Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
15 Absolutely Free Things to Do in San Diego
"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."
"The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the Gaslamp district’s oldest surviving structure, a saltbox style home shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum has been home to many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a German Spy and Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. Each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants."
"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."
"The Whaley House is a museum and California Historical Landmark, situated in the Old Town, San Diego, California. It is administered by the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). The Whaley House was the home of Thomas Whaley and his family."
"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."
"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"
"This historic park overlooks Old Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Old Town)"
"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"
"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."
"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."
"Built in 1825 to house one of San Diego’s earliest families, the building is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of prior residents."
"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."
"A visit to the San Diego Harbor is not complete without a stroll through the Embarcadero Marina Park. Surrounded by the bay on three sides, the Embarcadero Marina provides an authentic San Diego experience complete with scenic views and fresh sea air. Visitors also get a chance to discover the loyalty and courage of many of our Naval Military personnel through various memorials and statues including the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, The Homecoming Statue, and the USS San Diego Memorial."
"During the summer season, a variety of venues host free concerts from local, regional, and national artists. From the Coronado Summer Concerts in the Park to the La Jolla Concert by the Sea, there is an event planned for every week of the summer. At these free concerts, guests are invited to bring their own food, beverages, chairs, and towels for the ultimate concert experience."
"Embarcadero Marina Park South is a park in San Diego, in the U.S. state of California. Embarcadero Marina Park South is situated 1 km northeast of Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center. Photo: jimmyweee, CC BY 2.0."
"Starting out as a pop-up shop back in the summer of 2014, ICESKIMO has since grown to become one of the best boba providers in San Diego. Here, you’ll find Asian-inspired desserts like Taiwanese shaved snow, a delectable dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. Their bubble tea is made fresh to order, with traditional flavors like black, green, Thai or Early Grey, as well as matcha and coffee."
"Save some room after dinner for Iceskimo's Taiwanese shaved ice - a style somewhere between ice cream and Hawaiian shaved ice. The handmade ice blocks in flavors like black sesame and matcha green tea are shaved down and then topped with tantalizing extras like Nutella, lychee, bananas foster, and oolong milk tea."
"Imagine if ice cream and shaved ice had a baby—that's Iceskimo. The refreshingly light textures complement the creamy flavors and make something beautiful. You choose from a plethora of shaved ice flavors and then customize your creation with their selection of toppings."
"Just off Orange Street you’ll find the best place to get gelato in Coronado. At Nado Gelato by Bottega Italiana you’ll be served the highest quality, artisan gelato in amazing flavors like crème brûlée, black sesame or a variety of seasonal fruit. Try up to four flavors in one cup or pile it all on a waffle cone for a highly Instagrammable sweet tweet!"
"A post shared by Manilyn Baltazar (@immanilynbaltazar) on Jul 22, 2020 at 5:54pm PDT. Speaking of embracing your sweet tooth, Nado Gelato is the perfect spot to end a day in Coronado. The creation of Bottega Italiana, this authentic gelato has been named the “best dessert in town” by locals."
"This family-owned North Park restaurant has been serving incredible Cantonese fare since 1931. With that many years of experience, you know you’re in for a treat regardless of what you order but if you need a few suggestions, a few of the staff’s favorites include crispy beef, walnut shrimp and Szechuan tofu."
"8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111www.sizzlingpotkingsd.com. Sizzling Pot King serves traditional Chinese cuisines in a unique way!. Similar to Mongolian hotpot, you order your choices of meats, veggies, or spices."