Otay Lakes County Park image

Otay Lakes County Park

Tourist attraction β€’ Park

πŸ‘πŸ‘ Great place that is inexpensive to rent. The staff are also very accommodating and glad to help in any way they can. Very nice view of the lake at Pavilion Lake View #1. Nice area up front for food along with a 20 amp outlet. Restrooms are really nice and clean. Not a lot of parking so remind your g... People often mention park, lake, beautiful, nice, kids, Great, Beautiful, trails, view, clean,


Address

2270 Wueste Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915

Website

www.sdparks.org

Contact

(619) 482-7361

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (399 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Sunday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Monday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Thursday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM
  • Friday: 9:30β€―AM to 5β€―PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (46) lake (27) beautiful (23) nice (18) kids (16) Great (13) Beautiful (13) trails (13) view (12) clean (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Robert R. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 919 reviews
    Great place that is inexpensive to rent. The staff are also very accommodating and glad to help in any way they can. Very nice view of the lake at Pavilion Lake View #1. Nice area up front for food along with a 20 amp outlet. Restrooms are really nice and clean. Not a lot of parking so remind your guests to arrive early and carpool when possible. Parking is $3 per car, but they provide parking tickets as well. Not sure if there was an added cost for those.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 InPoweredByCyndi 2 years ago on Google β€’ 382 reviews
    Beautiful place. Very well maintained. A volunteer told us about the place, where to hike how to pick a trail, etc. There are numerous gardens that are very well kept and worth a slow stroll. Lots of picnic tables, trash cans, restrooms. Make sure to clean up after yourself and help keep this place beautiful!!
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Claudia O. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 49 reviews
    Otay Lakes County Park in Chula Vista is one of those parks where playing with the kiddos can be so peaceful because you are surrounded by so many large trees, mountains, a beautiful lake, & trails. The park has lounging chairs to sit and just admire the spectacular views of the Otay Lake. The park has a two play structures (the Tot playground is fully gated), two large rock climbing rocks, slides, and climbing structures. Bathrooms available $3.00 parking fee Hiking trail & a stroller friendly trail Park brochures available at the ranger station
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kim H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very well kept park, lovely walking paths and challenging hike. There's a very nice play and picnic area and the restrooms are clean. Only one complaint - no recycle bins!
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Matt C. 3 years ago on Google β€’ 127 reviews
    This is a great location. You've got the lake, a nice shady park with BBQ spots, and a few trails to choose from. the start of this trail head is directly across from the bathrooms. If you see a sign that says "Stop" steep banks do so, we ran into a dead end and some crumbly ledges. Not where you want to be with a dog and kids..... Once we turned around the hike was amazing. You can see forever, the lake is beautiful, and it's breezy enough to keep you cool on those steep inclines. It's a great place to use the topographical map and match it up to the terrain around you. I used it as an opportunity to give the kids a quick lesson on map reading with some prac app. All in all it was a great way to spend a few hours with the family.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Cari M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful area, nice lake, but you couldn't really walk around it from this location. There is a nice walking path, which we enjoyed. Our son rode his bike and we walked our 2 pups but would've liked to be closer to the water. The maps directed us to a different location which was a bit closer... Overall nice, but would like my $3 for parking back ://
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Johnathan B. 1 year ago on Google
    While this is such a beautiful location it is also hidden by so much tragedy. This is a massive border crossing directly through the park. The trails are completely piled with trash kids clothes backpacks and shoes. It's really heart breaking that more can't be done to fix this problem. It's especially annoying when the helicopter follows you around on your hike several times to make sure you're not up to any good. But I fully back and understand how much work and how hard it is for the agents out there. I just wish things weren't so horrid behind this beautiful location.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 baba b. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 195 reviews
    It would truly be a great park to visit and spend the day at, but it is quite full of trash everywhere throughout the park and trails. It is disappointing. Parking is limited but you can park out side the gate and walk in which it nice. Setting this up as community service here could help clean up the area and possibly change how people treat the park. The elephant in the corner of the room is the individuals that come across the board and leave trash everywhere in the park.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 julio b. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 160 reviews
