This park encompasses over 4200 acres, with 27 miles of shoreline of which 19 are sandy beach. Facilities include marinas, a horseshoe court, sand volleyball courts, fire rings, picnic areas, children's play areas, and paths for biking, rollerskating and jogging. The park includes several wildlife preserves, making it a favorite with birdwatchers. It's one of the best places in San Diego to fly a kite and you can even camp here. If you'd like to try your hand at water skiing or wake boarding, tour companies can take you out for a ride. SeaWorld borders Mission Bay, as well. There is no fee to enter the park.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: There is so much free fun waiting to be had here with space for family gatherings, play and picnics.
Katie's expert tip: Bring a kite as this is one of the best places in San Diego to fly one.
This beach earns its name because residents in the early 1900s used to picnic under the stars here. Today, Moonlight State Beach is a popular beach choice with North County San Diego locals and visitors. A picnic area, restrooms, volleyball courts, tennis courts, equipment rentals, a snack bar and more are just a few of the conveniences offered here. It's located at the end of Encinitas Boulevard and Highway 101, which also happens to be where some of the best restaurants and shopping in Encinitas awaits. Surfing is in a designated area and lifeguards are on duty in the summer.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: It's the best beach for families in North County San Diego because of all the amenities on offer.
Katie's expert tip: Street parking is free. You'll have to walk downhill to the beach (and back up).
There is so much to do here, it's hard to begin. Of course, the usual beachgoing activities such as sunbathing and enjoying the ocean are free. This part of the ocean is special as it's the entry point into La Jolla's Underwater Park where an abundance of sea life lives. Seasonal free fun includes grunion running and swimming with leopard sharks. A nice playground, Kellogg Park, offers tots a break from the beach while boot camp, yoga and running enthusiasts have space on the big grassy area to burn calories. Scripps Pier is one of the most popular places for family photos. Just a few minutes walk away are the shops and restaurants of Avenida de la Playa.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: It's one of San Diego's nicest beaches, has a playground for young kids and allows dogs in the evening and early mornings.
Katie's expert tip: The big (free) parking lot can get crowded on weekends and peak times so arrive early.
"Embarcadero" is a Spanish word meaning "landing place" and San Diego's welcomes cruise ships, is home to the USS Midway and other historic ships, the new Waterfront Park with spray fountains and a playground for kids, and stretches for several miles south of Lindbergh Field International Airport. A leisurely walk will take you past these attractions to Seaport Village, a relaxing waterfront marketplace with a variety of fine restaurants and unique shops. The San Diego Convention Center and several upscale hotels edge the waterfront leading to Embarcadero Park South, a gorgeous area where the San Diego Symphony performs its popular summer pops series. Bring the camera as this is an excellent way to see the sights of San Diego.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Walking down the Embarcadero allows for scenic views of downtown San Diego and important landmarks.
Katie's expert tip: Bring the camera. If you want a postcard-worthy shot of your San Diego holiday, it's easy to snap one here.
The Children's Pool is a beach in La Jolla that is famous for seal sightings on sand and in the water. Its name is derived from the beach's original intent. In 1931 local philanthropist, Ellen Browning Scrips, had a seawall built to protect the area and allow kids to swim freely. Sand has since prevented it from becoming a recreational area, however, the seals love it. Some residents believe the seals should go and that the area should revert to its original purpose. In the meantime, the controversial seals remain and draw in tongs of visitors year-round. They are adorable.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Look at that cute face. Who doesn't love sunbathing seals?
Katie's expert tip: The odds of you seeing a beach full of seals is high but prep the kids, just in case they happen to be in the water or elsewhere.
Along the bluffs overlooking the sea await eight miles of trails through the unique landscape at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Due to conservation efforts the state park is one of the wildest, most undeveloped spots in the state. The twisted Torrey pine tree is found in only two places on earth: in this park and on an island almost 200 miles to the north. The park is day-use only and open daily from 7:15am until roughly sunset. Three hundred feet below at the base of the bluffs is a family-friendly, sandy beach. The northern portion is popular for families, with lifeguards and bathrooms.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: The nation's rarest pine tree calls this state park home. The view is spectacular as dolphins and whales can often be seen while hiking.
Katie's expert tip: Keep an eye out for street parking to avoid paying for the lot.
Read more about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach →
Find out what life was like in Mexico and early America back in the 1800s. This spot is where the city of San Diego was born, and it contains historic treasures unearthed by archeologists over the years. The historic park includes several original adobes as well as a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, carriage collection and a museum filled with artifacts (free admission). Surrounding the park are some of San Diego's best Mexican restaurants, famous for homemade tortillas and fish bowl-sized margaritas though you can also bring a picnic. Then digest by browsing the nearby shops. Dance to music in the park on weekends.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: There's a lot to see here between colorful shops, the pretty park (kids love to run around here) and festive ambiance.
Katie's expert tip: Ordering a margarita or burrito is tempting, but it's free and fun to soak up the atmosphere and walk into the shops and free museums..
With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. Start at the Visitor's Center to grab a map and events calendar. Wander through multiple gardens or the botanical building (with over 2000 plant species), take in an outdoor organ concert, or enjoy a presentation at one of several theaters. Getting around the massive complex is easy, thanks to the free tram. Entrance to the park is free; museums within the park are priced individually, however, keep an eye on the Residents Free Tuesday calendar to see which allow free admission to San Diego residents on select Tuesdays.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: It's the nation's largest urban cultural park. The Timken Museum is always free as are the gardens.
Katie's expert tip: San Diego residents should check the schedule for Residents Free Tuesdays, where a rotating list of museums offer free admission.
Ranked the #1 paragliding school in America since 2000, Torrey Pines Gliderport is a city-owned private-use glider airport. You can't really beat the view from the sky, but it's pretty spectacular from the ground, too. While lessons and a tandem flight are possible, it's free to stop by to enjoy blufftop views straight out to the blue Pacific Ocean, over the famous Black's Beach. The counter-order Cliffhanger Cafe serves sandwiches, salads and snacks but you can bring a picnic to eat at the tables here. Don't forget your camera and maybe a zoom lens as whales and dolphins can occasionally be spotted from here.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Sure, you can take paragliding lessons, but most people come to watch, take photos, and channel inner zen in this peaceful free spot.
Katie's expert tip: This is one of the most amazing places in San Diego to catch a the sunset. Watching the paragliders launch off of the cliffs is much more entertaining than you might anticipate.
The seaward side of Coronado Island is exceptionally clean with wide stretches of sand. It's considered one of the best beaches in the nation. The northern end, "North Beach", is dog-friendly and popular for surfing in the summer. The main part, "Central Beach", runs along Ocean Boulevard south to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Because it is the easiest to get to, it's also the most crowded. Shops and restaurants in downtown Coronado are walkable from here. This is a very family-friendly beach with calm waters due to some protection from a nearby point. The sand also glitters in the water due to a mineral called mica and there's a little tide pool exposed during low tides.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: This beach is recognized as a top beach by numerous publications for good reasons: convenience, relatively calm water, gorgeous sand and location.
Katie's expert tip: Bring a picnic to spend the day here. Arrive early to find free street parking.