Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
15 Absolutely Free Things to Do in San Diego
"Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is an art museum that is engaged in the collection, preservation, exhibitions, evaluations of artworks from the 1950s to today so far. It is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. MCASD offers access to the finest art at two exemplary locations in San Diego, i.e., the La Jolla and downtown location of Santa Fe Depot."
"The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is spread out over two venues, one downtown and one in La Jolla. The museum is dedicated to serving their diverse audience through exhibits of art created since 1950. The downtown location features site-specific...[Learn more]"
"San Diego’s first food hall is housed in the city’s former naval training center, a 361-acre site in Point Loma that now features a lively business district with wide lawns, a waterfront park, and historic Spanish Revival–style..."
"2820 Historic Decatur Road San Diego, CA 92106 619-487-9346 Open daily: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (individual shop hours may vary) Features: Located at Liberty Station, features dozens of local artisan stalls and fresh foods"
"The city's former Naval Training Center is now home to more than 30 vendors so even the pickiest of diners will be pleased. Options include...Read More"
"Horton Plaza Shopping Center, a multi-story, open-air mall, is known for its eclectic architecture, people-watching opportunities and more than 100 stores and shops. Make a purchase here and you'll get three free hours of parking—ample time for shopping and exploring the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter."
"Splish-splash outside the food court at this upscale mall in Chula Vista. Grab a bite from the food court (there are plenty of options!). You can sit on the grass to eat (bring a blanket or towel), then it's time to cool off at the splash pad."
"Otay Ranch Town Center in San Diego offers something for every member of the family including fashion stores, sport shops, toy stores and even a dog park for the family poo"
"Pop into the Spanish Village Art Center so your kids can get a look at a working artist’s studio in a charming Spanish town square. Small adobe studios painted with blue walls and yellow trims host a variety of artists and even offer art classes, glass blowing lessons and even more to explore your creative side. From the studios to the flowers, this place bursts with color and reflective energy."
"The Spanish Village Art Center offers a sensational collection of art. For starters, it has a constant rotation of artists who work with felt, paint, metal, beads, photos, glass and clay. There’s always something new to see even if you’ve visited before, so the locals of San Diego enjoy it just as much as the tourists."
"Location: Shelter IslandWater slide: NoAdults-only pool: Yes. For a colorful, chic, and modern hotel with a swimming pool adjacent to the San Diego Bay, the Kona Kai is the place for you. This small, long family pool gives you a front seat to the path where boats navigate to their pier."
"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 Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions for one fee. The Zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."
"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."
"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 lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."
"Taka Sushi’s food earns it a spot on the best sushi in San Diego lineup, and its location in the Gaslamp offers the perfect contrast to the busy, colorful spots surrounding it. The food is delicious and the atmosphere relaxing. What more could you ask for?"