95 Free Things to Do in San Diego: Museums, Attractions, Walking Tours, & More

Some of the best activities in America’s Finest City won’t cost a dime once you arrive. This list 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 go as they can change.

San Diego Museums

Some San Diego museums either offer free admission or free activities that do not require admission.

1. Balboa Park Museums: Resident Free Tuesdays

On various Tuesdays each month, the museums in Balboa Park offer free general admission to residents of the County 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.

First Tuesday:

• Fleet Science Center
• San Diego Natural History Museum (not valid for films)
• San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Second Tuesday:

• San Diego Air & Space Museum (not valid for special exhibitions) — except December (as well as January 2025, when the museum will be closed)
• The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
• Comic-Con Museum — except November and December

Third Tuesday:

• San Diego Museum of Art (not valid for special exhibitions)
• Mingei International Museum — except December
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• The Old Globe (please review its many unique details)

Fourth Tuesday:

• San Diego Automotive Museum – except September and December
• Japanese Friendship Garden (March only)

Fifth Tuesdays:

• Regular admission prices are in effect

Be prepared to show valid identification with residency information on it. Other limits are detailed at the link above.

2. Botanical Building

Admission to the Botanical Building is always free. But it is currently closed for renovations. The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids).

It is open every day except for Thursdays and is one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You 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. But it is currently only open Wednesday – Sunday and closed on holidays. Refer to the museum’s website for details. The Timken Museum not only houses American, French and Russian works of art, but it’s one of the most important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Find it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)

4. World Beat Cultural Center

This multicultural art and event center is non-profit, promoting African Diaspora and Indigenous cultures through dance and creating unity within diversity. It is currently open Friday – Sunday. Visiting and some programming are free, while others require a paid ticket. (Location: Balboa Park)

5. House of Pacific Relations International Cottages

The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (built originally for the 1935 Exposition).

The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. It is currently open Saturdays and Sundays but you can walk through the area any time. (Location: Balboa Park)

6. The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum

The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum brings a little bit of East Coast U.S. colonial history to San Diego through the museum inside. The fact that it’s a tavern means that you can tour the free museum with a glass of wine or beer in hand (that you’d need to purchase, of course).

Exhibits include significant, original documents signed by John Hancock, Sam Adams and others. (Location: Carlsbad)

7. Junipero Serra Museum

This museum does not charge an admission fee because of donations from the Conrad Prebys Foundation. But they do request a minimum donation of $10. Here, you may learn about California’s mission history. The museum sits on the first European settlement site in California. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)

8. Coronado Historical Association and Coronado Museum

Coronado Historical Association and Coronado Museum, an easy walk from Hotel del Coronado, connects people with the city’s interesting past through museum exhibits, historic photos, and walking tours. I have recommended walking tours as one of the things to do in Coronado. (Location: Coronado Island)

9. Flying Leatherneck Museum

While it’s closed until Fall 2025, the Flying Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You’ll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical aircraft in their gallery.(Location: Miramar)

10. Wisteria Cottage Gallery – La Jolla Historical Society

Wisteria Cottage is home to the La Jolla Historical Society. Inside the historic building, you’ll find a small gallery of art, photographs, and changing exhibits that convey the important people and events in our seaside communities past and present. Guided walking tours of La Jolla also start here. The Wisteria Cottage Galleries are currently open Wednesday – Sunday. (Location: La Jolla)

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Activities at the Beaches

So many free beaches, so little time. Here are some highlights.

11. San Diego Beaches

We’ve written a guide to San Diego beaches, from north to south, starting in San Onofre and moving south all the way down to the Mexican border. Parking under most circumstances is free, though you may have to pay in a few spots.

12. Mission Beach Boardwalk

A walk, run, bike ride, or skate down the Mission Beach Boardwalk is a fantastic way to spend a day in San Diego.

The broad sandy beach of Mission Beach awaits on the west (ocean) side of the boardwalk, while a long string of bars, restaurants, T-shirt and sundry shops, ice cream stands, coffee bars, and even the seaside Belmont Park amusement park run along its east side.

