10+ Free Things to Do in San Diego

This beautiful urban cultural park is the heart of San Diego. Containing 15 museums, 19 gardens, a golf complex, a tennis club, trails for hiking and biking, dog parks, multiple playgrounds, restaurants, and so much more, Balboa Park has practically everything you can think of.

While some of the museums charge low fees for admission, many of the attractions are free to the public, including most of the gardens. If you don’t want to spend money at a restaurant (although we do recommend the Prado), pack a picnic lunch and lounge in one of the many open areas.

Be sure to seek out the Spreckels Organ Pavilion featuring one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs – a sight to behold! This pipe organ has been part of the Balboa Park landscape since 1914, so it’s a favorite among locals. You can enjoy free concerts each Sunday at 2PM, showcasing waltzes, show tunes, and other classic organ favorites.

Check out our comprehensive guide of things to do in Balboa Park - top attractions, museums, and more.

Come to Seaport Village to explore 14 acres of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options with the whole family. It's a delightful place to stroll with the kids, and offers plenty in the way of window shopping and affordable bay-front lunches. They also host a number of free events throughout the year, including multiple live concerts and holiday-themed events for families (think photos with the Easter Bunny or Santa).

You'll find more going on in the spring and summer months, too, including their annual Busker Fest. Usually held sometime in March, the Busker Fest is California's only busker festival. It features exhilarating tricks and attractions like juggling, pogo-stick jumping, knife-throwing, and more. They also offer a "Busker After Dark" session in the evenings for the 18+ crowd with more live entertainment.

Voyage to Point Loma and let the kids explore the tide pools at low tide. You’ll love getting up close to the variety of sea creatures you'll find here. Flowery anemones, spongy dead man's fingers, and scuttling crabs are just a few of the fascinating animals to discover.

Don't forget about a stop at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument - two popular landmarks located in Point Loma.

No San Diego experience is complete without a trip to Mission Beach. Depending on which part of the beach you hit, have a thrilling adventure or a peaceful afternoon. The kids can play in the sand and collect seashells while you bask in the sun.

Bicycle, rollerblade, or walk along the 3-mile Mission Beach Boardwalk, or get in on the action at the Belmont Park area of the beach, a great place for people watching.

A picnic in the park is one of the best free things to do in San Diego with kids. So pack a picnic basket and trek to Torrey Pines State Park for a family luncheon on the gorgeous San Diego coastline.

You’ll be entertained by the daring hang-gliders practicing tricks in the strong winds off the coastal cliffs. This 1750-acre reserve is home to a beach and hiking trails that run through wild pine forests, making it a memorable destination.

This fascinating historic district is the oldest settled are in San Diego and the oldest remaining European settlement in California. It contains many historic structures, from a blacksmith shop to the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego. Other highlights include Seeley Stables, the Estudillo House, the Stewart House, and the Whaley House.

While some of these historic buildings charge a small fee for a tour, many of them do not and you can always wander past without paying a penny. This neighborhood is also famous for its tasty Mexican food and refreshing margaritas, so come hungry! Parking is going to be tricky, so consider hopping aboard a trolley or sightseeing bus.

If you want to experience some of the best sites in San Diego in the form of a short, relaxing road trip, San Diego's 59-mile scenic drive is the perfect destination.

This drive takes you past miles of scenic coastline, bays with yachts dotting the water, the San Diego skyline, the surrounding mountains, and even the Mexican border.

The trip can be split up into a couple of days with stops along the way or can easily be driven straight through to the end. Either way, it's a great way to experience the highlights of San Diego.

While there are many activities you can undertake in La Jolla Cove that incur some cost (like kayaking, surfing, or paddle boarding), there's also plenty to do for free in this stunning natural setting.

One of the most popular things to do in La Jolla Cove is to watch the sea lions and seals sunbathe on the beaches. You're most likely to find the sea lions near the cliffs, while the seals prefer the area near the Children's Pool. These fascinating creatures, while excellent subjects for photography, are still wild animals; please maintain a safe distance away to avoid threatening or scaring the animals. Visitors can also opt to enjoy a stroll along the shores – another great chance to snap some memorable photos and enjoy the sea breezes

This historic hotel was constructed during the late nineteenth century and is a rare example of the Victorian-era beach resort. Today it's a luxury hotel offering the best in accommodation for travelers looking for that extra special experience. Or, if you're not staying there, then the stunning red and white Victorian architecture will serve as an excellent background for that all-inmportant Instagram fodder!

That said, you can explore the hotel's property and its surrounding beaches without paying a dime. We've already mentioned the beach, but did you know that you can also scope out Bayview Park and Centennial Park for free? There are several other park options on the island, too.

If you prefer a more active vacation, then you can play tennis, soccer, or baseball in Coronado Cays Park for no cost. Just bring your own equipment! There's even a world-class skate park for the adventurous among you.