Comic-Con 2018: 15 free things to do before and after Comic-Con around San Diego County

Need a break from the Comic-Con frenzy? Unwind from your superhero duties and explore the hidden treasures that San Diego County has to offer — Torrey Pines bluffs, Balboa Park, outdoor movies and concerts. And best of all, you don’t need a badge. Here are 15 suggestions.

1. Head to Lake Murray in La Mesa for free fly fishing lessons Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. They also have free equipment for your use, but arrive early. sandiegoflyfishers.com

2. Seaport Village offers hours of free entertainment, leisurely strolling, window shopping and picturesque waterfront views. Hang out on the grassy knoll and watch passersby or catch the ships and yachts sailing on San Diego Bay. seaportvillage.com

3. Soak up international flavor at the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park with the International Cottages’ Lawn Programs. Held each Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. throughout the summer, these free performances feature ethnic song and dance. 2191 Pan American Road W., San Diego. sdhpr.org

4. Enjoy free organ concerts through Aug. 28 during the International Summer Organ Festival from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park, featuring the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. Also enjoy the Organ Pavilion’s Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 30. balboapark.com

5. Visit the downtown Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on the third Thursday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m., when admission is free. 1100 Kettner Blvd., between Broadway and B St., downtown. mcasd.org

6. Sample some of the more than 200 varieties of fresh produce grown in San Diego at a farmers market. Held Tuesday afternoons in Coronado at the Ferry Market Landing; Wednesdays afternoons in Ocean Beach; Thursday mornings in Oceanside; Friday afternoons in La Mesa; Saturday mornings in Poway; and Sunday mornings in Hillcrest. sdfarmbureau.org

7. Cool down during those dog days of summer at Waterfront Park near the County Administration Center along the Embarcadero. This giant park features more then 830 feet of interactive fountains and a large grassy area perfect for picnicking or just relaxing.

8. Dance along Fifth Avenue during Cityfest 2018 on Aug. 12. This day-long festival features music, arts, crafts and food booths. fabuloushillcrest.com

9. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs and experience the natural beauty of San Diego’s desert region. The 600,000-acre park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States.

10. Hike along the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve and enjoy the breathtaking views and indigenous plant life along the trails. torreypine.org

11. Catch a movie under the stars at Summer Movies in the Park held throughout San Diego County. You’re bound to catch one of your favorite flicks somewhere in the neighborhood. summermoviesinthepark.com

12. San Diego County is home to more than 500 species of birds. Watch them in their natural habitats at one of the many wetland reserves, including the Tijuana Estuary, Sweetwater National Wildlife Refuge or the Famosa Slough in Point Loma.

13. Visit Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, California’s first Mission Church, founded in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. missionsandiego.org

14. Take a ride along the Historic Highway 101 from Oceanside to La Jolla through a string of charming beach communities, with funky little shops housed in everything from Victorian homes to old 1950s gas stations.

15. Meditate at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple on the cliff tops of Encinitas after strolling through the lush meditation gardens. encinitastemple.org

carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com