With that in mind, we put our heads together to come up with this list of our Top Five Free Excursions.

1. Balboa Park - There’s tons to do at Balboa Park that doesn’t cost money. (Parking and shuttles are free, too!) Our favorite thing to do, beyond the zoo, is to walk around the promenade, let the kids run in the massive fountain, and enjoy a picnic at the massive Pepper Grove playground. If its a Sunday, our kids adore exploring the cottages representing the various nations. On top of that there are tons of hiking trails to explore.
2. Beach day – There are tons of beaches along our coast, most of them are 100% free. Our favorite free beaches are Coronado, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Shores. In Winter, we still go to the beach pretty regularly! Our favorite for long walks on cool days is Pacific Beach. There are plenty of shops and things to explore that won’t cost you a dime!
3. Torrey Pines Gliderport – While it will set you back some cash to actually going hang-gliding, watching them take off and fly around is nearly as cool and completely free. The cliffs also provide an amazing place to take pictures. Fair warning: This isn’t designed for tourists. So don’t expect to see a lot of services or even seating. But did we mention the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean? (And a healthy amount of trying to see down to Blacks Beach below. (Nude beach)
4. Mission Trails – Hike, mountain bike, and explore to your hearts content. Located just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Trails regional park is 5800 acres of mostly undeveloped wilderness. And its all free and open to the public.
5. Old Town - We love both the state historic park and the little neighborhood to the south. Wander around the park to learn San Diego’s rich history and experience the joy of tons of little shops, restaurants, and galleries that make Old Town unique. And, of course, you can have a great time without spending any money at all.

Postscript: While it isn’t free, one of our favorite ways to save money while exploring San Diego is to take the trolley. An all-day pass is just $5. And on weekends, two children under 12 years old are free with a paying adult. Our kids still get a kick out of riding the trolley downtown!

The Great Food Race on Food Network is drawing attention to the gourmet food truck phenomenon. And there are several making a name for themselves here in San Diego.

One of our favorites is a bright orange roving coffee truck known as Joes On The Nose. Head to the biggest farmers market in San Diego on any given day and look for the lines of people by the giant orange truck. That’s Joes on the Nose.

Daily Specials

We had the pleasure of visiting Joes On the Nose at our favorite farmers market, the Little Italy Mercato. The first thing that you will notice is that Joes on the Nose is not a crappy lunch wagon. It is very clean, has a coffee menu that rivals Krakatoa in depth and creativity. No doubt this roving coffee wonderland would do just fine if they landed on any block in my neighborhood. They just happen to take their show on the road!

The team that runs the truck is equal in quality to the trucks outward appearance. They wear matching gear, huge smiles, and are full of personality. When theyasked my 7 year old sons name for his drink order the guy at the counter proceeded to engage my son in conversation about the meaning of his name. You won’t get that at your average Starbucks.

Now, onto the main course– the drinks. All together we ordered 5 drinks. All of them were excellent. I had the horchata latte and it was amazing from the first sip to the last. My son ordered a mango smoothie. While the small was too large for him to drink, he was gave up and said, “It is really good but my stomach is just too full.” (Daddy obliged by finishing the drink. For the review, of course.) My wife ordered a horchata flavored frappe called, The Jorge.  (Caffeine free since she is pregnant) My daughter ordered something with coconut in it. And our friend got the Green Flash… some sort of green tea slushy drink, which she loved. For those keeping track at home that is five 5-star drinks in one trip! This track record leads me to believe that everything on their menu is of equal quality.

If this place had tables and free wifi it just might have become my new mobile office.

Next time you are out at a farmers market or a local festival, keep an eye out for the orange truck. If you are on Twitter, make sure to follow @joesonthenose to find their daily location.

The view south from Sunset Cliffs Park

Let’s say you are visiting San Diego and entertaining the thought, “What would it be like to live here?“ This is what our family does every time we go away for vacation. And we wonder what would our family do on a typical Friday night?

Here’s one of our families favorite cheap date nights. And if you are in town visiting you’ll get a glimpse of life as a San Diego resident.

