San Diego weather is pretty perfect year-round, but longer days when summer rolls around make it the perfect time to tick things off of your San Diego bucket list. Check out 10 unique spots to visit in San Diego in the summer as you take advantage of warmer days, including a few you may not have heard of before.

1. San Diego Museum of Us

The Museum of Us in Balboa Park is one of the most interesting museums in San Diego. Learn about everything from the history of beer to popular monsters in folklore as you have some summer fun in San Diego. If you have more time, book a tour up the California Tower for panoramic views of the park and beyond. You can only visit on guided tours.

2. The Cave Store

The only way to tour the Sunny Jim sea cave is through The Cave Store, a La Jolla shop that regulates traffic through a narrow tunnel down to the cave. You’ll need to climb up and down 145 steps to get to and from the cave, but the views of La Jolla Cove are well worth it. Once you’re down there, see if you can notice the face shape in the opening of the cave.

3. The Whaley House

The Whaley House in Old Town is a popular Halloween stop, thanks to its haunted past. That doesn’t make it any less intriguing when it comes to San Diego summer activities. Visit the Whaley House for a self-guided tour of the museum. Costumed docents will give you a rundown of why it’s one of the most haunted places in the United States, let alone San Diego County.

4. Harper’s Topiary Garden

Harper’s Topiary Garden in Mission Hills is the work of a local couple who wanted to turn their front yard into the ultimate example of curb appeal. Today, you can see about 50 unique trees and shrubs shaped into surfers, pyramids, and all kinds of animals. While the couple welcomes photos, the garden is on private property. Be respectful!

5. Chicano Park

Colorful murals dedicated to San Diego’s Mexican community decorate this park in the Barrio Logan neighborhood. If you look closer, some of the murals are calls to action, with many of them a work in progress based on the news of the day. Stop by on your way to sample the neighborhood’s underrated eateries and breweries, including nearby Mujeres Brew House.

6. Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

Speaking of San Diego’s craft beer scene, head to Shelter Island for this local spot on the pier that always has something unique flowing on tap. Limited tables outside allow you to sip with views of the waterfront. It’s a great place to spot sea lions looking for scraps from nearby boats. Fathom serves homemade sausages and snacks, too, if you’re hungry.

7. Lucy Evans Lauren Memorial Garden

If you’ve already been to Cabrillo National Monument, impressive views await nearby at the Lucy Evans Lauren Memorial Garden. This public tribute garden is dedicated to the wife of George Lauren, a philanthropist who was very active in the Point Loma neighborhood you’ll find this one in. George has since also passed away, but their memory lives on.

8. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is exactly what it sounds like a magical maze that leads you to a series of colorful sculptures by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. You’ll need to head up to Kit Carson Park in Escondido for this one, but it’s worth the trip. Once you’re done with the art, spend time in the park. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego this summer.

9. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

San Diego’s popular 7 Bridges Hike takes you to — and over — the city’s most historic urban bridges, but it’s 5.5 miles long. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is the most popular one with locals if you’re short on time. The gently swaying bridge over Kate Sessions Canyon is a popular photo stop for engagement shoots, hidden enough that you can’t see the main street.

10. Secret Swings & Troll Bridges

La Jolla is known for its fancy side, but it’s also pretty whimsical. Hidden “troll” bridges, or stone bridges, add a fairytale feel to streets around Mount Soledad. The “secret” swings are well-known on social media, but they keep visitors guessing because they’re cut down from time to time. For a guaranteed view, the swing at the top of a hill near the Birch Aquarium seems to be there for the long term.

Explore the hidden spots of San Diego.

San Diego is full of adventure. Take advantage of everything that makes the city so unique with these hidden spots around San Diego, or find your own secret spots and make your own memories!

Other Things To Do In San Diego

San Diego, CA, is a beautiful city known for its amusement parks, scenic white-sand beaches, and multi-million dollar mansions. While San Diego’s lifestyle is pretty luxurious, there are plenty of things you can do here that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And since America’s Finest City has gorgeous weather all year round, you’ll have fun whenever you decide to visit. Yes, summers in San Diego are unforgettable. However, when the summer beach crowds thin out, visitors (and locals) can start enjoying all the fun fall activities this city has to offer! So, if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, here are 8 free things to do in San Diego this fall!

Take a Stroll Down The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

If you want to uncover what life was like in the 1800s in early America and Mexico, then you should take a stroll down the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This is where the city of San Diego was founded. Archeologists have uncovered ancient artifacts there throughout the years. This fantastic historic site includes several ancient adobes, a blacksmith shop, a museum packed with antiques, a schoolhouse, and a carriage collection.

