San Diego, in Southern California, is known for its beaches, temperate weather, and high cost of living. However, you don’t have to spend a bundle to enjoy this delightful city. Below are just a few of the things you can do in San Diego without touching your wallet:

Old Town - San Diego’s Old Town celebrates the city’s Mexican heritage. Located just north of downtown, Old Town San Diego occupies the site of the first European settlement in the area. Today, the nine-block area includes many historic buildings, including California’s first schoolhouse. There are also several shops and restaurants. You can even take a free guided tour of the site.

Balboa Park and Museums - Located just outside of downtown, this 1200-acre park was constructed for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. The cultural park was so popular that it remained after the expo was over. The park is home to eight gardens, 15 museums, a regional theater, and the San Diego Zoo. Admission to Balboa Park is free. On Tuesdays, a rotating selection of museums offer free admission.

The Beaches - San Diego has over 70 miles of sand beaches, none of which charge a fee. Some of the most popular of them are La Jolla Cove, Mission Beach, and Coronado Beach.

La Jolla - Located about 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the seaside enclave of La Jolla is a fun place to explore on foot. The area’s many unique structures, art galleries, and scenic vistas are hard to beat.

(Photo via flickr cc)