The Parks and Recreation Department has numerous designated venues for instructors and activities like fitness and yoga classes throughout the Parks system. With over 60 recreation park locations like Liberty Station or neighborhood parks, fitness permits can be obtained by contacting the location directly at Location, or fitness permits in Mission Bay Park can be obtained by visiting the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Permitting

If a group exceeds 50 or more people, including fitness groups, a Ground Use Permit is required. If you have any questions, please contact the Permit Center at PRPermitCenter@sandiego.gov or 619-235-1169.

Permitting Guidelines:

• A park use permit is required.
• All permittees must follow Park Rules and Regulations
• Provide a copy of the certificate of liability with the endorsement page.
• Parks and Recreation fees will apply.
• Two (2) hour minimum/four (4) hours maximum
• One (1) permitted class per day/per location.
• Not allowed on City beaches (sand) or beach parks.
• May not impede emergency access points.

Fees:

• Ground use fees will apply for all events 50 and over
• Special Equipment Fee: $30.03/per day/per equipment
• Opportunity Fund Fee:
  • (Under 50)
  • Commercial: $6.21/per hour
  • Non-Profit/Non-Commercial: $1.24/per hour
  • (50 or More)
  • Commercial: $18.54/per hour
  • Non-Profit/Non-Commercial: $12.43/per hour

Locations:

Mission Bay Park

• De Anza Cove (2)
• Playa Pacifica (3)
• Tecolote Shores North (2)
• Tecolote Shores South (2)
• Bonita Cove (2)
• Sunset Point (1
• Ski Beach (2)

Balboa Park

• War Memorial South (1)
• Redwood Circle (1)
• Cypress Grove (1)
• 7th & Upas (1)
• Pepper Grove (1)
• Inspiration Point Turf West (1)
• Mission Hills/Pioneer Park (1)
• Westside Valley (1)
• 28th St. Park Turf (1)

Community Parks I

• Liberty Station

For additional recreation park locations: Locations

The San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 3, Division 1 regulates the use of Public Parks and Beaches and defines Services within parks.

§63.0102 Use of Public Parks and Beaches Regulated

Definitions - For the purposes of this Division, defined terms appear in italics.
The following definitions apply to this Division: 

Services are activities involving the performance of work for others, the rental of furniture or equipment for an activity or event, or the provision of intangible items to a group of four persons or more at the same time that cannot be returned once they are provided. Examples include massage, yoga, dog training, fitness classes, equipment rental, and staging for picnics, bonfires, or other activities. 

It is unlawful for any person within any park to do any of the acts listed in San Diego Municipal Code section 63.0102(c).

(14) Commercial Activity and Services. Except for expressive activity authorized by Chapter 6, Article 3, Division 5 of this Code and sidewalk vending authorized by Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1, it is unlawful to carry on or conduct commercial activity, to provide any service, or to solicit offers to purchase, barter, or to require someone to negotiate, establish, or pay a fee before providing a service, even if characterized as a donation, without the written consent of the City Manager. Written consent of the City Manager includes commercial activity and services allowed as part of a lease, permit, or other written permission from the City.

Permitting Guidelines:

• A park use permit is required regardless of event size
• All permittees must follow all Parks and Recreation Department rules and regulations
• Provide a copy of the Certificate of Liability with the endorsement page (example) with the City of San Diego named as an additional insured party
• Parks and Recreation Department fees will apply
• Two (2) hour minimum/four (4) hours maximum
• One (1) permitted picnic per day/per location
• Not allowed on City beaches (sand)
• No glass
• No alcohol
• Must not impede emergency access points

Fees:

• Ground use fees will apply for all events 50 and over
• Special Equipment Fee: $30.03/per day/per equipment
• Opportunity Fund Fee:
  • (Under 50)
    • Commercial: $6.21/per hour
    • Non-Profit/Non-Commercial: $1.24/per hour
  • (50 or more)
    • Commercial: $18.54/per hour
    • Non-Profit/Non-Commercial: 12.43/per hour

Locations: Park capacity in ()

• Mission Bay Park: (Map)
  • Fanuel Park (50)
  • Sunset Point (150)
  • Ventura Cove (200)
  • Playa I (300)
  • Vacation Isle West (200)
• Shoreline Parks: (Maps)
  • Ellen Browning South (80)
  • Saratoga Park (75)
  • Sunset Cliff-South Cuvier (10)
  • South Palisades (Will require a Reservation of Space and CEQA/NORA process)
• Balboa Park: (Maps)
  • Botanical Lawn East (100) Not available until Summer 2024
  • Botanical Lawn West (100) Not available until Summer 2024
  • The Arbor (75)

If you have any questions, please contact the Permit Center at PRPermitCenter@sandiego.gov or 619‑235‑1169. A park-use permit will be required for all picnics, regardless of the size. All picnics are prohibited from setting up on City beaches (no sand).

Long-Term Beach Bar Permits

The Park and Recreation Department's Developed Regional Parks Division maintains small beach areas where boats may be left overnight in several areas west of Ingraham Street. Some beach bars are limited to vessels 14 feet or fewer in length and eight feet wide. On others, the maximum vessel length is 17 feet.

Boat Beaching Bar Rules & Regulations

Mooring Permits

Owners of boats up to 25 feet in length may apply for permits to use mooring locations in three areas of Mission Bay - San Juan Cove, Santa Barbara Cove and Mariners Basin. The permit to use an in-water mooring space is non-transferable. The physical buoy and tackle are the property of the permit holder.

Nonprofit organizations wishing to conduct surf instruction/camps on City of San Diego beaches should contact the Parks and Recreation Department’s Permit Center for information on the permitting process. Authorized nonprofit entities must meet several requirements, including insurance, CPR and first aid certifications, and adequate staffing.

View a map of locations designated for nonprofit surf camps

Application and Requirements

• Facility And Park Use Application
• Example Certificate of Liability and Endorsement page
• Disclaimer and Group Surf Instruction Requirements 

To join the email list to receive information about additional opportunities, please fill out the form below:

Balboa Park Pedicab

Balboa Park Pedicab permits are issued by lottery on the first Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. Late arrivals will not be issued a permit.

Lottery Location
Balboa Park Administration Building, 2125 Park Blvd. (Park Boulevard at Inspiration Point Way).

Permits cost $48 per month (transaction fee included) and are valid within Balboa Park only. After inspection, a permit application will be required. After application, a link will be emailed to make online payment. Balboa Park Pedicab Permits are non-transferable.

What to bring

For more information, contact the Park Ranger office at 619-235-1122.

• City of San Diego Pedicab Operator's Permit and a City of San Diego Pedicab decal on the Pedicab.
• Valid photo identification (i.e. State Driver's License or passport)
• The Pedicab must be available for a visual inspection. Bring it with you to the lottery.
• July & December: No permits will be obtained for these months.