Free Family Things to Do in San Diego
Some of the best activities in America's Finest City won't price a dime once y'all arrive. This listing of free things to do in San Diego is long but categorized under museums, attractions, beaches, parks, public art, walks, events, and more.
Be sure to check opening hours and details before you get in case offerings are temporarily modified.
San Diego Museums
Some San Diego museums either offering free admission or free activities that do not crave access.
1. Balboa Park Museums: Resident Complimentary Tuesdays
On various Tuesdays each month, the museums in Balboa Park offering costless full general admission to residents of the Canton of San Diego and active military (and their dependents). Please check the calendar as things are subject to change, but this is the schedule at the time of this writing:
Showtime Tuesday:
- Fleet Science Middle
- San Diego Natural History Museum (not valid for films)
2d Tuesday:
- San Diego Air & Space Museum (not valid for special exhibitions)
Third Tuesday:
- San Diego Museum of Art
- Mingei Internationa Museum
- Japanese Friendship Garden
Fourth Tuesday:
- San Diego Automotive Museum
Fifth Tuesdays:
- Regular access prices are in event
Be prepared to bear witness valid identification with residency information on it. Other limits are detailed at the link in a higher place.
two. Botanical Edifice
Admission to the Botanical Building is always free. The lath edifice was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you similar orchids).
It is open every mean solar day except for Thursdays and is one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You tin can picnic in the grassy areas in front of it, too. (Location: Balboa Park)
3. Timken Museum
Admission to this San Diego museum is always free. Not only does Timken Museum house American, French and Russian works of fine art, simply it's 1 of the nigh important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Detect it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)
four. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
Founded in 1769 past Junipero Serra, it was the offset Franciscan mission in California. Information technology's free to attend mass and visit the mission. (Location: Grantville)
5. World Shell Cultural Eye
This multicultural art and event center is non-profit, promoting African Diaspora and Ethnic cultures through dance and creating unity within diversity. Visiting and some programming are free while others require a paid ticket. (Location: Balboa Park)
6. Museum of Photographic Arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is one of a few private institutions defended to showcasing photography, film, and video. They also offering diverse workshops for photography enthusiasts (and I love stopping into the souvenir shop on my fashion out).
Admission is complimentary but based on a pay-as-you lot-wish philosophy considering one of their goals is to make their exhibitions accessible to all. (Location: Balboa Park)
7. San Diego Model Railroad Museum
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum entry fee is donation-based. If you're unable to contribute, y'all tin still enter to enjoy the model trains and their ornate displays. (Location: Balboa Park)
8. Firm of Pacific Relations International Cottages
The Business firm of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their ain cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition).
The goal is to promote multicultural agreement through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)
9. The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum
The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum brings a piddling bit of East Declension U.S. colonial history to San Diego museum. The fact that it's a tavern means that y'all can tour the free museum with a glass of wine or beer in manus (that you lot'd need to purchase, of course).
Exhibits include significant, original documents signed by John Hancock, Sam Adams and others. (Location: Carlsbad)
10. Junipero Serra Museum
A generous supporter has donated entrance fees. Therefore, it'due south possible to walk into this museum to learn about California's mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free.
If y'all did savour your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)
eleven. Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
One of the free things to practice in La Jolla is to visit the Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla. Hither, you can tour an outstanding private collection of rare and vintage maps that teach us how the world was viewed hundreds of years ago. Locals should as well look into their classroom resources. (Location: La Jolla)
12. Coronado Historical Club
Coronado Historical Society, an easy walk from Hotel del Coronado, connects people with the metropolis's interesting past through museum exhibits, historic photos, and walking tours. The latter I also recommend equally 1 of the things to practice in Coronado for tourists. (Location: Coronado)
thirteen. Flight Leatherneck Museum
The Flight Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the Usa Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You'll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical shipping in their gallery.
Check their event calendar to come across what's on tap during your visit. Open up Cockpit Days are popular during normal times (they are temporarily paused). (Location: Miramar)
14. Lux Art Institute
What'south great about Lux Art Institute is that its goal is to showcase the creative process. You'll learn about the steps taken from conceptualizing a piece of art to its finished state.