Note that while it’s called a ‘boardwalk,’ it’s actually concrete and, on weekends, has a steady stream of cyclists, pedestrians, and even roller skaters.

13. Children’s Pool La Jolla

La Jolla’s most 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. (While sea lions are at nearby La Jolla Cove.) So the beach at the Children’s Pool is closed from December 15 to May 15 for pupping season. It’s a popular stop in San Diego for kids and paired with #14 below.

14. La Jolla Cove

The most popular thing to do in La Jolla is to visit La Jolla Cove. It’s one of the most photographed places in San Diego and home to our chatty sea lions. (While seals are at the nearby La Jolla Children’s Pool – see above.)

Water sports enthusiasts take advantage of the usually waveless beach to enter the La Jolla Underwater Park’s clear water. It’s an easy walk from the shopping and restaurants in the Village of La Jolla.

15. Tide Pooling

Low tides occur in daylight during the winter months. For more information, read my list of where to go tide pooling in San Diego. The most popular spots are La Jolla tide pools, Hotel del Coronado tide pools, and Cabrillo National Monument tide pools.

It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and see marine life that lives in these rocky areas like hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and even the occasional octopus.

16. Leopard Sharks

La Jolla Shores beach is home to the largest annual aggregation of (harmless) leopard sharks. They come to these warm, shallow waters to incubate from mid-summer to early fall.

You can snorkel with them or walk out into knee-deep water to let them swim around you.

17. Grunion Runs

In San Diego, grunion (small fish) ‘run’ or swim up to the beach to spawn between March and August during full or new moon cycles.

A detailed schedule for this fun (usually late-night) activity tells you which dates and times to expect them on the beach.

18. Shelling

Early risers may be rewarded with complete shells and pretty sea glass that tend to wash up on our beaches. Try the aptly named Shell Beach in La Jolla. I have also found plenty of sand dollars in the mornings along 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’re lucky), whelks, and more. 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.

19. Dog Beaches

We have several off-leash (and on-leash) dog beaches in San Diego in Del Mar, Fiesta Island, Coronado Island, and Ocean Beach. You can bring your dog or enjoy watching them play. Check off-leash hours before you go as they do change. Here’s my list of on-leash and off-leash dog beaches in San Diego.

20. Snorkeling in La Jolla

Have snorkel gear? Well, it’s free for you to go snorkeling in La Jolla, where you’ll find the calmest, clearest water, rich with marine life. You can walk into the La Jolla Underwater Park from La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores Beach.

21. Photos at Scripps Pier

Are you looking for a great place to take an Instagram photo or a family photo for the holidays? Look no further than Scripps Pier in La Jolla, especially at golden hour.

And, maybe you can try to capture that famous sunset photo that catches the sun exactly between the pylons — an event that occurs just twice a year.

22. Beach Bonfire

A nighttime bonfire in one of the publicly available fire pits at one of the many San Diego beaches has been a signature recreation in the city for decades. These are the San Diego beaches with fire pits.

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Free San Diego Attractions

These major attractions are fun, free things to do in San Diego because no admission is required to enter. Of course, once there, you can upgrade your day with a meal in one of the restaurants or pay for admission to the attractions.

23. Balboa Park

While most visitors to Balboa Park likely come to see the San Diego Zoo or its well-regarded museums, the park is also known for its signature California Mission Revival-style architecture (built originally for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition) and its extensive open spaces.

It’s free to enter Balboa Park (and some of its museums on selected dates, as detailed in #1 above). The Spreckles Organ Pavilion has free concerts every Sunday at 2 p.m. for an hour. There are also miles of free trails and multiple parks to enjoy inside Balboa Park. Read my guide to free things to do in Balboa Park. (Location: Balboa Park)

24. Old Town San Diego

Anyone may enter Old Town San Diego and walk inside many of its historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego, among other historic attractions, all for free.

