Thinking about visiting San Diego but wondering what to do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I've got you covered with these FREE things to do and places to visit!
In my opinion Lefty’s in Mission Hills because it’s thin crust. I am not a deep dish person. Although I know there’s lots of places in Little Italy where you can get deep dish. I also put pineapple on my pizza and I know that’s pretty unpopular as well 😆
I used to live in San Diego but since retiring I've moved to Northern California where all the water falls, hiking, camping are. My family dtill live down south and YES many great restaurants, free places to go, activities to do, tons of beautiful beaches, surfing spots for humans & dogs, and very friendly respectful people too and, sadly expensive ...... but don't let that stop you from going there
It sounds like you have nice memories of San Diego, it’s a great place! But that you’ve also made some great memories in Northern California, which is lovely as well! Definitely much more of a change of season!
Thank you for the tip! I absolutely love the Henry in Coronado but if you don’t have reservations, it’s pretty challenging half of the year to get in! Glad to know of another one opening!
Cabrillo Monument is beautiful and has some nice hiking trails. If you have a national park pass, it’s free. Otherwise there is a charge, but you can gear to the right at the entrance and drive to the tide pools and this is free. It’s a lovely walk. There is a new trail (all uphill from the tide pool), but it ends in Cabrillo Monument and you don’t have to pay. Just remember what goes up must come down!
Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach is also a beautiful walk along the cliffs.
Liberty Station in San Diego was a Marine military base, but was decommissioned. It now has several restaurants, boutique type stores and many activities.
Shelter island is not too far from Liberty Station and there is a sidewalk for taking a stroll along the ocean and watching sailboats. Also, several restaurants.
Torrey Pines Glider Port is across the street from UCSD and you can watch hangliders land and take off. You can also sign up to have a tandem ride with a trained guide. There is a charge for this, but even if you don’t do this it’s fun to watch and there are some trails. There is also a restaurant or bring a picnic.
I love all your suggestions, Laurel, and was going to include many of them in my post but it was getting pretty long! Sunset Cliffs in OB is great, and we go to Liberty Station frequently. Shelter Island is a great spot too (Humphrey's summer concerts are fun although not free). I appreciate you taking the time to share all of this!
I live in San Diego, too, and there is soooo much to do. I left out visiting Little Italy’s Farmers Market on Saturday and La Jolla Farmers Market on Sunday. Have you been to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave at The Cave Store at La Jolla Cove? So interesting but there are 145 steps down to see the cave opening and then you have to climb back up! Then you can walk along the Cove to see (and smell) the sea lions.
I second everything you recommended!!! The list could go on and on!
Love those farmers markets! I go to the Hillcrest one too. Jimmy's Sea Cave, no I have not been there and now I should check it out - but there is yes a very telltale aroma coming from the sea lions area always....haha! Sounds like you're a hiker and active so you've probably hiked Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock. Also Top of The Hyatt downtown at the Manchester Grand is technically free to ride up to the top (although buying 1 drink goes a long way no doubt), but great views towards the south and the Coronado Bridge and beyond. There's so much to do here - you're right!
The sea cave is not a long adventure but it was something I’d never done even with living so long in San Diego! I do like to hike, but haven’t done the trails you mentioned. I’ve heard they can be challenging! Funny you should mention Manchester Grand. My niece and nephew were just here visiting and went to a rooftop movie there. I didn’t even know they had this!
Whats the best pizza in SD?
In my opinion Lefty’s in Mission Hills because it’s thin crust. I am not a deep dish person. Although I know there’s lots of places in Little Italy where you can get deep dish. I also put pineapple on my pizza and I know that’s pretty unpopular as well 😆
I used to live in San Diego but since retiring I've moved to Northern California where all the water falls, hiking, camping are. My family dtill live down south and YES many great restaurants, free places to go, activities to do, tons of beautiful beaches, surfing spots for humans & dogs, and very friendly respectful people too and, sadly expensive ...... but don't let that stop you from going there
It sounds like you have nice memories of San Diego, it’s a great place! But that you’ve also made some great memories in Northern California, which is lovely as well! Definitely much more of a change of season!
Great roundup of fun places here in San Diego! We’re getting a Henry’s in Carlsbad and I can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you for the tip! I absolutely love the Henry in Coronado but if you don’t have reservations, it’s pretty challenging half of the year to get in! Glad to know of another one opening!
Cabrillo Monument is beautiful and has some nice hiking trails. If you have a national park pass, it’s free. Otherwise there is a charge, but you can gear to the right at the entrance and drive to the tide pools and this is free. It’s a lovely walk. There is a new trail (all uphill from the tide pool), but it ends in Cabrillo Monument and you don’t have to pay. Just remember what goes up must come down!
Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach is also a beautiful walk along the cliffs.
Liberty Station in San Diego was a Marine military base, but was decommissioned. It now has several restaurants, boutique type stores and many activities.
Shelter island is not too far from Liberty Station and there is a sidewalk for taking a stroll along the ocean and watching sailboats. Also, several restaurants.
Torrey Pines Glider Port is across the street from UCSD and you can watch hangliders land and take off. You can also sign up to have a tandem ride with a trained guide. There is a charge for this, but even if you don’t do this it’s fun to watch and there are some trails. There is also a restaurant or bring a picnic.
I love all your suggestions, Laurel, and was going to include many of them in my post but it was getting pretty long! Sunset Cliffs in OB is great, and we go to Liberty Station frequently. Shelter Island is a great spot too (Humphrey's summer concerts are fun although not free). I appreciate you taking the time to share all of this!
I live in San Diego, too, and there is soooo much to do. I left out visiting Little Italy’s Farmers Market on Saturday and La Jolla Farmers Market on Sunday. Have you been to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave at The Cave Store at La Jolla Cove? So interesting but there are 145 steps down to see the cave opening and then you have to climb back up! Then you can walk along the Cove to see (and smell) the sea lions.
I second everything you recommended!!! The list could go on and on!
Love those farmers markets! I go to the Hillcrest one too. Jimmy's Sea Cave, no I have not been there and now I should check it out - but there is yes a very telltale aroma coming from the sea lions area always....haha! Sounds like you're a hiker and active so you've probably hiked Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock. Also Top of The Hyatt downtown at the Manchester Grand is technically free to ride up to the top (although buying 1 drink goes a long way no doubt), but great views towards the south and the Coronado Bridge and beyond. There's so much to do here - you're right!
The sea cave is not a long adventure but it was something I’d never done even with living so long in San Diego! I do like to hike, but haven’t done the trails you mentioned. I’ve heard they can be challenging! Funny you should mention Manchester Grand. My niece and nephew were just here visiting and went to a rooftop movie there. I didn’t even know they had this!