Enjoying San Diego doesn't require a thick wallet. Whether you’re athletic or not, looking for a drink or family fun, the city has something to keep everyone busy after the sun has gone down.
Old Town may have a reputation for its margaritas and restaurants, but it's also a family-friendly place filled with trees and open grass areas. The park's authentic “living history” re-enactments provide an educational experience for kids that lasts until the early evening. After the costumed actors have gone home, peek into the windows of authentic shops and other buildings for a glimpse into the past.
Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce
2383 San Diego Avenue
San Diego CA 92110
oldtownsandiegoguide.com
At 1,591 feet, Cowles Mountain is the tallest mountain in the city of San Diego. Hike up to the top for sunset, or go later during a full moon for a 360-degree view of the county lights.
Cowles Mountain is located in Mission Trails Regional Park. (See References section below.) Drive to the Golfcrest Drive entrance, and park at the northeast corner of Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road.
This three-mile round-trip route takes two hours total, including time at the top to enjoy the view. Although the hike is short, its steep trail contains switchbacks. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight, water bottle and sweatshirt.
On clear evenings, enjoy a 360-degree view of the lights of Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, Mission Valley, Downtown, Coronado and even Mexico.
Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 668-3281
mtrp.org
Located in the center of Mission Bay, Sea World is one of the city’s finest tourist attractions. If you can’t spare the admission fee, catch the park’s nighttime sky show for free just outside its entrance gates.
Sea World launches fireworks from a barge in Mission Bay. While you can see them from most of the bay, Crown Point provides the best viewing spot. Park in the lot on the southeast side of the point (Crown Point Drive and Moorland Drive), or along any of the neighborhood streets, and walk down to Crown Point’s southern tip. Bring a beach chair or blanket.
Sea World San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
seaworld.com
California Grunion are small silver fish that invade southern California beaches to spawn and then return to the ocean. Watching a Grunion Run has grown into a summer tradition for locals and visitors alike.
The northern end of La Jolla Shores beach just south of the Scripps Pier provides a prime location to watch this mass-spawning event.
For 2010, the California Department of Fish and Game has predicated runs for the nights of full and new moons from March through August. (See References section below.)
Bring a picnic to enjoy while keeping your eyes on the shoreline. Wear sandals or shoes that you can easily remove, along with a light windbreaker.
La Jolla Shores
8200 Camino del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/shores.shtml