Its many colorful restaurants and shops (which are central to the Old Town experience for many) are not, of course, free. Some of the attractions do require paid admission, like the (haunted?) Whaley House. (Location: Old Town)

25. Hotel del Coronado

The iconic and historic Hotel del Coronado can be a wonderful place to walk around. Not just the hotel and its grounds but also the broad sandy beach adjacent to it. It’s free for outside guests to walk the grounds and explore the shops. Hotel room areas are off-limits, however. (Location: Coronado)

26. Belmont Park

It’s free to enter Belmont Park San Diego to have a look around the seaside amusement park. But you’ll have to pay separately to play the carnival and arcade games, mini-golf, or to ride the roller coaster and other rides. If you are going to upgrade your experience, I recommend buying a wristband in advance. (Location: Mission Beach)

27. Seaport Village

Seaport Village, a waterfront collection of shops and restaurants in downtown San Diego, is free to enter and walk around. Performers often busk along the waterfront as well. Seaport Village also hosts select free special events, including concerts. (Location: Downtown)

28. Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter downtown is a 16-block historic district filled with modern restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and Victorian architecture and history. Walking around for a bit is fun, and you can take an iconic San Diego photo under the Gaslamp sign on 5th Avenue and L Street. For most people, the primary attraction is the restaurants and bars. (Location: Downtown)

29. Little Italy

Speaking of iconic signs, there is also the ‘Little Italy’ sign on India Street. You may want to snap a photo before or after resting at one of the adorable red tables in one of its famous piazzas. You can also walk around the shops and public art for free. The Piazza della Famiglia hosts public events, including a farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (see also #59 below).

One of my favorite art installations is the recipe tables in Amici Park, with plaques featuring actual recipes. See other things to do in Little Italy. (Location: Downtown)

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Parks

Sure, we have many parks in San Diego, but these are among the most outstanding. Think trails, wildlife, interesting geology, playgrounds, and more. You can spend entire days in many of these places for free.

30. 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. Bring a camera. The 360-degree panoramic views over the ocean and city are great! Open 7 AM to 10 PM daily. (Location: La Jolla)

31. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve on the border between La Jolla and Del Mar comprises 1,500 undeveloped acres of land with beaches, a lagoon that is a destination for migrating birds, spectacular coastal ocean views, several hiking trails, and indigenous flora and fauna.

While entrance to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for individuals is technically free, note that it strictly enforces a parking fee that applies to all vehicles entering the park. You can park on the street to avoid that. (Though the walk could be long). Guests of The Lodge at Torrey Pines can also easily walk there.

Open 7:15 a.m. to sunset daily. Guided hikes are offered at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Note that no food or drinks (other than water) and no dogs or other pets are allowed. (Location: La Jolla)

32. Presidio Park

The historic Presidio Park overlooks Old 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 city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. Open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM. (Location: Old Town)

33. Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park, just a few miles north of downtown San Diego at Mission Bay, consists of 27 miles of shoreline (19 miles of beaches) that 15 million people visit and enjoy every year. It has boat docks and launches, bike paths, playgrounds, boat rental facilities, and more.

Many things to do at Mission Bay are free, including the various playgrounds and trails that circle the bay. If you have 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 flying is another popular activity, too. (Location: Mission Beach / Pacific Beach)

34. San Diego Waterfront Park

Located in downtown San Diego along the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is perhaps best known for its interactive splash fountains and its extensive, family-friendly open spaces. Unfortunately, those fountains are currently shut off for maintenance and repair. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held here in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)

35. Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7,200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. The Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center, located in the heart of the park, is just 10 miles from downtown San Diego.

Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife. Camping is permitted as well thought reservations and fees apply. (Location: between San Diego / Santee / La Mesa)

36. Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens

These meditation gardens in Encinitas is open to the public, peaceful and quiet, with ocean views. Note that they are closed on Mondays when it rains and on some holidays. The hours of operation Tuesdays to Sundays are limited. (Location: Encinitas)

37. Sunset Cliffs

Head over to Sunset Cliffs to, as the name implies, watch the sunset. It’s also a fantastic spot for photographs and walking the ocean-view trails for a little exercise at any time of day. (Location: Ocean Beach)

38. Heritage Park

A walk past the Victorian-era houses in Heritage Park also makes my list of things to do in Old Town San Diego. Of the seven structures, you can normally walk inside Temple Beth Israel and Senlis Cottage. (Location: Old Town)

39. Batiquitos Lagoon

Take the 2-mile lagoon trail walk around Batiquitos Lagoon. You 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. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation’s website has an FAQ page. (Location: Carlsbad)

40. Kellogg Park

I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is access to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It’s steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach but also has a large grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun.

While there, check out ‘The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza’ (a.k.a “The Map“). Completed and dedicated in 2020, it’s a mosaic of 119 sea animals that live in the La Jolla Canyon that is meant to showcase what life is like offshore. (Location: La Jolla Shores)

41. Skate Parks

Grab your skateboards (and helmets) and head over to the various skate parks located across San Diego County. This list is for skate parks located in the City of San Diego. Also check out Carlsbad Skate Park, and Encinitas Skate Plaza.

42. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

The shallow-water estuary is a neat ecosystem where Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. Tides rise and fall over mudflats where birds feed on invertebrates. The animals who live here have adapted to the unique environment of fresh and saltwater.

Seven miles of trails weave throughout San Elijo Lagoon, which is one of San Diego’s largest wetlands. Many of the over 1000 plants and animals that live here are rare or endangered. Don’t forget to check out the exhibits in the Nature Center. Open sunrise to sunset. (Location: Cardiff)

43. Guajome Regional Park

Guajome Regional Park also offers over 4.5 miles of gorgeous, multi-use trails in addition to picnic areas, basketball courts, playgrounds, and lakes. Note that there is a $3 parking fee. Open 9:30 a.m. to sunset daily. (Location: Oceanside)

44. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

Just east of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park you’ll find San Pasqual Battle State Historic Park. It honors the soldiers who fought on December 6, 1846, one of the only military encounters in California during the Mexican-American War. Unfortunately, the park is temporarily closed. (Location: Escondido)

45. Spanish Landing Park

You can take a break here on a layover or if you’re staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only one along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)

46. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

Yes, we’re talking about the Leo Carillo, who acted in nearly 100 movies between 1927 and 1950. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a small part of his former working rancho and vacation retreat.

Kids love the resident peacocks, but there are also multiple historic properties, including the visitors’ center, adobe buildings, a barn, and more. You can also walk the 4-mile Rancho Carrillo Trail. The park is open daily. But it does have a holiday schedule and is subject to closure during inclement weather. It also offers free Guided Tours, and Free Guided Botanical Tours. (Location: Carlsbad)

47. Mt. Helix Park

Some of San Diego’s best panoramic views can 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 peak and a picnic at sunset for a lovely day outside. (Location: La Mesa)

48. 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 also take a quick tour of Heritage House to learn about Poway’s history. Be prepared that your kids may ask to ride on the Poway Midland Railroad that circles the park (a small fee applies). The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. (Location: Poway)

49. Tijuana Estuary

Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore.

Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online. (Location: Imperial Beach)

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Public Art

San Diego has experienced an explosion of free public art to view, be it spectacular single works or dedicated art zones that are easy to walk through. Listed here are areas with multiple public art pieces or single installations that people drive out of their way to see.

50. ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station

The ARTS DISTRICT portion of Liberty Station offers various installations on display with a handy reference guide for those who would like to see the various sculptures. You should also take the time to browse the shops and galleries here. (Location: Point Loma)

51. Stuart Collection at UCSD

The Stuart Collection of free public art at UCSD is extraordinary. The program was started in 1981 as a way to enrich the lives of students and brighten 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)

52. Oceanside’s Murals

Get to know the coastal city of Oceanside’s artful side with a self-guided walk to see its colorful murals located across the town. (Location: Oceanside)

53. Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle

Head over to Kit Carson Park to see Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle, one of the best free things to do in Escondido. The giant, colorful sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are designed to be touched, climbed on (where applicable), and enjoyed. The artist was personally involved in the park’s creation. (Location: Escondido)

