Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Grossmont

"Adjacent to the Zoo is Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most beloved treasures. Known as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in America and features 17 museums and performing arts venues as well as beautiful gardens, the lily pond and botanic building, concerts and a host of special events. Take a stroll down the main El Prado promenade, enjoy the gorgeous 1915 Spanish Colonial-revival style architecture, and grab a bite to eat and one of the many purveyors in the park."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions for one fee. The Zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"Finally, over in Hillcrest, check out Chocolat Hillcrest, which has earned four stars out of 1,217 reviews on Yelp. You can find the breakfast and brunch spot, which also offers gelato and other desserts, at 3896 Fifth Ave. (between Robinson and University avenues). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"They serve up lots of treats on their breakfast and lunch menus including one of the best french toasts in the city. By all means eat from the menu but saving lots of space in your stomach for their gelato is essential. It is piled high with deep, rich and creamy flavours that will blow your mind as soon as you taste them."

"Mission HillsIt’s a bold move, opening a new business in the midst of a pandemic, but Trust Restaurant Group and their Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville did just that, launching Mr. Trustee, an ice creamery with a street-side, walk up window adjacent to Cardellino in Mission Hills. Mr. Trustee offers rotating, seasonal flavors of soft serve and handcrafted ice cream available in cups or house-made waffle cones, and by the pint. Scoops include Cookies and Cream, Malted Chocolate Brownie, Honey-Vanilla, Berry Sorbet, and more, with soft serve options in Captain Crunch, Malted Milk, and the like."

"The Trust Group’s venture into ice cream is this walkup window found next to Cardellino in Mission Hills. Lead by Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville, the shop serves chef-centric flavors like malted chocolate brownie, kiwi cucumber sorbet with Tajin and Captain Crunch or malted milk soft serve."

"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."

"The First San Diego Courthouse, rebuilt in 1992, was originally the town hall. Constructed by the Mormon Battalion, the first brick building in San Diego became the courthouse when the city was incorporated in 1850. It also served as a school, church and polling place."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."