Free Things To Do In San Diego - Seriously!

What’s better than traveling? Well, nothing really but getting free stuff is certainly up there. San Diego is one of those destinations where the neighborhoods and business communities come together and offer year round free goodies to residents and visitors alike. Timed correctly, you could spend weeks in the waterfront city without spending one hard-earned dime. Great for families and great for budget travelers, San Diego is an ideal destination to visit without breaking the bank.

However, the list I put together of free things to do in San Diego is not going to be the typical recommendations like “fly a kite at a park,” or “go have a picnic,” these activities will be events and festivities unique to the San Diego experience.

So get out your Iphone, Galaxy, date planner (do people still use these?) or whatever it is you use and jot down the dates so you don’t miss a single one.

Also, if you’re looking for more reasons to visit San Diego, check out my other popular posts:

I Bet You Don’t Really Know San Diego

The World In a Day – San Diego Neighborhoods

Beaches

Pacific Beach

ok, this one is a no brainer, and has to be on the list just because we’re talking about San Diego. With more beaches than neighborhoods (maybe not, but still a lot of beaches!), it’s impossible to have a conversation with a San Diegan and not have them mention one of the 63 beaches in and around San Diego. You can swim, soak in the sun, snorkel, surf and basically do as San Diego natives do! Some of the more popular beaches: Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay Beach, Pacific Beach, Windansea Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Blacks Beach.

Harbor Seals and Sea Lions:

Seal Rock – Image Courtesy of Daniel Rothamel

One of the attractions I can’t get enough of is seeing the Seals and Sea Lions at Seal Rock (try saying that 10 times quickly) near the La Jolla Children’s Pool. True to the San Diegan culture, these playful critters can give any SoCal native a run for their money in how to be ultra chill. Although there’s an ongoing debate whether the beach should be protected and considered a marine sanctuary, at the moment the beach is shared by humans and wildlife alike. Personally I recommend letting them have their sanctuary, as there are more than enough beaches to go around. Sit back, and enjoy wildlife at play.

Sand Castles at the Beach

Every year for 2 days Imperial Beach is host to the Sun and Sea Festival, a world-class sandcastle competition, where sculptors around the world come to create awe-inspiring sand art. If that’s not enough to get you amped, they also have a pancake breakfast available by donation. Go to their website for their 2015 schedule

 

 

Explore Art at Chicano Park

Chicano Park – Image Courtesy of Jay Galvin

Chicano Park in Barrio Logan is a living history of the struggles and influence of Chicano culture in San Diego. The 32,000 square meter park is alive with colorful murals depicting the heritage of Mexican-Americans. There is a solemn beauty to the park, as you will literally be walking through time. It’s well worth the visit. There’s also free art classes for kids as well.

Coronado Summer Concert Series 

Do you like music? What about free live music? Between May and September, 18 free concerts will be held in Spreckles Park with the Coronado Promenade Concerts Inc. footing the entire bill. Yes, I said I wouldn’t mention picnics, but hey you got to eat, and this is as good of a time as any to get that out of the way! Go here for their full lineup and schedule: Coronado Summer Concert Schedule

Summer Music Festivals

Image Courtesy of Bengt Nyman

If concerts and festivals are totally your thing, and the Coronado offerings just isn’t enough, San Diego is the perfect city to get your fix. Throughout the city, different venues come alive during the summer months with freebies. Click to get the full line up of 2015 free concerts in San Diego. Lets hope sleep isn’t your thing also.

 

 

 

Adams Ave Street Fair

image Courtesy of Bengt Nyman

A 2 day music festival that has been bringing the fun for 33 years, the street fair boasts over 110 music acts over 8 stages. You can do this completely free, but it might be challenging not to splurge on a corn dog or two. The street fair is always held on the last weekend of September in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. For specific dates, click to go to their website: Adams Avenue Street Fair

 

Cruisin’ Grand Escondido 

Image Courtesy of R. W. Heald

We all need a break from the Teslas and Hybrids that dominate our streets, and the Cruisin’ Grand is a refreshing reminder of a much simpler time where combustion engines had a mileage of 3 miles per gallon.   Every Friday night, starting in April, 7 blocks of Escondido is dedicated to vintage street rod lovers and aficionados in an all out street fair of Hot Rods, Hot Rods and more Hot Rods. More info at the groups website: Crusin’ Grand.

