Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in North Island

"Balboa Park is where the arts, culture and history of San Diego come together to create a 1,200 acre wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for people of every age. Thriving botanical beauty flourishes throughout and surrounds 15 museums, a variety of performing arts and musical theaters, exotic gardens, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, the San Diego Zoo and exquisite Spanish Moor architecture. Known as America’s largest urban cultural park, more than 500,000 visitors come each year to delight in the beauty and amazing attractions of Balboa Park."

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"Balboa Park is San Diego’s biggest park. In fact, it’s bigger than Central Park!. There are a ton of activities to do here depending on what you’re interested in."

"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."

"For some old-fashioned oceanfront fun, wrap up your San Diego Day at Belmont Park. It is like an old fashioned fair and arcade, plus is located directly on Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunset."

"This is one of the most fabulous family-friendly tourist attractions in San Diego. Plus, it has a lot of history. It provides an opportunity for amusements, games, and food at a historical, classic American boardwalk."

"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."

"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."

"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."

"2000 Second Street, Coronado, CA 92118+1 619-522-3043http://www.marriott.com/spas/sanci-coronado-island-marriott-resort-and-spa/spa-coronado/5014924/home-page.mi. Relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at Coronado Island, a restful retreat located inside of Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Stress melts away here at our Coronado Island, California spa where you will receive soothing facials and body treatment."

"Coronado is a small island located in the northwest section of San Diego Bay. It is an integral part of San Diego and imperative to your visit to the city. To get there, you can drive across the Silver Strand Peninsula or the Coronado Bay Bridge."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"Pacific BeachOne of the few truly nice options in PB, Tower23 Hotel’s on-site restaurant is several steps up from most of the other options in the neighborhood. From the patio, you get the double benefit of top-notch people-watching and an ocean view. The surf and turf menu is suited for a semi-fancy night out, but there’s also some great options at brunch time, including baked bananas Foster-style French toast with candied pecans and whipped mascarpone."

"JRDN Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy classic and flavorful cuisine and 32 oz cocktails on a modern patio near the oceanfront in Pacific Beach. They even have a romantic three-course meal Valentine’s Day dinner special going on starting February 12th through 15th!"

"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."

"Built in 1825 to house one of San Diego’s earliest families, the building is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of prior residents."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."