If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout to find a place to take your dog to allow them to have a good time. San Diego has many good dog parks, and these two places are great places to let them run around off leash.

The first is located in the North County in Del Mar. It is called “Dog Beach”. All one has to do is exit at Via Del La Valle off of the Interstate Five, and proceed West to the Coast Highway. Once at the intersection, turn South, and the beach is immediately a block to the South. Parking is available, although it is limited along the road next to the beach. Parking immediately adjacent to the beach, although a fee is required by the City of Del Mar. Free parking is available on the surrounding streets. The beach is a great place to go and relax with your dog; dogs are allowed to be off leash, and can do whatever they please.

The second location is the dog park at Balboa Park. Balboa Park is already a great place to go to walk your dog. Just off of Laurel Street, and immediately before the main bridge, there is a Dog Play Area. This grassy area allows dogs to intermingle, play, fetch, and all other activities, again off leash.

Both locales provide trash cans and waste bags for the dogs, and always have a good weekend crowd of owners to discuss dog care, and to laugh at any dog related antics.

San Diego has a ton of great places to enjoy low cost food and drink during happy hour. Most establishments start happy hour around 3 or 4 pm and end shortly before their normal dinner rush.

Old Town, downtown, and the beach communities have a bunch of places that sharply discount their food and drinks. Most have half-price appetizers and beers on tap a buck or two off the normal price . . .

PB Bar & Grill and Moondoggies - both located in Pacific Beach - have great deals. So do all of the Joe’s Crabshacks . . .

Guadalahara’s in Old Town has FREE appetizers in the bar area . . .

Old Town may carry old traditions, but it is definitely not old news. The smell of antiquity fills the air as I stroll down the colorful and festive streets. The aroma of fresh tortillas and guacamole mixed with the fresh heritage you can see on every block, Old Town continues to be one of the most treasured aspects of San Diego culture. Known for it’s historical background and architectural beauty, Old Town is and has been one of my favorite places to go.

If one wants the true San Diego experience, Old Town is the place to be. From the fabulous eateries, candy and antique shops, to the historical “Theatre in Old Town” and the Whaley House, Old Town has something to offer visitors of all ages.

If History is your forte, than Old Town is the mecca for you! Old Town is considered to be the “birthplace” of California. One can learn a plethora of interesting historical facts about California and specifically San Diego by visiting the wonderful museums including the Little Adobe Chapel, one of the first churches, and the awe inspiring Mormon Battalion Visitors Center, which offers free admission. Also, you can head up the hill to Heritage Park and see beautifully restored Victorian homes that take you back in time.

Do you like ghost stories? If you travel down the main strip of Old Town, you will probably run into a random house in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. A designated haunted house (and museum), The Whaley House, tells a dark past and spooky happenings that will make the hair stand on the back of your neck. Decide for yourself!:)

The Theater in Old Town also claims they have supernatural happenings as well. But, if you just like great theatre, this one is known for its outstanding productions. The quaint theatre gives the perfect atmosphere for great entertaining and I have never left disappointed.

Before you head off to the theatre, there are plenty of delicious restaurants you can choose from. Old Town is the greatest place to eat if you love Mexican food that truly is authentic. I highly recommend Cafe Coyote. It’s stylish, yet relaxing surroundings, puts you at ease and the food is to die for! The Carne Asada Ceasar Salad is my dish of choice, but there are so many things to choose from!

All in all, Old Town is a great place to spend the morning, afternoon or evening. The ideal place to enjoy with family, friends and even acquaintances, Old Town never fails to leave me in wonderment and appreciation for San Diego and its rich culture.

Here’s another good list of free San Diego wireless hotspots:

http://www.auscillate.com/wireless/sandiego/

For those of you who like to get the most bang for your buck, Sally Gary has released the 8th version of her book “The Best Deals and Steals in San Diego“.

The book is packed full of things to do on the cheap (or for free) in and around San Diego. You can get her book at any SD book store or Amazon.

She also teaches a class on bargain shopping in San Diego and Mexico. You can find out more by contacting her directly.

There is a ton of free stuff posted on Craigslist. Here’s the direct link for ya:

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/zip/

Items are posted daily and you truly never know what you’ll find . . .

There are several free San Diego WiFi spots throughout the city. Although this list is new and will continue to grow, here is a list of a few wireless spots we know about so far:

- The Sheraton on Harbour Island
- The W (downtown)
- Humphrey’s
- The Hilton on Mission Bay
- Little Italy (most of India street)
- IMAX Theatre Cafe (Balboa Park)
- Cyber Brew Cafe (Garnet in PB)

Post a comment if you know of additional locations not listed - thanks in advance!

Many San Diegans don’t realize that we have an incredible resource that most cities don’t have: FREE Computer Classes! These classes are absolutely fantastic and are often taught by local college professors as a second job.

Classes include graphic design, HTML, Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, PHP, ASP and tons more: all 100% free . . .

Actually, there are even classes that go beyond computing such as digital photography, accounting, foreign languages, cooking, pottery and much more.

For more information, visit: http://www.sandiegocet.net/

San Diego Free Computer Classes