 

 

Dive-in movies at The Pearl

You read it right. It’s not Drive-in, it’s a Dive-in. Over at the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma, weekly screenings of recent and classic films are shown on a big screen around the hotel’s pool area.   It’s completely free, but does require reservations to be made in advance given the small venue. Food and drinks are available at a cost but save yourself the dollars and get an In-n out burger after the show instead for the full 1950s movie and dining experience. Reservations can be made on their website along with the schedule of movies that will be playing.

 

 Free fly fishing lessons

Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish like a boss? Every Sunday starting a 9am, The San Diego Fly Fishers Club offers a free clinic teaching you basic skills to wrangle that trout. Make sure to get there early. More details along with a calendar of events can be found on their website. 

 

 

Grunion Run

I mentioned the Grunion Run in my previous post – I bet you don’t really know San Diego, and now I’m going to talk about it again, because it’s just that cool. Between the months of March and August, sardine sized fish called grunions assault California coastal line in a suicidal dash to who knows where, resulting in a frenzy of thousands upon thousands of stranded grunions looking to be fished. It has recently begun to become more controlled, and a fishing license is now required to pick them up, but it’s still worth going to see the epic madness.

 

Rock Out Karaoke

What’s better than watching a concert? It’s being in the concert! Rock out with a live band as you churn out lyrics to The Doors and Fleetwood Mac. Rock Out Karaoke, the group that offers the events throughout San Diego Venues, brings a fun evening of karaoke on steroids. You can find their listings of public and private shows here: Rock Out Karaoke Schedule

 

Ray at Night

On the second Saturday of every month, the North Park neighborhood of San Diego is host to some seriously talented local and national artists.  This September will be the artwalk’s 14^th year displaying artwork in 15 different galleries and businesses throughout the neighborhood. It’s completely free and a great way to spend the evening.

 

SeaWorld Fireworks

Image courtesy of D & CH

Seeing captive animals turning tricks doesn’t really excite me, and in my opinion wholly unnecessary. But every night of the summer, SeaWorld does blast out a pretty impressive fireworks show. The fireworks can be seen from most points throughout the city, so you needn’t pay any entrance fees to enjoy it. Post up at Mission Bay Park and get a front seat to view the show.

 

 

Have a Bonfire

BBQ and Bonfire in San Diego

The only thing that might cost you money here is the marshmallows and Hershey bars.  One thing all visitors must do at least once is experience a night cooking up some s’mores or hotdogs around a bonfire. You can do this at a number of beaches like Mission Beach, Sunset Cliffs, and La Jolla Shores. Fire pits are first-come first-serve, so stake out your spot early.

 

 

Seaport Village

Image Courtesy of Boardwalk Betty

I normally wouldn’t recommend touristy spots like Seaport Village as you’ll undoubtedly get the over priced foods, crowds and souvenir shops. In this case, however, I have to make an exception just for the entertaining free performances that randomly take place throughout the village. It’s a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening. I also got to admit that Seaport Village really is an attractive boardwalk area. Just don’t give in to the hunger and impulse buys. I promise the food sounds better than it tastes.

 

Stars in the Park at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park

On the first Wednesday of each month the San Diego Astronomy Association opens up to the public free access to their ginormous telescope. It takes place after their normal paid shows, so expect it to begin, at the earliest, after 8pm or so. Find more information at their website.

 

Basic’s Pizzas

This is the only restaurant on the list because most proprietors don’t subscribe to the sharing is caring philosophy when it comes to food, but Basic’s Pizzas has pretty much bucked that trend. You can get free samples of pizza everyday between 4 to 7pm, excluding game days.

 

 

 

You definitely don’t need to spend a ton of money to travel, much less have an adventure. San Diego is one of those destinations where spending too much money can actually take away from your experience. Take advantage of the free things to do in San Diego, get off the beaten path, rub elbows and do as the locals do.

