Visiting San Diego on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024

There is a reason California has been deemed the Golden State of our nation. With seemingly endless beaches and sunshine - California offers an outdoor playground for kids and families of all ages. Southern California is a great choice for budget-minded travelers when you use a Go San Diego Card, which makes visiting San Diego on a budget a breeze. We’ve connected with some SoCal locals to put together a list of budget-friendly family fun for your next San Diego adventure.

Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions

Admission to many of these San Diego tourist attractions are included on the Go San Diego Card. The Go San Diego Card give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include:

  • The San Diego Zoo
  • LEGOLAND® California
  • SeaWorld® San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • And more!

Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip The San Diego Zoo

Image of Animal, Wildlife, Mammal, Kangaroo, Koala, The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animal ranging from salamanders and frogs to elephants and giant pandas. With a such variety, there is sure to be an animal to wow everyone. This animal haven offers 100 acres of paths surrounded by flourishing plants and is also open 365 days a year. We suggest hopping on the Skyfari to get an overview of the park and map-out your day. The Skyfari offers a bird's-eye-view of exhibits, plants and San Diego’s Balboa Park: you may even scope out an evening picnic spot. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

LEGOLAND® California

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person, Female, Girl, Glasses, Located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, CA, LEGOLAND California is a world of its own. With over 60 rides and attractions, LEGOLAND ignites the imagination while guaranteeing to get everyone’s creative juices flowing. The Imagination Zone exposes children to hands-on stations that allow them to build and race their own cars. Too young to build your own race car? LEGOLAND also offers a DUPLO Play center designed to tap into your toddler's inner engineer. Other attractions at LEGOLAND include: NINJAGO World, Miniland USA, Pirate Shores, Explorer Island and much more for creating a memorable trip. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

SeaWorld San Diego

Image of Child, Female, Girl, Person, Boy, Male, Adult, Woman, Water, Photo credit: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld® San Diego
Dive into life underwater with a visit to Sea World San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is home to a variety of aquatic life and allows visitors to get up close and personal with penguins, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, sharks, California sea lions and more! Ever wanted to speak dolphin? SeaWorld San Diego’s Dolphin Interaction Program is a must-do attraction that teaches you to communicate with dolphin’s using the universal language of play and various hand signals. If you’d rather look and not touch – the park offers a number of shows and attractions that both educate and entertain us about life in our oceans. Getting In: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go San Diego Cards.

USS Midway Museum

Image of Airport, Airfield, Aircraft, Airplane, Vehicle, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Glasses, After getting a glimpse of what its life living under the ocean, explore life on the ocean by visiting the USS Midway Museum, America’s longest serving Navy air craft carrier of the 20th century. The USS Midway Museum allows guests to get an inside-look at what life was like aboard the ship for over 225,000 Midway sailors. There are over 60 exhibits that feature all facets of life aboard the Midway from sleeping quarters, engine room, machine shops to the ship’s jail and post office. With over 972 feet to explore, most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring this “City at Sea.” Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card.

San Diego Harbor Tour

Image of Vehicle, Yacht, City, Boat, Ferry, Water, Waterfront, There is something amazing about a city-scape from the ocean; hop aboard a San Diego Harbor Tour for the chance to see San Diego Bay from a different perspective. The San Diego Harbor Tour highlights a variety of historical and naval landmarks in San Diego. The tour allows guests to choose between the South Bay’s Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway or a tour through North Bay, each tour lasting about an hour. Regardless of which Bay is chosen, you’ll be immersed with both history and beauty while cruising through San Diego Bay! Getting In: One Hour Harbor Tour by Hornblower Cruises are included on the Go San Diego Card.

Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip:

Whether a short or long-stay in San Diego, this city offers so much. Educate the inner scientist, please the ocean lovers or create your own tour-de-San Diego all whilst saving money; below are some fun budget-friendly options also included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Zoo Safari Park – If you didn’t expect to go on an African Safari in San Diego – think again! The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to over 2,600 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, antelope and more! San Diego Air and Space Museum – Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, fly through aviation history at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. The museum is home to the first vehicle that defied gravity in the sky – a model of the Montgolfier brothers 1783 hot air balloon. San Diego Natural History Museum – Also in Balboa Park, the San Diego Natural History Museum (TheNat) offers enriching history of Southern California and Baja California. View over 200 skulls, fossils and plant life with TheNat’s unique educational family-friendly exhibits. Whale Watching Tour- Spend an afternoon on the water, where you’re guaranteed to see gray whales! This excursion is narrated by a naturalist from Birch Aquarium and will be sure to enlighten you with knowledge off the majestic gray whale. GoCar Tours - Meander through the streets of San Diego with San Diego’s first-ever GPS guided tour car. This little yellow storytelling Gocar will point out landmarks, let you choose the stops and makes for a great way to see the city!

Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation

San Diego Beaches – A trip to California simply isn’t complete without a swim in the Pacific Ocean. Grab the towels, pack the lunches and take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to one of our favorite beaches near San Diego: Mission Beach, Coronado, Imperial Beach and Moonlight Beach. You won’t want to leave the beach before sunset and be sure to pack the camera – California sunsets are a truly stunning. Seals at La Jolla Cove – While exploring the La Jolla area, you’ll want to follow the crowd for this one. On any given day at La Jolla, people gather around Shell Beach and Children’s Pool to watch as Seals and Sea Lion’s swim and frolic throughout the area. These furry friends are used to modelling for photos all day long and you may even want to capture the 'seal scooch' on video. Seaport Village- San Diego’s Seaport Village will satisfy the foodie, music lover and shopaholic all in one place. With over 50 shops, free outdoor entertainment and a variety of restaurants - this unique area is a great place for an afternoon or evening stroll. Old Town- When the Europeans first settled in California, Old Town San Diego was their place of choice! Historic Old Town is now considered the birthplace of California offering rich history, museums, artisan festivals, galleries and restaurants all in one convenient, beautiful area. Mission Bay Park – With 27 miles of sandy shoreline, Mission Bay is scattered with campers, kite boarders, runners and beach goers alike. Mission Bay is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening picnic. We suggest renting bikes and cruising down the 14-mile bike path while taking in the stunning views.

Let's Recap on Visiting San Diego on a Budget

There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting San Diego on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go San Diego Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your San Diego vacation itinerary.

Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

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San Diego Itinerary – 3 Days in San Diego for First Timers

Got a few days to spend in San Diego but unsure what to do? Sun, sand, and savings -- there's so much to love in this amazing city. There's a reason San Diego has been called one of the best places to vacation in the entire country, and it isn't just the beautiful neighborhoods and near-perfect weather! World-class museums, zoos, and amusement parks are as plentiful in San Diego as beaches and palms. We’ve put together a 3 days in San Diego itinerary to help you make the most of your time in town, from theme parks to museums and beyond. This 3 day itinerary includes: LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Carlsbad (free!) SeaWorld® San Diego Cabrillo Marine Monument (free!) San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air and Space Museum Reuben H. Fleet Science Center plus IMAX Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day in San Diego and 2 day itinerary to assist with your planning. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Diego. The Go San Diego® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Planning to visit other spots in California? Then take a peak at our California road trip itinerary. We dare you to not have any fun with these recommendations. Stop #2: Museum of Making Music Next, pay a visit to the charming Museum of Making Music. Located conveniently in Carlsbad, right next to LEGOLAND®, this attraction illuminates the history of music in America over the last 100 years. Interactive and immersive exhibits highlight key movements in American musical history, including everything from the emergence of ragtime to the rise of digital technology in music-making. We recommend reserving about an hour for this attraction. Getting In: Museum of Making Music tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #3: Carlsbad (free!) We recommend pairing your first day with some time to explore and shop in Carlsbad Village and Antique Mall, located in downtown Carlsbad. There's also a number of beaches, gardens, and parks to explore, whether you're looking to enjoy some time with nature or just a late afternoon stroll. Or, if you're a golf nut, you'll find a few courses to check out. You could also opt to dine in this neighborhood, which offers a variety of culinary choices from reliable chains to tasty indies. Getting In: It's free to explore Carlsbad, but additional activities may incur extra costs not covered by the pass. Stop #2: Cabrillo National Monument (free!) Just outside of the SeaWorld area is historic Point Loma, with a lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument to explore. Don't forget about the famous Point Loma tide pools, where you can see a microcosm of San Diego's marine life in one teeny tiny little vignette. It’s a great vantage point from which to see San Diego, Coronado, the naval base, and even all the way to Mexico, so don’t forget your camera! If you want to learn more about this amazing area, consult the National Park website for more information about the tide pools and the natural landscape. Getting In: We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air and Space Museum Next, pop over to the nearby Air and Space Museum. This dynamic and exciting museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts that tell the history of aviation in San Diego, which is, after all, one of the great aviation hubs in the country. You’ll see everything from models of the original Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon to carefully preserved aircraft like the Navy F6F Hellcat. All of the planes are beautifully restored and lovingly preserved – there’s no other institution like it in California. We recommend reserving about 1-2 hours for this attraction. Getting In: San Diego Air & Space Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #4: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is another favorite among tech lovers and kids. This educational institution allows visitors to “play scientist for a day” and engage with technological innovations from all across the scientific fields. From engineering skyscrapers to examining real images from the Hubble Space telescope, there are so many exciting things to play with at this scientific complex. Don’t forget to stop by their historic IMAX theater – you get one daytime show free with your Go San Diego® Card! Please note that admission to this attraction is free; your pass provides you with IMAX tickets. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Getting In: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with IMAX Movie tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Let’s Recap Enjoy your three days in San Diego by checking out this list of things to do and see. Designed to highlight a wide variety of San Diego attractions, this itinerary will help you achieve a truly rich vacation experience. Visit all of these attractions on our San Diego itinerary with a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save on combined admission costs. Go Card holders can save even more with additional included discounts on dining, shopping, and attractions!
Katie Sagal
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A full 6-day San Diego itinerary for every kind of traveler

The best way to fill 6 days with beach vibes and big sights.
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10+ Things to Do in San Diego with Kids for an Unforgettable Trip

