Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego

You'll spend nothing—or next to nothing—to experience San Diego attractions that make it such an alluring Southern California destination for all. Enjoy spectacular beaches and coastal scenery, beautiful architecture and culture—all accentuated by fantastically mild weather year-round. Book your hotel in San Diego and connect with your people during some fun under the sun at these popular attractions that you just can’t miss.

1. Balboa Park

It won’t cost a penny to spend the afternoon strolling around San Diego’s famous Balboa Park, which encompasses 1,200 acres. While entrance to the park is free, most of the attractions within the park—including the acclaimed San Diego Zoo—do have fees. An exception is the Timken Museum of Art, where you can admire French tapestries, Russian icons and paintings by various European artists, including Rembrandt. It’s free to explore Balboa Park's themed gardens, which include the Alcazar Garden (inspired by the royal gardens of Seville), the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Australian Garden. See more plants—orchids, ferns and seasonal species—in the oft-photographed Botanical Building, constructed for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition.

2. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Revisit a bygone era at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where the Mexican and early American periods of the city's history are palpable. This free site features an assemblage of buildings-turned-museums, including reconstructions as well as authentic abodes from the 19th century. The latter includes La Casa de Estudillo, a home on the National Register of Historic Places that belonged to an affluent local family. It won't cost you anything to explore the site, on your own or on one of the daily guided tours, though you may be tempted to reach for your wallet at the sight of the old-fashioned candy or traditional Mexican pottery in the shops. Restaurants on site serve Mexican fare should you get hungry.

3. Beaches

San Diego's 30 diverse beaches—70 miles of coastline in all—are free to the public, and you can expect a different experience at each one. Devote a day to snorkeling in the clear waters of La Jolla Cove, where you may catch a glimpse of the garibaldi, California's colorful state fish. Spend the following day observing the resident sea lions at the seawall-protected beach known as Children's Pool. Head to Pacific Beach to surf, or let your pooch frolic in the sand at Ocean Beach, which is also great for exploring tide pools.

4. Mission Bay Park

You'll find 19 more miles of sandy beach at San Diego's Mission Bay Park, a carnival-like recreational area reminiscent of New York's Coney Island. The 4,600-acre park is roughly equal parts land and water, and there are no fees to surf, bike, walk along the boardwalk or build a bonfire by the ocean. Mission Bay is also home to Belmont Park, an amusement park where admission and parking are free; you only pay for your rides. Don’t pass up the thrilling Giant Big Dipper, a wooden roller coaster circa 1925 that has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Mount Soledad

A clear day in San Diego is the perfect excuse to drive to the top of 823-foot Mount Soledad, a prominent landmark in the neighborhood of La Jolla. You may opt to bike up instead, but be prepared for a challenge; the ride is ranked as moderate to difficult, regardless of the route you take. Once you've made it to the peak, the reward is the same: 360-degrees of breathtaking view. The vistas encompass the Pacific Ocean and downtown San Diego, and extend as far as the mountains of neighboring Mexico. Linger until sundown to witness a spectacular sunset. Atop the mountain, you'll also encounter a 29-foot cross—a memorial to the country's veterans.

6. Pier Fishing

Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking forward to casting your line for the first time, you'll be happy to know that no license is required to fish from any of the seven municipal piers in San Diego that allow the sport. As long as you own a fishing pole, you can try your hand at angling without spending a dime. If you wish to purchase supplies, choose piers that offer bait and tackle shops, such as Ocean Beach Pier, the West Coast's longest pier, which is also considered the longest concrete pier in the world. The fish you might catch in San Diego's inland waters include bass, barracuda and halibut.