 

I hope you enjoyed the list, and please share your San Diego discoveries!

Free Things To Do In San Diego - Seriously!

Travel Hacks Friday: Drinking Salt Water

It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for another travel hack! For this weeks hack I’m going to show you how you can start drinking salt water. This is more of a survival hack then a travel hack but considering 96.5% of the earth is covered in ocean water, you intrepid adventurers may one day find yourself surrounded by nothing but seawater. And if that doesn’t convince you to read on, think “zombie apocalypse!”

Depending on temperature, level of activity, physical state and the environment you’re in, generally you can survive without water for 3-5 days. But it would probably be painful as your body cannibalizes itself and you slowly wither away into nothingness. For most of us, who will find themselves in less extreme circumstances, being thirsty just plain sucks.

The ocean is beautiful to look at but is completely and utterly undrinkable. The level of salt in seawater is much higher than what we physically can process, so even if you could stomach the saltiness, the seawater will ultimately increase the rate of dehydration through increased urination. The more you drink, the thirstier you’ll become.

So the idea is to desalinate the seawater in order to make it fit for human consumption through evaporation and collection. As the water begins to evaporate and separates from the salt, the captured vapors will condense into safe, drinkable water. The methods below will both take some time, but I’m guessing if you’re using this trick, you’re not in a rush to go anywhere.

So, you lucky adventurers, here are two hacks for the price of one:

Drinking Salt Water Method 1: Boil – Evaporate – Collect:

Materials/Equipment:

1. Fire source: Jetboil, stove, campfire,


2. Pot or any container that can boil water


3. Lid slightly larger than pot


4. Receptacle

This water desalination technique assumes you have access to gear and/or can start a fire.

JetBoil Setup

 

1. Setup your pot on the Jetboil or Fire


2. Pour saltwater into the pot


3. Place the lid on the pot so that it is slightly tilted to one side and hanging off the edge of the pot. The condensed water will travel down to the lowest point.


4. Place a receptacle right under the lowest point of the lid


5. Start the fire source


6. Bring to a boil


7. Now wait for the droplets of drinkable water to fall into receptacle

 

Here’s a slowmo video of it working with sound effects (slowmo makes everything so cool!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drinking Salt Water Method 2: Solar Desalination

Materials/Equipment

1. Bowl or any type of container that doesn’t leak


2. Plastic wrap or waterproof sheeting of some sort


3. A smaller container or cup shorter than height of bowl


4. Rocks

This survival hack is when you don’t have access to much gear, but oddly might have some plastic wrap with you. Depending on the materials you have access to, you’ll probably have to get creative with this technique. But it does work. This is a saltwater variation of a solar-still.

1. Fill the bowl ¾ of the way with saltwater


2. Place cup inside of the bowl, but ensure the lip of the cup is above the saltwater. You may need to add a weight to the cup to keep it from floating around


3. Cover the bowl with the plastic wrap or sheeting. The more airtight the seal around the bowl, the quicker and more water you can collect


4. Place a rock or weight of some sort on the wrap right above the cup. This is so that it creates a dip for the water to travel down and drip into the cup. Make sure the weight is not so heavy where it tears the wrap or brings down the entire system.


5. Place the bowl in direct sunlight. As the sun evaporates the saltwater, the vapor will condense and collect on the wrap, dripping into the cup. It does take an extremely long time. So I hope you’re not thirsty.


6. Now go fishing

These desalination techniques are for very extreme circumstances where drinking water is just not accessible. In most areas you’ll probably find a good source of fresh water or be able to extract dew and needn’t even consider drinking salt water. But the need to survive never happens at the moment of your choosing. Having another tool in your arsenal makes you that much more prepared for anything – and that includes the zombie apocalypse.

 

Have some survival hacks of your own?  Please share!

Travel Hacks Friday: Drinking Salt Water

Angkor Wat: A Wonder in Siem Reap

Upon landing in Siem Reap there was really only one destination I had in mind: Angkor Wat. Of course there are other things to do in the thriving Cambodian city, but our plan was to see Angkor and then figure out the rest as we went.

