Looking for a Good Place to Park?

Mission Dolores Park

8 health-promoting Destinations are in your neighborhood

Urban parks promote healthy exercise, facilitate stress reduction and strengthen communities, according to medical experts. The following list, courtesy of local recreation officials and park aficionados, pinpoints some Bay Area favorites.

Boyle Park, East Drive and East Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley: Ideal for fair-weather get-togethers, with large grassy spaces, plenty of trees and picnic areas (reservations required).

Grand View Park, 14th Avenue and Moraga Street, San Francisco: Near a steep, mosaic-tiled staircase, the lone bench atop this Sunset District park offers a stunning 360-degree view of San Francisco and beyond.

Indian Rock Park, 950 Indian Rock Avenue, Berkeley: Named after the large rock outcrop that serves serious rock climbers and casual strollers alike, this northeast Berkeley favorite is popular for its gorgeous view. Come around sunset to survey the sweeping Bay Area vista.

Jack Early Park, Grant Avenue and Pfeiffer Street, San Francisco: Arguably the Bay Area’s best park built for two. On the north side of Telegraph Hill, a staircase wedged between gorgeous homes leads up to a tiny, secretive spot with breathtaking views.

Mission Dolores Park, 18th and Dolores streets, San Francisco: This Mission District hot spot is one of the City’s best places to people watch, especially on sunny weekends. Basketball and tennis courts provide active alternatives.

Seal Point Park, 1901 J. Hart Clinton Drive, San Mateo: Large, wide-open space on the Bay is a hit with dog owners and features separate areas for canines large and small. It also has water fountains and a shaded area for weary pooches (and their owners!).

Sigmund Stern Grove, Sloat Boulevard and 19th Avenue, San Francisco: This tranquil eucalyptus grove feels insulated from the hustle and bustle of big city life. (Plan now to attend next summer’s free weekly concert series.)

Stafford Park, King Street and Hopkins Avenue, Redwood City: Play equipment, picnic areas, and plenty of grass and trees. Delightful spouts shoot plumes of water about 10 to 15 feet in the air, sending kids atwitter March through October.

Sutro Heights Park, Point Lobos and 48th avenues, San Francisco: Tucked in the City’s northwest corner, this park provides dazzling Pacific Ocean panoramas, but that’s not all — open grass, vista points and walking trails fill out the fun.

Washington Square Park, Stockton and Filbert streets, San Francisco: Green block-size space, in the midst of North Beach, is ideal for urban picnics (if need be, forage your edibles from the surplus of surrounding restaurants and delis).