San Carlos

San Carlos is located at the eastern edge of the City of San Diego.  Named for one of the ships sent by the Spaniards to explore California, the area is mostly residential and many of the ranch-style single family homes were built in the 1960s and 70s.  Originally a rural area, San Carlos retains its small town rural feel even though it is within the boundaries of the City of San Diego. 

Lake Murray, part of Mission Trails Regional Park, is a major attraction for residents providing picnicking spots, baseball fields, tennis courts and other facilities.  A paved path follows the contours of the lake and offers perfect conditions for walking, bicycling and rollerblading. Fishing is allowed on certain days, and the lake yields bluegill, catfish, bass and trout. The area is blessed with many birds and attracts bird watchers from all over the world. There is also a well-established golf course that borders the lake with views of Cowles Mountain from each fairway.

Cowles Mountain, also part of the Mission Trails park, offers visitors the ability to enjoy a desert-like climate without actually leaving the city. The mile and a half hike to the top yields an excellent view of San Diego, Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. There are hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails on the mountain--the highest point within the city limits of San Diego. Mission Trails park is the largest urban park in the U.S. at over 6,000 acres.

Parkway Plaza and Grossmont Center provide mall shopping and there are numerous small shopping areas that serve the area. 

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