First, go through the drive-thru at In-N-Out Burger on Sports Arena Boulevard. Sure, there are better burgers in San Diego, but nothing says Southern California family fun night quite like these classic burgers. Get a cheeseburger meal for everyone in the car and make sure not to steal a fry on the way to the ocean. If the kids have been extra good substitute their soft drinks for a shake! (About $6 each without the shake, $8 with the shake)

Next, drive over to Sunset Cliffs Park in Point Loma. As you wind your way through busy Ocean Beach on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard the hot food will burn your lap. Soon enough traffic will thin out and you’ll start heading up the hill and transform from busy Ocean Beach to sleepy Point Loma. Enjoy the jaw dropping views of the ocean on the right and dream of living in a big house on the left. Avoid the temptation to stop here munch on your burgers… there is something better to come.

Follow Sunset Cliffs Boulevard until it ends. (You won’t mind the drive!) From there, head up the hill a couple hundred yards on Ladera Street until you find the Sunset Cliffs Park lot. Park there and walk down to the park and eat by the cliffs while sitting on the ground or use the hood of your car as a table to enjoy your dinner.

While it is incredibly beautiful there, and you’ll be tempted to just eat and watch the surfers from the cliff… resist a bit more temptation for the ultimate payoff.

Sunset from the old softball field at Point Loma Nazarene University

Follow the trails south from the parking lot and find a bigger dirt path a hundred yards to the east of the ocean. Keep going south and you’ll technically leave the park and enter onto the property of Point Loma Nazarene University. The dirt path will head up a little hill and bring you to a road. (Lomaland Drive) Continue south on that another hundred yards and to your right you’ll see an abandoned softball diamond. (Locals use this as a dog park) Find your way down to the softball field and you’ll be at one of the most quiet and beautiful places to watch a sunset in all of San Diego County. Our family has been there several times and there has never been more than a handful of people nearby. It’s a fantastic place to take sunset pictures, family pictures, or just let the kids run in the big open field while you and your loved one steal a moment to cuddle near the electric current of the sunset and crashing waves.

Fair warning: Since this is private property, we can’t guarantee you will have access every day of the year. While we’ve never had anyone from the school say anything to us it is conceivable that they may be using their property.

This is way, way off the beaten path. Located in the heart of El Cajon’s Bostonia neighborhood, Rodeos Market is a gem in a gem-field of great places to eat along Broadway.

Inside you’ll find all the normal stuff you’d expect in a Mexican meat market. Lots of meat, lots of vegetables, lots of fruits, and a few grocery items you don’t typically find in communities which don’t border Mexico.

But Rodeo’s also has an excellent taco counter. Don’t be shy, step up to the counter and ask the lovely staff what they have cooking. On a normal day you’ll find carne asada, carnitas, and pollo asada. But on some days you’ll find several other options, including my favorite guilty pleasure… lengua. (Beef tongue) This perfectly cooked meat is tender and full of flavor. It’s similar in texture to pot roast but with even more flavor.

I typically order three street tacos (pretty small) and then walk to the back of the shop to score a Jarritos. (They also sell Coca-Cola made with real sugar!) Then I head to the produce area and grab a fresh avacado. After I pick up my little bundle of taste from the counter, I head to the cash register and take my pick of wonderful Mexican candies. My favorite candy at Rodeos is the coconut bars colored like the Mexican flag.

After paying, head outside and grab a stool by the counter. You can enjoy a little taste of East County culture while you indulge in the best street tacos in East County.

With the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop, the Little Italy Mercato is a picture perfect representation of the 40 plus certified farmers markets operating in San Diego County. This is one of the many free gems which make San Diego such a wonderful place to live and visit.

On a recent Saturday morning our family of four piled into the car for a downtown culinary adventure. My husband and I were on a mission to buy farm fresh ingredients for dinner. The kids grudgingly accepted the task. You’d think we were taking them to the dentist.

The Little Italy Mercato is hard to miss because it runs across three blocks. We had no problem locating free street parking right around the corner. I also noticed paid parking for $7. The atmosphere was festive as we approached to market – live music and the mingled scent of food, flowers, and herbs filled the air.

