Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Coronado Cays

"There are 17 museums in Balboa Park and while they are not all art museums, a few rise above the rest. The sleek building that houses the Timken Museum of Art serves as an excellent foundation for a visit. The collection features masterworks by Rembrandt, perhaps the most well-known portraitist in Western art history, and Jacques-Louis David, the individual who was the most influential on 19th century academic art."

"Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban green space featuring natural vegetation zones, planted gardens and walking paths. It is one of the oldest public recreational areas in the country. The park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the site of free weekly concerts."

"Not only does Timken Museum house American, French and Russian works of art, but it’s one of the most important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Find it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Belmont Park is an amusement park and entertainment center located along Mission Beach. The historic Giant Dipper roller coaster has been around for over 95 years, and there are many other classic rides to enjoy, such as bumper cars and a carousel. Get a hole-in-one at the tiki miniature golf course or battle against your enemies in the Tron-themed laser tag experience."

"may remind you of Coney Island in New York, but it comes with a vibe that is ALL California!. Roller coasters, arcade games, carny food, and shopping for souvenirs to bring back home all add up to a day spent in paradise. The sun is always shining in Belmont Park and you will kick yourself if you miss out on this beachside theme park!"

"For some old-fashioned oceanfront fun, wrap up your San Diego Day at Belmont Park. It is like an old fashioned fair and arcade, plus is located directly on Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunset."

"With its unassuming yellow paint and perfectly square foundation, the William Heath Davis House bears the distinct honor of being the oldest building in San Diego. Erected in 1850, this historic saltbox-style home now serves as a museum, transporting everyone who steps through its doors back in time to the Victorian era of yore. While it once was the home of one of our earliest settlers, William Heath Davis himself, it now affords its visitors a glimpse into our past."

"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."

"The Cabrillo Bridge is a historic pedestrian and automobile bridge providing access between Balboa Park and Uptown San Diego. It's a great place to capture moody images at dawn. In general, Balboa Park is a great place to capture cool images."

"Whether your little splasher likes to get totally drenched by a bucket of water or just play in the spray zone, the Sweetwater Summit County Park's splash pad is tons of fun. For just three bucks kids can soak up the fun. Even more, there's a campground, so if you plan ahead you can make a night of s'more activities!"

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"The Gaslamp District is giddy about the patio reopening at their neighborhood Italian staple, Operacaffe!. Slated to welcome back guests starting on Wednesday, February 3rd, the restaurant will keep their menu full of crave-worthy creations like their Gnocchi Gorgonzola e Mirtilli with sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries, and Penne Speperina with spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint. Patio dining hours will be Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 9:30PM, and Friday through Saturday from 4PM to 9:30PM."

"Located in the Gaslamp District, Operacaffe serves award-winning food in a romantic Italian-style setting. Owner Patrizia Branchi grew up in Florence and later opened a restaurant there, and today Operacaffe serves many of the same Tuscan dishes that her previous restaurant's Italian customers knew and loved. The menu offers appetizers, soups, gourmet pasta dishes including some special seafood options, meat and fish entrees, pizzas, and a wide variety of healthy salads."

"This cute little place has been around for over 45 years and is a local favorite!. Known for their in-house roasted meats and house-made cookies, it’s a great spot to grab some lunch!. Their sandwiches are all made fresh to order, and they have a good assortment of salads and a homemade soup-of-the-day."

"EncinitasSan Diegans can once again experience the cuisine of Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda, whose former restaurant in Liberty Station, El Jardín, was included on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2019, at VAGA Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Boasting expansive ocean views and a dramatic open kitchen, Chef Zepeda fuses diverse cultures with local ingredients from places like Chino Farms and Cyclops Farms in dishes such as heirloom bean soup, brisket buns, and Baja sea bass on a seasonal menu. The beverage program, led by Alexander Gregg, features rotating signature cocktails, local microbrews, and a dynamic wine list incorporating natural wines utilizing grapes from low-intervention/biodynamic vineyards.How to book: Reservations are recommended and can be made online via SevenRooms."

"The buzz:The Puffer/Malarkey Collective’s finally reopens with a dynamic new culinary director.The food: Now under the helm of acclaimed chef Tara Monsod, it has a lighter, more Southeast Asian focused menu. Sip a Chai Paloma (tequila, coconut chai, cinnamon, grapefruit) alongside savory uni shrimp toast or sweet and sour cauliflower. Then explore the sake menu while you indulge in A5 Wagyu, Shanghai crab noodles with snap peas, garlic chili butter, and cilantro, or Kare Kare Short Ribs with green beans, and eggplant.The cost: Hot and cold starters are $7-22, entrees go for $24-69, cocktails are $14-19, beer and wine by the glass are $8-25, and sake flights run $25.How to book: Make reservations for indoor dining via OpenTable."

"Money can't buy happiness but it can buy you and your someone special a palate-pleasing pan-Asian feast of Korean fried chicken, 45-day dry-aged rib eye, Ora king salmon with pomegranate ponzu, or a variety of delicious crudos at "Top Chef" contestant Brian Malarkey’s latest entry in the San Diego fine dining scene. The space, a $5.5 million project, is awash in sumptuous shades of gold, chartreuse, and coral from the elegant chandeliers to the custom carpeting. Both can be admired while sipping something from the quality Japanese whisky collection."

"Located in Coronado, California, Bistro D'Asia offers a menu full of Asian cuisine. The restaurant serves Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare. Each meal is made with the freshest ingredients available as well as bold flavors and spices."

"At Gyu-Kaku San Diego, diners can cook various meats and vegetables at a grill in the middle of their table. For those with a hankering for sushi, Gyu-Kaku offers other Japanese op..."