Families looking for relief from the weekend heat found a new destination in National City, where the recently renovated Pepper Park offered a splash pad, waterfront access and cooling bay breezes. As temperatures climbed across San Diego County on Saturday, parents looking to avoid the crowds at Comic-Con and San Diego beaches spent the day at the park. The park land reopened with a comnunity event in April. That was after a year and a half $8 million renovation project was completed. It was funded through a partnership between the National City Council and the Port of San Diego. Whitney Watson made the trip from El Cajon, Saturday, with her husband and children.“It wasn’t crowded. It wasn’t Comic Con. It had a splash pad, and you can go fishing with easy parking.” The Watson family has air conditioning at their East County home but travels the county looking to cool down in public parks. “Oh my god, this is awesome. This is our first time here (to Pepper Park). We’ve gone to so many parks in San Diego County, but this is a really good one,” Watson said. Tyler Downing fills his son’s water toy, Saturday, at the Pepper Park splash pad, National City, Calif., July 25, 2026. Tyler Downing, who recently moved from East County to National City with his son, Ryu, 5, said the park provides an affordable way to stay cool during the summer. Indoor air conditioning at home isn’t always in the budget. “We just keep the doors open. Where our house is, it’s got some good breeze,” Downing said. “If that wasn’t the case I’d have to resort to AC. I don’t want my son to be miserable all day.” Dave Holmerud (driving boat) and his family brought their boat from Encinitas to the Sweetwater Channel, Saturday. They enjoyed being on the water near Pepper Park, National City, Calif., July 25, 2026. Not everyone stayed on shore. Nearby on the Sweetwater Channel, the Holmerud family spent the day on their boat, taking advantage of the cool ocean breeze. While the water was warm enough for swimming, the family remained mindful of concerns about water quality because of sewage bacteria from Mexico. “I take electrolytes every day, and we really encourage (our boys) to stay hydrated and drink water,” said Gaby Holmerud before applying sunscreen on her sons, Liam, 10, and David, 12. Dave Holmerud said being on the water made the hot weather much more comfortable. “There’s nothing cooler than being on the water and having a little breeze in your face. We definitely are not going to feel the heat as much.” For Downing, there is still a point when the summer heat becomes too much. “When I just get too irritated, when my bald head gets too hot. That’s when, i’m like…’yeah, that’s enough…AC on'” City leaders said the improvements to Pepper Park are already benefiting residents and visitors. If additional funding is secured, plans are already in place to develop another 2.5 acres with a new parking lot, picnic area and a promenade along the waterfront. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less