54. 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 popular with Instagrammers and photographers. The park is the annual (and free) Chicano Park Day site every April. (Location: Barrio Logan)

55. ‘Greatest Generation’ Walking Tour

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 next to the USS Midway Museum, you might spy a gigantic sculpture of a man kissing a woman based on a famous Time magazine photo. That’s Unconditional Surrender (photo above), one of the many pieces on this short but meaningful walking tour. (Location: Downtown)

56. ‘Cardiff Kook’ Sculpture (AKA ‘Magic Carpet Ride’)

The Cardiff Kook’s official name is Magic Carpet Ride. He’s a bronze statue about 6′ tall that is riding a half-finished (the project ran out of money) wave. Pranksters often dress him up in hula skirts, bikinis, Santa hats, and more. So, part of the Kook’s allure is that you often don’t know what he’ll be wearing. (Location: Cardiff)

57. Encinitas Boathouses

Your kids might think two houses shaped like boats in the middle of a residential neighborhood are cool. The Encinitas Boathouses were built in the 1920s as part of a fantasy-themed architecture trend that fits right in with early California dreamin’ and a location off Highway 101. Right now, you can drive by these two historical landmarks at 726 and 732 Third Street. (Location: Encinitas)

58. Imperial Beach 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 half-mile art walk. Download the map. (Location: Imperial Beach)

59. Balboa Park Visitor Center Free Tours

Take a free guided tour of Balboa Park led by expert docents. These tours happen Tuesdays, and the 2nd, 4th & 5th Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m. and depart from the Visitor Center. (Location: Balboa Park)

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Ongoing Weekly, Sporadic, and Annual Events

People travel from far and wide to attend San Diego’s annual events. Though smaller, weekly events are also popular with both tourists and residents.

60. Farmers Markets

San Diego farmers markets are held on most days of the week. The most popular include:

• La Jolla Open Aire Market (Sunday mornings at La Jolla Elementary School)
• Little Italy Mercado (Wednesdays and Saturdays – there’s also more detail on Little Italy in #29 above)
• North Park Thursday Market (Thursday afternoons)

61. Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Located downtown near Seaport Village, this outdoor market is open to the public every Saturday from 8 AM – 2 PM It’s where many of our chefs buy seafood. (Location: Downtown)

62. SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks

While SeaWorld San Diego no longer holds nightly fireworks shows, they still hold them on major holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. You can view them from around town. (I can see them from my house). (Location: Mission Bay)

63. Fiesta del Sol

This event is held annually in May in Solana Beach at Fletcher Park and has been looked forward to by area residents for decades. Fiesta del Sol features arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, a beer garden and a wine garden, as well as rides and play areas for kids. (Location: Solana Beach)

64. La Mesa Classic Car Show

Held in La Mesa, usually on Thursday nights for nearly three months during the summer, the La Mesa Classic Car Show features cars, trucks, and vans from before 1974. (Location: La Mesa)

65. Sun & Sea Festival

This sandcastle festival is held every summer in Imperial Beach. In 2024, it will be held on August 17. The very elaborate sand sculptures are its most famous feature. There is also usually a pancake breakfast and a 3K run. (Fees apply to both). (Location: Imperial Beach)

66. Cruisin’ Grand

The Cruisin’ Grand show and street fair on W Grand Avenue in Escondido, where people wander the street to look at cool cars, will be held on May 10th, 2024, from 4 PM to 9 PM. (Location: Escondido)

67. CityFest Street Fair

Every August, CityFest Street Fair celebrates the Hillcrest community through music, arts and crafts, and food. (Location: Hillcrest)

68. Tuesday Night Racing at the Velodrome

Every Tuesday night, from April to September, the Velodrome in Balboa Park hosts bike races, free for spectators to watch. (Location: Balboa Park)

69. OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

The annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off draws quite a crowd to the eclectic beach town. Go shopping for art and enjoy some beachfront entertainment. A big part of the event is dedicated to a chili cook-off, so come hungry. Admission is free. In 2024, it will be held on June 22. (Location: Ocean Beach)

70. Fly Casting Lessons

Every Sunday morning on Lake Murray, the San Diego Fly Fishers (SDFF) offer a free fly casting clinic starting at 9 AM. Bring your own equipment or borrow equipment from the club for free as well. (Location: Lake Murray)

71. See Snow

Yes, it does snow occasionally in the San Diego area. If you do not mind fighting through some traffic (you won’t be the only one with this idea), head up to Mt. Laguna or Julian to get your winter fix.

