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 221-230 of 347
0.0 Miles
Groups enjoy cruises around San Diego Bay during the day or at night
24.3 Miles
90% 177 votes
Beaches 400 B St, Bottom of Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024 MoreLess Info
Encinitas's Moonlight State Beach is a sandy beach with a variety of amenities, including fishing swimming, and surfing. The beach also has a snack bar, volleyball courts, and tennis courts.
24.6 Miles
82% 11 votes
History Museums 450 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 MoreLess Info
Founded in 1988, San Dieguito Heritage Museum was established to preserve the artifacts, records and stories of the San Dieguito River area. Living history programs and several special events are held on the one acre property during the year.
24.8 Miles
56% 16 votes
Beaches 350 South El Portal, Encinitas, CA 92024 MoreLess Info
Accessible to the public via the long, narrow flight of stone steps that give it its name, Stone Steps Beach is a secluded and tranquil destination. The beach is a good spot for surfing, as for walking and jogging.
25.0 Miles
88% 42 votes
Horseback Riding 17278 Highland Valley Rd, Ramona, CA 92065 MoreLess Info
Take a memorable horseback ride though the vineyards with Vineyard Trail Rides. Guests enjoy a scenic, hour-and-a-half ride through Milagro Farm, then are offered wine tastings and chocolates upon completion.
25.3 Miles
83% 23 votes
Parks 3450 Camino de los Coches, Carlsbad, CA MoreLess Info
Stagecoach Park has a lot of activities for families. It offers tennis courts, a playground, and a wide open space for picnics or ball games.
25.3 Miles
100% 5 votes
Beaches Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 MoreLess Info
The 25th Street Beach is a public beach location commonly visited during the warmer days during the year. Visitors at the beach enjoy surfing, swimming, having picnics, or spending a day relaxing in the sun.
25.5 Miles
86% 28 votes
Gardens 695 Normandy St, corner of Normandy Rd and Piraeus, Encinitas, CA 92024 MoreLess Info
Weidner's Gardens is a retail and wholesale nursery of flowers that home grows 90% of its displayed products. The location also hosts events throughout the year, including a Succulent Tree Class and Poinsettia Greenhouse Tours.
25.7 Miles
96% 51 votes
Parks Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025 MoreLess Info
Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden is the only American sculpture garden. The garden consists of nine large-scale sculptures, a circular 'snake wall' and maze entryway, sculpturally integrated bench seating and native shrubs and trees.
25.7 Miles
81% 37 votes
Parks 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92033 MoreLess Info
With 100 acres developed for use, Kit Carson Park is home to walking trails, gardens, ponds, playground areas, multiple sports fields, and a sports complex with a skate park, roller hockey arenas, soccer areas, and a disc golf course
26.5 Miles
95% 22 votes
Beaches 1700 Neptune Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024 MoreLess Info
Surrounded by cliffs, Grandview Beach is a local surfing spot with opportunities for volleyball, picnics, and body boarding. It has a wooden overlook where visitors can take in views of the ocean and beach below.
Showing 221-230 of 347
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