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 11-20 of 347
0.0 Miles
Fest-goers taste their way through some of the area’s top pizzerias and craft breweries
3.3 Miles
92% 696 votes
Historic Sites 2510 Juan Street, San Diego, CA MoreLess Info
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is significant in both U.S. and Mormon history. Discover why the group of men and women joined the Army and marched from Iowa to San Diego.
5.5 Miles
94% 1014 votes
Lighthouses Point Loma, San Diego, CA MoreLess Info
Lit for the first time in 1855, Old Point Loma Lighthouse stood guard over the San Diego coast for many years. Visitors can now enjoy tours of the lighthouse, complete with ranger presentations and 1880 styles.
1.3 Miles
91% 695 votes
Botanical Gardens 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92103 MoreLess Info
A must-see destination in San Diego, the Botanical Building and Lily Pond is one of the most photographed sites in the area. The garden contains more than 2,100 species of plants including tropical plants, ferns, orchids, and season flower displays.
0.8 Miles
Military Museums 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 MoreLess Info
Experience a city at sea at the USS Midway Museum. Visitors can spend an entire day walking among the numerous exhibits on a self guided tour narrated by some of the nations bravest sailors.
3.3 Miles
92% 2807 votes
Bus Tours 4010 Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA 92101 MoreLess Info
Offering over 100 points of interest, Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego offers access to shopping, dining, parks and historic areas. The tour includes a trolley ride from Old Town Historic Park to the Gaslamp Quarter to Balboa Park.
0.8 Miles
93% 1173 votes
Specialty Museums 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 MoreLess Info
One of the most exciting museums on the coast, Maritime Museum of San Diego is located on a ship. The ship is complete with living history personnel, art, ship models, sailor art, and much more.
5.4 Miles
100% 23 votes
Kayaking 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109 MoreLess Info
There's nothing like the peaceful serenity of open water in a kayak, which is water Aqua Adventures Kayaks & Paddleboards offers. Visitors can paddle to La Jolla Sea Caves or visit Coronado Islands for an unforgettable water adventure.
1.4 Miles
57% 517 votes
Natural History Museums 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 MoreLess Info
Featuring rotating exhibits, San Diego Natural History Museum showcases history from Native American culture to prehistoric creatures. The museum displays artifacts like dinosaur fossils and has 3D documentary film showings.
16.9 Miles
62% 918 votes
Movie Theaters 12905 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130 MoreLess Info
Offering a luxury movie-viewing experience, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas is a movie theater that provides a unique and memorable experience to its guests. Amenities include in-theater waiter service, luxury reclining seats, and a full bar menu, among others.
0.1 Miles
As a concert venue, House Of Blues features live entertainment from nationally recognized musicians to local performers. The venue also host a Sunday Gospel Brunch featuring Southern food and gospel music.
Showing 11-20 of 347
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