5 Free Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
Summer 2022
Swim in the Ocean
Ok, definitely wait for the sun to be beating on your skin before you let your toes touch the cold pacific waters. You can always spend an afternoon walking along the coast, grab an ice cream or acai bowl for an afternoon snack (Elixir Juice Bar is nearby), and watch the sunset from above the La Jolla cliffs to end the day.
If you prefer to bring your own food to a day on the beach, we recommend stopping by NY Garden Deli and grabbing a sandwich or smoothie to go. (The Tri-Tip Sandwich is my go-to.)
2. Take a bike ride up Torrey Pines
Save this one for a cooler day, because your legs will be feeling the burn! You can bike from Del Mar to La Jolla, or along the Torrey Pines State Park trailhead. You’ll also find plenty of hiking and walking trails, views for top notch Instagram reels, and a downhill retreat when you’re good and ready to leave. (Yes, that means the beginning is all up hill…)
3. Drive up to Mt. Soledad
While it’s the the most unique veterans memorial in America, it also offers 360 degree views of the ocean, neighboring towns, and sunshine. Bring your sunscreen and sit along the benches with your to-go meals. This drive is perfect when you’re spending some time in La Jolla.
4. Balboa Park
Not only is the park free to visit, it offers 1,200 acres of trails, gardens, museums, art, restaurants and more. Head to downtown San Diego to explore even more tourist attractions and nearby activities such as the San Diego Zoo.
5. Eat Authentic Mexican Food
Unless you’re coming from south of the border, you won’t find better street tacos, California Burritos, or taquitos anywhere. You can do a taste test with friends and family on the hottest homemade salsas, see how many fish tacos you can take down after an exhausting beach walk, or savor the flavor of fresh guacamole on homemade tortilla chips as you sip wine during the sunset. Either way, you really can’t go wrong. Eater San Diego put a great list together of top drive-thru taco shops if that’s your move.
Next read: The Ultimate Guide to 3 Days in San Diego