Insider Tips from Locals

Spend the day showing out-of-town guests around town for free with a San Diego Hometown Pass With the purchase of one full-fare adult ticket from a visitor, local residents enjoy the Old Town Trolley, SEAL Tour and Whaley House for free. Apply for a Hometown Pass through Historic Tours of America: www.hometownpass.com; 866-753-7975.

Discover & Go. Reserve a free family day pass through the San Diego Public Library for attractions such as Children’s Discovery Museum, Museum of Us and Skateworld. Must be a local resident age 16 or over and have a library card in good standing. www.sandiego.gov/discoversd

Save money on admission for up to 16 participating museums with a one-day, one-week or one-year Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Read about the options at https://explorer.balboapark.org; 619-232-7502. San Diego Zoo and Comic-Con Museum not included.

When you purchase a one-day ticket to the Museum of Us in Balboa Park, you can receive free admission for a whole year. Just opt-in with an associate during your visit. It’s that simple. www.museumofus.org

Kids eat free at dozens of restaurants around town. Access our list at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/kids-eat-free/kids-eat-free.

There are local farmers markets every day of the week! Find them all at www.sdfarmbureau.org/ farmers-market.

Take a family “daycation” at one of San Diego’s favorite resort destinations. ResortPass offers single-day access to local pools, spas, cabanas and more at dozens of hotels and resorts across the county. Prices and amenities vary by location. Get the details at www.resortpass.com/hotel-daypasses/San-Diego-3.

Youth ages 18 and under can get unlimited free rides on the San Diego bus, trolley, Coaster and Sprinter until June 30, 2024 through the Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program, a collaboration between SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments), Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District and the County of San Diego. Learn more and register at www.sandag.org/yop.

Learn how to build sandcastles like a pro! Schedule a family sandcastle-building lesson at www.sandiegosand.com. Not recommended for kids under 5.

Birch Aquarium

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla 858-534-3474 https://aquarium.ucsd.edu

Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium is home to 60 marine life habitats, a museum showcasing research discoveries by Scripps oceanographers, and hands-on fun at Tide Pool Plaza. Check the website for seasonal events and activities.

Coronado

www.coronado.ca.us

Coronado Ferry Landing

1201 First St.

619-435-8895 www.coronadoferrylanding.com

Fantastic views of the San Diego skyline! Great spot for shopping, dining and picnics. Rent tandem bikes, surreys or SUPs, or take a kayak tour of San Diego Bay. For extra fun, take the ferry from downtown.

Coronado Tidelands Park

2000 Mullinex Dr. 619-522-7342 www.portofsandiego.org/wow/ explore-coronado