They also invite nationally recognized artists to live at the facility for a month-long residency while they develop new artwork. Residents can also take advantage of developed, teen, and kids' classes and programming. (Location: Encinitas)
fifteen. Wisteria Cottage Gallery
Wisteria Cottage is habitation to the La Jolla Historical Social club. Inside the historic edifice, y'all'll find a small gallery of art, photographs, and exhibits that convey the important people and events in our seaside communities past and present. (Location: La Jolla)
16. Stars in the Park
On the first Midweek of every month, following the monthly "Sky Tonight" planetarium show in the Fleet Science Center's Space Theater, members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set telescopes in front end of the Fleet Center building, by the large fountain in Balboa Park, for gratis public sky viewing. The Armada Science Eye isn't set to reopen until 2021, so this activeness is paused for a while but worth keeping on this listing. (Location: Balboa Park)
Activities at the Beaches
So many free beaches, then footling fourth dimension. Here are some highlights.
17. San Diego Beaches
We've written a guide to San Diego beaches enumerating them all from north to due south, starting in San Onofre and moving south all the mode down to the Mexican border. Parking under well-nigh circumstances is free, though you may pay for information technology in a few spots.
18. Mission Beach Boardwalk
A walk, run, bicycle ride, or skate downwards the Mission Embankment Boardwalk is a fantastic way to spend a day in San Diego.
The broad sandy beach of Mission Beach awaits on the west side while a long string of bars, restaurants, T-shirt and sundry shops, ice cream stands, coffee bars, and even the seaside Belmont Park entertainment park run along the east side.
nineteen. Children's Pool La Jolla
La Jolla's well-nigh popular attractions are the La Jolla seals and sea lions that entertain visitors and residents along the coastal boardwalk from The Cave Store to Children's Pool Beach.
Harbor seals hang out here, and the beach is closed between Dec 15–May 15 for pupping seasons at this official rookery. It's a pop terminate in San Diego for kids and paired with #twenty below.
20. La Jolla Cove
The most popular thing to do in La Jolla is to visit La Jolla Cove. It's ane of the most photographed places in all of San Diego and habitation to our chatty body of water lions.
H2o sports enthusiasts take advantage of the normally waveless beach to enter the La Jolla Underwater Park'due south clear water. It's an like shooting fish in a barrel walk from the shopping and restaurants in the Village of La Jolla.
21. Tide Pooling
Low tides happen in daylight during the winter months. You lot can read my list of where to go tide pooling in San Diego for more info, just the well-nigh popular spots are La Jolla tide pools, Hotel del Coronado tide pools, and Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.
Information technology'southward a great way to spend time outdoors and encounter marine life that lives in these rocky areas like hermit venereal, body of water anemones, bounding main stars, sea cucumbers, and fifty-fifty the occasional octopus.
22. Leopard Sharks
La Jolla Shores embankment is home to the largest almanac assemblage of (harmless) leopard sharks in the world. They come to these warm, shallow waters to incubate from mid-summer to early on fall.
You tin can snorkel with them or walk out into knee-deep water to let them swim around yous.
23. Grunion Runs
In San Diego, grunion (small fish) "run" or swim upwardly to the embankment to spawn between March and August during full or new moon cycles.
A detailed schedule for this fun (usually late at nighttime) activity tells you which dates and times to expect them on the beach.
24. Shelling
Early risers may exist rewarded with consummate shells and pretty sea glass that tend to launder up onto our beaches. Effort the aptly named Shell Beach in La Jolla. I have likewise found plenty of sand dollars in the mornings forth the Coronado beach in front of Hotel del Coronado and Silver Strand State Beach in front of Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
Along these beaches, you'll also find keyhole limpets, clams, wedge shells, wavy turbans (if you lot're lucky), whelks, and more than. Be mindful that you can not remove shells from La Jolla Cove and areas in the Ecological Reserve portion of the La Jolla Underwater Park.
25. Dog Beaches
We take several off-leash canis familiaris beaches in San Diego in Del Mar, Fiesta Island, Coronado Island, and Sea Beach. You can bring your dog or relish watching them play. Check off-leash hours before you lot go as they do change.
