Here’s the formula for traveling light – light on the pocketbook that is. First, fly when others don’t and land a great airfare. Second, apply the same logic to booking lodging. Finally, when you get to where you’re going, check out the list of free or inexpensive things to do.
Apropos of that, how about San Diego? The weather in deep SoCal offers a nice alternative this time of year. Courtesy of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, here are some activities that won’t bend your bank account. And the beautiful featured image, above, is by Chad McDonald:
– Head to San Diego’s plentiful, and beautiful, public beaches. They’re free. Don a body suit, hang ten and grab a wave (the latter is gratis). Build your own sand mansion right by the sea. Leave before the rising tides claim it as their own.
– Check the weather forecast for a sunny day and see the sun set over the Pacific from the spectacular setting of La Jolla Cove. So far, no one’s been able to put a price on this end-of-day spectacle.
– Peruse the wondrous windows in downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village. It’s also a great place just to sit and watch the ships go sailing by.
– Enjoy free Sunday concerts at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion. The show starts at 2 p.m. and the repertoire includes traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes.
– Latch on to Point Loma and explore her fascinating tidal pools. The area is home to delicately flowered sea anemones, shore crabs, octopus, and “deadman’s fingers.” Mother Nature’s vivid show is in 3D, living color and wraparound sound.
– Drive to not-terribly-distant Julian, an old gold mining enclave set in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Bring along your imagination and embark on a self-guided walking tour of the town.
