Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"Afterwards, take yourself to the south east corner of the Gaslamp area and locate Petco Park (it’s kind of hard to miss). This giant baseball stadium is home to the San Diego Padres and, baseball fan or not (I’m not), is a pretty spectacular sight. If you’re in San Diego during the baseball season, tickets are affordable and make for a great night out. Otherwise, you can take a stadium tour, or just climb up onto the grassy bank opposite and have a nosey from there."
"Right in downtown San Diego, the state-of-the-art Petco Park is lauded as one of Major League Baseball’s best stadiums. In the stands you’ll get incredible vistas of the Sand Diego skyline and San Diego Bay at one of 81 regular season games (more if the Padres have a successful season). Petco Park opened in 2004, before which the San Diego Padres had to share the Jack Murphy Stadium with NFL’s Chargers."
"The San Diego Padres' home is one of the few stadiums in America with a water view. And the non-baseball-related appeal doesn't stop there. Local craft brew options are stellar, with more than 40 varieties of poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck, and more than 50 dining options."
"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."
"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."
"This unique geological formation looks like a sliver – hence the Potato Chip name – but is sturdy enough to support the weight of a person or two. The rock is the reward for a challenging hike up Mount Woodson and is a great spot for some Instagram-worthy snaps. If you’re tempted to make the climb, bring lots of water and start early: temperatures can get very high in the area."
"But Potato Chip Rock is one of the most Instagrammable places in San Diego. It is a potato chip-shaped rock at the end of a 7.5-mile hike with a 2,400-foot elevation gain. Bring some water and hiking gear, and enjoy the views and photos on top of the “potato chip."
"The track is the largest indoor karting track on the West Coast. The high performance electric karts allow fast acceleration and the adrenaline needed to provide an unforgettable experience. By taking advantage of their Arrive and Drive race packages, parents can have the buffer time they need in order to get to and from the track with no reservation required."
"If you thought you could only find go-karts at some amusement parks, think again. By heading into K1 Speed of Carlsbad you can hop into a go-kart and race your way through their track in no time. It’s thrilling, it’s exciting, and when all is said and done you can enjoy their authentic racing memorabilia and snacks before you head out."
"Founded in 2003, K1 Speed provides indoor karting services featuring professionally-designed tracks, modern safety barriers, private function rooms, arcades, and an onsite restaurant. Co-founded by Boris Said, an American racing driver and Susan Danglard, the company now owns more than 40 locations worldwide."
"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."
"Many people recommended we take in one of the famous San Diego sunsets from Sunset Cliffs, which is just a couple of miles south of the Ocean Beach pier. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre City of San Diego regional park which extends 1½ miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline. You get expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations and caves, an intertidal area, and in some spaces plenty of space and rocks for the kids to run over way back from the edge."
"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."
"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."
"Featuring international artists, this is where you escape to if you’re looking for a life-like fairy tale. It’s one of the most interesting things to see in Escondido. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle has a maze, with walls made of black, white and glass mosaic tiles, a garden with native plants, phenomenal sculptures and a special golden egg fountain with a 24 foot (7.4 meters) statue of Queen Califia herself, with an eagle."
"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."
"This unique sculpture garden was created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. She was inspired by her visions of early California history, myths, and Native American culture to create the magical artworks found in the garden. Kit Carson Park 3333 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido."
"Location: 16765 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128Phone: (858) 673-7512Website. A vintage wine bar and bistro in Rancho Bernardo, this popular casual eatery is well-loved, and one of our very favorite hangouts. Wines here are superb, and patrons can order by the bottle, glass, or flight."
"Took my kids there during our trip to San Diego and it was nothing but disappointment!. The selection were very limited and food tasted gross."
"I use to like this buffet but it has gone downhill recently. There is another choice in Pacific Beach that is way better."
"The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Address:3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025"
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Downtowngal used under CC BY-SA 3.0. A great way to explore true southwestern California, the way you’re supposed to, Daley Ranch has fresh air and rustic ambiance in a gorgeous location. The hiking trails are lovely, offering breathtaking views over Escondido ranch land."
"Daley Ranch has everything a hiker, biker, or runner could ask for. Some trails provide excellent views of Dixon Lake. Dixon Lake will give you immediate shade and a shoreline trail."