26. Snorkeling in La Jolla
Have snorkel gear? Well, and then it's free for you to become snorkeling in La Jolla, where the calmest, clearest, and marine life rich water is. Every bit mentioned above, walk into the La Jolla Underwater Park from La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores Embankment.
27. Photos at Scripps Pier
Are yous looking for a great place to take an Instagram photo or holiday family photograph? Wait no further than Scripps Pier in La Jolla, especially at gilded hr.
And, possibly you lot can attempt to capture that famous sunset photo that catches the sun exactly between the pylons — an consequence that occurs just twice a twelvemonth.
28. Beach Bonfire
A nighttime bonfire in one of the publicly bachelor fire pits at 1 of the many San Diego beaches has been a signature recreation in the city for decades. These are the beaches with fire pits.
Costless San Diego Attractions
These major attractions are fun costless things to do in San Diego considering no admission is required to enter. Of course, you tin upgrade your mean solar day with a repast in 1 of the restaurants or paid experiences.
29. Balboa Park
While well-nigh visitors to Balboa Park likely come to run into the San Diego Zoo or its well-regarded museums, the park is besides known for its signature California Mission Revival-style architecture (congenital originally for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition) and its all-encompassing open spaces.
It's free to enter Balboa Park and some of its museums, as mentioned to a higher place. Costless concerts at the organ pavilion and gratis stargazing events are discussed further beneath. Plus, there are miles of free trails and multiple parks to relish inside Balboa Park. Read my guide to complimentary things to exercise in Balboa Park. (Location: Balboa Park)
30. Old Boondocks San Diego
Anyone may enter Old Town San Diego and walk within many of its historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego, amidst other historic attractions, all for free.
Its many colorful restaurants and shops (which are central to the Erstwhile Town experience for many) are not, of course, gratuitous. Some of the attractions do require paid access, like the (haunted?) Whaley Firm. (Location: Old Boondocks)
31. Hotel del Coronado
The iconic and historic Hotel del Coronado tin can be a wonderful place to walk effectually, not just the hotel and its grounds, merely also the broad sandy beach side by side to it. It'south gratuitous for outside guests to walk the grounds and explore the shops. Room areas are off-limits. (Location: Coronado)
32. Belmont Park
It's complimentary to enter Belmont Park San Diego to take a look around the seaside entertainment park. You'll pay to play carnival and arcade games, mini-golf, and to ride the rides. If yous are going to upgrade your experience, I recommend buying a wristband in accelerate. (Location: Mission Beach)
33. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is free to enter and walk effectually. Performers often busk along the waterfront also. Seaport Hamlet also hosts select free special events, including the "Salsa Under the Stars" concert series. Information technology's also dwelling house to some restaurants and shops. (Location: Downtown)
34. Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter downtown is a sixteen-block historic district filled with modern restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and Victorian architecture and history. It'south fun to walk around for a half-day, and you can take an iconic San Diego photo under the Gaslamp sign on 5th Artery and L Street. (Location: Downtown)
35. Little Italy
Speaking of iconic signs, at that place is also the Little Italy sign on India Street to snap a photo of before or after resting at one of the ambrosial red tables in one of its famous piazzas. Here, you can also walk around the shops and public art for free.
One of my favorite art installations is the recipe tables in Amici Park which have plaques featuring actual recipes. Run into other things to exercise in Little Italy. (Location: Downtown)
Parks
Sure, we have many parks in San Diego, just these are among the most outstanding. Think trails, wildlife, interesting geology, playgrounds, and more. Y'all can spend entire days in many of these places for costless.
36. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla, first erected in 1913, has been a local landmark for decades (and too the subject field of ongoing litigation for much of the final thirty years).
Docents are usually on hand to answer questions and help you lot bout the 3500 plaques that honour veterans and supporters of the military including U.S. Presidents and celebrities. Bring a photographic camera as the 360-degree panoramic views over the sea and city are spectacular. (Location: La Jolla)
37. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve on the edge between La Jolla and Del Mar comprises 1,500 undeveloped acres of state with beaches, a lagoon that is a destination for migrating birds, spectacular coastal body of water views, several hiking trails, and indigenous flora and fauna.
