Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Pacific Beach

"Adjacent to the Zoo is Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most beloved treasures. Known as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in America and features 17 museums and performing arts venues as well as beautiful gardens, the lily pond and botanic building, concerts and a host of special events. Take a stroll down the main El Prado promenade, enjoy the gorgeous 1915 Spanish Colonial-revival style architecture, and grab a bite to eat and one of the many purveyors in the park."

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."

"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."

"Stretching for almost 400 feet across open air, the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is the best way to give yourself a gut check in San Diego. Do you have what it takes to walk the entire length?. Can you handle the swaying motions and the howl of the wind as you travel so far above the ground?"

"Locals love this hidden spot in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood. Spruce Street Bridge is 70-feet over the canyon below. This charming bridge has an intricate cable design and plenty of trees surrounding it, making it the perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop for your photos."

"Free Breakfast, Evening Receptions And Internet, Plus Fully Equipped Kitchens, Are On Offer At The Non-Smoking Residence Inn La Jolla, A Pet-Friendly Hotel Our Guests Rate One Of The Best In Town. The Two-Story, 228-Room Property Provides Accommodations With Fully Equipped Kitchens That Feature Microwaves And Refrigerators As Well As Dining And Seating Areas. Many Rooms Have Fireplaces, And All Have Access To Free Wired Internet Access And Flat-Panel Tvs."

"Happy hour was great, $2.50 for a slice of pizza the size of your head, the worker up front was really relaxed and the pizza there was great, a perfect spot..."

"This isn't your average cinnamon roll, in more ways than one. The cinnamon rolls are all DIY with frosting flavors like cake batter and coffee and toppings like cookie dough and Oreo cookies. The cinnamon rolls are also completely vegan."

"If Rudford's had chrome instead of stucco, it would be a genuine diner, because it has the bay windows and mid-century signage. In any case, it's a landmark (and just down the street from the Chicken Pie Shop). Basic comfort fare here, which gets mixed reviews."

"Equally popular with the early bird special crowd and after-bar party goers; both sets agree that the biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak at this 24-hour diner are first rate."