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 251-260 of 347
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Cooking 4 Life 9145 Chesapeake Dr, San Diego, CA MoreLess Info
Students observe as guest chefs put together healthy meals, highlighting techniques to make them more nutritious
28.7 Miles
83% 6 votes
Parks Jacks Pond Park, San Marcos, CA 92078 MoreLess Info
Jack's Pond Park is a 23 acre park featuring a nature center. While swimming is not allowed, the pond is suitable for fishing. The park also offers a short walking trail, a playground, and picnic areas.
28.8 Miles
64% 177 votes
Go Karts 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, CA 92011 MoreLess Info
Older children and adults can enjoy the K1 Speed Carlsbad, which is an indoor go kart track with advanced kart vehicles. Along with the arrive and drive options, the site features driving leagues and packages for events and parties.
28.9 Miles
55% 127 votes
Movie Theaters 1180 W San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92078 MoreLess Info
Edwards San Marcos Stadium Cinema is a multi-screen cinema that shows first run movies. The cinema is wheelchair accessible and offers listening devices, digital projection and stadium seating. There is also a game center and photo booth.
28.9 Miles
65% 40 votes
Bowling 945 San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069 MoreLess Info
Featuring 40 lanes, AMF Eagle Lanes provides open and league bowling with shoe rental. The bowling center also has a pool table, a snack bar, game machines and a separate bar area with a big screen television.
28.9 Miles
100% 21 votes
Laser Tag 1290 W San Marcos Blvd, Ste 101, San Marcos, CA 92078 MoreLess Info
Guest can enjoy regular laser tag games along with the Lazer Frenzy laser maze experience at Invasion Laser Tag. Invasion Laser Tag also hosts birthday parties, corporate events, and other group gatherings.
29.2 Miles
84% 295 votes
National & State Parks State Park Road, Escondido, CA MoreLess Info
One of Escondido's most popular camping parks is Palomar Mountain State Park. Because of its high, mountainous location, the park is considerably colder than surrounding areas. Park rangers advise campers and day visitors to avoid sudden chills by dressing in layers.
29.4 Miles
81% 36 votes
Breweries 155 Mata Way #104, Escondido, CA 92069 MoreLess Info
Port Brewing – The Lost Abbey produces a variety of beers, including the Inferno Ale, the Duck Duck Gooze, the Lost and Found Abbey Ale, and the Red Poppy Ale. Beer fans can taste the products in the site's tasting room.
29.4 Miles
56% 154 votes
History Museums 6115 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011 MoreLess Info
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is a museum that also has a restaurant and tavern, a private event space, a coffeehouse, and a bookstore. Exhibits include original newspapers from the founding days of the United States and signatures of John Hancock, Sam Adams, and John Adams.
29.6 Miles
83% 2156 votes
Gardens 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 MoreLess Info
The vibrant, fragrant Carlsbad Flower Fields bloom for six to eight weeks every spring. Thousands of Ranunculus blossoms produce a riot of color that is the perfect backdrop for weddings and other events. Tickets to the Carlsbad Flower Fields are available at the Carlsbad Ranch.
29.6 Miles
92% 700 votes
Parks 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92009 MoreLess Info
Carlsbad's Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a 27-acre space tucked into a scenic canyon. The park is open Tuesday through Sundayand is closed on national holidays. It is a popular spot for walking, jogging, hiking and relaxing. Dogs are not allowed.
Showing 251-260 of 347
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