San Carlos

San Carlos: A San Diego Suburb

San Carlos is a suburb of San Diego, located about 15 miles east of downtown, between Lake Murray and Cowles Mountain. This residential neighborhood offers the benefits of suburban life, including grassy lawns and HIGHLY RATED schools, while also providing easy access to outdoor recreation and commercial activities. Lake Murray is a standout feature, with a paved walkway around the lake perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. The Lake Murray Recreation Area offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while the adjacent Mission Trails Golf Course runs along the northwest side.

To the north, Cowles Mountain provides hikers access to stunning views and extensive trails within Mission Trails Regional Park, which spans over 8,000 acres. San Carlos Park adds to the area’s recreational offerings, featuring athletic fields and a community garden for residents. With its pleasant climate, San Carlos is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Hiking on Cowles Mountain and paddling on Lake Murray

Between Lake Murray to the south and Cowles Mountain to the north, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. The neighborhood’s namesake, Lake Murray, is walkable from nearby homes. “I think the coolest attraction at Lake Murray is the paved walkway that goes all the way around,” says Mack. “People use it to walk their dogs, go for bike rides, all that stuff.” Along with the path, park spaces surround the lake. Kayakers and paddleboarders can launch from the Lake Murray Recreation Area boat ramp, where paddle boats are also available for rent. Anglers can cast a line from the recreation area’s fishing pier. A few holes of Mission Trails Golf Course also line the lake’s northwest side. The neighborhood’s northern streets sit at the base of Cowles Mountain. Hikers can trek up to the peak for views of the city or travel farther north into Mission Trail Regional Park. The regional park has 60 miles of trails covering over 8,000 acres of grassy rolling hills. The neighborhood also offers suburban recreation spaces like San Carlos Park, which has athletic fields and a community garden where neighbors can cultivate their own fresh produce.