- 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 1-10 of
347
0.0 Miles
From the merchant: Classes using local, organic, whole food ingredients, teach nutritional knowledge and are allergy friendly.
5.5 Miles
97%
919 votes
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
MoreLess Info
The Fort Rosecrans Cemetery features several monuments and memorials, including the USS Bennington monument and the Ommaney Bay CVE-79 monument. The location dates back to the early days of the California territory.
14.9 Miles
One of the widest stretches of land in the area, Torrey Pines State Reserve is still located within San Diego city limits. The nearby park is a great place to enjoy scenic overlooks, trails, and plenty of opportunities for exercise.
1.3 Miles
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
MoreLess Info
Balboa Park is a hub of culture, art, history, entertainment, and vivid experiences. The thriving atmosphere contains attractions such as a zoo, photographic studio, miniature railroad, history, space, and art museums among many other things.
5.7 Miles
Extending 1.5 miles along the peninsula of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of the most beautiful places in California. Visitors and hikers will enjoy the ocean views, cliff faces, and numerous caves.
1.9 Miles
Opened in 1969, the Coronado Bridge was the first structure to connect the Island of Coronado and the city of San Diego. The 2.12 bridge is designed for vehicle safety and traffic efficiency with reversible lanes and guard rails.
6.7 Miles
87%
1912 votes
Mission Boulevard at Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
MoreLess Info
With a unique SoCal vibe, Mission Beach is called the west coast's Atlantic City. The area has hot dog stands, surfing, plenty of clean sand, street performance, and a lively night scene.
3.4 Miles
84%
2768 votes
San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA
MoreLess Info
Commemorating the history of San Diego, Old Town San Diego Historic Park features a mix of preserved historic buildings and a variety of small museums. It also features restaurants and souvenir shops.
9.5 Miles
Located within the bounds of Mission Trails Regional Park, Cowles Mountain is a popular hiking destination. It features a three mile out and back hiking trail of moderate difficulty level.
0.0 Miles
A peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Point Loma is the heart of the San Diego Bay. As the first landing point of European discoverers, there is plenty to see and learn about the history of our country.
5.4 Miles
95%
3216 votes
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
MoreLess Info
Dedicated to the first European to set foot on the west coast of the now United States, the Cabrillo National Monument tells a story of exploration in the 16th century. Visitors feel like a part of history as they gaze upon the spot where today's America began to take shape.