San Diego has so much to offer: perfect weather year round, and the city and beach with within reach. I can see why you’re planning a trip to visit. I rounded up 10 things to do for under $15.
1. Explore the city via bike.
They have bikes that you can ride all over the city.
I used the ofo bike. There is an ofo bike app on your phone you download on your phone. Then you use the app to unlock the bike and can ride and leave them anywhere in the city for free.
Price: $5
2. Go to Sunset Cliffs
A great lookout point with caves over the ocean. It was very pretty at sunset, but you can also go during the day. You can walk along the cliffs and look at the ocean. It gets busy around sunset.
I saw someone who brought a picnic and thought that was a good idea. I also recommend you bring a blanket if you’re there for sunset (it gets cold).
Price: Free
3. Take the Ferry to Coronado
The Ferry picks up downtown San Diego on the Pier and drops off at the Coronado Ferry Landing
Ferry runs from Coronado to San Diego on the 1/2 hour daily from 9:30 AM
Price: Per person: $7 each way, Children 3 & under: free Can buy tickets right at Ferry
4. Walk around Hotel Del Coronado
The hotel is iconic to Coronado. I recommend walking around and taking pictures. Someone was having their wedding when I was there.
Then you can go out the beach after and enjoy a beach day
Price: Free – plan to do after taking Ferry to Coronado
5. Grab a bite to eat or drink in the Gaslamp Quarter
There are many restaurants and clubs in this area. Some could be a bit pricy. Look over menu’s before choosing.
I went to this really cool prohibition themed bar, the front door was label a law firm and the bouncer was standing outside. It was a fun experience.
Price: $15 and up
6. Go to the Beach
I went to Ocean Beach and Mission Beach
You can lay in the sand, go in the water (it will be cold), or just walk around and check out the cute beach shops or stop for food and drink
Price: Free (keep in mind cost of getting there)
7. Explore Old Town
There are a lot of shops you can walk around and look at.
I recommend getting Mexican Food at Cafe Coyote. Meals range in price from $11-$15. I got the Burrito Especial and highly recommend it.
8. Walk around Balboa Park
It is right by the San Diego zoo. I spent the whole morning walking around and looking at the gardens and architecture.
Price: Free
9. Get Dinner in Little Italy
There are so many great Italian restaurants in this area. I choose a bit fancier restaurant, but there are other options. I went to Monello to experience their cheese bowl pasta. I also went to Sorrento, I got the ravioli which was very good. It was priced around $15
10. Museums
USS Midway Museum
Price: $21 (they offer many discounts such as: students are only $15, Children are $8 – be sure to look over all the discounts before paying full price)
Many other museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, can be found throughout the city at a reasonable price.
Random Tips:
I stayed in an Airbnb while in San Diego, it was cheaper than a hotel and had a better location.
I highly recommend the San Diego Zoo. Priced: $54
I also recommend trying out local coffee shops. My favorites are Lofty Coffee and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.
