Visiting San Diego on A Shoestring

By Ann Nelson

San Diego is blessed with natural beauty, a near-perfect climate and a limitless amount of outdoor activities. If you are on a budget, finding a reasonably-priced and classy place to stay can be a challenge. That’s why I decided to do a little homework and develop a list of great places to stay for under $120.00 a night. I’ve also put together a list of free activities to keep you busy during your visit.

The Balboa Park Inn, built in 1915, was originally a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries who were opening the first World’s Fair in Balboa Park. The inn is a two-minute walk to the zoo and Balboa Park. Several of the 26 suites have fireplaces, kitchens and Jacuzzis. A continental breakfast is served. Call: (800) 938-8181, or www.balboaparkinn.com. Prices start at $99.00  

The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club, a 131-room historic hotel, is located in North Park and close to downtown. Bob Hope, Betty Grable and Ava Gardner have all stayed here. Florence Chadwick trained in the 50-meter hotel pool for her record-breaking swim across the English Channel. The Lafayette has recently embarked on a 4-million dollar renovation and has the look of a classy Southern plantation with huge white columns gracing the front of the red brick building. Call: (800) 468-3531, or www.lafayettehotelsd.com. Prices start at $69.00

Park Manor Suites, consisting of 75 suites, is ideally situated on the west edge of Balboa Park and offers sweeping views of San Diego Bay and downtown. Built in 1926, The Park Manor was a popular stopping off point for the “Hollywood Set,” commuting from Rosarito Beach and Del Mar. Call: (800) 874-2649, or www.parkmanorsuites.com. Prices start at $119.00

The Pearl Hotel, a small boutique hotel close to downtown and Shelter Island is intimate, authentic and cool. The Pearl is featured in Sunset Magazine’s “Top 50 Hotels Under $150.00.”  Once a week, free movies are featured at the “Dive-In-Theatre” by the poolside lounge and theater. Call: (877) 732-7573, or  www.thepearlsd.com. Prices start at $99.00.

The Keating House is a graceful turn-of-the-century home located in Banker’s Hill. Banker’s Hill, established in the late 1800’s, consists of several magnificently restored Victorian homes located in an elevated area with downtown views. The Keating House, consisting of 9 guest rooms is within walking distance to several restaurants, pubs and coffeehouses. A full breakfast is served. Call: (800) 995-8644, or inn@keatinghouse.com. Prices start at $119.00

After you select a great place to stay, read the ideas below and decide how to fill your days. I have put together a list of 18 FREE things to do during your visit to San Diego.

1. Head to San Diego’s many beaches, all free to the public. Play in the sand, swim, or just bask in the sun.
2. Visit La Jolla Cove and see the magnificent sunset on the ocean. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
3. Visit Seaport Village during the weekends for free entertainment and hours of leisurely strolling and window-shopping. Sit on the grass and gaze at passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay.
4. Stroll through the 16½- block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego and view the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture.
5. Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic park.
6. Enjoy free organ concerts at 2pm on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park. The Organ Pavillion features one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914, where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous 32-foot pipes.
7. Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are invited to wander free through Old Town’s historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.
8. Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths that wind through sunlight and shade near the shoreline and feature some workout courses at planned stations along the route.
9. Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for a free tour of the 150-acre facility, including training fields and tracks, athlete dorms and the Otay Lake Reservoir. Guided tours are offered every Saturday from the Copley Visitor Center at 11am. Self guided tours are available daily between 9am and 4pm.
10. Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of all the stars in the night sky.
11. Roller blade, skateboard or bicycle along Mission Beach Boardwalk, a very scenic 3-mile boardwalk along picturesque Mission and Pacific Beaches.
12. Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and learn about the wonders of nature and the people who once lived on the land. Roam through the park’s 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.
13. Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego’s shores and see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, and miles of protected underwater preserves.
14. Go Bird Watching at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Located high above Torrey Pines State Beach, the area is the home of the rare and ancient Torrey Pine as well as a beautiful protected habitat for swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wrentits.
15. Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While there, take advantage of the park’s variety of offerings, including 15 museums. Select museums are free on Tuesdays.
16. Explore the tide pools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy dead man’s fingers and many other magnificent sea creatures.
17. Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Spectacular views of San Diego’s East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix.
18. Take a scenic walk along The Big Bay, San Diego’s “largest attraction.” There are 27 miles of waterfront featuring bayside parks, marinas, hundreds of restaurants and shops, and miles of promenades and bikeways. The Big Bay appeals to everyone.