While entrance to Torrey Pines Country Natural Reserve for individuals is technically complimentary, note that it strictly enforces a parking fee applies to all vehicles inbound the park. You can park in the street to avoid it (though the walk could exist long). Guests of The Lodge at Torrey Pines can also easily walk there.
During normal times, guests can accept advantage of the free guided tours. (Location: La Jolla)
38. Presidio Park
This celebrated park overlooks Sometime Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the urban center, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Quondam Town)
39. Mission Bay Park
Mission Bay Park, only a few miles northward of downtown San Diego at Mission Bay, consists of 27 miles of shoreline (nineteen miles of beaches) that 15 million people visit and savour every year. It has boat docks and launches, bike paths, playgrounds, boat rental facilities, and more.
Many things to practise at Mission Bay are gratuitous, including the diverse playgrounds and trails that circle the bay. If you take a bike, put it in the car to enjoy a really lovely ride around the human-made park, which also encompasses some wetland natural habitats. Kite flight is some other popular activity, also. (Location: Mission Beach / Pacific Beach)
twoscore. San Diego Waterfront Park
Located in downtown San Diego forth the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is peradventure best known for its interactive splash fountains and its all-encompassing, family unit-friendly open spaces. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held hither in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)
41. Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some adult areas mixed in.
Go to walk, run, or wheel the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife. Camping is permitted as well (reservations and fees apply). (Location: between San Diego / Santee / La Mesa)
42. Anza-Borrego Desert Land Park
This 600,000-acre park ii hours northeast of downtown San Diego offers visitors opportunities to immerse themselves in a unique outdoor site.
In addition to hikes, an oasis, stargazing, and other programming, Anza-Borrego Desert Country Park is also the Desert Bloom site, where colorful wildflowers spring from the sands each February and March. A day-use fee of $10 per machine is charged at the Visitor Eye Friday–Lord's day and on holidays, simply I'm leaving this on the listing because what you lot get for that fee is a full twenty-four hours of risk. (Location: Borrego Springs)
43. Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens
This meditation garden in Encinitas is open to the public, peaceful and quiet with bounding main views. (Location: Encinitas)
44. Dusk Cliffs
Head over to Dusk Cliffs to, as the proper noun implies, lookout man the sunset. Though, it's a fantastic spot for photographs and walking ocean view trails for a little practice during any time of twenty-four hours. (Location: Ocean Beach)
45. Heritage Park
A walk past the Victorian-era houses in Heritage Park also makes my listing of things to do in Onetime Town San Diego. Of the vii structures, you lot tin commonly walk inside Temple Beth Israel and Senlis Cottage. (Location: Erstwhile Town)
46. Batiquitos Lagoon
Have the 2-mile lagoon trail walk around Batiquitos Lagoon. Yous can also volunteer for monthly trail maintenance and lagoon cleanups. During normal times, docents lead tours along the trails, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. (Location: Carlsbad)
47. Kellogg Park
I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is admission to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It'southward steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach merely likewise has a big grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun.
It will soon be fifty-fifty more interesting when "The Map of the Chiliad Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza" (a.thousand.a "The Map") is finished. It'southward a mosaic of 119 sea animals that live in the La Jolla Canyon that is meant to showcase what life is like offshore to those of us who don't scuba swoop. (Location: La Jolla Shores)
48. Skate Parks
Grab your skateboards (and helmets) and caput over to the various skate parks located across San Diego County. This list is for skate parks located in the City of San Diego, but there is besides Carlsbad Skate Park (adept for beginners), Encinitas Community Skate Park, and Escondido Skate Park.
49. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center
The shallow-water estuary is a neat ecosystem where Escondido and La Orilla Creeks run into the Pacific Ocean. Tides ascension and fall over mudflats where birds feed on invertebrates. The animals who alive hither take adjusted to the unique environs of fresh and saltwater.
