Sitting on the southern coast of California is the beautiful city of San Diego. Due to the warm climate, sandy beaches, and many attractions, it is a tourist hot spot. One of the main draws in San Diego is Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo. The city is also known for its water activities including sailing, boating, and fishing. Sadly, the price tag attached to many of the most popular attractions is not affordable for everyone. If you want to see San Diego on a budget, we can help. Check out this list of 10 fun things to do for free in San Diego, California.
1. Spot the seals while strolling along La Jolla Boardwalk
Running along one of the sandiest beaches in the area of La Jolla Shores is the La Jolla boardwalk. The concrete promenade is lined with palm trees on one side and the beach on the other. On the other sides of the palm trees is a large grassy park with a playground for the kids. While strolling along the boardwalk, you’re likely to see seals and sea lions entertaining visitors.
La Jolla Boardwarlk
Address: 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 0 USD
2. Visit the spectacular Oceanside Municipal Pier
Just north of San Diego is the coastal town of Oceanside. It is known for having the longest wooden pier on the West Coast. The pier measures 1,942 feet (about 591 meters). At the entrance, there is an amphitheater that’s popular for hosting music and cultural events. Right about the midpoint of the pier is a small shop that sells everything you need for a day of fishing. On the end sits Ruby’s Diner, a great place to grab a bite to eat and watch the dolphins swimming below you.
Oceanside Municipal Pier
Address: 928 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Website: Oceanside Municipal Pier
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 0 USD
3. Explore the Cowles Mountain for prime panoramic views of San Diego County
Within the San Carlos neighborhood is the Mission Trails Regional Park. Lying within the park is the tallest mountain in San Diego, Cowles Mountain. The scenic trail up the mountain begins at the intersection of Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road. The trail is 2.9 miles (4.7 km) that zig-zags to the summit. It is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. Once you reach the summit, you will be stunned at the panoramic views of the city below.
Cowles Mountain
Address: Big Rock Trail, 8301 Big Rock Rd, Santee, CA 92071
Website: Cowles Mountain
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 0 USD
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4. Discover the iconic Point Loma & Cabrillo National Monument
Along Point Loma Peninsula, at the southern tip, sits the Cabrillo National Monument. The iconic monument was built to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. In 1542, he was the first European to set foot on the western shores of North America. The park named for him is also home to a historic lighthouse and stunning coastline. If you visit during low tide take the time to explore the many tidepools that are revealed.
Cabrillo National Monument
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: Cabrillo National Monument
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 0 USD
5. Go and explore the California Surf Museum on Tuesdays
The California Surf Museum is located in Oceanside. Inside, you will find exhibits on everything related to California’s most popular pastime, surfing. Founded in 1986, the museum houses one of the largest collections of surfboards and memorabilia to showcase the history of surfing. They have a permanent collection along with revolving collections that change throughout the year. The museum charges a small admission fee of 5 USD, or visit on the first Tuesday of every month and pay just 1 USD to get in.
California Surf Museum
Address: 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
Website: California Surf Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
6. Enjoy free organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion
In the center of Balboa Park is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, home to the largest outdoor pipe organ. Every Sunday afternoon, 2:00 pm, Organist Raúl Prieto Remírez, performs a one-hour concert. The concert is free to the public. The pavilion has seating for up to 2,500 people on the provided metal benches. If you are attending a concert in the summer, be sure to bring umbrellas or something to shield yourself from the sun. Pets and picnics are welcome.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Address: 2125 Pan American Rd E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 3pm
Price: 0 USD
7. Tour the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
The 155-acre sports facility was originally called the U. S. Olympic Training Center. The huge facility is where the U.S. Olympic athletes train before the games. Get a look behind the scenes where history is made. Guided tours are available on weekdays and start at 5 USD per person. The minimum tour takes you along the mile-long Olympic path where you will see the main areas of the facility and many of its sporting venues.
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Address: 2800 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91915, USA
Website: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Price: 5 USD
8. Stroll along the Embarcadero for hours of free entertainment
The Embarcadero is the place to see and be seen. Lying along the wharf, the Embarcadero comprises a number of restaurants, shops, and tour agencies. You can book a yacht cruise that takes you along the coast to see the San Diego city skyline. Enjoy browsing the many souvenir and surf shops. Or throw down a blanket in one of the two parks and watch the passersby.
Embarcadero
Address: 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Embarcadero
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 0 USD
9. Go hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the wildest stretches along the Pacific Coast. The 2,000-acre (809-hectare) natural park is a beautiful mix of blue ocean beaches and sepia-toned desert landscapes. Inside the reserve, you will find a number of marked trails for hiking. Or you can choose to stroll along the beach while enjoying the cool breeze off the Pacific.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Opening hours: 7:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD per vehicle
10. Discover the murals of Chicano Park
Chicano Park lies under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Originally, it was a place for the residents of the predominantly Mexcian community to meet and relax. When the bridge was built, many residents were not happy about it. Three art students chose to turn the eyesore into something the community could enjoy. Today, you can explore Latin American art by visiting the park to see the largest collection of outdoor Mexican murals.
Chicano Park
Address: 1949 Logan Ave San Diego, CA, 92113
Website: Chicano Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 0 USD
San Diego on a budget
A San Diego vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. As you can see, there are a number of free, or inexpensive, things to do. Explore the city and you are sure to find others not listed here, we just brought you the best.
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