Fun and Free Things to Do with Your Family in North San Diego County

When you’re looking for a city to call home, don’t forget about the little things. Yes, it’s important to learn about the school system and taxes and all the rest. But your property value isn’t going to be the thing that gives you great memories in the future. What you will cherish is what you did with your family over the years in your house and the city you call home.

One sign that an area is great to buy a home in is the amount of activities you can enjoy, particularly free ones. Free activities are a sign that the area has many natural amenities as well as rich cultural events that the community puts together. The cities that make up North San Diego County are full of fun and free things to do with your family. Here are some of the most popular ones.

A Day at the Beach

This has to be the first entry on the list. We are talking about North County, after all. When you think California coastal cities, you immediately think the beach. It’s an obvious suggestion, but also probably the biggest benefit of moving to a city in North County. Moonlight Beach is a great destination for the whole family thanks to its amenities such as its snack bars and fire pits. Also, special shout out to the beaches in the area that are specially designed for the furry, four-legged members of your family including the Del Mar North Beach Area.

Learning History

After you’ve spent time with your family experiencing the different beaches that make up North County, why not learn more about the history of beach culture? If you make your way over to Oceanside, you can visit the nation’s first surf museum, the California Surf Museum. It is the best (and perhaps only) place to get a real picture of the history of surfing in the U.S. You’ll learn about the history of the surfboard and how it has changed over time as well as exhibits pertaining to famous surfers throughout history.

The Last of its Kind

Places change over time due to both nature and development. The beautiful city of Carlsbad is home to Batiquitos Lagoon, which is one of the last remaining tidal wetlands in California. Sure, the beach is an obvious choice to visit with your family to soak in the rays, but the natural beauty of the wetlands is something to experience while you still can. You can enjoy either guided tours or come up with an agenda yourself using the trail guide at the Lagoon’s website.

More History in Carlsbad

If you want to extend your stay in Carlsbad, there’s more history to take in thanks to Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park. The park acts as a condensed history of the culture of California. You and your family can experience traditional buildings made of adobe, historical windmills, and other architectural examples of California’s origins. A visit to Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park is definitely a day of exercise thanks to the untouched terrain, so dress appropriately. Also, while you can wander the grounds unguided, you’ll need to take an official tour to actually gain access to the buildings.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

If you have a love for flowers and all things botanical, the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas are a must visit. The grounds are huge, and even that is an understatement. There are nearly thirty different gardens to browse. Who knows? You might even find some inspiration here for your home garden! Make sure to do your research, though, before your visit, as the displays are always naturally changing with the seasons. Certain plants are only in bloom at certain times and the birds that call the garden home also change seasonally. There’s even a playground for the kids if they’re feeling restless.

Culture in Carlsbad

If hiking one of Carlsbad’s many trails isn’t quite what you’re looking for to have fun for free during the summer, why not take in a free jazz concert? While you can find many free concerts sprinkled throughout the northern San Diego region, one of the most famous in the area is the TGIF Jazz in the Park summer series hosted in Carlsbad. Poinsettia Park hosts the series all throughout the summer on Friday nights until about the end of August. As of this summer it is in its thirtieth year and shows no signs of slowing down. It’s definitely a much cherished tradition in Carlsbad.

Conclusion

All of that sounds like a lot of fun right? Once you start taking in all that nature has to offer along with the fun community events, you’ll be looking for real estate in North County in no time. Start the search for your new home today.