From free concerts to swimming with sharks, you don’t have to spend a lot to have fun in San Diego
One of the many advantage to hold out in San Diego is the unlimited number of fun , ad-lib thing to do . We ’ve got the bestbeer scene , stunningrooftop lounges , endlessrestaurant choicesand out-of-door concerts and festivals yr - round . better of all , we love an almost infinite provision of activity that wo n’t be you anything at all . Whether you image an enliven hike through an urban garden , a faineant 24-hour interval at the beach , or a romantic breeze and concert , San Diego has the response . Here are 15 of our favorite spare thing to do in America ’s Finest City :
Hit the Beach
Various locationsWhether “ going to the beach ” means catching theperfect wave , picnicking near anoceanfront cliff , partying with protagonist , or watching a prominent sunset , San Diego ’s 70 international nautical mile of coastline has the stark stead for your sunny day dangerous undertaking . We work , play and experience in not just a beach town , but arguably the finest beach town anywhere .
Head to Coronado Beach for some of the most complete amenities around , plus a long , wide stretch of soft , coruscant sand that ’s perfect for sand castle construction . Dogs are welcome on North Beach atDog Run BeachnearSunset Park , where you ’ll also find a foot shower and destitute litter bags .
Black ’s Beachmay be well known as San Diego ’s gay and nude - friendly beach , but a sojourn there will show that all sort of people , admit many families with immature fry , come to enjoy some of the most arresting beach scenery in the county . It ’s nestle under the bluffs atTorrey Pines StateNatural Reserve and proffer prospect of La Jolla to the south and San Diego ’s coastal towns to the due north , as well as the sailplane soar in high spirits above the water system . Black ’s Beach has no comforts at all , so design your sojourn accordingly .
Balboa Park
Pacific Beachis the pip for beachside bar and cursory fun , fueled by college students and energetic 20 - somethings . It ’s also one of the busiest beaches in San Diego , drawing crowds of locals and tourists , so weekend / holidays can get packed . Surfers of all levels relish the various breaks at Pacific Beach , especially atTourmaline Surf Park , a surfing - only beach . Non - surfers can swim , kayak , or eubstance breaker along the shoring , or cycle , skate , walk , or jog on international nautical mile of paved paths .
Swami ’s Beachis one of San Diego ’s most famous ( and gorgeous ) surf spot , with a standout good head break and legion fun reef and beach breaks . It ’s considered a challenging spot to larrup and was eternalise in the Beach Boys birdcall , Surfin ' USA . The green at Swami ’s has shaded region for picnicking and is an splendid advantage point to watch the surfers .
Balboa Park
Balboa ParkWe’ve highlighted some of our pet , must - visit situation inside Balboa Park on this tilt , but it ’s worth seek out as a ethnical hub . It ’s referred to as the “ Jewel of San Diego ” for good reason . With more than 1,200 Akko of museum , attractions , restaurants and garden , you may easily spend an total day amble through the beautiful grounds and stunning computer architecture without spending a penny .
Among the 21 museums in the park , several of the most popular offer liberal admission onResident Free Days , including the San DiegoNatural History Museum , the old scientific institution in Southern California and theFleet Science Centerand planetarium , where the first - ever IMAX Dome Theater resides . TheTimken Museum of Artand the San DiegoMineral & Gem Society Museumare always free .
A sum of 15 dedicated gardens call on even the most passing perambulation into a stress - busting nature walk . The best post to start is at the iconicBotanical Buildingand lily pool , one of the green ’s most placeable and photographed structures . The edifice itself is temporarily closed for refurbishment , but the area around the lily pool is still a popular spot for picnicking , lounging or meditation . Afterwards , learn about California flora and fauna in the CaliforniaNative Plant Gardenor trek through lushPalm Canyon .
Pacific Beach|Dirk DBQ/Flickr
Balboa Park is n’t just full of cultivation , it ’s also full of hiking trail . If you do n’t have time to drive off into the wilderness , but still desire some physical exercise and refreshing air , essay a little urban hiking . There are 19 trails at varying horizontal surface of difficulty that will take you 65 mile through the ballpark . get to the trails from one offive trail head gateway , where you ’ll find information on duration , difficulty and type of lead and can download maps of specific areas orthe entire park .
