Explore the Old Town
One free thing to do in San Diego is exploring the downtown area. It’s full of historical landmarks that you can admire without spending any money. Start by checking out the Gaslamp Quarter, which is home to Victorian-style buildings and plenty of places to eat and drink. You can also stroll along the waterfront or visit one of the many parks in downtown San Diego.
Don’t forget to call by the Old Town, where you can learn about the city’s history and see some of the oldest buildings, such as Stewart House, Estudillo House or the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego. And surely many more! We are sure that the Old Town, the heart of San Diego, will show you the true beauty of the city.
Museums in San Diego With Free Admission
Head over to Balboa Park to see the as many as 17 museums (select museums are free on Tuesdays for San Diego residents), gardens, and theaters. The San Diego Museum of Art, for example, offers free admission for youth under 17. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)’s exhibitions are free for everyone to visit year round. And if you’re a member of the military, you and your family can visit the Veteran Museum at Balboa Park for free.
San Diego Beaches
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, another free thing to do in San Diego County is exploring the beaches, like Torrey Pines State Beach. With over 70 miles of coastline, there are plenty to choose from! Whether you want to relax on the sand or go for a swim, you can do it all without spending any money. So, grab your sunscreen and head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun!
La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as an underwater park to explore. La Jolla Shores is a paradise for water sports fans. You can also gather your friends and prepare a cozy beach bonfire at Coronado Beach, Ocean Beach or Mission Beach. Surely, the beaches around San Diego Bay are some of the most prominent attractions and breathtaking views of the Pacific. They’re free but unforgettable!
Parks and Other Free Things to Do in San Diego
One of the unique free things to do in San Diego is visiting Chicano Park. This national landmark is home to the largest collection of outdoor Chicano murals in the world. The park also features a playground, basketball courts, and a skate park. You can easily spend a few hours here exploring all that the park has to offer! The natural beauty of the park combined with excellent murals creates a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
If you don’t mind a drive from San Diego, you can also visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This almost 600,000-acre park is one of the largest state parks in the United States. It’s a great place to experience the natural beauty of the desert.
Mission Trails Regional Park
Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and learn about the wonders of nature or roam through the park’s 40 miles of natural and developed hiking trails.
Free Concerts at Spreckels Park
What you can’t miss is attending a concert at Spreckels Park. Located in Coronado across from Downtown San Diego, this park is home to a variety of free concerts and events throughout the year. So, whether you’re a fan of jazz or classical music, you’re sure to find a concert that you’ll enjoy. And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a free concert by the San Diego Symphony!
Free Activities Around San Diego
If you’re willing to explore a bit more, think about taking a drive to Mount Laguna. Once there, hop out for an invigorating hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air whispering through the pines. Step back in time with a stop in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. You can also drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla Bay for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay Park. Spectacular views of San Diego’s East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix.
Festivals & Events in San Diego
San Diego is also home to a number of free events that you can enjoy throughout the year. From art festivals to concerts, there is always something going on in the city. One of the most famous events is the San Diego Comic-Con, which is an event that takes place every year. It’s one of the largest comic conventions in the world and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
Another free festival you might be interested in is the Adams Avenue Unplugged, which is a free music festival that takes place each year in the fall. Be sure to check out the calendar of events before you visit so that you can plan your trip around ongoing happenings. Free things to do in San Diego are all around the city, so make sure you check from your list as many as possible.
Nightlife in San Diego
Finally, there are plenty of free nightlife activities in San Diego. Check out Seaport Village, which is a waterfront shopping and dining area with live entertainment. Or, visit one of the many bars or clubs in the Gaslamp Quarter for a night out on the town. You can also find free events happening all around the city, so be sure to check out what’s going on before you plan your night. There are many spots in San Diego where you can spend your time at late evenings and nights with free attractions.
Spend What You’ve Saved at the Zoo!
Of course, no trip to San Diego would be complete without visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo isn’t free, but if you save money on other attractions, it’s well worth splurging on. This zoo is home to over 650 species of animals and is one of the largest zoos in the world.
Take a stroll among various species of animals, such as echidnas, geladas or sea lions. This surely sounds nice for kids and adults as well. The zoo also offers tours led by knowledgeable guides who can teach you about the animals and their habitats.
There you have it! These are just a few of the many free things to do in San Diego. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to explore all that this city has to offer without spending a dime. As you can see, free entertainment in San Diego is almost around every corner. So, get out there and explore! Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot.
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