Ruocco Park

Waterfront Location

Ruocco Park is a 3.3-acre public space located in downtown San Diego, California, at the intersection of West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Opened in 2012, the park overlooks San Diego Bay and Coronado Island, offering visitors panoramic views of the city's waterfront and skyline.

Signature Art Installation

The park's entrance features a notable public art installation called The Riparium, created by local artist Roman de Salvo. This 45-foot-high sculpture consists of suspended eucalyptus branches sliced lengthwise, designed to resemble a sailboat's mast and rigging.

The artwork creates an ever-changing web of shadows as visitors pass beneath it into the park.

Landscaping and Design

Ruocco Park's layout includes a perimeter loop surrounding a large oval lawn, which is bordered by sweetshade and shoestring acacia trees. The park also incorporates drought-tolerant, xeriscape gardens at its northern and southern borders, showcasing environmentally conscious landscaping practices.

Fern pines can be found in the northwest corner of the park.

Visitor Amenities

The western end of Ruocco Park features a paved oval plaza that opens onto the Embarcadero, providing additional space for visitors to enjoy the waterfront views. Throughout the park, visitors will find picnic benches, planting areas, and eccentric stones interspersed with the landscaping.

Historical Significance

Named after Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco, who established a fund for public parks in central San Diego, Ruocco Park stands as the Port of San Diego's 18th public park. Its creation transformed a former restaurant and parking lot site into a vibrant green space that serves both locals and tourists alike.