October 10, 6:23 AM SF Honeymoon Travel Examiner Suzie Rodriguez
Yesterday, in Part 1 of this 2-part series, we covered the first 15 free things you can do this winter in San Diego. Now here’s Part 2:
16. Take a drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for a panoramic view of the city all spruced up in holiday finery. Along the way, take a peek at the beautifully decorated homes in this exclusive community. www.soledadmemorial.com
17. Drive to the 600,00-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to marvel at wildlife and a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers amidst the desert warmth. Anza-Borrego is located just two hours from San Diego via Highway 78 and Interstate 8. www.parks.ca.gov 18. Gaze up at the massive balloons during the Big Bay Balloon Parade , the country’s largest balloon parade, on December 30. Floats, balloons and marching bands are just some of the offerings in this colorful holiday parade along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. www.holidaybowl.com
19. Get in the holiday spirit with Chula Vista’s 47th Annual Starlight Parade on December 5, featuring carolers, holiday cheer, floats, drill teams, marching bands, classic cars, children’s event and a visit from Santa. www.thirdavenuevillage.com
20. Watch runners compete—or participate!—in San Diego’s oldest marathon, the scenic Carlsbad Marathon & Half-Marathon (January 24 along the Pacific Coast). www.carlsbadmarathon.com
21. Experience a white Christmas in San Diego when you make the scenic, one-hour drive to the top of Mount Laguna . Sled down mountain slopes, build snowmen and have snowball fights (weather permitting).
22. Delight in festive gatherings along the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on December 13. Over 100 brightly illuminated powerboats and sailboats parade along Mission Bay; the parade ends with a fantastic firework show at 9 p.m. above SeaWorld San Diego. www.missionbayparadeoflights.org
23. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Escondido during an array of holiday celebrations and events. Carriage rides run between Grand Avenue and Juniper Street during 5- 9 p.m. on December 5, 12 and 19. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays
24. Celebrate holiday cheer with Christmas in the Park – Poway ( date still to be determined). The event features a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, train rides, live music, theatre performances, food, treats, crafts and more. www.powaymidlandrr.org/christmas.htm
25. Rock out at the Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter on December 21. Kicking off two days prior to the annual Poinsettia Bowl, which is played in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, bands representing the two Bowl football teams line up at opposite ends of Fifth Avenue in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and face-off in an old fashion battle of the bands. www.gaslamp.org .
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