Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Carmel Mountain

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"Families appreciate the beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities at Balboa Park. This expansive outdoor space includes 17 museums, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and over a dozen different gardens. Many visitors come here to enjoy the Pepper Grove Playground, a large kids' recreation area with slides, swings, a jungle gym, sandbox, playing fields, and picnic tables."

"Prepare yourself for an explosion of mosaics at this American sculpture garden, the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle (born France, 1930-2002), who was inspired by California’s rich history and culture. The garden consists of several large sculptures including a circular “snake wall’ measuring 400 feet in length (with heights varying from 4 to 9 feet) that surrounds the garden and open into a maze with walls and floors that are covered with black, white and mirrored tiles. The curved bodies of the monumental playful serpents slithering along the top of the wall form a pattern of solids and voids that allows visitors to see landscape vistas beyond the garden."

"In Kit Carson Park and the Iris Sankey Arboretum, you’ll find this magical sculpture garden created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. There are nine huge sculptural works, plus a maze and a 400-foot-long undulating snake wall decorated with colorful mosaics. The star piece in this unique art garden is the sculpture of Queen Califia riding on the back of a five-legged eagle."

"The mission of this museum states, "Inspiring human connections by exploring the human experience." That is precisely what you'll find in this museum when you visit San Diego. There are exhibits on human history and sociology, including Ancient Egypt, BEERology, the Kumeyaay tribe, and race in America. You can also tour the California tower, where you can learn about the history of Balboa Park and catch 360 views of the city."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The San Diego Museum of Man is a cultural and physical anthropology museum. It was established to collect, preserve, interpret and communicate evidence of human development and creativity to advance understanding and respect for all cultures. The mission is to basically teach people about people."

"Located underneath the Coronado Bridge, Chicano Park is an inspiring collection of installations, murals and community gardens. The explosion of form and color is overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to see other artists and filmmakers working in the park because of the inspirational and powerful messages that adorn views in every direction. You won’t find any chain stores or coffee shops in this area because the surrounding neighborhood of Barrio Logan has made great efforts to keep small businesses by local residents."

"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."

"Chicano park is a small park with incredible murals from renowned Latin-American artists. It’s a national historic landmark that few know about in San Diego and worth visiting. You can read more about the stories behind the murals here."

"Felicita County Park is nestled on 53 acres of dense Oak groves with hiking trails and streams winding throughout. The woodsy setting and several large boulders make the park very serene. Felicita is also the site of one of the largest and oldest Native American Villages in the county."

"Marine Street is one of the best La Jolla beaches because it’s a wide, white sand beach that sits just between two rock reef points, Little Point and Horseshoe. The surf here is famous for being rough and unpredictable, making it popular with surfers and bodyboarders but not advisable for inexperienced swimmers. Unfortunately, due to that, it’s also been the site of countless injuries and rescues."

"Marine Street & Vista Del Mar AvenueLa Jolla, CA 92037(619) 221-8899. Marine Street Beach is a public beach located near Children’s Pool Beach and Windansea Beach. It looks out to the Pacific Ocean."

"Swimming:Yes, but the Current Can Be Rough Surfing: NoBoogie Boarding: Not the Best SpotBest For: Walking the Beach At Low Tide. This is the largest beach in downtown La Jolla. Stairs lead from the walkway down to the top of a set of rocks, and from there you hop right down to the sand."

"Wipeout Beach can be found just south of Children’s Pool Beach. It also runs along Coast Boulevard. It’s definitely among the best beach spots in La Jolla, just for its views alone."

"Wipeout Beach is a sandy beach south of Children’s Pool Beach along Coast Boulevard in La Jolla. In the winter the sand gets ripped away by storms leaving a rugged […]"

"Let Ember + Still’s indoor play room entertain the kids while you enjoy some adult time with a glass of well-earned wine. Kids can watch a movie, play games, color, build with blocks, etc. and you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are close by."

"Taco Shack: Tues, Fri & Sat 4-7pm, Sun 2-5pm / B&S Bar: Fri & Sat 5:30-9:30pm. Join us for outdoor live music at the Beach + Taco Shack or Babcock & Story Bar."

"Let me start by saying I've only been here on Sundays around 12pm and I've only ever had their donuts. The donuts are pretty good, definitely a..."