My trip to Santa Barbara was so successful that I decided to take the train down to San Diego and explore the city’s bargains. So far I’ve already discovered a great deal – free WiFi in the downtown Santa Fe train station!
There are many, many low-cost activities, shops, and restaurants in San Diego and I hope to find as many as possible in about 24 hours. Tell me what deals I should check out while I’m in town by leaving a comment. Thanks!
Julia
aka Bargain Babe
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Hotels! There are so many it’s so hard to choose from and to know that you’re not going to get stuck in some nasty, dirty room because it was cheap.
Hi There,
Julia welcome to beautiful San Diego…
We have 2 Home Depot Expo’s sadly going out of business. Great deals – percentages off were just dropped again last Monday. Ulta Beauty Supplies -plus- Empire Beauty Supplies have great everyday coupons available off their web-sites. Sushi House in Encinitas is the BEST – they offer 1/2 price rolls for Happy Hour M-F. Best of All – $2.00 Tuesday’s (4PM to Closing) at the Brigantine for the very BEST Fish Taco’s EVER!
Julia,
While down there, you should check out the Crystal Pier Hotel (http://www.crystalpier.com/) – I spent quite a few weekends there on family vacations as a kid. My favorite activity, interestingly, was night-fishing from the pier. They actually close the gates to public access at night, creating a private pier for guests of the hotel to fish. I was able to catch King Crab using frozen snow peas from Ralphs!
Other SD favorites of mine are some of the boardwalk attractions, though they may not qualify as “bargains.” There should still be a booth down there where you can surf on a virtual wave, like a wall of water, for a nominal fee, among other great attractions. Oh – the boardwalk itself is free, of course!
Rockin Baja Coastal Cantina is offering the 25th Anniversary edition Big Baja Bucket for two for only $29.99 throughout all of 2009. The Big Baja Bucket comes full of marinated carne asada, grilled chicken, Baja seasoned shrimp and lobster tails. It’s also served with “All You Can Eat” beans, rice, flour tortillas, honey chili butter and fresh salsa and chips bar.
The normal price for the Big Baja Bucket for two is $25 per person, so it’s almost a half-off deal for the entire year.
Hi Julia,
I’ve just discovered your website and appreciate all the valuable information. My daughter’s 6th grade girl scout troop is thinking about a day or overnight trip to SD via the train as well. Would love it if you could scope out some kid friendly deals and restaurants while you’re there. Thanks so much!
Can’t wait till you check out berkeley, great deals here everywhere and lots to do.
what happened to so ca slut? I loved her comments…