Vii miles of trails weave throughout San Elijo Lagoon, which is ane of San Diego's largest wetlands. Many of the over k plants and animals who alive here are rare or endangered. Don't forget to check out the exhibits in the Nature Centre. (Location: Cardiff)
50. Guajome Regional Park
Guajome Regional Park also offers over four.5 miles of gorgeous, multi-use trails in addition to picnic areas, basketball courts, playgrounds, and lakes. A small $iii fee applies to park if you're driving in. You can also go camping ground (an additional fee applies). (Location: Oceanside)
51. San Pasqual Battleground State Historic Park
Just east of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park you'll find San Pasqual Boxing State Historic Park. It honors the soldiers who fought on December 6, 1846, one of the just war machine encounters in California during the Mexican-American War.
The park normally hosts living history activities and y'all can too walk its Nature Trail. (Location: Escondido)
52. Spanish Landing Park
You can accept a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the drome. You'll find a small sandy beach (the only one forth the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play construction, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)
53. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Yes, we're talking about that Leo Carillo, who acted in about 100 movies between 1927 and 1950. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a pocket-sized role of his former working rancho and vacation retreat.
Kids beloved the resident peacocks, just there are also multiple historic backdrop, including the visitors' center, adobe buildings, a befouled, and more. You tin can besides walk the 4-mile Rancho Carrillo Trail. (Location: Carlsbad)
54. Mt. Helix Park
Some of San Diego's best panoramic views tin be enjoyed from Mt. Helix Park. The cross at the top above the amphitheater is a very recognizable San Diego landmark. Take one of the trails to the meridian and a picnic at dusk for a lovely day exterior. (Location: La Mesa)
55. Old Poway Park
In addition to being a beautiful green space, you can get a glimpse of what life was like in the early 20th century at the Nelson House. At Old Poway Park, you can as well take a quick tour of Heritage Business firm to learn most Poway's history. Be prepared that your kids may ask to ride on the Poway Midland train that circles the park (a small fee applies). (Location: Poway)
56. Tijuana Estuary
Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with embankment, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore.
Start at the Visitor Eye to learn most the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to exercise during your visit. Kids can earn inferior rangers hither and they offer a diversity of ecology education resource online. (Location: Imperial Beach)
Public Art
San Diego has experienced an explosion of free public art to view, be it single spectacular pieces or contained within zones that are like shooting fish in a barrel to walk through. Listed here are areas with multiple public art pieces or single installations that people drive out of their mode to see.
57. ARTS District Freedom Station
The ARTS DISTRICT portion of Liberty Station offers various installations on display with a handy reference guide for those who would like to come across the various sculptures. You should also take the time to browse the shops and galleries hither. (Location: Indicate Loma)
58. Stuart Collection at UCSD
The Stuart Collection of costless public art at UCSD is extraordinary. The programme was started in 1981 as a way to enrich the lives of students and burnish up the campus. Some of the pieces are enormous, like Fallen Star, the little house that hangs off the edge of the Engineering Building. Download the map. (Location: La Jolla)
59. Oceanside Murals
Did yous know that Oceanside is one of simply xiv country-broad cultural districts? Get to know the city'south artful side with a walk between some of its colorful murals. (Location: Oceanside)
60. Queen Calafia'south Magic Circle
Caput over to Kit Carson Park to see Queen Calafia'due south Magic Circle, one of the best complimentary things to do in Escondido. The giant, colorful sculptures are past Niki de Saint Phalle and designed to be touched, climbed on (where applicative), and enjoyed. The creative person was personally involved in the park's creation. (Location: Escondido)
61. Chicano Park
In Barrio Logan, located beneath the Coronado Bay Bridge, Chicano Park is perhaps best known for its signature, elaborate graffiti-style artwork that is pop with Instagrammers and photographers. The park is the almanac (and free) Chicano Park Twenty-four hours site every Apr (detailed below). (Location: Barrio Logan)
62. Greatest Generation Walking Tour and Unconditional Surrender
The Greatest Generation self-guided walking tour along the Embarcardero. Artwork, plaques, and sculptures pay tribute to the men and women who helped shape American between WWII and the present day.