First Fridays at Liberty Station
Liberty StationA manner of walking through trendy Liberty Station ’s Arts District on the first Friday of the month might turn up unwritten music , dance , or theater performances , outside movies , or particular gallery showings . For a map and monthly syllabus , train onlineor stop by the Dick LaubNTC Command Center ’s selective information desk , then wander through the various gallery , museums and unresolved spaces .
La Jolla Sea Caves
La JollaThousands of years of pounding breaker and storms along La Jolla ’s coastline have make La Jolla Caves , a serial of seven sea caverns nuzzle betweenLa Jolla Shores BeachandLa Jolla Cove . The only cave that ’s accessible by land is Sunny Jim Sea Cave , viaThe Cave Store , a burrow and a 145 - footfall pedigree down a wooden staircase , but there is a $ 10 fee . If you want to see all seven , your skilful bet is to kayak and explore them from the sea . Two caves , Clam Cave and Arches Cave , are large enough to enter by kayak , but you’re able to swim into them all , or just relax and enjoy the wildlife — you might see leopard sharks or garibaldi swim by , or sea Lion lazing on the rock .
Open Rehearsals at The Rady Shell
DowntownWhen not in usage as a operation venue , Jacobs Park — menage to The Rady Shell — is open to the populace , who can utilise grassy areas and seat for picnicking , lounging and other activities . If you ’re fortunate , your visit may coincide with carrying out rehearsals by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra , who invite the world to enjoy their practice sessions for free and without reservations , unless your group numbers over 15 guests . hold in theirwebsitefor rehearsal schedules and guideline for look , but note that rehearsal times may change or be scrub without posting .
Murals of La Jolla
La JollaMurals of La Jolla is a collaboration between theLa Jolla Community FoundationandAthenaeum Music & Arts Librarythat features 15 mural dot about the city , all within easy walking distance of each other . Freeguided toursare usable monthly ; on-line adjustment is required and note that the hitch make full up apace . It ’s even more fun to strike out on your own with aself - guided tourthough , just download the mapping and rove at your own rate . The task was plant in 2010 and has commissioned more than41 muralsover the years ; past exhibit can beviewed online .
Dave’s Rock Garden
EncinitasDave Dean began clearing the trash and weeds from a vacant , United States Department of State - owned lot near his home in Encinitas more than eight age ago , eventually sum cactus , bromeliad and other low - maintenance , drouth - resistant vegetation , carving out take the air paths throughout and draw them with politic stone . The rock garden theme was inspire by a visiting creative person from Arizona , Candace Jesse Jessup , who painted one of the Stone with a mandala as a give thanks you gift , inspiring Dave to paint rocks on his own . He asked neighbour and visitors to paint rocks too , result in a brilliantly colour in oasis that is now home to more than 7000 beautiful rock’n’roll , created by local and travelers from all over the humans . Meander down the paths , learn pick up subject matter , meditate while sitting on the stump seating room or near the small shrine . you may even paint your own rock at the artwork place , where Dave supply the necessary supply . The garden has no website , but can be recover at200 B Streetin Encinitas .
Annie’s Canyon Trail
Solana BeachThis 2.2 mile , moderately hard hike takes you past towering walls and uphill through a short expansion slot canon , over with a lowly , graffiti - covered cave , before issue at a scenic vista outlook point with views of the San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean . From there , it loops through a serial of fairly well - groomed switchbacks to return to the trailhead . Expect a chokepoint at the slot canyon on weekends and arrive early if you ’d rather void the crowds . There ’s even acool little videoso you know what to expect .
Amici Park
minuscule ItalyAmici Park is an extremely democratic gather spot in Little Italy , terminated with an outside coliseum , bocce royal court and a frank parking lot , but did you know that you’re able to also get some outstanding recipes there , too ? No , you wo n’t have to sweet talk someone ’s grandmother out of her secret formula for Bolognese sauce — instead , there ’s an graphics installation calledRecipe for Friendship , with four bronze sculptures of iconic dishes and the recipes to create them at home , plus 10 sidewalk plaques with inspirational citation and adage . representative currently featured includeDeborah Scott ’s Blackened Fish Tacos , the late Rose Giolzetti Cresci ’s Stuffed Artichokes , Lisa and Joe Busallachi ’s Marinara Sauce , and the fourth recipe — Fava Bean Spread — was contributed by the artist , San Diego’sNina Karavasiles , who has 22 otherpublic artworksdisplayed across the city .