    We took a family drive to Lower Otay Lake Park. The lake is beautiful and has lots of water. The park is clean as well as the bathrooms. There are BBQ grills, shade, tables and benches for picnics. First come first serve i imagine I'm not sure about reservations. There is also a playground for kids. Parking is 3 dollars per day.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Gary Lee j. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow: I have not been to this place for many a year, over 9 years to be exact. That being said I was really surprised when I took note of all the new housing developments in the area complete with running and cycling trails as well as nearby golfing. I came in off Otay Lakes Road from the north side off the 94 east highway, and followed it around the picturesque hillside and tight curves across the dip in the road where you can see the stream flowing from east to west where it appears it could actually wash across the road if it rained enough; from there you pass the skydiving facility and training center where classes are taught in skydiving. After people meet a certain set of preliminary training they are allowed to jump from an airplane,with a parachute of course. I think your first jump is what is referred to as a tandem jump. If you want to stop in for more info I'm sure the staff there will be willing to oblige you. I say that because I've been there on several occasions myself; and after all, it is on the way to the actual lake which can be seen from the skydiving entrance. Enough said about that, I brought it up because that is the point where the lake comes into greater view. As you negotiate the two-lane road be aware of oncoming traffic because people sometimes get distracted and swerve momentarily into the opposite lane of travel. As you traverse the road look at the beauty on both sides within the valleys and hills and you will see boats and shore fisherman in and around the the lake itself. There will be a sign that says Wueste Rd. ,turn there and follow it until it comes to a traffic signal. At the signal make two consecutive left turns and follow the road past the Olympic Training Center Into the lake entrance where there is ample parking for both your vehicles and your boat trailers. I should mention on the day of March 17,2019 when I was there if one is riding a motorcycle or is any vehicle for that matter,be careful of the potholes that the rain must have generated recently in the asphalt surface. When I got there around 6pm there was plenty of sunshine and the sky appeared blue in most of the surrounding atmosphere outside of a couple of clouds scattered here and there.It happened to be a Sunday and I could see there many families there to enjoy the day around the beautiful lake. It appeared to me as if the beginning of spring was marching in all the subliminal signs that accompany this change of season. I watched as parents gave nurturing and development to their children in a natural environment of blue sky and lake. It made me think about an ongoing study regarding the neuroscience of the mind water connection, and some of it's findings in today's world. The people enjoying this day appeared to have been experiencing an inner calm and or happiness about them, if not contemplation as well. I stayed for under an hour and savored the scenic quiet surroundings. I'm not sure about the store they have on-site as I did not venture there. My guess is on the days when it not to hot or breezy it's a good time to enjoy the place.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Zachary B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park and well maintained! Also the parking is affordable.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 marco b. 6 years ago on Google
    Small place but I love it its really nice and clean and all the park rangers are extremely friendly and helpful just love this place.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 leidy g. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 16 reviews
    Great place for relaxing with the kids or a quick hike πŸ˜ƒ
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 It's L. 3 years ago on Google β€’ 16 reviews
    Nice walking trail. $3 to park. Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Considering covid restrictions, this is the only park I have seen in California with the kids playground open. Swings were not tied up. Max capacity was 5 on the equipment 17 in the park area. Was a quiet walk with great views. Sweet little ducks down by where the boats and kayaks launch
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Miguel T. 4 years ago on Google
    If you live in the San Diego area please check this place out. It's such a beautiful park, the hiking trails are not too complicated, and the entrance fee is really affordable. Excellent place for an easy hike by yourself or a group of people.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jim S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids and picnics, playground,swings ect. Clean bathrooms , handicap parking and access. Bike riding off trails .
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Gustavo M. 3 years ago on Google
    You can joy the weekend on Otay Lakes, fishing, hiking, kayaking under blue skies and excellent weather 🌑️
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Lorena B. 3 years ago on Google
    A man approached me asking for a ride.... There is no way of getting to this park other than car..he asked how to get out of there...when I saw him his pants where ripped and had a jacket on in the middle of the day... A dog saw him and went ballistic. Then he changed his clothes and approached me and asked me for a ride in Spanish. It's the second time something similar happens in this area( not the park..it was my first time) I was quick to ask another family to wait for me to load my mom and my kids because the park was pretty lonely at that point. I didn't see any staff to tell them what was going on. Other than that it's a very cute park .
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Joe M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bass fishing lake. Easy to put your boat on the lake and take it off the lake. Good parking, good fishing on the side of the lake. Beautiful surroundings.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Humberto Molina V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place to get distracted, meet, fish, relax, walk and ride a bike (Original) Hermoso Lugar para distraerse , conocer , pescar , relajarse , caminar y andar en bicicleta
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Courtney C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views! Adirondack chairs are available on the hill overlooking the lake. Nice playground that's actually shaded and many picnic sites and a few hiking trails.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ellaine N. 4 years ago on Google β€’ 187 reviews
    The view of the lake is breathtaking and tranquil. I had fun capturing a dozen photos of the serenity of the place while the kids played at the children's playground. The park is clean and spacious. The entrance for parking is $3. And there's this designated place for hiking, we'll be checking it out next time. #OtayLakesCountryPark #OtayLakes #LetsGuide #SanDiegoGuide