Since you’re visiting in the fall, you cannot miss the annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This celebration is completely free, and it includes a traditional candlelight procession. Additionally, many Old Town restaurants will provide unique Dia de Los Muertos meals and live music, as well as activities for the whole family, such as traditional face painting and mask crafting. Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for free things to do in San Diego this fall, this one should be on top of your list!

Experience Fall Foliage

Even though San Diego has near-perfect weather all year round and almost endless summer, you can get a taste of fall right here in Southern California. All you need to do is take a short trip and know where to look! Fortunately, we’re here to point you in the right direction.

To see a plethora of reds, oranges, and yellows, visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain, or Mount Laguna. Oak and conifer forests flourish at these higher elevations, producing stunning scenery that you won’t see in the city. These places are great for experiencing the leaves change colors because of the thick vegetation, high elevation, and isolation!

While San Diego is known for its warm weather, it’s possible to experience some fall foliage as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out Balboa Park

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, visiting Balboa Park is something you simply must do. This is definitely among the best places to visit in San Diego, no matter the season. This 1,200-acre urban park is brimming with free activities, including the Automotive and Air and Space Museums, as well as historical buildings, theaters, cafés, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Balboa Park Botanical Building and Park, one of California’s most magnificent botanical gardens, are not to be missed. The botanical gardens and lily pond, as well as the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Museum of Man are all worth seeing. You can also enjoy shows at one of a few theaters. With its amazing array, Balboa Park is really San Diego’s cultural hub.

Pay a visit to San Diego’s Embarcadero

Embarcadero is a Spanish word for “landing place”, and a Sand Diego’s home for many historic ships and cruises. Taking a stroll through the Embarcadero is a beautiful treat and a soothing experience, with panoramic ocean views and broad pathways. Here, you can see many amazing monuments. The best one has to be the ‘Unconditional Surrender Statue’. Additionally, Embarcadero is full of beautiful spray fountains in the new Waterfront Park. If you’re coming with kids, they can play on this huge playground they’ll love! Your children will also enjoy a fun seal tour. Also, if you like museums, you can pay a visit to the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum! Amazing, right?

Take a Walk Through Mission Bay Park

Another famous free attraction in San Diego is Mission Bay Park. More than 15 million people enjoy this Park every year. It’s located north of downtown San Diego, and it spans 27 miles.

Mission Bay Park provides a plethora of activities for the whole family. Since you’re visiting in the fall, you should definitely go biking, hiking, or kite flying. If you’re a picnic lover – it’s your lucky day! This Park has excellent picnic areas, which include fun playgrounds for your little ones. If you decide to go biking, you’re in for a real treat! The pathway is very long, and it features some incredibly scenic views along the route. You can bring your own bike or rent one for a very reasonable price.

 

 

 

 

 

Spending your day in Mission Bay Park with your loved one(s) is a perfect way to spend your San Diego visit.

Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

If you’re a nature lover, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve should definitely be on your list of free things to do in San Diego this fall. This place offers 8 miles of trails through the breathtaking landscape of San Diego. These scenic paths wind their way over sandy hills, providing spectacular views of the azure shoreline and rugged sea cliffs. However, the real treat is the twisted Torrey Pine tree, the rarest pine tree in the world. It’s only found in two places on Earth, and this is one of them. Since fall is not the perfect swimming season, you can go down to the beach and watch a fantastic sunset with your loved one(s).

Go on a Hike!

In San Diego, there are many beautiful hiking routes to choose from. There is a path for everyone in San Diego, from the picturesque Torrey Pines beach walk to the plummeting slopes of Three Sisters Falls. One of the most popular hiking treks of Southern California is Cowles Mountain. This challenging hike (3 miles is nothing to laugh at) provides amazing views of San Diego County from the peak point at 1593 feet. Other great hiking trails are Los Penasquitos Canyon, Iron Mountain route, and Cuyamaca Peak Loop trail. The good news is they are all suited for all hiking levels.

Enjoy a Scenic Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

End your day in San Diego by watching the perfect sunset at Sunset Cliffs. The ambiance is rather lovely. If you wish to isolate yourself from the crowd, you may climb down to the beach, or you can join everyone on the arch. Nothing will ever compare to standing on the cliffs and looking down at the water crashing into and over the boulders. Watch a spectacular sunset with a swirl of pinks and oranges illuminating the sky. Just a perfect way to end a perfect day!

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, sunsets are always there for you!

Want to move to San Diego?

If you’re visiting San Diego for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with it and decide to relocate here. Even if you’re coming from Los Angeles, which is not so far away, you might be dazzled by San Diego’s charms. Many people can’t handle the rush of the Hollywood lifestyle, so they decide to move here to experience life in America’s Finest City. So, if you’re one of those people who want to leave LA and make a new home here, you’re making the right choice!

