Parks and Recreation

Balboa Park
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15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025 06:44 AM
 · 
Monica Garske
A sign for the Balboa Park Cultural District with archways behind it.
City
Balboa Park begins creating its Projects Prioritization Framework
The effort aims to find an unbiased way to allocate funding so it makes the greatest impact on the park.
January 10, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD High Surf San Diego King Tides
Weather
First King Tides of 2024 will hit San Diego’s coastline this week
High Surf and Coastal Flood advisories are in effect for local beaches where waves could reach up to 11 ft on Thursday, Jan. 11-Friday, Jan. 12.
January 9, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A woman hitting a pickleball on the court at The Hub San Diego
Sports
Where to play pickleball in San Diego
The sport has become especially popular in San Diego, and there are spots to learn and play across the county.
January 8, 2024
Crews preparing to install a pipeline at Miramar Reservoir
Development
City crews prepare to install underwater pipeline at Lake Miramar
This one-mile segment is part of the Pure Water Program that aims to turn recycled water into clean drinking water.
January 4, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance capybara pups 2023
Culture
SDtoday’s most-clicked stories and Instagram posts of 2023
Fireworks. Hiking. Kid-friendly activities. Capybaras. Festive events. Dang, you’re dynamic, SD.
December 20, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A girl trots on a horse at Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park.
Parks and Recreation
Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park opens in Lakeside
The park offers areas for horses and livestock, but will also be used as a daily outdoor space and for community gatherings.
December 13, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD Topgolf East Harbor Island driving range rendering Port of San Diego
Development
Waterfront development fore-cast: Topgolf tees up to build driving range facility on San Diego Bay
Topgolf’s vision includes a three-story venue that would house 102 hitting bays — and the Port of San Diego wants to build an entertainment district around it.
December 6, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Collier Park in La Mesa's redesign
Parks and Recreation
Collier Park nears the end of its redevelopment
The La Mesa park is preparing for a grand opening ceremony in early 2024.
December 5, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD December Nights San Diego Balboa Park
Festivals
Your guide to December Nights 2023 at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s biggest event of the year returns Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, with merrymaking opportunities aplenty.
November 20, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Mayor Todd Gloria leads a reopening ceremony of The Children's Park, with "Petrichor" and a play structure in the background.
Parks and Recreation
The Children’s Park reopens in downtown San Diego
The park in the Marina District has new spaces for children, adults, and dogs, plus it features a public art installation.
November 15, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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What’s May Gray and June Gloom in San Diego?
Locals know it’s not always sunny in San Diego — especially in May and June.
April 24, 2025
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The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
Music
This tracks: Big concerts coming to 2025 San Diego County Fair
From Maxwell and Zedd to 2 Chainz + Lil’ Jon, the Toyota Summer Concert Series is going to rock the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
April 22, 2025
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Monica Garske
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
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Balboa Park architecture
Live
15 interesting facts about San Diego
Test your knowledge of America’s Finest City
April 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Guy Fieri tray at Nola on Fifth
Play
San Diego restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
The Mayor of Flavortown has gotten a taste of San Diego on many occasions.
April 10, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A rendering of a museum studio space filled with children and adults painting and enjoying art activities.
Arts
New Children’s Museums expands with ‘Artopia’ studio and more programming
The renovated spaces debut on the museum’s third level on Saturday, April 12.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A rendering of a swimming pool and rooftop deck atop a new, 16-story hotel with mountain views in San Diego County.
Tourism and Hospitality
High-tech hotel tower to debut at Jamul Casino Resort in May 2025
Alexa, do all the things.
March 31, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Bayside Trail Point Loma
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around San Diego
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 21, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Two black and white photos of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps; the left one shows her holding a book, while the right photo is a close-up of her in her younger years.
History
6 amazing women who helped shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat’s 150-year-old foundation is solid — thanks in part to these women.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Padres Petco Park
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Your guide to sports teams in San Diego
From the San Diego Padres to the San Diego Gulls, we’re sharing details of San Diego’s sports teams.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske