Via Alta, San Diego, CA 92108 (Physical Address of the Mural)
Civita Blvd, San Diego, CA 92108 (Parking Address)
Overview
For anyone in the Mission Valley area of San Diego, checking out Civita Park and the lovely mural at the top of the park is a must.
The park in and of itself is a great spot to spend some time, and the mural is just an added bonus of visiting here. The mural was painted here in 2018 by artist Kevin Anderson. The mural consists of an array of San Diegos best sites and areas. From the mountains and Potato Chip Rock, to the oceans and wildlife of San Diego, to the San Diego Padres and Tony Gwynn, this mural covers so much ground and so much of the San Diego story and landscape.
The mural is truly awe-inspiring and is a must see. Mr. Anderson did an absolutely amazing job capturing these landscapes and trademarks of San Diego while incorporating the community as well. Mr. Anderson’s ability to inspire others while bringing a smile to everyone’s face shines through in his work. I hope everyone is able to make a trip here to witness this magnificent piece of art.
The best way to access the mural is by parking along the street parking for Civita Park along Civita Blvd. From there follow the walking path past the playground to the very back of the park where the steep stairs are. The mural is at the very top of the stairs inside the tunnel.
Scout’s Story
Our daughter, Scout, is now 2 and has currently been cancer free and in remission for nearly two months. A lot of things proceeded Scout being placed into remission, including heart breaking chemo cycles, so many scans, living at the hospital and it becoming our home, and so much more that only cancer parents will understand and I hope no one else will ever have to experience. Ultimately Scout got to celebrate her end of treatment with a ceremony, which most of our family was able to come out and take part in. This trip to San Diego would be our first chance to really take a trip and spend some time away from home with Scout since she was declared cancer free. San Diego is only about two hours from us, making it the perfect spot for us to have a short getaway
After a fun packed morning at the San Diego Natural History Museum and Balboa Park, my wife and I made our way back to my fathers property near Balboa Park to get Scout an afternoon nap. By the time Scout woke up, it was about 5 PM and we decided to focus on getting dinner. I decided we would get food from the hot bar at Whole Foods and bring it home and on the way home we could stop by the mural in Civita Park.
Walking to the Mural with Scout
We arrived at the dog park (not where I suggest parking – see below) and saw that it was permit parking only. My wife decided that she would sit in the car, while me and Scout walked down to see the mural. I was a little upset that my wife was unable to come with us, because we had so much fun. Tons of people were walking their dogs and Scout loved passing by all of them. We walked past the dog park and the tunnel quickly appeared in front of us. As soon as we got into the tunnel Scout started talking loud to here her echo.
Scout ran back and forth giggling and shouting as I checked out the beautiful mural.
I had seen pictures but it was even prettier and more well done than I had expected. At the end of the tunnel was the large steep steps and a nice view overlooking Civita Park. Joggers were running up and down the stairs, ending at the tunnel. This is also a great place for those looking for a serious stair workout. Scout and I spent about 15 minutes before heading back to meet my wife. We had such a great time and watching the joy and happiness coming from Scout, once again made my day.
This mural is truly beautiful and such a great sight to marvel at. I would highly recommend a good evening exercise up and down the stairs to see the mural.
Getting to the Civita Park Mural
While the easiest way to access the Civita Park Mural is by parking at the dog park, there are only a few spots, they are for residents and a permit is apparently required. The alternative option is the parking address listed below. Park off of Civita Blvd and walk into Civita Park, heading towards to the very back of the park. Pass by the large Civita Park Playground and keep following the walking path to the very end of the park where there is a set of steep stairs. Make your way up the stairs and when the stairs end there will be a tunnel with the beautiful mural.
Via Alta, San Diego, CA 92108 (Physical Address of the Mural)
Civita Blvd, San Diego, CA 92108 (Parking Address)
