The Best Free and Cheap Things to do in San Diego

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Are you looking for some cheap or free things to do on your family vacation to San Diego?

One of the many things that I LOVE about San Diego is that it is easy to find many things to do and see that are budget friendly or even free!

Keep reading to discover my list of our family’s favorite cheap things to do in San Diego.

Walk along the Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is one of our favorite spots in San Diego to enjoy a morning walk.

You will see so many sights during your walk including the Star of India (Maritime Museum), USS Midway, tour boats, fishing yachts and more!

Plus the waterfront views are incredible!

You will also find some incredible historical monuments along the Embarcadero including the infamous Embracing Peace sculpture and the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military. 

The kids will enjoy running around in the greenspace with the views of the USS Midway and taking pictures in front of these iconic sculptures.

Embarcadero Parking

There are numerous public parking garages and parking lots just a block or two from the Embarcadero.

Visit Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego has a variety of shopping, eating, and historical sights to see!

Your family will enjoy browsing through the unique shops as well as checking out the historical buildings in this area. 

ALL of the museums in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park are free which is a huge plus!

Our favorite place to eat in Old Town San Diego is Barra Barra Saloon.

Old Town San Diego Parking

Old Town San Diego has many free and paid parking lots throughout the area. I would keep your eye out for the free ones located right around Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Explore Balboa Park

Explore the gorgeous Balboa Park with your family for absolutely free.

You can enjoy the incredible Spanish architecture of the buildings as well as beautiful gardens and serene outdoor spaces.  

Balboa Park has a vibrant atmosphere yet is peaceful at the same time.

Some must see sights at Balboa Park include the California Tower, Botanical Center and lily pond, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and the Cabrillo Bridge.

Expert Tip

Visitors can enjoy FREE concert performances every Sunday at 2pm at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

 

Visit the Cabrillo National Monument

While the Cabrillo National Monument is not free, admission is super affordable!

Admission is $20 for a private vehicle or if you have the National Parks annual pass, you can enter for free.

The views from this monument are out of this world! 

You can hike around the area and enjoy 360 degree views of San Diego, the bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, make sure to check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and indoor exhibits.

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Explore Seaport Village

Seaport Village is located along the San Diego Bay between the USS Midway and San Diego Convention Center.

This shopping and dining area is a perfect spot to catch amazing views of both the San Diego bay and city skyline as well as enjoy a treat or grab a souvenir. 

Seaport Village is also one of the stops on the Old Town Trolley tour. 

I suggest stopping by Seaport Village for lunch at Mr. Moto Pizza or the San Diego Burger Co. Both of these are great eateries with the kids.

After eating you can spend some time browsing the unique shops and soaking in the bay views. 

Parking at Seaport Village

Seaport Village has two parking lots. These can fill up on busy days but there are plenty of parking options throughout downtown San Diego. If you do park in one of the Seaport Village parking lots, make sure to get your parking ticket validated with a $10 purchase at a Seaport Village business for a discounted parking rate.

Visit Coronado Island

Coronado Island is a must-visit destination on your San Diego getaway. 

This island is absolutely magical and so charming. 

You can get to Coronado Island by driving there, on one of the trolley tours, or by ferry or water taxi. 

Must Know Information

If you opt to take the ferry to Coronado, it will arrive at the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Coronado Ferry Landing is on the bay side while Hotel del Coronado is on the ocean side. This means if you want to visit Hotel del Coronado or the beach there, you will need to walk or find another method of transportation. We have walked it before and it is very doable. It will take you about a half hour to walk.

Some things you can do on your visit to Coronado include visiting the shops and restaurants at the Coronado Ferry Landing, exploring Hotel del Coronado, enjoying the beaches, and walking down the charming Orange Avenue with its multitude of shopping and dining options. 

See the seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove

No visit to San Diego is complete without seeing the seals at La Jolla Cove. 

Each time we visit San Diego we make it a point to come see the Pacific harbor seals as well as the California seal lions in their natural habitat at La Jolla Cove. 

We usually park along Coast Boulevard and then walk on the sidewalk next to the waterfront towards La Jolla Cove. 

It is so fascinating seeing these animals on the rocks and beach. We love watching them interact and hearing them bark.

Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs

While visiting San Diego, you will want to take at least one evening to see the stunning beauty of the sunset overlooking the ocean.

Located in the Point Loma neighborhood, Sunset Cliffs is the perfect place to witness a jaw dropping sunset with your family.

Expert Tip

As the name suggests, these are cliffs so make sure to keep the kids close and be cautious when walking around.

Also, note that parking can be tight in the area. I would suggest going during a weekday if you can as the weekends are always the most busy.

At Sunset Cliffs, you may even get the opportunity to spot surfers catching the waves, painters capturing the coastal scenery, and depending on the season, even whales passing by.

Note: It has been a few years since I have been to Sunset Cliffs to see the sunset. I have heard that recently it has become more crowded during this time. It may be best for your family to visit the Sunset Cliffs during another time of day and then catch the sunset in La Jolla, Coronado, or any other area along the Pacific Ocean.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the perfect place to enjoy a family hike and take in the beauty that Southern California has to offer.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is yet another stunning cliff destination to enjoy majestic views of the Pacific Ocean while also being active with your family.

With younger kids, I recommend doing the Guy Fleming Trail which is a .7 mile loop and it has incredible ocean views!

Parking for the Guy Fleming Trail

Drive past the first main parking lot you see and go up the hill to another small lot near the Guy Fleming Trailhead. This will save you a LONG hike up the hill to get to the start of the trail.

Also, note that there is a fee to enter the Reserve. 

Visit ANY of the San Diego area beaches

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean in San Diego.

One of the best things about San Diego besides the sun, the fantastic weather, and so many family friendly attractions, is its BEACHES.

You could visit a new beach every single day and each day you will be in awe of the beauty surrounding you.

Some of our favorite beaches include Coronado Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Bay, and La Jolla Shores, just to name a few!

Kids Go Free in October

It is a must to also add that if you are looking for the ultimate budget friendly vacation to San Diego, October is the best month to visit!

This is because San Diego has kids go free in October!

Over 50 museums offer free admission to kids with paid adult admission. Your family can  enjoy kids go free at places like the USS Midway, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and more.

Expert Tip

I would plan on what attractions you want to do ahead of time and research what the restrictions are for KIDS GO FREE IN OCTOBER. Some places only have free admission on certain days and times while others require a paid adult admission per kid. Just make sure to check ahead of time you so you are not surprised when you go to purchase your tickets.

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Download our complimentary travel itinerary planner to help you plan your San Diego vacation or wherever your next adventure takes you!

May you love your adventure! KW

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