  • 5/5 619 R. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 169 reviews New
    Nature is amazing!

  • 5/5 LazzyJames 1 year ago on Google β€’ 69 reviews
    This is a good place to do a day hike. It took us two hours to get up and one hour to get down. I recently did a sunset hike and it was totally worth it. Note that some sections are very step and everything is not clearly marked. We did see a fair amount of trash but was told it was mainly from people crossing over and they do not have enough staffing and funding to clear it on a daily, weekly basis. I do not hold it against the park. There is a four dollar fee which can now be paid with a card.

  • 5/5 Shekinah B. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 40 reviews
    Enjoyable place

  • 5/5 Devonte R. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 24 reviews
    In the delay

  • 5/5 Jesus1200_Ecologya 3 months ago on Google β€’ 23 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful and amazing to spend some quality time with your kids and family. It also has some hiking trails in case you want to hike to some wild areas around the park and the park has some good play areas for your kids to have fun on. I totally recommend you visit this park. Trust me, it’s the most beautiful park I have ever seen in Chula Vista so far and it’s great for family reunions/parties and to go for a break from city pollution. Greetings to San Diego parks and recreation plus other organizations who have made this beautiful and amazing park. I totally appreciate their finished product which was made with care and by passionate hands of workers, rangers and environmentalists.

  • 5/5 Ang S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely a beautiful place to ride your bike, take a hike or walk with a group or your dog.

  • 5/5 Carl L. 3 years ago on Google
    Working on an amphitheater and an archery area.

  • 5/5 Jonathan R. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a relaxing park..

  • 5/5 James M. 2 years ago on Google
    Pleasantly surprised with this park. The lake is bigger than I thought too! Great picnic date spot!

  • 5/5 Daniela D. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved this park so much. Parking is 3 dlls but is a pretty well maintained park with Park Rangers on site. Incredible view of the lake two climbing rocks for big kids, awesome playground, and a pretty cool trail for the kiddos. I took a group of 12 kids to this park and they were amazed.

  • 5/5 Chema L. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything

  • 5/5 Maria Louise E. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful surroundings and a rare lake in southern California. Saw lots of fisherman. There was a $3 free to park where the best fishing was but some of the park is free. Good hiking, tables to picnic and beautiful views. I have allergies that bothered me a bit. The hikers in our group used tick repellent.

  • 5/5 Karl S. 3 years ago on Google
    Excited about the new campgrounds being built at the park by the Boy Scouts for community use.

  • 5/5 Janjan 2 years ago on Google
    Loved t. Had not been here in a few years We walked in the park down to the boat ramp, great walk, beautiful day. Enjoyed the ducks and a guy coming in fast in speed boat really cool. Went in to buy some waterand the lady working the counter had a bit of an attitude. All good. Enjoyed it nevertheless. It's nice and quiet..

  • 4/5 Stacey S. 2 years ago on Google
    Pros: beautiful scenery in grassy area with lake view, nice playground, chairs and clean bathrooms. Met a snake handled by the park ranger. Cons: They charge $3 for entrance but when we went hiking up the trail we saw a lot of clothes, hats, a backpack and trash scattered around throughout the walk uphill. And empty beer cans and trash like someone had a ritual party up there. Gave me the creeps. We were here the week after Halloween so who knows... they need to use the money to clean up the place on a regular basis.

