20 Best Free Things to Do in San Diego

One of the best free San Diego attractions is none other than the visiting one of the beautiful area beaches.

There are several beaches to choose from in San Diego with some of the most popular and our personal favorites being La Jolla Cove, Mission Beach, Coronado Central Beach, Ocean Beach Pier & City Beach and Pacific Beach.

We really think that a family beach day is a great way to create memories! Families can spend time together building sandcastles, swimming, surfing or just have a meaningful chat while sunbathing. Let's just say, a free day at the beach can be just as good as the most expensive San Diego attraction you can find!

Another great free activity for families, couples and anyone looking for a fun activity is going for a bike ride around Mission Bay. The Mission Bay bike path is a paved trail that loops around the bay. It's a great option for families who want to get outdoors, exercise and get some fresh air!

The bike path is anywhere between 3 miles and 19 miles depending on which route you choose to take. While riding through Mission Bay, there will be views of the aquatic park, palm trees and of course, the bay.

To rent bikes for the day at a discounted rate, check out the options on the Go City San Diego pass. While not completely free, the pass offers bikes for the entire family with a helmet and a map of the area. Use our discount code, GVSD5OFF for bonus savings!

The Children's Pool in La Jolla is another popular, free activity where families can spend a day enjoying sunshine and the area's wildlife. This unique San Diego attraction dates back to 1932 when a seawall was built to protect the shore from oncoming waves, making it the safest place for children to swim.

Now, the Children's Pool is popularly known for the abundance of harbor seals and sea lions that can be found on the beach.

Do keep in mind that although swimmers are allowed, it is highly discouraged due to concerns about water quality and safety.

Our team had a big consensus winner with our fourth free thing to do in San Diego! Apparently it’s one of all of our favorite things to do is to have a camp fire along the bay in Mission Bay. It is great for couples, families or just a group of friends.

There is nothing like sitting along the bay while roasting marshmallows when the sun is setting over the bay providing from some iconic photos of Mission Bay.

There a quite a few places along Mission Bay that have fire pits where you can have a camp fire. Since Mission Bay is a park operated by the City of San Diego, the fires are only permitted between 5 am and midnight giving you enough time to enjoy your fire at no cost.

For a bonus pro tip from a local, one of my personal favorite locations for roasting marshmallows is at Vacation Isle. With the water to the west, you’ll get to see the sun setting over the bay, a nice addition to this fantastic family activity!

For families searching for a piece of southern California or more specifically San Diego history, consider spending an afternoon exploring the state's birthplace, better known as Old Town San Diego. There you’ll find a variety of preserved historic buildings that will take visitors back to when the town was first created in the 1820s.

Old Town also features a haunted history! Visitors can take a ghost tour to hear the ghost stories or checkout one of the other most haunted places in San Diego for even more paranormal fun!

Old Town State Historical Park will give you a glimpse into San Diego's past through its collection of 19th century businesses and homes. There's also the Whaley House Museum which has been designated a haunted house in the state of California - enter if you dare!

Those are just a few options of places to visit in Old Town and there are plenty more for the budget conscious traveler to explore!

Balboa Park is an urban cultural park that boasts over 1,200 acres. Visitors will have access to free amenities and attractions like: hiking trails, dog parks, interactive sculptures, museums, park tours and gardens.

In addition, there are free seasonal activities such as: the Annual Ethnic Food Fair in spring, Chinese New Year in spring, summer movies in the park, twilight in the park during summer, and kids free October and December nights.

While not completely free, heavily discounted admission to the world-famous San Diego Zoo as well as many of the more than a dozen Balboa Park museums located in the park can be had when you purchase a Go City San Diego pass in advance of your travels. Save even more when you stack our additional savings on top of the discounted rates!

What better way to have a romantic evening than watching the sunset on the beach? Pacific Beach and La Jolla are ideal locations to spend an intimate evening with your significant other as you watch the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean.

Know that San Diego's beaches are all free for the public to visit and explore. To make the night even more special, head out to any of the area’s more than 78 incredible beaches with dinner or some snacks in hand.

My personal favorite beach for a sunset is Pacific Beach but in making this list, we had votes for La Jolla Shores beach, the Imperial Beach beaches and the Del Mar beaches. Know that the shoreline mostly faces the west, so sunsets over the Pacific Ocean are just part of the experience you get when visiting San Diego!

For an additional local tip, look for beaches that offer free parking! This list is about finding ‘free things to do’ of course so we want to make sure your adventure doesn't come with any unexpected costs!

I’m confident to say that one of the best, and one of my favorite places to spend the day exploring in San Diego is the Embarcadero!

