Spend a fun-filled day at one of these parks.

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These destinations are the 2025 winners of the What to Do: Park Perfection category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is an amusement park you’ll actually want to go to, no matter your age, and San Diego locals do, too. Think less overpriced, hyper-branded activities and more rock climbing, ziplining, bowling, trivia nights, and live concerts. The park is celebrating its centennial this year, and guests can also opt for a ride on the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, originally built in 1925.

Balboa Park

Perhaps San Diego is known as “America’s Finest City” for its proliferation of excellent public parks. In addition to Belmont, Balboa is another historic space first minted in 1915 that has stood the test of time. Garden enthusiasts get a real treat this year, as nine new gardens are being added to the perimeter.