, hop haha etc. its 2.7 miles from Tom Hamms to Island Prime. Not that many people here which is good to enjoy the beautiful quiet view of downtown and coronado. You get the nice breeze during the run/​jog. You’ll see families playing in the park and fishing. Its really nice, very deserving after a long day at work sitting at your desk with no window view.

I stayed at the Hilton this past Memorial Day weekend. Got a chance to walk this stretch of park. So lovely, really a spectacular view. Many people were out with their children and dogs enjoying the fantastic weather. Such a marvelous place to relax. Great views both east and west, from downtown to Point Loma. I love this place.
I want to add that I live in Los Angeles, and San Diego is way more pretty of a city. You have the harbor and Mission Bay, that alone surpasses any type of nice water view you have in LA. Plus it is way cleaner. I’m gonna move to San Diego!

A great place to walk and take in the beautiful view of downtown San Diego! Just across the street from the San Diego Airport, this place its along the water and offers some of the best places to chill, eat, and enjoy the Southern California life.
Parking can be a challenge, but there are spots along the street as well as a couple of parking lots on each end of the island. If you are staying at one of the hotels you can walk from there. The view of down town is great from almost every point on the island.
It’s a great place to walk, run, fish, chill on the lawn… and just enjoy the views along the water.

One of the best spots to have a nice scenic stroll (or just cruise along with your car) or do some cardio! Perfect place to bring a date after dinner to soak in the view too!
You can practically do everything here, ranging from riding your bike to fishing along the rocks!
And food? Yes, that is an option as well! Hit up Boathouse on Wednesday nights for their $ 12.99 lobster night! Or Tom Hams for their AYCE Sunday brunch with unlimited champagne or mimosas (and a whole variety of seafood porn)! Want steak with a view of downtown’s skyline? Hit up C Level or Island Prime!
Feeling stuffed and in a major food coma? Well, take a stroll afterwards and burn off some of those calories while you stroll along one of the best spots in America’s Finest City!
P. S. — I find it utterly amazing how some natives have never been here, you should be ashamed of yourself…

I’m not quite sure how this spot qualifies as a park. It’s a pretty solid stretch of waterfront trail with spectacular views of the bay and skyline, but I’m not sure that in itself meets all the criteria of a park. Hmm.
Anyway, this strip is worth it alone for the views of San Diego. It will definitely take your mind off whatever you are doing, be it running, walking, or heading to Island Prime. This is also a fantastic vantage point for photography. I’ve seen people camped here for the day trying to get the perfect sun angles.
Rated 4 stars for the views alone. Runners beware — it can get VERY windy on this stretch, and it is a cold, stiff surprise.

Another one of the many beautiful parks and stretches along the San Diego harbor shoreline. During the busy times of the year this area is best accessed by bicycle. That way you get to take in the fresh air and bask in all the heavenly glory.
This park gives you an excellent panoramic view of the city line. It also enjoys a nice ocean breeze throughout much of the day. So sit back, crack open a cold one (bottled water), and watch the ships sail by.