There are different ways you can go and explore Angkor Wat, but Mike and I opted to get our own tuk-tuk driver and a personal guide (allowing us to set our own pace and see what WE wanted to see). After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we were ready to be amazed. And amazed we were. I have been to a few Wonders of the World and other World Heritage Sites, but Angkor Wat is in a class of its own. I was instantly captured by its beauty, lost in the amazement and often found myself racing to catch up to Mike and our guide.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that occupies over 400 square kilometers and includes three large temples: Bayon, Ta Prohm and Ankor Wat. Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, the temple city contains temples and monuments that pay homage to both its Hindu and Buddhist past. Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple and statutes of Buddha, along with other elements and symbols of Buddhism, were added everywhere. As a city deeply rooted in religion, Angkor was once the largest religious pilgrimage site in Southeast Asia.

The Bayon Temple.

Ta Prohm Temple.

The biggest temple – Angkor Wat.

Vishnu – The Hindu God.

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva – the Compassionate Goddess in the Buddhist Religion.

Angkor is an architect’s dream. There is purpose and meaning in every structure, adding to the city’s brilliance. It has been the setting for some epic battles in Cambodia – first with the Chams and Thais, and then amongst the Cambodians during the Civil War – and it is tragic that some of the temples and statues became victims of the wars. During our tour, we saw massive bullet holes along bridges and structures and missing Buddha heads, all evidence of the violence and invasions the city endured.

Both sides of the bridge to the Bayon Temple is lined with buddha statues, but you can see some of the heads were missing.

Bullet holes on the left side of the frame.

It is hard to describe in words the beauty and magnificence of Angkor Wat, so let me show you with photos what I can’t do with words. But even these pictures don’t properly convey the magic of Angkor. It is something you really need to experience.

The enormity of Angkor Wat is a bit overwhelming, so here are some helpful tips for visiting Angkor:

• Hire a guide: the history and stories are just as important as the temples themselves, so hire a guide who can give you valuable information and provide context to what you are seeing. This will allow you to appreciate the site so much more. Also, a guide can show you where the more popular points of interest are or tricks to avoid bottlenecks, which are helpful especially if your time is limited.

• Give yourself plenty of time: there is a reason why Angkor is considered a temple city. It is enormous, so make sure you have enough time to enjoy yourself so you aren’t rushing from one temple to the next.

• Weather: it can get extremely hot, so it is better to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon (when the sun is not beaming down on you). A lot of people try to make it to Angkor for the sun rise, which I’m sure would be breathtaking, but given that I’m not an early riser (especially on my vacation) it was something we didn’t get the opportunity to experience. Also, bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat to shield you from the direct sunlight.

• Respect the dress code: there is a lot of walking, so make sure you are dressed comfortably but remember no sleeveless shirts, and pants and skirts must be below the knee. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are refused entrance to one of the temples.

• Be patient: there are a lot of tourists and it can get congested, especially in places where only “one-way” traffic is permitted and you have to wait for a good break in the flow before you go up or down. Don’t let this frustrate or annoy you, just accept it as being part of the experience. Also, it can be difficult to get the perfect picture in front of a temple or statue without tons of people being in your frame, but check out Travel Hack #3 to get the perfect shot.

• Enjoy and live in the moment: it is easy to get lost in the busyness of Angkor and want to move from one place to another, but find a place to sit back and soak in the wonder. Be present.

Buddhas sitting in meditation.

 

Angkor Wat: A Wonder in Siem Reap

The World In a Day - San Diego Neighborhoods

When planning a trip to San Diego, the first thing that comes to mind are the miles and miles of coastline, the sundrenched beaches, palm trees, and a city with a Latin flare. You wouldn’t be wrong, but San Diego is far more than that. Even with how often I visit, I’ve barely scratched its surface. And I’m still searching for the quintessential San Diego experience as you can see in my other post – I bet you don’t really know San Diego!

For a big city, San Diego is unique amongst its larger cousins, like Los Angeles or San Francisco, whose skylines have been dominated by skyscrapers and where car horns make up for most of the ambient noise. Even its mass transit system, the Trolley, has a noticeably quaint quality about it unlike the subway systems of its east coast counterparts. There is a welcoming lack of hustle in the Southern California city. And that’s because San Diego is a neighborhood town.