Embarcadero is a Spanish word that means "the landing place" and in San Diego county, it is just that! This San Diego attraction is home to the USS Midway, USS Midway Museum, and is also home to the San Diego cruise terminal.

While not a free attraction, the USS Midway Museum can be visited at a discount when you purchase Go City San Diego passes in advance of your arrival. Use discount code GVSD50FF for bonus savings.

My family and I love to spend time walking around the Embarcadero to see some of the best sights San Diego has to offer along the San Diego Bay. A few notable areas include: Seaport Village which is a waterfront marketplace that features restaurants and shopping and Embarcadero Park South where you can catch the symphony playing during the summer.

If you’re into a little hiking and incredible views, then Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve is for you! Home to over 3,000 of the nation's rarest pine trees and is 2,000 acres of coastal state park. Head to Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve offers eight miles of trails and endless beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

The reserve features hiking trails for every experience level. There are family-friendly hiking trails and more advanced hiking trails for the ultimate outdoor enthusiasts. No matter the experience level, Torrey Pine State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, California will make for a noteworthy hiking encounter.

We went back to back hiking options with our next list item as we really thought visiting Mission Trails Regional Park was something our budget conscious travelers would truly appreciate and enjoy.

Also known as the third Jewel in the City of San Diego Park System, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The area is the home to numerous popular hiking trails including: Cowles Mountain, Kwaay Paay Peak and Old Mission Dam Historic Site.

There are around 65 miles of trails in total and over 7,200 acres where hikers and mountain bikers can go to spend their day in the fresh San Diego air making memories.

The Mission Trails Regional Park not only offers visitors a variety of trails, it also has a notable history dating back to 1974 where it was used by the Kumeyaay Indians to store water for the Mission San Diego de Alcalá!

San Diego’s beaches are teeming with life, from critters buried under the sandy shores to the wide array of marine life waiting to be discovered in the ocean.

If you want to check out some of the sea creatures native to Southern California without visiting an aquarium or renting snorkeling gear, which come at a small cost, consider the totally free activity of visiting the La Jolla Tide Pools.

Tide pools form on the beach during low tide, when the receding waves pass over divots and other uneven surfaces along the beach. Water pools in these dips, collecting an array of sea creatures and native plant species. Commonly spotted species include shellfish, sea urchins, tiny fish, and sea urchins, among others.

Many of San Diego’s beaches allow for tide pool formation, especially those with hilly and rocky terrain. My kids and I have been exploring the tide pools for years and I really think that one of the best areas to explore tide pools is in La Jolla, specifically the La Jolla Tide Pools tucked between Wipeout Beach and La Jolla Shores.

Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter is a hub for centuries-old architecture, a diverse array of ethnic restaurants, the famous Petco Park, and most prominently, spicy history!

It’s also a highly walkable neighborhood, which makes it one of the most popular spots to take a walking tour or have a meal at an outdoor cafe.

If you’re looking for a fun and totally free way to immerse yourself in the Gaslamp Quarter, the neighborhood’s walkability lends itself well to people watching. Relax on a park bench in Neighborhood Park or kick back at Horton Plaza Park and watch everyone walk by while you enjoy a refreshing snack and drink from a local restaurant.

The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its exceptional nightlife, as well as a vibrant cultural scene with multiple performing arts venues. When I’m looking for a fun night out with my friends, I love to do some people watching between shows, while grabbing drinks at one of the many area bars.

Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Pacific Beach lies Mission Beach, a standout of the Mission Bay area. Like many of the beaches in the neighborhood, Mission Beach boasts beautiful sands, lots of space to stretch out, and crystal clear waves that are suitable for both swimming and surfing.

Mission Beach doesn’t typically see the big crowds you’ll find on some of San Diego’s more popular shores closer to Belmont Park, which makes it an excellent spot for sports that require more space. People frequently play beach volleyball here, so you can start your own game or join an ongoing one.

Of course, if you prefer a more relaxing beach day, you can get that at Mission Beach as well. Feel free to sunbathe, build sandcastles, and float around in the warm waters right off the shore.

If you want the most diverse beach day experience possible and are willing to spend a few dollars, consider picking up a Go City San Diego pass to save on surfboards, snorkels, and other gear. Use the discount code GVSD50FF and save even more!

If you’re craving a taste of the city without so much of the bustle of the Downtown area, North Park is my hidden gem neighborhood for you!

I think this is one of the best spots in San Diego to go for a walk. You’ll discover a thriving network of local businesses in this trendy area is not far from the San Diego International Airport (SAN). The area is on the rise thanks to its mix of up-and-coming businesses and tourist-friendly attractions.

