Free in San Diego

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.

Lifeguard La Jolla Cove

Cozy stretch of sand tucked between sandstone cliffs for swimmers, snorkelers & scuba divers.

Mission Beach Park

Large grassy space beside the beach boardwalk offers benches for picnics & recreational activities.

Mount Soledad Memorial Park

Massive cross monument honoring American veterans, with plaques telling their stories.

Balboa Park

Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, museums, gardens & more.

Cabrillo National Monument

This historic lighthouse & national monument offers a storied history & views all the way to Mexico.

La Jolla Shores Park

2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.

Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center

Mission Bay Park

Vast bayside spot popular for sand & surf sports, sunbathing, boats, picnics & dog-friendly beaches.

Embarcadero Marina Park South

Waterfront public park features fishing piers, bike paths, basketball courts & a concession stand.

Mission Beach Boardwalk

Longtime beachfront boardwalk featuring shops, an old-school amusement park & ocean activities.

Children's Pool La Jolla

Protected sandy cove home to many adult harbor seals & their pups, open for swimming in summer.

Mission Trails Regional Park

8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.

La Jolla Tide Pools

At low tide, this scenic, rocky beach features pools of water with sea life such as crabs & fish.

Chicano Park

Colorful murals can be seen at this public park located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

La Jolla Cove

Popular with divers, this quaint beach houses permanent lifeguard stations, picnic tables & showers.

Waterfront Park

Public park featuring spray fountains, grassy areas & lots of play equipment for kids.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.

Mormon Battalion Historic Site

Interpretive center commemorating a group of Mormons in the Army during the Mexican-American War.

la Jolla Shores Beach

This 1 mile long sand beach with permanent lifeguard stations offers gentle waves & scuba classes.