13 Free Things to Do in San Diego

Contrary to popular belief, having fun in America's Finest City doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Sure, a slice of paradise full of theme parks, fine dining, and multi-million dollar homes can sound exclusively fit for those with heftier wallets, but we’re here to let you in on a little secret—San Diego’s most renowned attractions are more than just affordable. In fact, there are a ton of things you can do in and around the city without spending a single buck. So without further ado, join us on an exploration of all the things to do in San Diego for free. Pro tip: don’t forget your camera.

The Best Free Things to Do in San Diego

1. Visit the La Jolla Cove 

Center stage to the most spectacular natural wonders, La Jolla Cove is a San Diego staple. This small deep water bay features sea caves that adventurers can get to by kayak and on foot. Walk down a series of caves to reach the cove, find a cozy spot, and relish in the dazzling views unfolding all around you. Ask anyone about fun free things to do in San Diego, almost all of them will tell you that La Jolla Cove is worth paying a visit.

2. Get Lost in Balboa Park

Looking for a creative free date idea in the Golden State? Take your significant other to San Diego’s pride and joy—the one and only Balboa Park. Make use of the park's variety of offerings such as checking out all 17 museums, going on free tours of the park, attending public organ concerts on Sundays, and, of course, strolling along the lushest and most ravishing gardens you've ever seen. You might end up paying a nominal fee for museum tickets and snacks, but a day out at the famous Balboa Park is still one of the coolest yet cheapest things to do in San Diego.

3. Go Back in Time in Old Town San Diego

Learn what life was like in Mexico and Alta California in the 1800s in Old Town San Diego. Here, you can truly feel the old-timey air hanging over every attraction, trinket, and store you walk past. If you’re unable to resist checking out the quirky shops, don’t worry—shopping here is one of the cheapest things to do in San Diego.

4. Marvel at Sunbathing Seals at Children’s Pool

Famous for its adorable seal sightings, the Children's Pool in La Jolla invites you to mix splashing around with close-up wildlife watching. These clumsy creatures will often claim a spot on the beach to sunbathe, making for the coolest photo ops ever. Just picture it: you and a fellow seal, basking in the sun, living your best life—we can already see a ton of likes rolling in. As far as fun free things to do in San Diego go, this is probably the cheapest.

5. Drive to the Top of Mt. Soledad 

For breathtaking and totally free 360-degree views of San Diego, drive atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. The gently curving road will already have you in for fantastic vistas, but it’s not until you reach the very top that the coastline and Mission Bay reveal themselves in full sparkling glory. Still wondering what to do in San Diego for free? You know where to start now. 

6. Hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve 

Perched high above the ocean, Torrey Pines State Reserve is an ideal spot for your next adventure near San Diego. Hiking here is like getting private access to the best cliffside hiking trails in SoCal while surrounded by the whisking views of the Pacific. And what's even better is that you might not be hiking alone—swifts, thrashers, and woodpeckers are known to traverse the area. You’ll be getting an awesome hiking and bird watching experience in one; what could be a better thing to do in San Diego for free?

7. Go on the 59-Mile Scenic Drive 

A place like San Diego is bound to make any drive scenic. But the 59-mile drive is truly one-of-a-kind, mainly because of the sheer amount of things you see along the way—the sparkling coastline, yacht-dotted bay, and Downtown San Diego skyline, just to name a few. Loop through the city's charming neighborhoods and feast your eyes without paying a buck. As far as fun free things to do in San Diego go, this one’s the coolest.

8. Stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter 

The 16-block Gaslamp Quarter rarely needs any introduction. Visiting this place is one of the top free things to do in San Diego, tailor-fit for memory making. Stroll down the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture, launch kites into the bay breezes, or window shop at a countless number of boutiques—the world is your oyster.

9. Explore Mission Bay Park

With 4200 acres, 27 miles of sparkling shoreline, the most renowned sandy beaches on the whole West Coast—it's beginning to sound a lot like Mission Bay Park. Here, you'll find yourself smack-dab in the middle of all the fun activities you can think of in San Diego: volleyball, picnicking, wakeboarding, bird watching, and even overnight camping (need we say more?).

10. Picnic Under the Stars at Moonlight State Beach

Thinking of what to do in San Diego for free when night falls? Transport back to simpler times where all you needed were a date, the stars, and a picnic at Moonlight State Beach. Fun fact: that's actually how the name for this gem originated—residents simply couldn't help rolling out a blanket and picnicking under the shimmering cosmos, and you totally should too.

11. Wander through the Embarcadero

Looking for laid-back and cheap things you can do while in San Diego? Opt for the Embarcadero for an evening filled with free entertainment, plenty of wandering, and million-dollar views. The area is a testament to a rich and colorful history of maritime, and you can still see it in motion several times a day. Lay in the grass and watch the yachts and ships pass by, or take in the same sights from a handful of bay-view eateries—cheap things to do in San Diego have never been so scenic. 

12. Experience Natural Wonders at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

For desert mirages and a rainbow of California wildflower blossoms, a visit to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an absolute must. The 600,000-acre beauty is one of the largest state parks in the United States and also a great free thing to do while in SoCal. Don't miss out on a chance to see roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer, and other animals unique to the region.

13. Check out the Murals at Chicano Park

The geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan—Chicano Park—is located in San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood. Next time you’re looking for things to do in San Diego for free, plan a day trip out to this historic area. This is where you can see the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world; seven acres dotted with more than 80 colorful, beautiful, and thought-provoking works of art. Need convincing to visit? That’s what we thought.