While these two cities have a lot in common, San Diego has a more welcoming and relaxing vibe. It’s a more family-friendly city surrounded by beautiful nature and packed with many fun activities, as we mentioned earlier. You’ll still be living that California lifestyle but on a more chill and mellow note.

Final thoughts

As you can see, visiting San Diego doesn’t have to break your bank. You can have the most fantastic time in this beautiful city without hurting your wallet. San Diego offers an incredible array of fun-filled activities for all ages. These 8 free things to do in San Diego this fall should be on everybody’s list. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready, set, San Diego!

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Best Places To Visit In San Diego

There are so many things to do in San Diego you will not be bored for even one day of your stay. Whether you are into water sports, hiking, window shopping, or a foodie. There is simply something to do for you and everyone in your family. Below are a few places you might find of interest while exploring the different places to visit in San Diego.

Old Town

~The birthplace of California is known to be Old Town. In the early 1800s, this was the site where the first Spanish settlement occurred. The historic architecture and charm remain the same from that era. A few places to visit while in Old Town is the most haunted house in America, rumored by many, the Whaley House Museum. The Junipero Serra Museum is one of the first permanent European settlement sites and one to visit while visiting Old Town. After spending some time here, you are going to have an appetite. Lucky for you, there are many places to eat in the area. Many restaurants, such as Casa Guadalajara, Fiesta de Reyes, and others, offer amazing Mexican food, including vegetarian options and gluten-free dishes.

San Diego Zoo

~The award-winning and world-famous San Diego Zoo is of interest to people from all walks of life. Whether you are a young child or older, your interest will peak when visiting the more than 700 species of animals that live at the zoo. The animals are not kept in cages like in many other zoos. There is plenty of room for them to enjoy their environment and live well for the rest of their lives. The San Diego Zoo is quite large, so you may enjoy hopping on the tour bus if you get tired of walking.  You can also ride the Skyfari and take a look at the animals from a safe distance up above.

Sea Port Village

~The Seaport Village is a popular place to visit and has many things to do while visiting. Enjoy watching street performers throughout the day in different areas of the complex. The village is located Downtown, designed with Spanish Style and Victorian architecture with spectacular views of the San Diego Harbor, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge.  There are several nice restaurants and coffee shops with various types of cuisine that you will enjoy. After finishing up with your meal, sit out and enjoy the sound of different musicians who come out to perform for free.

Little Italy

~ Italians were the original residents of this community that started as a fishing village. Now, the restaurants, art galleries, architecture, and shops reflect the Italian heritage of its yesteryear. Little Italy is vibrant and lively, with many events and festivals that take place throughout the year. There is so much to see and do, including enjoying several hours of people-watching and window shopping. The restaurants are amazing, so get ready to eat delicious authentic Italian dishes such as pasta, and pizza, to name a few.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

~Torrey Pines is located in one of the most ruff and rugged stretches of the coastal waters, located in La Jolla. The  Natural Landmark is on the hilly cliffs that look or the beach. The lagoon attracts Pleistocene vegetation, “the flora of southern California,” the fauna, and many migrating ocean birds. If you are an eager hiker, you will enjoy the eight trails running through the reserve, appreciating the views and wildlife such as skunks, foxes, rabbits, coyotes, and others. If you’re lucky, and it is a migrating season, you’ll get to see whales in the water while standing at the top of the cliffs.

San Diego Museum of Man

~The Museum of Man is one of the most captivating and informational things to do in San Diego. If you are somewhat interested in anthropology or anything related to human beings, this is one place you don’t want to miss. There is complete and comprehensive information regarding a large selection of artifacts and photographs. The California Tower is extraordinary, and the architecture of the buildings dating back to the early 1900s is striking with attention to detail.

Of course, there are many other wonderful and interesting places to visit in San Diego. These are simply a few of our favorite places in San Diego.

San Diego Metro Neighborhoods

~San Diego Urban Neighborhoods, also known as Metro Neighborhoods of San Diego, each have their own vibe, making them special in their own way. The one thing they all seem to have in common is the diversity and cultural attractions they offer. Some of the best metro neighborhoods in San Diego include North Park, South Park, University Heights, Mission Hills, Kensington, Normal Heights, Golden Hill, and  Sherman Heights, to name a few.

There are many great restaurants, micro-breweries, wineries, bakeries, and awesome shops in all of these different communities. The homes in these urban neighborhoods are mostly Spanish-style, Craftsman Houses and California Bungalows, with a few condos and apartments in between certain pockets. If you are considering moving to San Diego and would like help with finding the best home in your favorite neighborhood, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are happy to help you with your journey and transition.

San Diego Relocation Guide