How to Enjoy San Diego for Free

San Diego, California, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city boasts a year-round temperate climate, plentiful beaches and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. But, visiting San Diego doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are numerous free attractions in and around the city. Below are just a few.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Explore the museums at Balboa Park. San Diego's Balboa Park, located just east of downtown, high atop a bluff, features 25 museums, gardens and attractions. Walking around the Spanish-style park is free as are a rotating selection of museums on Tuesdays. There's even a free walking tour each Friday at 1 p.m.
2. Visit Old Town. Old Town San Diego, is the site of the first European settlement in California. Father Junipero Serra founded the first mission there in 1769. Today, the site is a state park and visitors can tour some of the original buildings (now restored) and see displays of artifacts from that era. Old Town also is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Admission to the park is free, even if the restaurants are not.
3. Relax on the beach. San Diego has over 70 miles of beach in and around the city. Some of the most popular beaches are Coronado Beach, just across the bay from downtown; romantic La Jolla Shores, north of the city and Windansea Beach, one of the area's best surfing beaches.
4. Stroll around La Jolla. The village of La Jolla, located on a point just north of San Diego, is an exclusive enclave, known for its art galleries, fine restaurants and spectacular view. The merchandise in the town's boutiques can get pricey, but it's free to look and to stroll the compact area's winding streets.