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San Diego parks split between canyon neighborhoods and the coast. Playgrounds and dog parks are a short drive; camping is inland or up the coast.
Neighborhood playgrounds are usable most of the year. Coastal ones get wind, inland ones get heat, and shade matters more than the equipment list.
Leash rules are strict on most beaches, so fenced dog parks are the reliable stop. Several sit in canyons where the ground stays cooler than the street.
Beach camping is limited. This wider search looks for the closer inland and north-coast campgrounds, not a walk from downtown.
Tables show up in coastal parks and canyon neighborhoods. Mornings are the comfortable window inland; the coast stays usable later.
Balboa Park (4.7): San Diego's big park, and the one visit that is not a beach. Mission Bay Park (4.4): The bay park for a playground, a picnic, and a flat path, with camping at the edges.