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Pepper Park

A wide view of the lawn at Pepper Park, National City
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Pepper Park

A Waterfront Gem

Named after prominent National City businessman and civic leader Leonard Pepper, this 5-½ acre park adjoins the Sweetwater Channel and offers colorful play equipment, a convenient boat launching ramp and a well-equipped fishing pier with lighting for night fishing in the vibrant San Diego Bay.

 

swing set at Pepper Park National City

Amenities:

  • Bike Racks
  • Boat Launch
  • Fishing Pier (temporarily closed from July 28, 2025 to August 11, 2025)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Play Equipment (closed until early 2026 for playground improvements)
  • Public Art
  • Restrooms (temporarily closed from July 28, 2025 to August 11, 2025, portable restrooms available)

Location: 3299 Tidelands Ave, National City, CA 91950
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Note: Due to construction activities in the area, park permits for Pepper Park are unavailable at this time.

Dogs are allowed on leash in all Port of San Diego parks. There are no leash-free parks or beaches on Port of San Diego property.

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Pepper Park

Coming Soon! A New and Improved Pepper Park

  • $8 million in improvements
  • Perched beach
  • Pirate-themed playground
  • Splash pad
  • Overlook terrace
  • Hillside play area
  • Picnic area
  • Entry plaza
  • New lighting and landscaping 

Pepper Park

Renderings of a perched beach at Pepper Park
Pepper Park Phase 1 Improvements - Pirate Playground

Pepper Park Construction Schedule

  • Construction began in October 2024
  • All construction is anticipated to be complete in early 2026
  • Phased Construction: closures will be done in phases
  • Portions of the park will be closed to the public during construction while other parts will remain open
  • The boat ramp, parking lot and the National City Aquatic Center will remain open during construction

Current Closures

  • July 23, 2025 to early 2026 – playground closure for installation of a new and improved playground!
  • July 28, 2025 to August 11, 2025 - temporary fishing pier and restroom (portable restrooms will be available).
  • August 15, 2025 - closures of the park will expand to include the current green open space located at the northwest portion of the park. This closure will remain in place until construction is completed.
Sea Dragon urban tree sculpture by Deana Mando at Pepper Park at the Port of San Diego
Sea Dragon
Artist: Deana Mando
Location: Pepper Park in National City Marina District