72. San Diego Pride Parade

San Diego Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the nation. It’s also the largest one-day civic event in San Diego. Over 250,000 attend to support the LGBTQ community and watch the floats and performers along the 1.5-mile-long parade route. In 2024, it will be held on July 20. (Location: Hillcrest)

73. Holiday Bowl Parade

It’s free to watch the nation’s biggest balloon parades. We are talking BIG balloons, floats, performers, and marching bands that entertain during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade in late December.

74. Kids Free October

One of the best times of the year to visit San Diego is during Kids Free October San Diego where over 100 restaurants, hotels, and attractions offer free admission and perks to kids in the company of paying adults.

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Free Self-Guided and Walking Tours

A few of these walks can be guided. But they are easy to take on your own.

75. Walk the Embarcadero

One of my favorite things to do in downtown San Diego is to take a long walk along the bayfront Embarcadero entertainment area. It’s also a good option for those on a layover who want to leave the airport to stretch their legs.

You can start at the airport and walk down to Seaport Village, admiring the views, occasional busker, and a couple of other sites mentioned on this list. Fees apply to enter the USS Midway Museum (but you can view the historic ship from land) and Maritime Museum of San Diego, but they are also located here. (Location: Downtown San Diego)

76. La Jolla Historical Society Walks

The La Jolla Historical Society has put together a free list of walks (scroll down past the guided walking tours for $10). You can get to know the Village of La Jolla or choose a theme such as Historic Beach Cottages of La Jolla, Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Jazz Age La Jolla: Architecture of the 1920s, or Irving Gill’s San Diego. (Location: La Jolla)

77. Coast Walk Trail

One of my favorite easy scenic walks is the Coast Walk Trail. Find the trailhead right near The Cave Store (where the entrance to Sunny Jim Sea Cave is located) and walk it along the cliffs to La Jolla Shores Beach. You’ll enjoy great views of the La Jolla Underwater Park and likely of the resident seals and sea lions. (Location: La Jolla)

78. Julian Historic Walking Tour

As part of your day in Julian, pick up a map at Town Hall (or use this online map as a guide) to take a self-guided history walk in the downtown area. (Location: Julian)

79. Murals of La Jolla

Check out the Murals of La Jolla project via a free, guided evening walking tour hosted by the Athenaeum, where guests will learn about each artist. Or, tour the 16 murals on your own with this map. (Location: La Jolla)

80. Crystal Pier

Despite also being an operating hotel called the Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages, this iconic pier dating to 1927 is open to the public. There’s easy public walking access via a door in the iron gate on the right side, used by many all day long. There are some fantastic ocean and coastal views from the end of this pier. (Location: Pacific Beach)

81. Oceanside Pier

Despite suffering a recent fire, the Oceanside Pier is open to the public. This wooden pier was originally built in 1888. It features fantastic ocean views and is particularly popular at sunset. (Location: Oceanside)

82. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Cross this suspension footbridge in Bankers Hill, originally built in 1912, with views of the valley below. (Location: Bankers Hill)

83. Mt. Woodson/Potato Chip Rock

Located in Poway, the 7.3-mile (round trip) trail to the locally famous Potato Chip Rock is heavily trafficked and boasts scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The highlight for most is the opportunity to take a photo at Potato Chip Rock itself. (There are many free hikes across the county, so be sure to check my list of best San Diego hikes.) (Location: Poway)

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Music

We usually have A LOT of free summer concerts and smaller outdoor live music events.

84. Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

Free organ concerts are held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 2 PM on Sundays, featuring one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, dating to 1914. (Also referenced in #23 above.) (Location: Balboa Park)

85. Spreckels Park Summer Concert Series

Enjoy free concerts at Spreckels Park in Coronado during the summer. (Not to be confused with the Spreckles Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park, directly above.) (Location: Coronado)

86. TGIF Concerts in the Parks OF Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad is one of the few remaining sponsors of free concerts. They’ve been putting them on for decades across various Carlsbad parks in June, July, and August. (Location: Carlsbad)

87. Stagecoach Days

Held in Old Town every year, Stagecoach Days highlights what life was like in 19th-century San Diego. (“Celebrating the West on the Move.”) This event is typically held in July and August. (Location: Old Town)

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Other Free Things to Do in San Diego

These ideas for fun free things to do in San Diego don’t fall into any of the categories above.

88. Torrey Pines Gliderport

Take a trip to the Torrey Pines Gliderport and enjoy the fantastic cliff-side panoramic ocean views. Watch as daring and confident glider pros and hobbyists launch themselves off the cliffs just feet in front of you. While there, you may also enjoy a lunch or a snack (not free) at the surprisingly good outdoor Cliffhanger Café. (Location: La Jolla)

89. San Diego Public Library

San Diego’s nearly $200M public library building was opened downtown in 2013 and is free to enter. (Location: Downtown)

90. The 59-Mile Scenic Driving Tour of San Diego

Hit all of the city’s highlights during this 59-mile drive. Sure, some gas is involved, but the sightseeing is free.

91. Tour Taylor Guitars

Take a free, guided factory tour at Taylor Guitars to learn how guitars are made. (Location: El Cajon)

92. Bird Watching

San Diego is a fantastic place for bird watching as we 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.

93. Author Appearances At Warwick’s Bookstore

Keep an eye on Warwick’s events calendar. Big name and interesting authors (think Ozzy Osbourne, Apollo Ohno, Deepak Chopra) come to Warwick’s Bookstore in La Jolla to do Q&As and speak about their books. Most of these are free to attend, but you may want to purchase a book for an autograph. Warwicks is the nation’s oldest, continuously family-owned and operated bookstore. (Location: La Jolla)

94. Bayshore Bikeway

Sure, you’ll need a bike. But check out this amazing 24-mile bike route that loops around San Diego Bay and up into Coronado Island. The entire route isn’t for leisure cycling, but 13 miles of it is on family-friendly, car-free paths.

95. Community Science projects VIA Natural History Museum

You can help the San Diego Natural History Museum document changes in our environment by taking on some of their Community Science, or Citizen Scientist, projects. They are fun to get outside, learn something new, and let kids learn in nature.

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FAQs About Free Things to Do in San Diego

Is there still a free museum day in San Diego?

On different days every month, museums in Balboa Park offer free general admission for residents of the city and county of San Diego, as well as active military members and their families. (See #1 above.)

Check out the schedule, and take note that some Resident Free Days may be impacted by the pandemic. Consult official museum websites for more information. 

What are the best free activities For Kids in San Diego?

There are many kid-friendly activities to do in San Diego at no cost. Taking a trip to one of the beautiful 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’s nicest beaches with a playground for young kids to enjoy.

Other free, kid-friendly spots include Children’s Pool (which is perfect for seal spotting) and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where kids will love to run around.

Are there free things to do in La Mesa, San Diego?

If you are looking for affordable, free activities to do in La Mesa, San Diego, one of the best options is to visit one of its many parks.

With a beautiful amphitheater and spectacular city views, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Mount Helix Park. Recognized as one of San Diego’s premier landmark parks, Mount Helix also offers stargazing events, picnic areas, walking trails. It’s also dog-friendly.

Taking a trip to Lake Murray or Harry Griffen Park is also a great day-trip option. 

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If you want 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 Do in San Diego with Kids and Top San Diego Things to Do.

Are any of your favorite free things to do in San Diego missing from this list? Let us know in the comments!