$aving in $an Diego

With careful planning, the California city offers plenty to see and do on the cheap

STORY SUMMARY »

Besides being one of the country's top tourist destinations, San Diego also is a place where the cost of living approaches that of Hawaii. Although it's natural to give up travel in a shrinking economy, with a little planning, much of this beautiful area can be seen without breaking the bank.

Balboa Park alone features 15 sophisticated museums, a variety of performances, fascinating exhibits and activities galore, for the cost of a $35 one-week Passport that includes admission to 13 attractions.

There is an amazing amount to do in the country's biggest urban cultural park. Simply wandering will take you by elegant Spanish-style buildings, gushing fountains, abstract sculptures and manicured gardens.

Get in free If $35 is still too expensive for Balboa Park admission,consider timing your visit, and you will be able to see a lot for less: » Botanical Building: Free » House of Pacific Relations International Cottages: Free » Japanese Friendship Garden: Free the third Tuesday each month » Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater: Free shows December evenings » Museum of Photographic Arts: Free the second Tuesday each month » Museum of San Diego History and Research Library: Free the second Tuesday each month » San Diego Air and Space Museum: Free the fourth Tuesday each month » San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum: Free the fourth Tuesday each month » San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Free the first Tuesday each month » San Diego Museum of Man: Free the third Tuesday each month » San Diego Youth Symphony: Open rehearsals on Saturdays from 9:45 to 11 a.m., 2 to 3:45 p.m. and 4 to 5:45 p.m. in Casa del Prado » Spanish Village Art Center: Free » Spreckels Organ Pavilion Concerts: Free. Concerts are given Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Additional free concerts, music and dance performances are held in the summer. » Timken Museum of Art: Free » Veterans Museum and Memorial Center: Free

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Here are nine more San Diego highlights for travelers on a budget:

» Old Town State Historic Park: Experience what it was like to live in Mexico and the United States during the 19th century. Preserved and restored buildings such as a courthouse, school and stables; living-history demonstrations including blacksmithing, crafts and cooking; and informative displays bring guests back to the time period 1821-1872. Nearly all activities here are free, including the one-hour walking tours. Most of the historical buildings are set around the main plaza, but Mexican-style shops and restaurants can be found throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

» Cabrillo National Monument: Back in the 16th century, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo reconnoitered what is now the western coast of the United States. The comprehensive visitor center recounts the history of his voyage. Do some exploring of your own while ascending the circular staircase of the refurbished Old Point Loma Lighthouse or browsing the exhibits in the Assistant Keeper's Quarters. North of the lighthouse is a preserved artillery system. Hike along the Mediterranean Bayside Trail to learn more about the native flora and fauna, discover tide pools during ranger-led tours, and spot whales from the overlook. The views from and activities here are worth the admission of $5 (private vehicle) or $3 (other means of transportation).

» Westfield Horton Plaza and Seaport Village: Horton Plaza, with its quirky, colorful architecture, is a five-story open-air complex. The mall's stores and restaurants are fairly mainstream, but its unique design touches (e.g., an artichoke sculpture) make it worth walking through. Seaport Village, with its more specialized shops and nautical-inspired architecture, is adjacent to San Diego Bay. A walk around the perimeter of the 14-acre area yields stellar (and free) views of the harbor, bay, Coronado and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.

» Museums: Besides the panoply of fine institutions in Balboa Park, there are a number of other museums around town. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego was just renovated last year, and is free the third Tuesday each month. The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is located in two small buildings. Its modest entry fee of $2 includes access to a peaceful garden. The Firehouse Museum is free the first Thursday each month, and admission to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, dedicated to Marine Corps aviation history, is always free.

» Historic Gaslamp Quarter: This part of downtown, known locally as the Gaslamp, covers about 16 square blocks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gaslamp has an abundance of Victorian-style buildings. Need a bite to eat after traversing the area? The Gaslamp is home to more than 110 restaurants, plus shops and entertainment which cater to patrons from the nearby San Diego Convention Center.

» Mission Bay Park: At more than 4,000 acres, this is the biggest aquatic man-made park in the United States. With its public cookout areas, playgrounds and plenitude of grassy spaces, Mission Bay Park is an excellent place to hang loose and have fun. Watch model yachts sail by or intricate kites fly overhead while enjoying a picnic under the palm trees.

» Tijuana: In search of affordable omiyage? Bargains await south of the border if you are willing to endure immigration checkpoints, persistent hawkers and the rough-and-tumble nature that characterizes Mexico's border towns. Silver jewelry, clothing and arts and crafts are among the best buys. Tip: Know the approximate value of what you plan to buy, then start bargaining upward from half of that amount.

The San Diego Trolley's Blue Line runs from Old Town to the San Ysidro Transit Center near the international border. The trip takes about one hour and costs $3 one way, or save a buck and purchase the unlimited One-Day Tripper for $5.

» Coronado: Hotel del Coronado's brick-red turreted buildings and the curvaceous San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge have together adorned many a postcard. The hotel, colloquially called the Del, was erected in 1888 and is a National Historic Landmark. Staying at the vast resort is not for the budget-conscious, but a look around the grounds and surrounding community is, of course, free. The San Diego-Coronado Ferry is a unique way to access the isthmus; a one-way fare runs $3.

» Torrey Pines Gliderport: Located just south of Torrey Pines State Reserve in La Jolla, the gliderport is set atop the sandstone cliffs. Favorable wind conditions and temperate weather make this a haven for paragliding, hang gliding and sail planing. While tandem flights can run hundreds of dollars, and professional training/equipment in the thousands, it costs nothing to watch the gliders fly. So kick back and enjoy the sight of multicolored gliders hovering over the Pacific Ocean as the sun completes its westward journey.

Relax even further knowing that you have been able to enjoy much of the San Diego area's best offerings on a modest budget. While making more memories for your money, you have also saved more money for your dreams.

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If you go...

Costs are approximate and subject to change.

Getting there

A round-trip economy ticket from Hawaii to San Diego International Airport is approximately $400.

What to see and do

» www.balboapark.org

» www.coronadovisitorcenter.com

» www.flyingleathernecks.org

» www.flytorrey.com (Torrey Pines Gliderport)

» www.gaslamp.org

» www.mcasd.org (Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego)

» www.nps.gov/cabr (Cabrillo National Monument)

» www.oldtownsandiego.org

» www.westfield.com/hortonplaza

» www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/missionbay/
index.shtml

» www.sdchm.org (San Diego Chinese Historical Museum)

» www.seetijuana.com

» www.seaportvillage.com

» www.thesdfirehousemuseum.org

Where to eat

» Hash House A-Go-Go: Substantial breakfasts. Try the mashed potatoes, hot turkey sandwich, and pies. At 3628 Fifth Ave., call (619)-298-4646.

» Hob Nob Hill: Established in 1944, this very informal coffee shop serves the likes of corned beef hash and pecan rolls. At 2271 First Ave. Call (619)-239-8176; www.hobnobhill.com

» Mexican food in San Diego is abundant and generally inexpensive. Fish tacos are a must-try. With more than 20 locations in the San Diego area, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill is a popular choice.

Where to stay

» Comfort Inn–Gaslamp: Centrally located in the Gaslamp Quarter, it's not as budget-friendly as hotels located outside downtown, but room rates start at $119 and includes hot breakfast and wireless Internet. At 660 G St. Call (619)-238-4100; www.comfortinngaslamp.com

» Days Inn–Hotel Circle: Features a number of basic, reasonably-priced, family-friendly accommodations, starting at $79 per night. At 543 Hotel Circle South. Call (619)-297-8800; www.daysinn.com

More information

www.sandiego.org