There is SO much to do in San Diego for free and plenty of inexpensive places to stay! Miles of sandy beaches (and beachfront hotels!) combined with perfect weather, Southern California icons like the Embarcadero draw people from all over the world.
Whether you’re in the city to sunbathe at the beaches and chase ocean sunsets or step back in time at Old Town, there are so many free things to do in San Diego.
Here’s how to save money in San Diego:
Top Free Things To Do in San Diego
La Jolla Cove
If you’re looking for a place to catch an epic ocean sunset, La Jolla Cove is a must-see.
La Jolla Cove is popular for swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. Actually, water activities aren’t what draws most people to La Jolla- the stars of this beach make cute noises and are kinda chubby.
California sea lions can be seen on the beaches and cliffs at La Jolla, which is why this beach is the most visited in San Diego.
Note: The water can be rough at La Jolla, and the temperature is usually colder than other San Diego beaches. I recommend a wet suit for cold water.
Hikes near La Jolla Cove
The La Jolla Walking Trail
Running from La Jolla Shores beach to La Jolla Cove, this easy trail is full of ocean views, perfect for parking in town, taking a walk, and then watching Sea Lions at the Cove.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a beautiful 20-minute drive away, with trails leading along the coastline. You can catch a glimpse of dolphins or gray whales during migration (mid-December to April), so bring binoculars or monocular phone tripod.
Beaches
There is no shortage of beaches in San Diego, always a perfect place to go for free!
Fill a cooler with food and drinks, grab a towel from your hotel, and find a spot to make a day out of it (make sure to keep your valuables in a dry bag so they are free of sand!).
I love this beach tote with a detachable cooler because I only have to carry one bag.
5 Best Beaches in San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter, also known as “the Gaslamp” by locals, is a 16.5-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego.
Over 94 historic buildings, many built in the Victorian Era, create the perfect space to wander through old shops or take photos in front of unique street art. This is also one of SD’s most haunted areas. You can take a historical look at the ghosts, gangsters, and prostitutes of the Quarter’s past with this tour.
Old Town
Walking through Old Town feels like you’ve just been transported to the early Mexican-American period of the 1800s.
Mosey through specialty shops, take in the historic fountains, dine on authentic Mexican food, and watch the street mariachi bands. This tales, tacos, and tequila tour of Old Town is fun for small groups. You can also take this tour to see Old Town, The Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado Island in a day.
Old Town holds some incredible (and free!) annual events, such as the Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo, a 4th of July celebration, Dia de los Muertos, and Old Town Las Posadas.
Balboa Park
You can easily spend a full day at Balboa Park and still not experience it all.
With 1200 acres, 16 museums, many performing arts venues, and botanical gardens to explore, Balboa is a southern California wonderland, open 24/7.
The Timken Museum of Art, Botanical Botanical Building, and Lily Pond are also free to visit. Catch live music at Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts.
The Embarcadero
Feel the ocean breeze, look out across the sea, and go for a walk at the Embarcadero. You can also admire the USS Midway, watch boats come and go into the harbor, or grab a local coffee.
The Embarcadero is rich in photo spots, including the famous 25-foot-tall “kissing sailor” statute.
Other things to see at The Embarcadero:
- The USS San Diego Memorial
- Taffy 3 Memorial
- Seaport Village
Take a scenic drive to the top of Mount Soledad
Grab some food to go, and hop in the car for a 20-minute drive from La Jolla to the top of Mount Soledad.
Along the drive, you will catch incredible views of the oceans, but the true reward is at the top: a 360-degree view of San Diego, spanning as far as Mexico.
Have a picnic, watch a sunset, and pay your respects at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Tip: The top of Mount Soledad is extremely windy, so don’t skip on wind-resistant lip balm with SPF.
Catch an Ocean Sunset
Is there any better way to end the day than watching the sun lower over the Pacific?
San Diego is full of options!
You can watch the brilliant colors from the beach, pier, or a classical California bluff. Snap a photo with the ocean in the background or with the silhouette of a palm tree, and no matter what, it’s sure to be beautiful.
- Pacific Beach – Crystal Pier
- La Jolla
- Ocean Beach – Sunset Bluff
- Coronado Beach
- Oceanside Pier
Bonus: Boating on a Budget
Boating tours are pretty much my favorite way to experience any beach town.
Tip: TripAdvisor has the best deals on sea kayaking, whale-watching tours, and sunset sailing cruises.
Where to Stay in San Diego on a Budget
There are so many affordable places to stay in San Diego, most of which are right in the center of everything.
Hotels
- King’s Inn San Diego has good rooms close to Balboa Park.
- The Atwood has clean rooms plus waffles.
Read: Best Cheap Hotels in San Diego
Hostels
- HI San Diego Downtown for staying in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
- California Dreams Hostel is on the coast and a 2-minute walk from public transportation.
- Lucky D’s Hostel has low room rates and lots of free extras.
Other Ways to Save in SD
Go City San Diego
Use Go City to Save Money on the Top Attractions in San Diego!
Choose between 2 different passes, both include attractions like the San Diego Zoo, The San Diego Natural History Museum, and even biking and snorkeling rentals.
All-inclusive Pass: you’ll see an unlimited number of attractions between 9AM-5:30 PM.
Explorer Pass: this is the best option if you will be in the city longer because it gives you up to 60 days to use your pass.
Balboa Park Pass
Balboa Park has a pass that gives you up to 58% off general admission. Explore San Diego’s cultural center, museums, and famous art at Balboa Park for way less with a park pass.
Pin it for Later
Check-in
Did you indulge in any of these things to do in San Diego for free or use the Go City Pass?
Let me know in the comments below 🙂