Right adjacent to the USS Midway Museum, you might spy a gigantic sculpture of a homo kissing a woman based on a famous Fourth dimension magazine photo. That's Unconditional Surrender, 1 of the many pieces on this short but meaningful walking tour. (Location: Downtown)
63. Cardiff Kook
The Cardiff Kook's official name is Magic Carpet Ride. He's a statuary statue about 6′ alpine that is riding a one-half-finished (the project ran out of coin) wave. Pranksters often dress him upwardly in hula skirts, bikinis, Santa hats, and more. And so, part of the Kook'south attraction is that yous oft don't know what he'll be wearing. (Location: Cardiff)
64. Encinitas Boathouses
Your kids might think that 2 houses shaped similar boats in the center of a residential neighborhood are kind of cool. They were built in the 1920s every bit part of a fantasy-themed architecture trend that fits correct in with early California dreamin' and a location off Highway 101. Right now, yous can drive past these 2 historical landmarks at 726 and 732 3rd Street. (Location: Encinitas)
65. Regal Embankment Art Walk (and Pier)
Most hero shots of Imperial Beach that I've seen include the multi-color acrylic Surfhenge sculpture with the pier behind it. This is at roughly the center of the one-half-mile fine art walk. Download the map. (Location: Majestic Beach)
Ongoing Weekly, Sporadic, and Annual Events
People travel from far and broad to attend San Diego annual events though at that place are smaller weekly events that are popular with both tourists and residents.
66. Farmers Markets
San Diego farmers markets are held on most days of the week. The well-nigh popular include:
- La Jolla Open Aire Market place (Sunday mornings at La Jolla Elementary School)
- Little Italy Mercado (Saturday mornings/early afternoons)
- North Park (Th afternoon)
67. Tuna Harbor Dockside Marketplace
Located downtown near Seaport Village, this outdoor market place is open to the public every Saturday from eight a.m–1 p.yard. It's where many of our chefs buy seafood. (Location: Downtown)
68. SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks
While SeaWorld San Diego no longer holds nightly fireworks shows, they even so concur them on major holidays such equally Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. Y'all tin can view them from effectually town (I can see them from my business firm). (Location: Mission Bay)
69. Fiesta del Sol
This event is held annually in May in Solana Beach at Fletcher Park and has been looked forward to by surface area residents for decades. Fiesta del Sol features craft vendors, nutrient stalls, a beer garden and a wine garden, and rides and play areas for kids. (Location: Solana Embankment)
70. La Mesa Classic Car Show
Held in La Mesa, usually on Thursday nights for most three months during the summertime, the La Mesa Archetype Automobile Show features cars, trucks, and vans from before 1974. (Location: La Mesa)
71. Dominicus & Sea Festival
This sandcastle festival is held every July. The very elaborate sand sculptures are its most famous feature. There is also ordinarily a pancake breakfast and 3K run (fees use to both). (Location: Royal Beach)
72. Cruisin' Grand
The Cruisin' Grand bear witness and street fair on Grand is held on Fridays from Apr to September, where people wander the street to look at cool cars. (Location: Escondido)
73. CityFest Street Off-white
Every August, CityFest Street Fair celebrates the Hillcrest community through music, arts and crafts, and food. (Location: Hillcrest)
74. Tuesday Night Racing at the Velodrome
From April to mid-September, the Velodrome in Balboa Park hosts wheel races free to lookout for spectators on Tuesday nights. (Location: Balboa Park)
75. Bounding main Embankment Street Fair
The annual Bounding main Beach Street Fair draws quite a crowd to the eclectic beach boondocks. Become shopping for fine art and enjoy some beachfront entertainment. A big portion of the consequence is dedicated to a chili cook-off, so come hungry. The entry is complimentary. (Location: Ocean Beach)
76. Fly Casting Lessons
Every Sunday morning, the San Diego Wing Fishers (SDFF) offer a free wing casting dispensary. Bring your ain equipment or borrow equipment from the order for gratuitous likewise. (Location: Lake Murray)
77. Free Summer Movies in the Park
From May through Oct, gratis summer movies are held in various San Diego parks. Bring a blanket, chairs, and some food to enjoy fun films on the massive screens.
78. Come across Snowfall
Aye, it does snow in inland San Diego. If you practice not mind fighting through some traffic (you won't be the only ane with this idea), head upward to Mt. Laguna or Julian to get your winter fix.
