City park · Old Encinitas
Cottonwood Creek Park
A central downtown park near Moonlight Beach, with a creek, playground, gazebo, and tennis and basketball courts. It works well for small family picnics and kids' parties.
Published prices
| Fee | Price |
|---|---|
| Park permit, resident private party, 25-50 peopleThe permit guide lists this 'per use'; the fee is due with the application. | $38 / use |
| Park permit, resident, 51-100 people | $65 / use |
| Park permit, resident, 101-499 people | $92 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident party, 25-50 peopleClass 7 = groups with less than 50% Encinitas residents. | $65 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident, 51-100 people | $98 / use |
| Park permit, non-resident, 101-499 people | $130 / use |
| Permit processing feeNon-refundable. Card convenience fees are extra. | $3 |
| Refundable cleaning/damage deposit (51+ people)This is the minimum | $200 |
| $1M liability insurance (required for every permit)The City sells coverage but doesn't publish the price | Not published |
| Cost-recovery fees for 100+ guests (restrooms, trash, lifeguards)Charged to groups of 100 or more; amounts not published | Not published |
Bookable areas: Open space / picnic area via an Outdoor Facility Use Permit (25-499 people). CONFLICT: the March 2026 permit guide lists this park as a birthday-party site, but the City's Parks page says 'Not Reservable'. Confirm with PRCA.
At a glance
- Capacity
- 499 guests
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Hours
- Dawn to dusk (the City's general park hours)
- Parking
- Not listed
- Run by
- City of Encinitas
Amenities
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Picnic tables
- BBQ grills · not listed
- Sports fields (no)
- Beach access (no)
- Dogs allowed
- Accessible (ADA) · not listed
Rules
- Alcohol
- Beer and wine allowed (City parks page).
- Bounce houses
- Not permitted (the City bans bounce houses under outdoor permits)
- Amplified sound
- Not permitted under outdoor permits
- Canopies
- May be allowed, but need extra review and approval. List them on the application.
- Other rules
- Apply at least 25 days ahead by emailing PRCA@encinitasca.gov. Not allowed: generators, portable grills, tiki torches, candles. A permit doesn't guarantee exclusive use. See city-wide rules. The gazebo, basketball court and tennis courts are not reservable. Parking lot with ADA spaces; the City doesn't say whether it's free.
How to book
Email the PDF application to PRCA@encinitasca.gov at least 25 days ahead; the fee is due when you apply. Send $1M liability insurance (City named as additional insured) at least 10 days before. Questions: 760-633-2740.
Location
95 N. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024 · Pin from the street address. Get directions
Nearby
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Prices change; confirm with the venue before you book. Something out of date? Tell us.