Free & Cheap Things to Do in San Diego, CA

  • The list below includes 224 free or cheap things to do in or near San Diego, California, including 86 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, Parks, Bus Tours and Movie Theaters.
  • From Fort Rosecrans Cemetery to Torrey Pines State Reserve, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Diego and in nearby cities within 25 miles like La Mesa, La Jolla, Chula Vista and Santee.
  • The list below includes 224 free or cheap things to do in or near San Diego, California, including 86 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, Parks, Bus Tours and Movie Theaters.
  • From Fort Rosecrans Cemetery to Torrey Pines State Reserve, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Diego and in nearby cities within 25 miles like La Mesa, La Jolla, Chula Vista and Santee.
Showing 121-130 of 347
0.0 Miles
Relax while sipping Champagne and watching dolphins & seals; enjoy a sunset trip with views of the bay & downtown
11.4 Miles
94% 54 votes
Hiking Trails Paseo Veracruz, Chula Vista, CA 91914 MoreLess Info
Visitors can hike through the San Miguel Mountain Trailhead to receive panoramic views of the San Diego desert landscape. The trail is 4.7 miles round trip and is suited for beginner to advanced hikers.
11.4 Miles
84% 19 votes
Dog Park 2335 Paseo Veracruz, Chula Vista, CA 91914 MoreLess Info
Chula Vista's Mount San Miguel Park features baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, an off leash dog park, ample green space, and playgrounds with an array of climbing structures and play equipment. The park also features picnic areas.
11.4 Miles
- 0 votes
History Museums 10463 Austin Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91978 MoreLess Info
Showcasing the history of Japanese Americans in the region, Japanese American Historical Society provides historical information with regular exhibits to the public. The society hosts community events such as swing nights, lectures, and craft classes.
11.5 Miles
88% 8 votes
Parks 8125 Arlette Street, Santee, CA 92071 MoreLess Info
Featuring five acres of open fields, Big Rock Park offers visitors designated sports areas for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. The picnic area has tables and grills available on a first come, first serve basis.
11.6 Miles
64% 400 votes
Aquariums Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 MoreLess Info
Affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of California at San Diego, Birch Aquarium features a wide array of exhibits centering on ocean life. The aquarium also hosts many educational programs.
11.7 Miles
91% 214 votes
Colleges & Universities 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 MoreLess Info
The University California, San Diego one of the world's top public research universities. It is located in La Jolla, California.It is organized into five graduate schools, six residential colleges,and two professional medical schools
11.7 Miles
84% 2420 votes
Aquariums 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 MoreLess Info
Dedicated to marine education, conservation and appreciation, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is one of the largest and most important aquariums in the United States. It is particularly noted for its coral exhibits.
11.8 Miles
100% 1 votes
Parks Equestrian Cir, Santee, CA 92071 MoreLess Info
Providing access to trails, East Fortuna Equestrian Staging Area offers numerous amenities for horseback riders. Besides ample parking, visitors have access to both picnic facilities and horse corrals. Bicycling and hiking is also permitted here.
11.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Art Gallery 2424 Doubletree Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978 MoreLess Info
Located in a wellness center, Norma's Art Gallery hosts monthly exhibits featuring the work of local artists. The gallery also hosts BYOB paint classes where visitors can receive personalized art guidance from artists featured in the gallery.
12.1 Miles
75% 4 votes
Parks 840 Buena Ter, El Cajon, CA 92020 MoreLess Info
Located on approximately 19 acres, Hillside Park is a mostly undeveloped park area with abundant eucalyptus trees. The park offers walking trails, picnic spots, a grass playing area and restroom facilities.
Showing 121-130 of 347
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE San Diego AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!