Things to See and Do on a Budget in San Diego

With sun-splashed beaches, scenic hiking trails, world-class museums and top restaurants, San Diego offers plenty of budget-friendly ways to have fun. Some of the region's best sights, bites and more are inexpensive or even free. Check out these great ideas for enjoying San Diego affordably! 

Affordable Hotels in Mission Valley

Centrally located Mission Valley is convenient to San Diego International Airport and home to several reasonably priced hotels. Mission Valley is also a short distance from the beach, Downtown, Old Town San Diego and many must-see neighborhoods and attractions

Fun and Free All Over San Diego

All of San Diego’s beaches and bays are free and open to the public, as are many of Old Town State Park’s historic buildings. For a dose of art and culture, head to Balboa Park. You’ll find the wonderful Botanic Building, Sunday and seasonal concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and the Timken Museum — all free of charge. For nature lovers, San Diego offers a host of beautiful trails and miles of pathed bike path that only require wheels and comfortable shoes to enjoy. For more great ideas, check out this list of 25 fun and free things to do in San Diego.

Perfect San Diego Beach Picnics

Make a beach outing into a day trip by bringing along some grub. Savor the view (and the high-flying action) from the Torrey Pines Gliderport and Black’s Beach near La Jolla Shores. In Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a gateway to secluded bluff-lined beaches. Or pack a lunch and bring a blanket to Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, on the bluffs above one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world.

Outdoor Discoveries

Get a low-cost dose of the natural world at the Living Coast Discovery Center, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and any of San Diego’s famed botanic gardens. Head to La Jolla Cove to get a glimpse of dozens – if not hundreds, depending on the time of year — seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Just remember to stay at least 20 feet away. San Diego is also home to several wildlife preserves and miles of wetlands to explore free of charge. Plus, these areas happen to be in the Pacific migratory bird flight path.

San Diego was made for stretching your legs in the sun. Grab a bike and pedal on the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway, bike-friendly boardwalks, or the many roads and trails adored by cyclists. Lessons and rentals of surfboards or paddleboards are easy and affordable in San Diego, too. Whether you want calm waters or big waves, there’s a place to find either, any day of the year. 

Boating on a Budget

For under $10, climb aboard the Coronado Ferry for its scenic 15-minute jaunt to the “island” within San Diego Bay. Once there, rent a bike and tour the charming neighborhoods or visit the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Stroll Down a Pier or Boardwalk

There’s never a bad time to grab an ice cream or refreshing acai bowl and stroll along one of San Diego’s pedestrian-friendly piers or boardwalks in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Oceanside and elsewhere.

Get Rejuvenated Like a Local

San Diegans are an active bunch you can join for yoga classes on the beach and in parks. Slow things down a notch with meditation at the Self Realization Fellowship temple, perched above the famous Swami’s surf break in the North Coastal city of Encinitas. It's one of many locations offering free or cheap guided or solo meditation near San Diego.

Cheap Eats and Happy Hours

San Diego’s best bites are found at every price point, and at homegrown eateries locals swear by. From several by-the-slice to affordable sandwich shops, San Diego has lots of cheap options. When it comes to tacos and burritos, the choices are endless. Even higher-end restaurants often have great budget deals. Happy hours provide a chance to eat at some of the San Diego’s best restaurants, and at far lower than full price.