San Diego is home to more than 30 beaches, which are all free and open to the public with the opportunity to surf, sail, swim or enjoy other activities in the sun. Approximately 12 of San Diego's beaches have lifeguard services available. San Diego has made it so that visitors can no longer consume alcohol while on the beach, however, many restaurants and bars along the San Diego coast provide beverages. Although you can enjoy the San Diego beach in most seasons, winter is often too cold to enjoy the water, but many beaches offer an opportunity to use the waterfront walk for biking or running.
As of 2009, approximately two miles from downtown San Diego, Coronado at Spreckels Park a free summer concert series is held every Sunday evening in the summer. The art in the park event is also held twice per month on the first and third Sundays. The outdoor art gallery usually features more than 50 artists.
San Diego's Balboa Park offers free admittance to the park grounds, including the botanical garden building, some of the outdoor gardens, and some attractions. Free admittance is also available to children for the railroad, photography exhibit, veteran museum and the museum of the living artists with the payment of an adult fee. Balboa Park also offers the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages cultural programs each Sunday from March to October and includes music, dance, costumes, arts and crafts, as well as ethnic food. You can also choose to stargaze at the Rueben H. Fleet Science Center at the park on the first Wednesday of the month.
Balboa Park Visitors Center
1549 El Prado
San Diego CA 92101
(619)239-0512
balboapark.org
The Children's Museum in San Diego offers free admission for children and adults on the second Sunday of each month. It provides special performances, activities, and hands on programs. Keep in mind that you will still need to pay for parking and food if you choose to eat at the museum.
The New Children's Museum
200 West Island Avenue
San Diego, California 92101
(619)233-8792
thinkplaycreate.org
San Diego offers many opportunities to watch birds throughout the beaches, tidelands, marshes, foothills, canyons, mountains and other areas. More than 480 species of birds have been observed throughout San Diego County, including grebes, loons, albatross, petrel and other species.
The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is open 365 days a year and you can go for a free, guided tour and see athletes train for events like archery, canoeing, softball, tennis, and many other sports. The facility is across 150 acres and takes a couple of hours for the tour.
Chula Vista Olympic Training Center
2800 Olympic Parkway
Chula Vista, CA
(619) 656-1500
Teamusa.org