Planning a vacation to San Diego? Southern California is a top-notch tourist destination for families, as it's home to world-renowned tourist attractions, so you'll never run out of places to go or things to do with kids. Even with 70+ miles of picturesque beaches, San Diego maintains a "small town" atmosphere that makes a family vacation feel manageable. So if you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including... San Diego Zoo SeaWorld® San Diego LEGOLAND® California USS Midway Museum Belmont Park Birch Aquarium at Scripps New Children's Museum Fleet Science Center Knott’s Berry Farm and more... Save on Admission to Kid Friendly Attractions Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available on the Go San Diego® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top San Diego attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to intensify your zoo adventure. In essence, you'll journey to Africa and Asia without ever leaving San Diego. You'll come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, and lions as you tour this enormous wildlife preserve (1,800 acres, to be exact!). The African Tram Safari, a relaxing 25-minute tour, is great for kids. The Tram Safari also includes access to the Conservation Carousel, a great alternative for younger children and a fun ride for all. Other top attractions at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park include Lion Camp, Tull Family Tiger Trail, and many other large naturalistic exhibits. Getting In: San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card. New Children's Museum For dynamic, hands-on kid friendly activities, journey over to the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego. The museum's galleries and studios feature exhibits designed to engage children in interactive artwork. Help your kids create their own audio and video soundtrack with incredible 3-D sequences in the Design Studio or build a birdhouse at the Paint & Clay Studio. Workshops at the studios are always changing, but each new class guarantees a fun and educational experience for all. Be sure to check out the Garden Project across the street, a lovely park that's part of the museum where kids can play and learn about growing fruits and vegetables. Getting In: New Children's Museum tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. Fleet Science Center Kids will love this opportunity to play at being a scientist. This scientific complex full of hands-on things to do and exhibits is sure to delight and inspire the curious. You’ll get the chance to examine images from the Hubble Telescope, build freeform structures using wooden planks, explore the unseen world of cellular biology through the lens of a microscope, and much more. Plus, “Kid City” is a great exhibit for the little ones that includes everything from cranes to conveyor belts. Don’t miss out on the IMAX Dome Theater –the first of its kind! Bonus: one IMAX movie is free with admission. Getting In: Fleet Science Center with IMAX tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. Knott's Soak City Waterpark If you’re visiting during the warmer months, pay a visit to the companion attraction, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. This amazing park is filled with slick slides, thrilling rides, shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more. There are fun rides that are geared towards visitors of all ages, from the little Gremmie Lagoon to the big-kid Banzai Falls. Don't miss their newest family raft ride, The Wedge. You’ll spend a very relaxing day here, especially if you opt to rent a relaxing cabana! Getting In: Knott's Soak City Waterpark tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. GoCar Tours Leave your guidebook behind and get behind the wheel of the first-over GPS guided storytelling tour car, one of the most exciting and memorable ways to explore the city. As you drive, the car narrates your tour based on your GPS location, providing interesting insights and historical information that relates to points of interest that you'll see. With the half hour rental you can go at your own pace and pick out the attractions and landmarks you want to see as you blaze your own sightseeing trail through the streets of San Diego. Getting In: GoCar San Diego rentals are included with the Go San Diego Card. Traveling with Children to San Diego Ok, so you’ve got your flight booked and you’re set to get to San Diego, but how to get around? Most families choose to rent a car if they aren’t driving to San Diego, as it’s not a very mass transit-centric city. Remember to request any required child seats from the rental company in advance, as these can be difficult to procure last-minute. Vans and SUVs are often more desirable rentals as well, so be sure to make your car reservations as far in advance as you can to ensure you’ll get the right vehicle for your family. Like most major metropolitan cities, San Diego is a bit pricey when it comes to parking, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Many big attractions offer their own parking, but if you’re planning on seeing certain smaller attractions you may need to research public parking options. Choosing the Right Attractions Choosing the right itinerary for your family depends on a number of factors. Check out this Southern California travel blogger's review of the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass here. The age of your kids is obviously an important factor, as they’ll get more or less out of certain attractions depending on how young they are. But it’s also important to balance the big-name, all-you-can-do attractions with some more relaxing and low-key activities. Dining with Kids Of course, you’ll need to be eating along the way. While sometimes you have the option to dine at a given attraction (as you would at SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo), sometimes you’re out in the middle of nowhere and somebody says “I’m hungry!” Fortunately, San Diego is a family-friendly city with tons of dining options designed to appeal to eaters of all stripes. Balboa Park itself is surrounded by a wide variety of dining options, as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Other neighborhoods to look for good family-friendly options include the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the Oldtown Historic District. Consult our guide to Family-Friendly San Diego Restaurants for other specific recommendations. Let's Recap There you have it - some of our favorite things to do in San Diego with kids. Traveling with the whole family is often the most rewarding vacation experience, but it can also be really complicated to coordinate all the necessary logistics when you’re traveling with children. It can be difficult to decide where to go, what to do, and how to accommodate children of different ages at various stages along your journey. Plan to add a few of these attractions to your vacation itinerary and we are sure you will have a fun time during your trip to Southern California. Remember, you can save on combined admission to many of these popular family friendly attractions and more.
Katie Sagal

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