25 Fun & Free things to do

Having fun in San Diego doesn't require a lot of money. Here's a list of fun things to do that requires no money at all. 

Find Your Perfect Beach

From surf centric to family friendly, from boardwalks to bonfires, find your perfect beach experience in San Diego.

7 Things to Do Along Scenic California Highway 101

A favorite drive for locals and visitors alike, US Route 101, aka the Pacific Coast Highway, runs through San Diego beach towns along 70 miles of winding coastline from La Jolla to Oceanside.

Ultimate Night Downtown

This Ultimate Night Downtown will guide a reader from happy hour to dinner, then maybe a craft cocktail lounge, a rooftop bar and finally a pulsing nightclub.

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Ticket Price: $25advanced / $29 day of show / $46 reserved loft seating (available over the phone or in person at out box office)

Reserve your spot for a special Christmas Eve three-course dinner featuring dishes like beef tenderloin, bergamot duck breast, and Mediterranean sea bass, finished with a chocolate Nutella yule log. On Christmas Day, indulge in an all-inclusive buffet with fresh oysters, a custom eggs benedict station, carving table, classic holiday sides, and desserts galore—all set to live music. Celebrate the season with unforgettable dining on Mission Bay at Dockside 1953.