Hosp Grove Park

With a heavy heart, I have to say this is a creepy park, and this is considered my «home park». There are a few bums that hang out and I don’t feel safe with my kids running around. There is no grass. Kids can’t run around. It is surrounded with tall trees, which the sun is not likely to shine through. I wish carlsbad would fix this park up.

The East and West Grove trails are easy, taking only about 100ft in elevation through mature eucalyptus that was planted in 1908 for the railroad. The pathways are mostly a sandy loam with solid footing, but a few sections are slipperier than others.
Bikes, runners, and dog walkers may be encountered on the trail, but don’t expect to see much in the way of native wildlife or native plants as there isn’t much to speak of. The hillsides are bare with the exception of sparse cactus and the eucalyptus, along the northeast section of the East Grove trail there is a good overview of the native plants that should be all throughout the hillside: oak, lemonade berry, sage, etc.
The two sections are great for anyone wanting to get outside and into nature with the west trail looking down into the Buena Vista Lagoon. For dog walkers, there are plastic bag dispensers at both sections and trash collection to dispose of any waste.
There are no facilities at either grove other than the port-​a-​potties at the West Grove parking lot. However both sections have a picnic area and the West Grove even has a playground for the little ones. Both sections (East and West) have a fair amount of parking so getting a spot shouldn’t be an issue.
In summer expect to see snakes on the hillsides and always keep a look out for poison oak and stinging nettles.

Love this location! Quiet… small but fits everything i need in a park. Kids playground area. Short trail that the kids can go on and enjoy. Good parking. The only thing it lacks is a good bathroom. Interestingly this park contains elycaptus trees planted long ago and is maintained while the others in the area came down. We will definitely be back!

I am in love with this park! The play area for my 16 month old is the perfect size and I just love the natural feel of this park-​so serene. My son loves playing with all the sticks on the ground and there’s no trash on the ground (there’s a ton of trash at Pine Ave park which I’m not fond of.) I have yet to walk up the trails but I’m looking forward to giving it a try soon.

My fiancé and I absolutely love this trail/​park. We have had a few picnics here and hiked many times with our little puppy. My only complaint is it seems small. Other than that I love it!

This park is so tranquil, what’s not to love?
The playground structure for the kiddos takes nothing away from the natural beauty of this spot, located just across the street from the lagoon (where we once fed ducks and squirrels our bread once upon a 15 or so years ago). With that I add, the play structure is on the small side, especially on a day when every mom and grandmother decides to bring every girl, boy, toddler twins, and their toddler friends here. More often than not, my son and I enjoy just walking around the area, playing tag between the trees, or making a balancing act out of fallen branches.
Ample amount of picnic tables and a relaxing place to bring a lunch! Very shady with the abundance of trees and the breeze that sneaks through from the west, so it can be chilly even when it’s plenty sunny and warm out. Definitely pack a jacket for the little ones.
Parking, the lot is not the largest.
Restroom, every lady’s nightmare: the portable potty.
BUT hiking trails! Fun to follow; clearly depicted and safe.