Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego
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Museums
USS Midway Museum
24,831 reviews
"The individual audio tour packs (like an iPod) were excellent and allowed each person to listen and learn about all aspects of the ship, the aircraft, personal stories from soldiers who worked on the ship, war sto...""This is a very interesting and informative museum - fascinating exhibits and aircraft carrier ship life is brought to life vividly by a team of dedicated and passionate docents."
Nature & Parks
La Jolla Cove
13,439 reviews
"You can explore the tide pools on Shell beach, a soft Sandy beach with caves tucked into the cliffs, or you can admire the antics of the playful seals and California sealions on the rocks and on the Children's Beach.""Truly a beautiful area with walking trails, picnic areas, rest rooms, parking and lots and lots of Sea Lions and their pups."
Sights & Landmarks
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
2,448 reviews
"The views are worth the drive, the memorial is a great tribute to our nations veterans.""This is a must for visitors to La Jolla, and also for greater San Diego because of the marvelous views and beautiful pictorial memorials of those who have served in all our armed forces, of all backgrounds & faiths."
Fun & Games
Balboa Park
12,851 reviews
"Old buildings and churches, open city squares for dining under umbrellas with fountains and birds, vendors, huge outdoor piano organ, church bells ringing, museums, botanical gardens, bridges, zoo, on and on and o...""Balboa Park is filled with a variety of things to do: museums, theaters, restaurants, a botanical garden, archery, Japanese garden and wonderful grounds to walk around and explore, enjoy a picnic or a concert and..."
Zoos & Aquariums
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
1,897 reviews
"Little ones and adults alike can interact with some little sea creatures in an outdoor area with a wonderful view of the beach and ocean.""The various tanks show a wide variety of fish and corals, with informative descriptions, some hands-on activities aimed at kids — who knew that male seahorses spend most of their lives pregnant?!"
Nature & Parks
La Jolla Caves
726 reviews
"wonderful gift shop, caves make for a fun outing, worth waiting for a parking space just to experience this area""Went on a kayak tour (you cannot miss as there are hundreds of people on kayaks doing the exact same tour at most hours of the day) and saw the caves close up and they were beautiful and it definitely helped to ge..."
Nature & Parks
Windansea Beach
578 reviews
"A must when you visit La Jolla or the San Diego area ... a beautiful and serene beach filled with surfers and sunbathers .. you'll spend a most relaxing and enjoyable day!!!""The beach is very diversified in nature...with many large rocks for shelter from the wind or hot sun, narrow rock coves that are beautiful and interesting to watch fill up with water during high tide, and large ro..."
Nature & Parks
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
3,734 reviews
"Started from the parking lot, hiked up the road to the Visitor Center (cool, historic building), and hit the trails in this order -- High Point, then Parry Grove, Razor Point, connected to Yucca Point, connected t...""A great hike from the top down to the Pacific with amazing views of the ocean, cliffsides, and the unique Torrey Pine trees along the way."
Sights & Landmarks
Cabrillo National Monument
4,812 reviews
"There is also ample parking, a wonderful historic lighthouse you can visit, exhibits, displays, an interesting monument, a visitor center, walking tours, a gift shop and movies.""This is also a great spot for history buffs, You can spend time in a light house used during the late 1800's, visit gun batteries from WWII, or learn about Juan Cabrillo, the Spanish navigator who "discovered" San..."
Sights & Landmarks
Coronado Bridge
5,752 reviews
"Such an impressive structure and this bridge affords you wonderful views of the San Diego skyline when driving across to Coronado.""It's our connection to the beautiful city of Coronado, if you come to San Diego, you have to visit Coronado for a day, beautiful beach, scenic golf course, great luxury hotels and great restaurants for every palate."
Nature & Parks
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
207 reviews
"There are lots of activities that you can do such as walking, biking, picnic, sea-life watching (sea gulls, pelicans, sea lions), water activities, and lots of trees.""Various delightful restaurants are within easy walking distance, one of the most classic is Brockton Villa which overlooks both Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove."
Sights & Landmarks
Salk Institute
231 reviews
"... a grand travertine courtyard.The city of San Diego, California had gifted him with a picturesque site in La Jolla along the Pacific coast, where Salk intended to found and build a biological research center.""We were a group of commercial contractors, the knowledgeable tour guides tailored the Architectural Tour to include building material components in addition to the rich history and scientific backdrop of the SALK..."
Nature & Parks
Point Loma
1,917 reviews
"Living in Point Loma i have Liberty Station , Shelter Island at my door step with excellent food and views of the city and bay right there.If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere locals spot to eat I recommend...""It includes the Cabrillo National Monument, the historic and current lighthouse, a great Visitor Center that is well worth visiting including their theater shows, tide pools and checking out the incredible vistas..."
Nature & Parks
Mission Beach
2,027 reviews
"Nice board walk and Beech for people watching and walking love picking up the shells and sand dollars on the beech!""Plus - you can buy unlimited ride/attraction tickets and have fun all day long...even ride an old wooden roller coaster or play mini golf! 5. Gear rentals --- bikes of all shapes (even for me...I rented a tricycle..."
Museums
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1,744 reviews
"Wonderful visit saw around some terrific ships the Russian submarine was a real eye opener, it was great to see how the local children get to interact with some of the exhibits a great way to learn about what life...""For example, the Star of India is a Bark iron sailing ship built in 1863 with a long career carrying people from Great Britain to India and New Zealand as well as salmon ship from Alaska to California."
Nature & Parks
Pacific Beach
1,270 reviews
"Also just a short drive from La Jolla, where there was wonderful shopping, a place to get up and close with sea lions in their native habitat, and a wonderful beach of its own.""My favorite walk is from PB Beach to La Jolla if your walker like I am this is a must do round-trip from Pacific Beach to La Jolla beach is 15 miles you just have to take Mission Boulevard all the way down."
Nature & Parks
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
5,636 reviews
"... would go to Old Town there's so much to do so much to see many different men Mexican restaurants lots of shops on the weekends they have the craft festivals they have live music in Old Town free live music sho...""The Coyote had really nice food and service, and behind it we found an amazing store for stones and crystals - and also a candy store with barrels of taffy."
Sights & Landmarks
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
1,422 reviews
"Well worth it since you can then access the lighthouse, the tide pools and all the great trails.""a short hike up from the visitor center you can check out even nicer views and an historic old lighthouse where you can check out the living quarters, nice rangers/volunteers outside to explain its history."