Hilltop Park and Recreation Center

This is a beautiful park with many great trials that go through to the hills. The trails however do not have lengths posted which was disappointing but they aren’t all that hard. I took the nighthawk trail up to the cell tower and I did so in flip flops. I didn’t injure myself but be careful. It would be easy to lose footing when going down the inclines.

Just a beautiful place to catch a view of parts of San Diego if you cannot make it to the beach or Mt Soledad. You could see most of Carmel Valley and the sun setting. They have lots of seating all around, and basketball courts.
Lots of parking — although maybe not during rush hour — when everyone goes to the park. Lots of breeze, although this is coming from someone who went at near the night. But lots of space. Park is very clean!

One of my fave parks in north county. It’s situated in Rancho Penasquitos off of Black Mountain Road close to Rancho Bernardo. They have 2 big play areas, 1 for smaller kids and a separate one for bigger kids. They have an outdoor fenced in basketball area with 2 full courts and a very large open field that you can walk around on, about a third to half a mile one way around I think. There are several picnic areas good for parties and an indoor hall. The park is very clean even with all the pets that come visit. Did I mention a nice view of Penasquitos? For those who like walking up hill, there’s a really steep one going up to the park. Parking area is currently being worked on so there’s a few less parking spots but lots of street parking available.

Been going to gatherings here for years. Always impressive views. Great place for kids. A jewel of San Diego. Hope newcomers enjoy as much as my family and I.

I love this park so much! For years, I enjoyed picnics, baby shower, evening walk when I was pregnant, and now I walk with my baby! The park is maintained very well.
Only problem I have is that they NEVER answer when I call. Always machine answers even in their business hours. I went to the office directly then there were 2 people working! They were very nice people but… I wish they pick up my call so I didn’t have to go there when I don’t need to!
So that’s why I took off 1 star.

What a beautiful park!
I brought one of my charges here last week (I’m a nanny). He loves riding his bike but still doesn’t know to exercise proper caution around cars. But Hilltop Park is literally up on a hill, buffered from traffic by the park’s parking lot. It’s spacious with a few different loops that my little 8 year old guy can enjoy. And with minimal effort, I can keep an eye on him while he rides.
The beautiful view and breeze makes this place nice too. When he was younger he loved the multiple play structures.
Great place!

When I need to get away and think or have a quiet talk with a friend, I really love to come here in the evening to sit on the swings and look at the beautiful view. Awesome, huge park, and such a gorgeous view!
I love how big the playground areas are, too. When my friend has her baby, it will be fun to come here together.

Used to come here all the time to shoot hops, jog and play football! Still come here for parties either inside the clubhouse or out in the gondolas. Still a very comfy and accompanying park for any event! Just make sure you plan accordingly if you’re going to have a few guests as parking is an issue, especially on weekends.

Really great park with lots of picnic tables and grills. Also, there is a trailhead connecting to Black Mountain here. The picnic pavilions are open to reservations so it makes a great place for a party or barbecue. Great views and just all around a nice park to spend a lazy Sunday.

I have been here for numerous bday parties… it seems like this is the place for them… everytime i come there are at least 3 different parties going on. There is tons of grass… covered gazebos with picnic tables. 2 different play structures… sandboxes! and a beautiful breeze since it sits atop a hill with a gorgeous view!
there are rooms that can be reserved too… i would imagine this would be a fabulous and less expensive wedding location. My parents said that they have been to a wedding here.
most recently our girl scouts rented out one of these rooms for a painting event (like those paint and wine classes… but instead it was Canvas and Cookies)
my only complaint is the parking situation… not a ton of parking available… but you can park on the street… which is fine. This past time. one of the jumpy delivery peeps parked behind a row of 6 cars… and we were all blocked in. I couldn’t find them to move them. and when they finally arrived they were rude about moving. .but that has nothing to do with the park… it was the lame bouncy company (wish i had gotten their name)…but i was in a hurry and zoomed away.
love this park… i need to plan an event here!

I love this park! Has everything from basketball courts, playgrounds, open fields and public restrooms. My kids love playing here. They also have a huge place to rent for partieS.

I remember coming here when I was little and taking dance classes as well. This is a great spot for a birthday parties/​BBQ. This park has many tables and an open grass field and 2 swing sets. On one side there’s a huge basketball court and on the other is a trail to hike. This park has a great view!
I love coming to walk my dog here because of the view and open space.

I love Hilltop Park. Been coming here ever since it was built when I was in high school. It has a huge grass area for picnics, BBQ’s and kids playing. I love the walking path where you can get some exercise and there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view. All in all its a great place to be of you’re feeling like being outside!

Spectacular view!!! I never knew this park exsisted. Nice green grass, open, airy, you can see for miles!!! Look closely and you can see the ocean on a clear day. For some unknown reason the cops drive through the lot, allmost hourly. Weird, considering there arn’t any bums or transients…

I love this park! The view is awesome! I frequented this park for family parties, baby showers, birthdays, etc. outside and inside their facility. The playground is great for kids. I like how you can walk around the park with little obstacle courses set up to get your fitness on. It is also equipped with basketball courts. Great place to do multiple park activities with friends and family!

What a great and wonderful park to play at. It had lots of different play structures to play on good for kids of all different ages. Both my nieces ages four and two had a fun time.
Looking forward to coming back. Next time will bring the tricycle and they can ride around the circular path.

Beautiful park for picnics while watching the sunset. Lots of BBQ, club house, restrooms, you got everything you need. Tons of parking space. Watch out for the snakes if you decide to hike. As others have said, you will get a ‘I reached the top of the world feeling’ in here. Well indicated, lighted and maintained. There are grassy areas as well, very comfortable and pleasant.

I love this park! It’s big and beautiful.
They have 4 infant swings, which is why I go!
It’s never too crowed. They have tons of areas to sit to have lunch and they also have a huge field to play on. They have benches with BBQ grills.
It’s all around great. And the ice cream man comes!

We came here for a holiday event where there were various stations for the kids and adults to hang out.
There is a community center where you can host an event, an outdoor playground, picnic tables, beautiful views and lots of grassy areas.
There is a parking lot out front, but there is tons of parking on the street outside the lot. What a nice place to take the kiddos and pets.

Be sure to check when the city hosts it’s annual snow day here. It’s a lot of fun for the kids and there is plenty of snow.