Endless Free Fun in San Diego

Having a vacation blast in San Diego doesn’t require an arm and a leg. In fact, most things in San Diego to see and experience are very inexpensive if not absolutely free. Here is just a small sampling of getaway attractions and events that won’t cost you a dime.

San Diego’s 33 Beaches
Grab your towel, put on your bathing suit and head to a beach that are all open to the public. Some have restrictions so check with the City of San Diego Beach Department for guidelines. Generally the beaches offer endless water recreation including body surfing, boogie boarding and basking in the sun.

Catch A Sunset
If you’re not the romantic type…you will be. Go to La Jolla Cove Beach at sunset and you’ll likely see some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Go a little early and watch the sea lions frolic along the shore.

Historic Gaslamp Quarter
Stroll around the historic Gaslamp Quarter’s turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture in Downtown San Diego. Better yet take a carriage ride through the area…but that’ll cost you. As will the abundance of boutique stores, restaurants, bars and nightlife entertainment.

Old Town State Historic Park
Experience San Diego’s rich Mexican Heritage. Wander through a variety of international shops and the Park’s historic buildings. You might get to see folkloric and flamenco dancers as you stroll around.

Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair
It’s a Chili Cook-Off too. This annual event held in June each year features over 200 vendors, local artists, a children’s area, entertainment on three stages and food….lots of food.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Stargaze on the first Wednesday of each month during “Gazin With The Experts” as members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set up huge telescopes for visitor enjoyment.

Fourth of July Celebrations
Communities throughout San Diego County have festive 4th of July celebrations. Coronado features a two-hour parade followed by a concert and colorful fireworks over Glorietta Bay.

Scuba Dive and Snorkel
Go looking for creatures of the sea. La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove beaches offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast as well as miles of protected underwater preserve.

Bluffs of Torrey Pines
Climb the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve and watch daring hang-gliders and para-gliders sail the air currents along the coastline from Torrey Pines Gliderport. The views here are incredible.

Annual Over-The-Line Championship
This is San Diego’s original boisterous beach softball tournament held annually during July at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay.

Watch The Grunion
When the tide is high and the moon is full on some summer nights join the locals as they witness a natural phenomenon of the grunion run. Thousands of small grunion fish swim ashore to mate and bury their eggs in the sand before riding waves back out to sea.

Art Gallery Hopping
On the second Saturday of each month, North Park’s Ray Street galleries welcome artists and art lovers during “Ray at Night”. This is a great social event.

Shallow Tide Pools
Explore the clear shallow tide pools of La Jolla Cove and Point Loma during the low tide when it’s active with aquatic life.

San Diego North County Wine Country
Take a leisurely drive through the vineyards of North County. Be sure to stop at the Bernardo Winery, Southern California’s oldest operating winery for a free wine tasting.

And So Much More
There’s an abundance of free or very inexpensive attractions, events, celebrations and scenic pleasure throughout San Diego County. For information on the above events and more, visit the San Diego Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website.