What is Morley Field in North Park, San Diego?
Morley Field is a 100+ acre recreation area on the eastern edge of Balboa Park, right next to North Park (92104). It has tennis courts, a disc golf course, a public pool, a velodrome, sports fields, and miles of canyon trails.
Ask any North Park homeowner where they spend their Saturdays, and chances are Morley Field comes up. It is the unofficial backyard of the neighborhood. You can play disc golf at sunrise, hit the pool by noon, and catch a tennis match before dinner. All within walking or biking distance of homes in North Park.
If you live in 92104, Morley Field is one of the biggest reasons your home holds its value. Let’s break down what makes this place special and why buyers keep asking about it.
A Quick History of Morley Field
Morley Field is named after John Morley, San Diego’s first park superintendent. He served from 1911 to 1939 and shaped much of what Balboa Park looks like today.
The park sits on the canyon-rich eastern side of Balboa Park, off Pershing Drive. It opened as a public recreation hub decades ago and has been a daily ritual for North Park residents ever since.
Sports and Recreation at Morley Field
This is not your average city park. Morley Field has more activities packed into one space than almost any park in San Diego.
Here is what you will find:
- 25 tennis courts at the Balboa Tennis Club
- An 18-hole disc golf course
- The Bud Kearns Memorial Pool (a 50-meter outdoor pool)
- The San Diego Velodrome for cycling
- Softball and baseball fields
- An archery range
- Bocce ball courts
- Picnic areas and a playground
- Canyon hiking and biking trails
The Disc Golf Course
The Morley Field disc golf course is one of the oldest permanent courses in the world. Players come from all over Southern California to play it. The fee is small, and the course winds through eucalyptus trees and canyon overlooks. Read more about the course at the official Morley Field site.
The San Diego Velodrome
If you have never seen a velodrome, it is a banked oval cycling track. Morley Field has one of only about 20 in the country. Races run weekly during the season, and you can watch for free.
Bud Kearns Memorial Pool
The pool is open year-round for lap, recreation, and lessons. It is one of the only public 50-meter pools in San Diego. Affordable, clean, and walkable from most of North Park.
Why Morley Field Matters for North Park Home Values
Buyers who tour homes in North Park almost always ask the same question. “How close is the park?” Morley Field is part of the answer that helps homes sell.
Properties near Morley Field tend to attract families, active retirees, and remote workers who want green space without leaving the city. Walkability and outdoor amenities are two of the top factors driving home values in the 92104 zip code, according to Redfin’s North Park market data.
If you are thinking about selling, proximity to Morley Field is a feature worth highlighting in your listing. Get a free home valuation to see how your location plays into your price.
Getting to Morley Field from North Park
Most of North Park is within a 5- to 15-minute walk or bike ride of Morley Field. The main entrance is off Pershing Drive at Upas Street. Parking is free, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
If you live near 30th Street, Ray Street, or Granada, you can be there in under 10 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Morley Field located?
Morley Field is on the eastern side of Balboa Park, accessed off Pershing Drive in San Diego. It borders the North Park neighborhood (92104).
Is the disc golf course at Morley Field free?
No, but the fee is small. As of 2026, daily play is around 4 per round. Discs are available to rent at the pro shop.
Does Morley Field have a dog park?
Morley Field itself does not have an off-leash area, but Grape Street Dog Park sits nearby in South Park. Read our guide to pet-friendly North Park for more options.
How does Morley Field affect North Park home values?
Homes near Morley Field benefit from walkable green space, recreation, and canyon views. These features are the top requests from buyers and help homes hold value in slower markets.
Can I host events at Morley Field?
Yes, you can reserve picnic areas and sports facilities through the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department.
Thinking of Selling a Home Near Morley Field?
If your home is within walking distance of Morley Field, you have a real selling advantage. Knowing how to position that in your listing can mean thousands more at closing.
Want to know what your North Park home is worth right now? Schedule a phone call today, and let’s talk through your options.
Z. McT-Contreras | McT Real Estate Group | DRE #01715784