  • 5/5 Raul B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean

  • 4/5 Luis Diaz S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place.do we have to pay at parks? I don't know.

  • 5/5 Hector T. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place

  • 5/5 Phil C. 3 years ago on Google
    Are you allowed to Paddleboard and Kayak in this lake? I’ve only seen fishing boats

  • 5/5 Bonnie S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice, small park with beautiful views of lake

  • 5/5 Ivan L. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is a nice hidden gem tucked into a not so known corner of Chula Vista. Great open areas with views from tops of hills.

  • 5/5 Cris A. 3 years ago on Google
    Big parking lot, ideal for fishing and mountain biking.

  • 5/5 Thomas C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and far removed from the SD bustle

  • 5/5 Miv 4 months ago on Google β€’ 14 reviews
    Hidden gem. Not really, but what a beautiful place. Definitely visit. Though there aren't many trails inside the park, it is well worth it for the magnificent view of the lake from the top of the mountain

  • 5/5 Enrique R. 3 years ago on Google
    Jehovah's beautiful creation

  • 4/5 Fernando R. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place for a day at the park, family or pets will enjoy peace and clear air and view, visited twice already and children loved it, holidays its vety crowded but you could make advance reservation for your day out.

  • 5/5 Gabbie A. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk around and get a view of Otay Lakes. Dog and kid friendly, also lots of hiking trails. $3, totally worth it.

  • 5/5 J Reyes Manzano P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful place a beautiful landscape where you feel in contact with the natural with a background view of the dam with a mountain frame (Original) Muy bonito lugar un hermoso paisaje donde te sientes en contacto con la naturalesa con una vista de fondo a la presa con un marco de montaΓ±as

  • 5/5 Sxys 3 years ago on Google
    Relaxing!

  • 5/5 Anthony B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful. Wish I had packed for a picnic.

  • 4/5 Lizeth R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place for relax

  • 5/5 Larry C. 4 years ago on Google
    Is a friendly Place playground for children picnic areas. And hiking trails

  • 5/5 Karim K. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful little Park very well maintained has a toddler playground and a big kids playground with majestic Lakeview

  • 5/5 Dianna L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little hike with some up hill. Was warned of an increase of rattlesnakes (small ones) but we did not see or hear any. Great views and no one on the trail

  • 5/5 Carlos I. 4 years ago on Google
    Quiet nice park with nice scenery.

  • 4/5 Bill B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great park to just enjoy nature. Plenty of trails, kid's park with splash pad, wide open grassy fields, and a decent amount of picnic tables all around the grounds.

  • 5/5 Mrs. T. 4 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem.

  • 5/5 beybladeboy 9. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice and safe! There is plenty of space to walk and enjoy a day outdoors !! (Original) Muy agradable y seguro! Hay bastante espacio para caminar y disfrutar de un dia al aire libre!!

  • 4/5 Robyn H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great playground and area to let the kids ride bikes and scooters. Beautiful view of the lake and very clean. $3 parking fee was no big deal for everything that was offered. Great place to take the kids. Bring bikes and scooters!

  • 5/5 Marta R. 3 years ago on Google
    It fabulous it the best place for relaxing the staff they're courteous and friendly's

  • 5/5 C J. 4 years ago on Google
    Always well maintained.

  • 4/5 Angela M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views. Not crowded. It cost $3 to enter the park.

  • 5/5 Sophia M. 4 years ago on Google
    Peaceful and beautiful views

  • 4/5 Rick D. 4 years ago on Google
    Used to come frequently over 25 years ago then it got really dilapidated. The County has done a nice job renovating it. Good memories.

  • 5/5 Eddie C. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice hills to ride my bike 🚲 and cool of the lake!!

  • 5/5 Demetria B. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous hike and view

  • 5/5 Dustin W. 3 years ago on Google
    Took my fiancee out to have a picnic lunch at the park, it is well maintained and the view was amazing. Great place to relax away from the loud city streets

  • 5/5 Shirley G S. 3 years ago on Google
    very nice

  • 5/5 Kenneth J. 3 years ago on Google
    Dog friendly, clean bathrooms, and beautiful views.

  • 5/5 Tyronne H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery and good fishing


Call (619) 482-7361 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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