Payday may not come often enough, but there many things in San Diego that will entertain you. Say no to boredom and enjoy this city without spending a single penny! Check out the list below and don’t forget to click each item for more info. Have fun!
1. 33 beaches
Swim, surf, play volleyball and frisbee, or just pick a spot and start basking.
2. Big Bay Boom 4th of July celebration
Celebrate 4th of July in one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, that’s in San Diego Bay!
3. Bike races at the Velodrome
One of the underrated gems is tucked away in Balboa Park. Stop by at 6:30pm on Tuesdays to catch some serious fixed-gear bike races.
4. Botanic Garden
Call the place the “Quail Botanic Garden” or “The San Diego Botanic Gardens,” either which, admission is still free the first Tuesday of the month.
5. Mt. Woodson
Snap as many pictures as you can standing on Potato Chip Rock.
6. California Surf Museum
Get to know the history of surfing for free, every Tuesday.
7. Coronado Summer Concert Series
Enjoy the free music at Spreckels Park on summer Sunday evenings.
8. Cruisin’ Grand
Catch the free car show and street fair every Friday night on Grand in Escondido from April-September.
9. Dive-in movies at The Pearl
Chill in their vintage swimming pool and catch a different flick every week.
10. Old Town
Explore lots of old stuff like the Whaley House, the first SD courthouse/jail, and the El Campo Santo Cemetery — all within a few blocks walking distance of each other.
11. Free fly fishing lessons
Visit Lake Murray in La Mesa from 9am-noon for a free fly casting clinic, with free equipment for you to use, but get there early.
12. Free museum days
Soak up a little culture in every free museum in town.
13. Summer concerts
Enjoy free concerts all over San Diego all throughout the summer for just about any kind of music lover.
14. Grunion Run
From March through August, when the tide is high during the full or new moon, catch the thousands of Grunion take to the shore to spawn. You need to have a license before you can catch one though!
15. Seaport Village
Try some salt water taffy and check out what the tourists are up to.
16. Hiking
Get yourself outside and breathe in some fresh air.
17. NoLI Nights
Catch the free live entertainment on a center stage with small businesses, galleries, and restaurants as Northern Little Italy open their doors to the public each quarter.
18. Rock Out Karaoke
Enjoy an open mic with a live band backing you at Tin Roof, 710, and other venues around San Diego.
19. Mission Bay Park
Bring your dog in Fiesta Island, one of only a few beaches in San Diego where you can have dogs off-leash.
20. Hotel del Coronado
Take a stroll and hang out on the beach of the historic Hotel del Coronado, which receives dozens of awards for best hotel, best beach, best dining, etc., every year.
21. Mission Trails Regional Park
Find something to entertain yourself within 6,800 acres of recreational area.
22. Mt. Laguna
Climb 6,000ft above sea level, and get a bird’s eye view of tiny little town.
23. Museum of Contemporary Art
Both the Downtown and La Jolla locations are free every third Thursday from 5-7pm.
24. South Park Walkabout
Explore South Park during this quarterly event. Businesses along the walking route will have their doors open to the public, many with entertainment and refreshments.
25. Mt. Soledad
Challenge yourself and Take a hike up Mt. Soledad for a panoramic view of San Diego from 822ft above sea level. You can also check out the giant cross and pay your respects at the Veteran’s Memorial atop the mountain.
26. 59-mile scenic drive
Explore San Diego on this three-hour driving tour.
27. Ray at Night
North Park’s art walk has been going on for 13 years, it’s free every second Saturday of every month, from 6-10pm.
28. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Free admission on the first Tuesday of every month for local residents, local college students, and military.
29. Children’s Pool in La Jolla
Explore this cove that has the perfect calm water conditions for snorkeling, and there are tons of sea lions and seals that hang out there as well.
30. SeaWorld fireworks
Don’t forget to set your watch and catch these fireworks every night of the summer, and they can be seen for miles around San Diego.
31. Have a bonfire
Fire pits are first-come-first-serve, so come early, grab some wood, stake out a spot, and get ready for all the s’mores.
32. Adams Ave Street Fair
The last weekend of September, have fun in Normal Heights for two days of free music with 110 bands performing on eight stages.
33. CityFest
Catch the 32nd year of celebrating the spirit of the community with music, art, and food at CityFest in Hillcrest.
34. Summer Movies in the park
Watch your favorite flicks for free in any park in San Diego during the summer.
35. Fiesta Del Sol Summer Music Festival
Hit Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach for two days of music, food, and vendors by the beach.
36. Sunset Cliffs
Take in the beautiful scenery with a little hike along the cliffs, and check out the beach below for a less-touristy experience.
37. Surf
You can’t miss surfing in San Diego!
38. TGIF Concerts in the Parks
Catch another season of TGIF Concerts in the Parks in Carlsbad. Cozy up with a blanket and enjoy some tunes and the warm summer nights.
39. Thursday Night Thing
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art thrice a year, which hosts a night of artist talks and performances, live music, cocktails, and exhibitions that is free to members.
40. Boardwalk
Hit the boardwalk and go rollerblading, biking, and people-watching right along the beach.
41. Tidepooling
The shores of San Diego has numerous rocky spots prime for tide pools full of little sea creatures.
42. Torrey Pines
Explore the trails with plenty of killer ocean views.
43. Tour Taylor Guitars
Free tour at Taylor Guitars in El Cajon every Mon-Fri at 1pm.
44. Balboa Park
There are trails, historical sites, gardens, and a lot more in this huge park.
45. Tour the US Olympic Training Center
There are self guided tours daily from 9am-5pm and guided tours on Saturdays at 11am. Get a glimpse of where Olympic hopefuls train, right here in Chula Vista.
46. Farmers markets
You’ll find free entertainment, and, more importantly, free samples, every day of the week.