Not just a food market, the Mercato offers something for everyone. I was initially side-tracked by a display of locally made jewelry. With a little help from my family I refocused and let my nose guide me to the heart of the market, the food. Never able to turn a blind eye to food, our kids loosened up when offered samples of juicy softball-sized peaches. It should be noted that the Little Italy Mercato is a great location for selecting locally caught seafood, as well. One unusual sample my husband could not resist was live sea urchin. He’s still alive after trying this spiny wonder! He said it was tasty with the texture of an overripe peach with a hint of brine flavor.

About an hour later our mission was accomplished. We walked away with dinner and several new experiences.

The Little Italy Mercato offers a feel-good feast for the senses. Next time I’ll brave the long line for crepes made on the spot from Le Creperie. My mouth is already watering.

Sometimes there are eateries where you have to weigh the trouble of getting there and getting a table with the quality of food. El Indio fits that category. After three separate attempts to eat there we finally made it inside on a Saturday afternoon. Dial up your patience before taking a trip to this one.

El Indio is a taco shop that has reached institutional status among San Diego locals. Legendary. It is close to downtown, (just off of Washington St.) close to the airport, and has long been popular with the nightlife crowd as a great place to grab a bite before heading out. Since El Indio has been around a long time and the food has always been good, this place is mecca to San Diego residents. It’s always on the list of places to visit for those who moved away from San Diego and come back to visit.

The food: The reason there is a line out the door all day every day is the food. Trust me when I say that the hassle of finding parking and waiting in line is worth it. For a first visit I’d suggest the carne asada buritto. Amazing flavors, built-in spices, and large enough to be a meal unto itself. I don’t think I’ve had a better carne asada burrito and I use them as a measuring device for taco shops. It provides the standard by which all others are judged against. If you need traditional sides of rice and beans you’ll be satisfied with these staples but they are not noteworthy. Instead, make sure to get freshly made guacamole and chips as they are fantastic.

Getting there: If you’re from out-of-town and staying at a downtown hotel, I’d recommend getting a cab. There are several popular places on this block and the parking situation is horrible. If you are going out to El Indio before going out to the clubs you’ll want a cab anyway… so save yourself the frustration and leave the rental car in the parking lot. Other than that, expect a fast-food styled line and limited seating. There is some additional outdoor seating across the street. If it is warm you may want to consider that as well.

Overall: This little joint lives up to the hype. If your trip to San Diego is going to explore taco shops, I’d recommend starting here to get a primer for what is to come. Great flavor, fun vibe, and rock bottom prices. (A rarity in San Diego) If you’re staying in a hotel I’d highly suggest getting a bag of chips, some salsa, and fresh guacamole to keep in your hotel room. You’ll be craving this stuff in no time!

After arriving at Cabrillo and paying your entry fee, you are faced with two main choices.

#1 Tide Pools: In our house, when we say “Cabrillo” the kids scream “TIDE POOLS!” If you have kids, this has got to be on your list of places to visit. Time your visit for for low tide [click here to check tide schedule] and make your way down the monster hill to the tide pools. Once you climb down to the beach you’ll find yourself on a rocky beach peppered with dozens of tide pools. We have found the safest way to go is get the kids down by the water and have them ditch their shoes. Even if the water is cold, you’ll fall a whole lot less with no shoes on than worrying about keeping your shoes or sandal dry. From there we just follow the kids as they explore. Sometimes there is a park volunteer to help you get started and at other times there isn’t. Either way you’ll be sure to see hermit crabs, starfish, sea anemone, little fish, and even the occasional octopus. As a parent, the tide pools just amaze me as my kids hop all over the place and show me what they have discovered. We’ve been a number of times and I always come back with a full camera.

