10 Great Free Activities in San Diego

While it may seem like there are few places in San Diego that don’t require spending a lot of money to see. But, I have 10 suggestions for you to see and do that will not cost you a penny.

That’s right my friend it’s free-F-R-E-E!

Here is my list of 10 free activities to do in San Diego.

1. Beaches

San Diego has many beaches. It’s free to the public. Swim, watch the kids build sandcastles or just watch the surfers do their thing.

2. Fly a Kite

Mission Bay Park is the best place to fly a kite. Away from trees and overhead wires, you can launch your colorful kites and catch the breeze.

3. Mt. Laguna

An hour drive from downtown San Diego is Mt Laguna. It is the highest point of San Diego and is good for hiking.

4. La Jolla Cove

Watch the stunning sunset and appreciate one of the most remarkable natural settings
in the world. La Jolla Cove is also a popular place to scuba-dive and snorkel.

5. Gaslamp Quarter

The historic Gaslamp Quarter, stretching 16 and a half blocks, is an entertainment and business district with a Victorian touch. Here, you’ll find specialty shops, galleries and restaurants.

6. Bird Watching

If you like bird watching, go to the Torrey Pines State Reserve. This protected habitat, which features the rare Torrey Pines, offers a great opportunity to see many birds, such as woodpeckers, thrashers and swifts.

7. Mission Bay Park

Sitting on 4,235-acres of land and water, the Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country. This park offers many trails for bikers and joggers alike. It is also a favorite spot to fly a kite and sailing yachts.

8. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the nation. Most of the buildings are of Spanish Colonial Revival style. The park offers 15 museums and free daily park tours.

Some of the museums have free admissions on Tuesdays.

9. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Spanning 600,000 acres, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is among the largest state parks in the country. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

10. Tijuana, Mexico

Okay, this one isn’t “in” San Diego, but a trip to San Diego is not complete unless you’ve been to Tijuana, Mexico. It is located less than 20 miles south of downtown San Diego. They have many shops that offer unique gift items at a very reasonable price.

By doing all these things, your trip to San Diego will be more enjoyable and relaxing. Now that you’ve saved a bundle, you can take the whole family to dinner in that fancy seafood restaurant that you like. Or just splurge on yourself.