San Diego neighborhoods form a colorful tapestry of ethnic diversity with each community playing a part in creating its mosaic. At first glance it’s obvious there is a strong Mexican influence. This is certainly in no small part to its close proximity to Tijuana. But apart from the obvious, there is a beating multiculturalism that most visitors don’t see. Officially recognized neighborhoods such as Hillcrest or Eastlake village are well trodden, but overlooked are the lesser-known ethnic communities. Communities that bring the true vibe of what makes the city amazing. It’s wholly possible to get Bun Bo Hue in the morning, a burrito in the afternoon, and top off the evening with a leisurely stroll through a piazza. You’ll think that you’ve traveled the globe in a single day.

 

My Favorite San Diego Neighborhoods:

Chinatown, Korea Town, Japanese Town: Although there is an official Chinatown, called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District (yep, it’s a mouthful), it’s not where you’ll find San Diego Asian culture. Most San Diegans will agree that the Kearny Mesa Convoy St. corridor and its surroundings is the unofficial heart of the Korean, Japanese and Chinese communities. From dim sum restaurants and Korean all-you-can-eats to karaoke bars, you can eat, eat and eat, and then sing the night away in a drunken stupor.

 

Little Italy: Located downtown, bordered by Ash St. to the south and Laurel St. to the north, this trendy little neighborhood is probably the most well known of the ethnic communities. A hotspot ripe with authentic Italian fare, shopping and mini piazzas, you could literally do Rome in a day. Pedestrian friendly and safe, little Italy is a great neighborhood to visit day or night. Coordinate your visit with the “Taste of Italy”, a yearly event where you can go restaurant to restaurant and sample their best dishes.

Little Manila: Believe it or not, according to the 2010 US consensus, Filipino Americans make up close to 18% of the population in San Diego. Most of the shops and Filipino restaurants are concentrated around 8^th St. and Plaza Boulevard in National City, but there is also a large community throughout Mira Mesa Blvd as well. If you’re feeling particular adventurous try the Balut – A developing duck embryo boiled alive and eaten in the shell.

Balut – Developing Duck Embryo – Image Courtesy of Shankar S.

Little India: Located across from the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station off Black Mountain rd. Little India is a small but thriving community. It doesn’t have the same chaotic energy as Delhi, but it’s certainly a good introduction to Indian culture. Join in on a prayer service at the temple, or ransack the bazaar for hard to find spices. If you’re feeling hungry, go and gorge yourself on a Saag Paneer buffet. Yep…they have buffets.

Little Southeast Asia: Between El Cajon Blvd and University Ave in the City Heights district is a necessary stop for all things South East Asian. More commonly known amongst locals as East Side, the community is a diverse ecosystem with Thai, Laos, Cambodian and Vietnamese culture overlapping and flourishing side by side. Although recently part of the community has been officially christened as Little Saigon, you’ll be hard pressed to find exactly where the borders begin and where it ends. Early in the 1990s there was a pretty high crime rate, but since then it has redeveloped into a more modern urban neighborhood. It is hands down the best place to get Pho and Cambodian Pad Thai. You read it right – Cambodian Pad Thai.

Little Mogadishu: Also located in the City Heights district between, Winona Ave, and 54 St. is a growing neighborhood of Somalis, Sudanese, Ethiopians and Eritreans who have fled war-torn East Africa. To our benefit they have brought with them their rich culture which few of us will ever have the opportunity to experience. The Safari Market, an African bazaar, is the first and only of its kind in San Diego where you can buy home made African jewelry, rugs and ornately beaded scarves.   And if you get hungry, and I know you will, this is the best place to get fresh Ethiopian Injera or Sambussas.

 

When you visit, try to branch out from the touristy spots. Walk through the San Diego neighborhoods, try the food, engage with the locals and experience the real San Diego Adventure:

 

What are your favorite neighborhood experiences?

 

 

 

The World In a Day - San Diego Neighborhoods