Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Old Town

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Old Town from other articles such as Condé Nast Traveler, y Travel Blog, Culture Trip.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Old Town

La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove
4.8 (1188 ratings)4.5 (12342 ratings)
Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.
San Diego, CA 92037, USA
BeachOutdoor ActivitiesParks
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"A sunken butterfly garden, the San Diego Zoo, museums, gardens, the California Tower – this 1,200-acre (486ha) park contains a slew of attractions. It was built in 1868 and hosted the Panama-California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, in 1915. Key museums include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Us (formerly the San Diego Museum of Man), the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Timken Art Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum."
Mentioned by UpgradedPoints.com
The 30 Best Things To Do in San Diego [Free Activities & Family-Friendly Attractions]
"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve
4.8 (11036 ratings)4.5 (3514 ratings)
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkState parkNature & Wildlife AreasHiking Trails
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
4.6 (18125 ratings)4 (4366 ratings)
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Shopping mallShoppingPiers & BoardwalksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.7 (2737 ratings)4.5 (1598 ratings)
Waterfront venue showcasing many types of restored vintage ships & historical exhibits.
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkMaritime museumOutdoor activity organiserShipsSpecialty Museums
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
4.8 (655 ratings)4.5 (41 ratings)
Rose garden & wedding locale showcasing more than 100 varieties, with peak bloom in April & May.
2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
GardenNature & Parks
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
4.5 (1137 ratings)
Destination for outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, hiking & horseback riding.
3218 Summit Meadow Rd, Bonita, CA 91902, USA
Park
Mentioned by Red Tricycle
Soak Up the Fun at These Splash Pads & San Diego Water Parks
"Whether your little splasher likes to get totally drenched by a bucket of water or just play in the spray zone, the Sweetwater Summit County Park's splash pad is tons of fun. For just three bucks kids can soak up the fun. Even more, there's a campground, so if you plan ahead you can make a night of s'more activities!"
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
4.7 (437 ratings)4.5 (44 ratings)
Preserve (name means "little cliffs") has trails across 3,500+ acres of Peñasquitos & Lopez canyons.
12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, USA
Nature preserveNature & ParksCanyonsNature & Wildlife AreasState Parks
Mentioned by Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Beginner Hikes in San Diego
"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."
Old Town
Old Town
4.5 (1550 ratings)
Known as the state's birthplace, this colorful area has a range of historic buildings & attractions.
San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Sights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego
"Day 2: Old Town, The Midway & Coronado [Skip to Page] Day 3: La Jolla, the beaches, Cabrillo Point & Point Loma [Skip to Page]"
Chicano Park
Chicano Park
4.6 (2905 ratings)4.5 (27 ratings)
Colorful murals can be seen at this public park located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
San Diego, CA 92113, USA
Memorial parkNature & ParksPark
Mentioned by San Diego Union-Tribune
5 must-see San Diego visual arts experiences - The
"Located underneath the Coronado Bridge, Chicano Park is an inspiring collection of installations, murals and community gardens. The explosion of form and color is overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to see other artists and filmmakers working in the park because of the inspirational and powerful messages that adorn views in every direction. You won’t find any chain stores or coffee shops in this area because the surrounding neighborhood of Barrio Logan has made great efforts to keep small businesses by local residents."
Mentioned by blog.frankiefoto.com
Frankie Foto » 15 Best Spots to Photograph San Diego
"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."
Mentioned by Sidecar Photo
Great Places to Take Pictures in San Diego
"Chicano park is a small park with incredible murals from renowned Latin-American artists. It’s a national historic landmark that few know about in San Diego and worth visiting. You can read more about the stories behind the murals here."

Best & Cool Bars in Old Town

Vin de Syrah
Vin de Syrah
4.5 (602 ratings)
Quirky decor plus DJs & live music in this hip, hidden lounge serving wine, cocktails & small bites.
901 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Wine barBarLounge
Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
4.3 (2295 ratings)
353 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Spanish restaurantBarEuropean restaurantFine dining restaurantLatin American restaurantLive music venueNight clubRestaurantTapas barTapas restaurant
Mentioned by 10Best
Get into the Groove at San Diego's Best Dance Clubs
"This intimate and romantic, yet lively, Spanish restaurant features brick arches, dim lighting and black-lacquered ceilings. House specialties include an ever-popular and classic paella and halibut with salsa and goat cheese. The tapas bar offers more than 40 options, and the back bar is a sophisticated place where you can enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail while being serenaded by local salsa, merengue and Spanish rock bands."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"San Diego is a thriving city constantly welcoming visitors from around the globe. With its endless sunshine, ocean waves, countless trails and picturesque shoreline, visitors flock to America’s finest city for relaxation, reinvigoration and rest. Some come for the laid-back atmosphere while others come for the outdoor activities."
I Bar
I Bar
4.7 (73 ratings)
Quentin Roosevelt Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Bar

Best Asian Food Restaurants in Old Town

Hanaya Sushi
Hanaya Sushi
4.4 (241 ratings)
Spare Japanese eatery offering enormous, artfully presented sashimi platters & sushi rolls.
10066 Pacific Heights Blvd #109, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
Japanese restaurantAsian restaurantSushi restaurant
Annapurna Indian Cuisine
Annapurna Indian Cuisine
3.9 (393 ratings)
Strip-mall spot with huge menu of South Indian dishes, plus vegetarian options & lunchtime buffets.
10606 Camino Ruiz #6, San Diego, CA 92126, USA
Indian restaurantHalal restaurantSouth Asian restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
Best Buffet Restaurants in San Diego, CA
"Among a sea of fast food chain restaurants along Mira Mesa boulevard, this stands out as a nice little mom n' pop place. I don't care about dec..."
Panda Express
Panda Express
4.2 (41 ratings)
Fast-food chain for Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options.
3238 Guadalcanal Rd, San Diego, CA 92155, USA
Chinese restaurantAsian restaurantRestaurant

Top Rated Parks to Visit in Old Town

Bayview Park
Bayview Park
4.7 (339 ratings)
This small bayside park with shade trees & benches offers views of the San Diego skyline.
413 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Park
Mentioned by California Beaches
Best Beaches in Coronado CA
"It has one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline and yet this small pocket park is seldom visited […]"
Lane Field Park
Lane Field Park
4.7 (144 ratings)
1009 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Park
Mentioned by SAN DIEGO FOOD MARKETS
ABOUT
"A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 25+ of San Diego's best street food vendors, with delicious drinks, coffee, desserts and craft stalls. Relax in a beautiful outdoor environment and enjoy the sunshine and great vibe."
Lake Jennings
Lake Jennings
4.4 (408 ratings)
Laid-back option for tent or RV camping with lake & mountain views, plus fishing & picnicking.
9535 Harritt Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040, USA
ParkFishing pierHiking areaPicnic groundRecreation center

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Old Town

4.5 (8 reviews)
OB Loungin 2 - Dog-friendly townhome with a balcony and nearby beach access!
Guest Suite · 5 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$515 /night*
View deal
4.5 (478 reviews)
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Hotel
$297.58 /night
View deal
3.5 (512 reviews)
Comfort Inn Chula Vista San Diego South
Hotel
$101.15 /night
View deal
* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.