Embrace spontaneity as you walk the streets of North Park. There, you’ll find cute boutiques selling a range of bespoke gifts and souvenirs, including clothing stores, specialty stores, jewelry vendors, and storefronts selling handmade crafts. Stop for a meal or snack at a cafe, bakery, or another locally-owned restaurant.

North Park is also near popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park museums. While I know these attractions aren’t free, they are more than worth visiting when you grab a Go City San Diego pass with our discount code to save during your visit.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a massive outdoor playground for all outdoorsy types. There’s no fee required to enter this National Park, so it’s a favorite of nature enthusiasts who want to explore the wilderness of San Diego.

Home to dozens of species of native plants and animals, many people like to go birdwatching or engage in some light exercise as they hike their way up to the top of the cliffs, one of the best spots to watch the sunset in San Diego.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, surfing at Sunset Cliffs can’t be beat! You can bring your own surfboard from home, or rent one for cheap with a Go City San Diego pass.

Either way, riding the waves with the setting sun in the background is sure to make for some unforgettable memories!

One of the most well-known attractions on Coronado Island is the Hotel Del Coronado. Known to locals as simply The Del, it’s much more than just a place to stay - it’s also an attraction in its own right, with lots to see as you walk around its historic halls.

The Hotel Del Coronado dates all the way back to 1888, with much of its modern architecture still calling back to its Victorian roots. Learn about the history of this living legend as you explore, including its many famous guests, from Presidents to movie stars.

The Del hosts numerous events throughout the year, but it’s a treat just to walk around inside. Consider dining at one of its multiple on-site restaurants, or grabbing some ice cream at Sundaes.

In addition to exploring The Del, walk down to Coronado Central Beach right in front of the hotel. This is a great spot for strolling along the shore and basking in the sun.

Best known as Shipwreck Beach to locals, Coronado Shores Beach on Coronado Island is also called South Beach. Of its many names, Shipwreck Beach is perhaps the most accurate, as it’s home to a real historic shipwreck that can be seen from the shore to this day.

The SS Monte Carlo once patrolled the seas as part of Gambling Ships Row. When it ran aground in the 1930s, no one claimed the ship because of the gambling that had been taking place on board, which was illegal at the time. As a result, the SS Monte Carlo remained wrecked.

The shipwreck is visible during low tide on most days. This is a fun child-friendly activity that also earns a spot on our list of 13 Free Things to Do in San Diego With Kids.

Liberty Station is situated on the Point Loma peninsula, which is also home to the Cabrillo National Monument. Point Loma’s military ties make it a great place to explore for those interested in history, particularly San Diego’s naval history, but there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in the Liberty Station area.

Walk between historic monuments and war memorials that harken back to San Diego’s past and tell important stories about its present. Explore the thriving arts district and pick up a few souvenirs to decorate your home.

Dine at local restaurants serving up delicious San Diegan favorites and ethnic cuisine alike. Even if you just plan on window shopping, Liberty Station is worth a visit.

Be sure to stop by the Public Market, which serves as a central hub for dining and shopping. Other points of interest include the gardens behind Stone Brewing Bistro and art galleries such as the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery.

The Waterfront Park right along San Diego Bay in Harborview is the perfect spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Grab a to-go meal from a local restaurant to enjoy on the grass, or if you’re especially budget-conscious, shop at one of San Diego’s farmers markets for fresh produce and sandwich ingredients.

The Harborview District has a family-friendly vibe that’s especially welcoming toward families with young kids.

There’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained after your picnic. They can splash around in the water fountains to cool off, play at the playground, and admire the cute and kid-friendly sculptures located around Waterfront Park.

With a clear view of the bay, families are also invited to watch the ships as they pass by the shore of this historic park. Occasionally, the city will hold free fireworks shows here throughout the year for special events.

La Jolla is most famous for the role it’s played in establishing San Diego’s surf culture with its amazing beaches and point breaks, but there’s plenty to enjoy about the neighborhood as you move inland as well. Most notably, the Downtown area of La Jolla, known as the Village of La Jolla, is great for those in search of a place to walk and window shop.

The Village of La Jolla is filled with boutique stores and plenty of unique finds. This beachy community offers the best of what you’ll find in La Jolla by the Sea, paralleling the windswept charm of other shopping hotspots like Seaport Village.

In addition to exploring its stores and art galleries, the Village of La Jolla is also filled with dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Spots you won’t want to miss include Ellen Scripps Park overlooking La Jolla Cove and the galleries on The La Jolla Village Art Walk, but it’s also fun to go in blind and see what you discover!