Bike along the Silver Strand
CoronadoThe Silver Strand Bikeway begins atCoronado Ferry Landingand takes you along the nine - mi flat , sandy tombolo all the fashion to Imperial Beach . sodding for riders of all levels , you ’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the San Diego BayNational Wildlife Refugeon the other . Do n’t miss a point atSilver Strand Beachfor a speedy swimming or a walk along the sand . TheCoronado Ferrydoes cost $ 7 each agency if you do n’t want to drive over , but your bike drive for free .
Fly Fishing Lessons at Lake Murray
La MesaThe primary distinction between fly fishing and spin or bait fishing , is that the weight of the billet — rather than a come-on or sinker — carries the hook through the air travel . Of naturally , honk a near weightless rainfly demand importantly different proficiency from other forms of casting . Learn the ins and out from the San Diego Fly Fishers , one of the few fishing clubs in the land to proffer detached tent-fly casting clinic , throw at Lake Murray every Sunday from 9 am until noonday . Bring your own equipment or take up club equipment from one of the certified instructors . The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Lake Murray with rainbow trout , but you’re able to also catch Micropterus salmoides bass , blue siluriform fish , Lepomis macrochirus , epithelial duct siluriform fish , red - earsunfish and black crappie . A fishing license is n’t necessary for the fly ball shed clinic , but if you ’re 16 or over , you ’ll need one to catch Pisces the Fishes .
Sunday Concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Balboa ParkEach Sunday , San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez and Spreckels Organ Curator Dale Sorenson , with especial accession given by the City of San Diego , headland to The Spreckels Organ for their regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon concert . The musical repertoire ranges from Bach to Broadway and definitive to contemporary . The hour - prospicient concert start out at 2 pm and takes place rainwater or shine .
Stonewall Peak Trail
JulianStonewall Peak Trail inCuyamaca Rancho State Parkfeels like a backcountry hike , without the four - hour drive . Spectacular scene and ever - change vegetation along its 3.4 - mile out - and - back course provide great deal of opportunities to stop and smell the roses , or in this case , wild sage and rose mallow . Thanks to a serial of soft switchbacks up a mere 830 - foot elevation profit , along with sight of tincture from the beautiful woods setting , hikers of almost any skill level can strike the peak for spectacular , 360 - degree scene of Lake Cuyamaca and the Cuyamaca Mountains . Afterwards , you ’re just a quick drive intoJulianfor a guiltiness - free gash of their famous apple pie , which sadly , is not liberal .
Zoro Garden
Balboa ParkThe Zoro Garden , named afterZoroaster , founder of Zoroastrianism , one of the old devise faiths , is in a recessed grotto nestle between theReuben H. Fleet Science Centerand theCasa de Balboain Balboa Park . It was originally built for thePanama - California Expositionin 1915 - 16 , and repair in 1935 to host theCalifornia Pacific International Exposition , where it was home to a nudist colony of sorts break away by sideshow impresario Nate Eagle and Stanley R. Graham . Visitors were load an entry fee of 25 cents to watch paid actors in loincloths and body stockings gravel , play sports and engage in quasi - religious ceremonies . Today , Zoro Garden has been reimagined as a serene butterfly garden , where monarchs , morning coat and sulfur butterflies drink water from tiny pools in the rocks . Local flora and creature includes food sources like milkweed , passion yield vines and California lilac for butterfly larvae , plus vervain , butterfly bush , lantana and the comparable provide nectar for adult butterfly .
Anthony Dolce/Flickr
Dave Bunnell/Wikimedia
Courtesy of the Rady Shell
Courtesy of Hidden San Diego
Photo byNina Karavasiles
Wayne S. Grazio/Flickr
slworking2/Flickr
Balboa Park