79. San Diego Pride Parade
San Diego Pride is i of the largest Pride events in the nation, and it's the largest one-day civic event in San Diego. Over 250,000 attend to support the LGBTQ community and lookout the floats and performers along the 1.v-mile-long parade route. (Location: Hillcrest)
fourscore. Holiday Basin Parade (Big Bay Balloon Parade)
It'southward complimentary to picket the nation's biggest balloon parades. And, nosotros are talking Big balloons, floats, performers, and marching bands that entertain during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade in December.
81. Kids Free October
I of the all-time times of the year to visit San Diego is during Kids Gratuitous October San Diego where over 100 restaurants, hotels, and attractions offer free admission and perks to kids in the company of paying adults.
Free Self-Guided Walks
A few of these walks tin can be guided but they are easy to accept on your ain.
82. Walk the Embarcadero
One of my favorite things to exercise in downtown San Diego is to take a long walk forth the bayfront Embarcadero entertainment surface area. It's as well a good choice for those on a layover who want to leave the airport to stretch their legs.
You lot tin can start at the airport and walk downward to Seaport Village, admiring the views, occasional busker, and a couple of other sites mentioned on this listing. Fees apply to enter the USS Midway Museum (but you can view the historic send from state) and Maritime Museum of San Diego, merely they are likewise located here. (Location: Downtown San Diego)
83. La Jolla Historical Society Walks
The La Jolla Historical Lodge has put together a free listing of walks you can take depending on your involvement. You lot can get to know the Hamlet of La Jolla or choose a theme such as Historic Beach Cottages of La Jolla, Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Jazz Historic period La Jolla: Architecture of the 1920s, or Irving Gill's San Diego. (Location: La Jolla)
84. Coast Walk Trail
One of my favorite easy scenic walks is the Coast Walk Trail. Find the trailhead right virtually The Cave Store (where the entrance to Sunny Jim Sea Cave is located) and walk it along the cliffs to La Jolla Shores Beach. Y'all'll enjoy great views of the La Jolla Underwater Park and probable of the resident seals and sea lions. (Location: La Jolla)
85. Julian History Walks
As part of your mean solar day in Julian, choice upwardly a map at Town Hall (or utilize this online map as a guide) to take a self-guided history walk in the downtown area. (Location: Julian)
86. Murals of La Jolla
Check out the Murals of La Jolla project via an evening walking tour hosted by the Athenaeum, where guests will learn most each artist. Or, tour the sixteen murals on your own with this map. (Location: La Jolla)
87. Crystal Pier
This iconic pier dating to 1927 is, despite also being the site of rental cottages (the Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages) and a high iron gate, open up to the public and offers some fantastic ocean and littoral views from its end. (Location: Pacific Beach)
88. Oceanside Pier
Walk the 1942-human foot-long Oceanside Pier for pretty sea views. The wooden pier was built in 1888. There is fifty-fifty a Cherry's Diner at the stop. (Location: Oceanside)
89. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Cantankerous the suspension footbridge in Bankers Hill originally built in 1912 with views of the valley below. (Location: Bankers Hill)
90. Mt. Woodson/White potato Bit Stone
Located in Poway, the 7-mile trail to the locally famous Irish potato Flake Rock is heavily trafficked and boasts scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The highlight for virtually is the opportunity to accept a photo at Murphy Flake Rock itself. (Speaking of hikes, there are many free hikes across the county, so be certain to check my listing of best San Diego hikes.)
Music
We usually accept A LOT of gratuitous summer concerts and smaller outdoor live music events.
91. Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park
Free organ concerts are held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion at two p.yard. on Sundays featuring one of the earth's largest outdoor piping organs, dating to 1914.
92. Spreckels Park Summer Concert Series
Join gratis concerts at Spreckels Park in Coronado on Sunday night during the summer.
93. TGIF Concerts in the Parks in Carlsbad
The Urban center of Carlsbad is ane of the few remaining sponsors of gratuitous concerts. They've been putting them on for over 30 years now beyond various Carlsbad parks.
94. Stagecoach Days
Held in Old Town every yr, Stagecoach Days highlights what life was similar in 19th Century San Diego. This result is typically held on Saturdays in July and August, from 12–4 p.m.
