San Diego has many charms! We have fantastic weather which allows us to take advantage of all the city has to offer. However, it can get a little pricey, always being out and about. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of wonderful things to do in the city… for free! From nature escapes to museum days and farmers markets, you’ll never get bored.
1. The Tide Pools in La Jolla Cove or Bird Rock
La Jolla Cove and Bird Rock have beautiful tide pools or shallow pools of seawater that form on the rocky intertidal shore. Many of these pools only exist at low tide, and reveal extraordinary marine life such as starfish, sea anemones, barnacles, and sea urchins! While seasonal, you can experience them quite often, and they always make for a quick and great nature escape. Kids love them too!
2. Free Museum Days for residents
Being a local sure has its perks! If you are a San Diego resident, then you can enter these lovely museums and gardens for free on these days:
- First Tuesday: Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Second Tuesday: San Diego Air & Space Museum , The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, Comic Con Museum
- Third Tuesday: San Diego Museum of Art, Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, The Old Globe
- Fourth Tuesday: San Diego Automotive Museum, Museum of Us
Some exceptions – such as special exhibitions or holiday period – apply, so please check the website for the latest info.
3. The Spreckels Organ Concert
All concerts on the Spreckels Organ are free to the public in accordance with the original Deed of Gift by John and Adolph Spreckels. These fantastic concerts are held every Sunday at 2 PM and last one hour. There are 52 concerts during the year, and what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with a fabulous free show?
4. Palomar Observatory
Palomar Observatory is home to one of the largest telescopes in the world. For decades, it was the largest effective telescope in operation. Whether you’re into science, astronomy or history, this is a great adventure to add to your free things to do in San Diego list. Visiting the observatory is always free, except for guided weekend visits. Keep in mind that the observatory is at a high elevation, so weather could affect opening hours. Also, dress accordingly!
5. Sea World fireworks
The showstopping fireworks from Sea World can be enjoyed all summer long. This magical display is on 15 minutes before closing, and can easily be enjoyed from outside the park. Consider Kate Sessions Park, Fiesta Island, Bay Park, or many other spots around Mission Bay.
6. Free classic car shows in La Mesa
If you are a classic car aficionado, check out the Classic Car show in La Mesa, which displays antique cards, trucks and vans. It takes place every Thursday between 5 and 8 PM, and they’re free to enjoy and fun for the whole family. Catch them between June 5 and August 28, 2025.
They take place on Thursdays and are a wonderfully fun activity that the whole family can enjoy!
7. Brunches with a view
The Torrey Pines Gliderport has the most outstanding views in the city. We recommend this spot for a beautiful outing, a great walk and a magical brunch, as you take in the panoramic views. Alternatively, head to Centennial Park and take in the wonderful skyline of San Diego.
8. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is hands down one of San Diego’s greatest gems! This magical spot is the largest urban cultural park in all of the United States. There are over 56 miles of walking trails to choose from, as well as gorgeous gardens to wander through. Its spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture makes this an unforgettable place for all. Of course, strolling through or having a picnic is always free, but other activities too – like the Timken Museum, highlighted below. Check out the sculptures around the San Diego Museum of Art, too.
9. Free visits to Timken Museum
Add this to your free things to do in San Diego list: the wonderful Timken Museum. Besides, it’s one of the most important and gorgeous mid-century buildings in the city. This is definitely a must-visit for art lovers, particularly those with a preference for old masters – you’ll find European old masters, American art, and Russian icons.
10. Hotel Del Coronado
This legendary hotel is a piece of American history. It’s also famous for its role as the backdrop in the classic 1959 film Some Like It Hot, and rumored to have inspired Emerald City of the Oz series. So whether you’re a history buff, or just a cinema lover, this is a fantastic idea for a day trip. Best news? It’s free to visit and to explore the grounds, beach, and shops.
11. Enjoy a free jazz show
What’s better than enjoying amazing live music, for free? Thankfully, you can, at Lou Lou’s. Check their website for the weekly calendar of events, as not all of them offer complimentary entrance, but you’re guaranteed to find a few. This is a great idea for a free, or very low cost – if you add a drink – date night.
12. Take a free yoga class
Once spring is here, free yoga classes at Rady Shell are back! All you have to do is register for the event (a must!), bring your own yoga mat, and come with an open heart, ready to stretch and breathe. It’s a great way to gift yourself something, but for free. First session takes place on April 5, and you can get your free of charge tickets from March 29, 2025.
13. Go on a hike
Having great weather year-round is a blessing in many ways, but mostly, it’s great to always be able to enjoy nature. With so many spots for a hike or waterfall viewings nearby, we have to add this to our free things to do list. Check out Cedar Creek, Oak Canyon, Borrego Palm Canyon, or more interesting routes.
14. Catch a free movie
From spring to summer, San Diego offers a way to enjoy your favorite movies for free, while you spend some much-needed time outside. Starting May 24, 2025, check out Movies in the Park, with over a hundred screenings at dozens of parks. Arrive just before sunset for the best seats!
15. Check out Gaslamp Quarter
The beautiful old town, a.k.a. Gaslamp Quarter, always has amazing things to explore, for free. From markets to local art and free parties organized for the community, there’s always something going on. There are free holiday activities, free watch parties for sports events, and so much more to discover in this amazing neighborhood.
16. Get in touch with nature through bird watching
San Diego County is a dream destination for bird enthusiasts, with great climate year-round. You can find distinct habitats, in one space: we’ve got beaches, canyons, mountains, and deserts. Over 500 species have been observed here – that’s more than any other country in the U.S.! Here, you can spot the California Brown Pelican, Anna’s Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, and many more beautiful specimens.
17. Step back in time with a day-trip to Julian
If you’re looking to spend very little money but exhausted all the options in San Diego…it’s time for a quick day trip! Julian is a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains, easily accessible from our city. Enjoy a free, self-guided tour through this popular town and its historic sites – you can look one up online, or grab a free map once you’re there. Don’t miss the scenic nature close-by to Julian…maybe one of the most beautiful items on this “free things to do” list. And if you have a few dollars to spare, get that apple pie!
18. Explore the city’s farmer markets
Farmers markets are open, fun, and free, year-round in San Diego. But during spring, summer, and early fall, they just hit different. All that fresh fruit, the beautiful vegetables, the blooming flowers…what’s not to love? Whether you’re looking for the best local produce, arts & crafts, ideas for gifts, or the greatest snacks, you’ll find them all in the city’s markets. But, they’re also a great spot to window shop – walk around, see what’s in season, and spend a lovely afternoon by yourself, on or a little date adventure.
19. Check out this room full of rare books
Did you know that San Diego’s Public Library houses the Wangenheim Rare Book Collection, with over 9000 items? The collection illustrates the development of the book through the ages, in all its aspects – the world of paper making, the art of book illustration, and the history of printing. It also contains a 4000 year old Cuneiform Tablet Collection. It’s free to explore, but if you call a couple of week in advance, you can even get a library employee to take out some hundred years old manuscripts – and yes, you can turn the pages and get lost in history.
20. Explore Seaport Village
Wonder around this impressive complex on the water, that features over 50 unique shops, many places to grab a bite, and beautiful views. Check out their website, as very often they organize free events for the community, fun for the whole family. On weekend, you can always enjoy live music here.