Ideas for free or low cost activities in San Diego

[Pfennigfuchser]

Hello fellow Mustachians,

My boyfriend is going to a conference in San Diego in June and I'm coming with him for a week. All I'm paying for is the flight since the hotel is already paid for. Does anybody have any good recommendations for fun activities in San Diego and Coronado that don't cost an arm and a leg? Are there any good places for grocery shopping or cheap places to eat? I won't really be able to cook anything but there is always the option of making sandwiches in the hotel.

[shusherstache]

I'd be interested to hear this as I am also going to a convention in San Diego in June. 

[tooqk4u22]

Kind of stating the obvious, but the beach is a tremendous free resource that can provide for relaxment and physical activity.....and great sunsets.

[adesertsky]

I'm from San Diego and, yes, the beaches are free and gorgeous.  There is a commuter train that goes up the coast, aptly named The Coaster, that can take you up and down the San Diego County coast.  You can explore different beach communities this way.

Another "free" option is Balboa Park.  It is an amazing collection of gorgeous Spanish architechture, stunning gardens, and is also the home of San Diego's best museums.  You can just walk around the park and relax for free or you could even visit some museums (try and find out their free days).  It is right next to downtown.

Balboa Park is right next to the world famous San Diego Zoo.  While the zoo isn't free or even that cheap, it is amazing and a great way to spend a day.

If you will have a rental car, there is a great beach/cliff/nature are called Torrey Pines State Beach/Reserve not too far from the city area.  Great hiking and scenery.

My personal favorite thing in San Diego is to actually head out to the Anza Borrego desert for hiking and even star watching.  It is a 2-3 hour drive, though, and will be very hot this time of year.

[Catbert]

Adesertsky has great ideas. Additionally, when you arrive pick up a copy of the San Diego Reader (free local weekly tabloid) and see what events are happening that particular week/month.  They have pages of event listings in the current issue ranging from a Sicilian Festival to book signings to happy hour specials.  I'm sure they have a website where you could look at back issues for reviews of restaurants, hiking trail directions (weekly column), etc.

I always visit farmer's markets when I travel.  San Diego has dozens.  One of the largest is on Sunday from 9:00 to 2:00 at the Hillcrest DMV.  Lots of prepared food stands as well a local produce and flowers.  If Sunday doesn't work there are other markets every day of the week.

[Pfennigfuchser]

Thank you so much for your great advice and taking the time to respond!!! This forum is awesome. I didn't expect to get an answer so quickly :)

The beaches are definitely number 1 on my list. There aren't that many beaches in Montreal so I'm looking forward to some sun and fun activities at the beach. I'll definitely pick up a copy of the San Diego Reader and check out Balboa Park and spend some time there. The free museum days seem to be for residents only though. Do you think it's necessary to rent a car to get around? I'm more used to public transit, walking and biking so renting a car wasn't really part of my plan.

[adesertsky]

What area will you be staying in?  Things to do in san diego can be slightly spread out and/or not that easy to get to. I'm not too familiar with the public transit, unfortunately (I lived in the suburbs), but there is a trolley system (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/trolley.asp).  I noticed that the trolley goes to "Old Town"- a decent place to walk around if a bit touristy.  I would bet a bus could get you to Balboa Park/the Zoo (it is 3.5/4 miles from downtown).  Also check to see if your hotel offers any shuttle services.  Some of the nice beaches aren't readily accessible from downtown.  The Coronado beach (the best beach close to downtown) requires taking a loooong bridge across the bay and it is for motor vehicles only.

I forgot to mention that Cabrillo National Monument is a gorgeous spot to visit and is cheap or free.  It has a beautiful view of the ocean and Mexico (it is on the tippy tip of a peninsula called Point Loma).  It is close to downtown but would require driving or maybe a bus if one goes there.

[nktokyo]

If your guy is a sports fan I can't imagine Padres tickets costing a whole lot. Drinks inside the ballpark are another matter...

[SoCalSaver]

 A few free or low cost ideas: take the pedestrian ferry accross San Diego bay to Coronado then take a stroll to the beach. The San Diego Botanical Garden is free the first Tues of every month. The self realization fellowship garden is free and amazing up on a cliff above the ocean. Walk, jog, people watch on the boardwalk in Mission Beach. Walk around Old Town State Historic Park for free. Download a walking tour of downtown's Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy the beaches and beautiful weather.

[SoCalSaver]

Another great one view the seals at Childrens Pool at La Jolla Cove. Check out Sunny Jim Cave.

[capital]

The seals are indeed lovely, and you can also take in the view from Mt. Soledad when in La Jolla. Sunset Cliffs is nice too.

Sample every kind of burrito: they are cheap, amazing, and everywhere.

Sprouts Farmers Market is an excellent grocery chain.

You can take the trolley to the Mexican border if you want to pop over quickly.

[Pfennigfuchser]

Thank you for all the great tips! It sounds like I'm going to have an amazing time there, without having to spend a lot of money.