Other Free Things to Do in San Diego
These ideas for fun costless things to do in San Diego don't fall into any of the categories above.
95. Torrey Pines Gliderport
Take a trip out to the Torrey Pines Gliderport and enjoy not only the fantastic, cliff-side panoramic bounding main views simply also scout every bit daring and confident glider pros and hobbyists launch themselves off the cliffs just anxiety in front of you. While there, you lot may also enjoy a lunch or a snack (non costless) at the surprisingly skillful outdoor Cliffhanger Café. (Location: La Jolla)
96. San Diego Public Library
The new, near $200M public library building was opened downtown in 2013 and is free to enter. Their Do Your Homework program also offers access to gratis computing and school supplies every bit part of our mayor's initiative to make public libraries a center of learning. (Location: Downtown)
97. The 59-Mile Scenic Driving Tour of San Diego
Striking all of the city's highlights during this 59-mile drive. Sure, some gas is involved, just the sightseeing itinerary is costless.
98. Bout Taylor Guitars (On Pause)
Accept a factory tour at Taylor Guitars to learn how guitars are made. (Location: El Cajon)
99. Bird Watching
San Diego is a fantastic place for bird watching equally nosotros have over 515 species and are located on the Pacific Flyway, a major path for migrating birds. Head to the beach or one of our parks with some binoculars to take a closer look.
100. Warwick'south Book Signings
Proceed an eye on the event calendar once events around boondocks get back underway. Big name and interesting authors (call back Ozzy Osbourne, Apollo Ohno, Deepak Chopra) come to do Q&As and speak most their books at Warwick's. Well-nigh of these are free to attend, but you may want to purchase a book for an shorthand.
101. Bayshore Bikeway
Sure, you demand a bicycle, but check out this astonishing 24-mile bike route that loops effectually the San Diego Bay and up into Coronado Island. The entire route isn't for leisure cycling, but thirteen miles of it is on family-friendly car-free paths.
102. theNAT Citizen Scientist
You can help the San Diego Natural History Museum certificate changes in our environment by taking on some of their Denizen Scientist projects. They are fun to go outside, learn something new, and permit kids larn in nature.
103. Virtual Learning and Tours
The twelvemonth 2020 sparked a rise in virtual learning and bout opportunities by our major museums and attractions. I put together a list of my favorite means to explore and learn well-nigh San Diego from dwelling — many of these live cams, videos, and interactive experiences are gratuitous.
FAQs Most Free Things to Do in San Diego
Is in that location still a costless museum day in San Diego?
For residents of the city and county of San Diego, likewise as active military members and their families, Balboa Park museums offer complimentary full general access on different days every calendar month.
Check out the schedule, and take note that some Resident Free Days may be impacted by the pandemic. Consult official museum websites for more than information.
What are the best gratis kids activities in San Diego?
There are many kid-friendly activities to exercise in San Diego at no cost. Taking a trip to one of the cute San Diego beaches should be at the top of your checklist.
Coronado Municipal Beach has relatively calm water that is perfect for kids, while La Jolla Shores Beach is one of San Diego'south nicest beaches with a playground for young kids to enjoy.
Other free, kid-friendly spots include Children'due south Pool, which is perfect for seal spotting, and Old Town San Diego Land Historic Park, where kids volition beloved to run around.
Are in that location free things to do in La Mesa, San Diego?
If yous are looking for affordable, free activities to do in La Mesa, San Diego, one of the all-time things to do is visit one of its many parks.
With a cute amphitheater and spectacular city views, you lot can't become incorrect with a trip to Mountain Helix Park. Recognized as one of San Diego's premier landmark parks, Mountain Helix likewise offers stargazing events, picnic areas, walking trails, and it'south likewise dog friendly.
Taking a trip to Lake Murray or Harry Griffen Park are also great day-trip options.
If you are looking to save money in San Diego, I have a list of San Diego discounts and budget hotels in San Diego.
See also: Best Things to Exercise in San Diego with Kids
Are whatever of your favorite gratis things to do in San Diego missing from this listing? Let u.s.a. know in the comments!
Source: https://lajollamom.com/free-things-to-do-in-san-diego/
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