La Jolla Cove

Fun and Free Things To Enjoy in San Diego

This beachside destination has an abundance of activities that money can't buy.

Explore & Discover San Diego

Discover the diversity and beauty of San Diego by driving the 59-Mile Scenic Drive. The route takes you from downtown San Diego to Harbor and Shelter islands, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay Park, Soledad Mountain and La Jolla Old Town State Historic Park and Presidio Park, Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, Coronado, the historic Gaslamp Quarter and much more.

While at Cabrillo National Monument, whale watch from the shores and cliffs of Point Loma as California gray whales migrate south to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja. (December through March.) In downtown San Diego, view beautifully restored turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Take a walk around Balboa Park to discover its beautiful architecture. While visiting the Park, take advantage of the variety of free offerings, including 15 museums (select museums on Tuesdays), tours of the park, organ concerts (Sundays and Mondays) and spectacular gardens (seven of the eight are free on a regular basis).

Enjoy a free organ concert at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, held each Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The Organ Pavilion features the world's largest outdoor pipe organ, a San Diego landmark for 84 years.

Visit Seaport Village during the weekends for free entertainment, and hours of leisurely strolling and window-shopping in the Village's stores. Walk along the bay-front or sit in the grass and gaze at passing yachts and ships along San Diego's beautiful Big Bay.

Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater on the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of our magnificent outer space.

The Magnificent Coasts of San Diego

Take a drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla and get a panoramic view of the city and dramatic coastline.

Put on your bathing suit, grab your towel and head to one of San Diego's 70 miles of beaches, all open to the public, and perfect to body surf, play in the sand, collect seashells and bask in the sun. As you contemplate the crashing waves, the magnificent blue Pacific provides you with a clearer mind, lighter heart and stronger spirit.

Have a picnic at the Torrey Pines State Park and watch the hang-gliders do tricks along the coastline.

While at La Jolla Cove, stay around to see the magnificent sunset on the ocean and watch sea lions play along its shore. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
Drive north along the coast on Historic Highway 101, enjoying the beach communities that line this glorious coastal highway.

City, Mountain and Desert - all in a day's drive

Visit Old Town State Historic Park, full of Mexican lore, to stroll through the variety of international shops. Guests are also invited to wander free through Old Town's historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, the Seeley Stables, the Stewart House, the Estudio House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

Discover the charm of the century-old gold mining town of Julian, noted for its delicious apple pie. Take a step back in time as you stroll down Julian's Main Street. Find everything from antique candelabras to homemade candles.

Take a drive to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, one of the richest and seemingly boundless living museums in the country, and enjoy outdoor beauty, wildlife and a kaleidoscope of colorful wildflowers. Anza Borrego is located just two hours from San Diego via Highway 78 and Interstate 8.

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. Tours are offered daily, starting at Copley Visitor Center.

Cross the border into colorful and exciting Tijuana, Mexico where the entrance is free and the variety of shops offer unique gifts and apparel.

The Active Lifestyle of San Diego

Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park's many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline with workout courses and planned stations along the route.

Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. The Park's state-of-the-art Visitor's Center boasts a 94-seat theater where guests explore and learn about the wonders of nature and the people who once lived on the land. The park also offers 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.

Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego's shore to see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater preserves to explore.

Bird watching is also featured at the Chula Vista Nature Center, located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in South Bay. Guests can get an up close look at burrowing owls, walk through an enclosed shore bird exhibit and observe birds and other wildlife on two bird-watching platforms.

* With thanks to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau