12 Free Things to Do in San Diego
Updated: Apr 27
San Diego is a beautiful city, with so much to see and do! It is also an expensive city! Let's be real, with the high gas prices and inflation, sometimes it's nice to save money and do something free! Here is a list of 12 free things to do in San Diego.
1. Visit one of San Diego's Beaches
San Diego is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in America, so why not grab your beach gear and soak up some sun! Trying to decide which beach to visit? Check out my, Best Beaches to Visit in San Diego post for ideas.
Photo Credit: sandiego.org
2. Run/Walk/Skate/Bike on Mission Beach Boardwalk
You can enjoy sweeping ocean views and admire the ocean front beach houses. The board walk is around 6 miles round trip give or take. I like to start at South Mission Bay and go all the way to Pacific Beach!
3. Stroll around a Farmers Market
There are farmers markets almost every day of the week in San Diego! Two of my favorites are Little Italy Mercato on Wednesdays (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.) and North Park Farmers Market (Thursdays 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Photo Credit: sandiegomarkets.com
4. Visit Mt. Soledad in La Jolla
Located in La Jolla, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited places in San Diego and offers breathtaking views of the city.
5. Check out the Seals at La Jolla Cove
Move over San Francisco Bay and make room for La Jolla Cove. Just like the famous seals you might find in San Francisco; San Diego also offers visitors an opportunity to observe seals and sea lions up close!
6. Go for a hike
San Diego offers trail options for all fitness levels. Check out my Unique Hikes in San Diego post to find out more!
7. Watch the paraglides at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Grab a picnic blanket, some snacks and spend the evening watching professional paragliders soar high in the sky with the ocean as the backdrop.
Photo Credit: flytorrey.com
8. Visit a Museum in Balboa Park on Resident Free Days
Did you know that there are museums in San Diego that offer free general admission for residents on Tuesdays? Check out this link https://www.balboapark.org/residents-free to learn more.
Photo Credit: Balboapark.org
9. Explore Seaport Village
Take a beautiful walk by the bay and explore all the shops in Seaport Village.
10. Visit Old Town
Travel back in time to the first Spanish settlement in California and explore Old Town State Historic Park.
11. Complete the 7 Bridges Walk
The 7 bridges walks take you through the gardens of Balboa Park through the beautiful neighborhoods of San Diego.
12. Explore Balboa Park
Take a stroll through one of the park's many gardens or visit one of the 32 House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, each one representing a different nation.
Photo: balboapark.org