#2 The top of the hill. I’m sure there is a technical name for the rest of the park, but we just call it “the stuff up there.” (Since we always start at the tide pools.) If you are looking for a place to take the perfect vacation picture, the top of the hill is where it is at. At the very top you’ll find the lighthouse. At times you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and get the million dollar 360 degree view. On a clear day we tell the kids they can see China. As much as they squint, all they see is the horizon but we tell them that China is way, way out there. Next to the lighthouse is a museum where you can learn all about the lighthouse and how it has been used. Leaving the lighthouse, walk around the paths to the end of the point. There you will find some whale watching stations as well as a few stellar vista points for pictures. From there, head back to the parking lot and spend some time learning all about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the history of San Diego bay.

We’ve found that Cabrillo is a great place to start a day. Make sure you check the tide schedule before determining what time to come. If there is no marine layer, we’ve found that it’s best to come around 9 and plan on staying until lunch before the crowds build too much. It’s just enough outdoor activity to kick off a day. For a perfect (and cheap) day we like to go here before lunch, grab a bite in Point Loma, than head down to a beach to spend the afternoon.

If you don’t have kids or you’re just looking for a romantic place to watch the sunset than I’d highly suggest coming an hour or so before sunset.

Quintessential San Diego Burger Joint. That’s the phrase that comes to mind about for our families visit to Hodad’s in Ocean Beach. Our morning started off with a walk out to the end of Ocean Beach Pier and we got back just in time for lunch.

By 11:45 AM the place was packed! We waited a couple of minutes and soon found ourselves in a booth, menus in hand. As we placed our drink order we began to take in the decor. Man, this place is a place to explore! My kids counted 7 surf boards hanging from the ceiling or plastered to the wall. There are literally hundreds of license plates and beach signs plastered everywhere.The decoration even extends to the bathrooms!

A few minutes after we placed our order the food started to arrive. Seriously, lightning quick food and great servers! Three of us ordered burgers, which were great, and my son ordered a side of fries. All of us were completely full. We all felt like the fries were the highlight of what we ordered. On our next trip we will try the onion rings, we’re told they are fantastic as well. I also enjoyed a pint, which seemed to amplify the whole experience just a enough. (Great selection of beers on tap!) This is another one of those places where the experience is half the fun. We were there for an early lunch and there was an electric atmosphere.

Overall, I think Hodad’s lives up to the hype. It exceeded our high expectations! A lot of people call this one of the best burger joints in town and I have to agree. When you come make sure you leave yourself with plenty of time as there is often a line going down the street.

Mama’s Bakery and Lebanese Deli is an unassuming neighborhood gem tucked away in the North Park community of San Diego.  Just off El Cajon Boulevard, Mama’s is easily missed unless you know that it is actually a house converted into a restaurant.  The casual dining room is best described as a walled-in patio but that doesn’t keep customers from flocking to Mama’s. Mama’s home cooking has a way of doing that to you.

What’s not to love about warm homemade flatbread straight from the oven?  The portion sizes at Mama’s are generous and you won’t find a single menu item over $10.00.  For a small restaurant you might be surprised by the extensive menu.  The menu is traditional (hummus, Shawarma and wraps) and includes many vegetarian items.  I ordered the Spinach and Cheese Pie for $4.99 (homemade flatbread stuffed with spinach, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, diced onions, sumac and olive oil).  Though simple, my meal was flavorful and filling.

Based on other people’s reviews, I had high expectations for Mama’s Bakery and Deli.  The food is satisfying (I’ve been spoiled by amazing Lebanese food in Detroit, MI) and the combination of good food and excellent value is impossible to beat.

When you think of San Diego County you may not think of good BBQ. Well, Geno’s in El Cajon will introduce you to West Coast styled BBQ in a fun way. Situated on Main Street in El Cajon, the exterior of the building makes it clear that this used to be a Taco Bell. Inside you’ll find a small seating area with a local vibe.

The menu at Geno’s is pretty basic. My favorite sandwich is the Wipe Out. This pulled pork sandwich covered in cole slaw is a little messy but has great flavor. If you’d like to continue the exploration allow me to suggest a side of mashed potatoes. Together they make an awesome comfort food package.

I don’t want to kid you into thinking this is the best place in East County. It’s not. But if you are in El Cajon and you’d like to avoid the plethora of chains and greasy spoons, Geno’s is a solid addition to your repertoire.