San Diego is an amazing city that’s full of fun! So if you’re looking for things to do in San Diego, trust me you won’t have a hard time finding fun ways to enjoy the sun-filled days during your trip- regardless of how long you plan to stay!
Exploring this action-packed city can be overwhelming, I have to admit! My very first trip was wonderful, but filled with FOMO about the many things we weren’t able to do and see! From beaches and boardwalks to free activities, we tried to make the most out of our days and I recommend you do the same with your family!
So in the blog post, I’ll cover a variety of free things to do in San Diego so you can start planning an incredible vacation!

53 Fun Free Things To Do In San Diego
- Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden
- Explore the Torrey Pines State Natural Re
- Head to any of sunny San Diego’s many beaches!
- Take a stroll through Balboa Park
- Visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
- Walk along the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Explore the tide-pools in Point Loma at low tide
- Visit the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Check out the San Diego Museum of Art
- Explore the Cabrillo National Monument
- Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails.
- Enjoy the views at Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
- Visit the San Diego Central Library
- Check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Visit the San Diego Zoo
- Walk through the Gaslamp Quarter
- Explore the La Jolla Cove
- Visit the USS Midway Museum
- Enjoy the views from the Coronado Bridge
- Take a stroll through La Jolla Shores Park
- Visit the San Diego Museum of Man
- Explore the Del Mar Beach
- Check out the San Diego Maritime Museum
- Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum
- Walk through the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
- Enjoy the scenery at the Children’s Pool Beach
- Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Take a stroll through the La Jolla Village
- Explore the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Visit the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
- Check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Walk along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk
- Explore the San Diego Museum of Photography
- Visit the Seaport Village
- Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for a free tour
- Check out the San Diego Art Institute
- Walk through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Enjoy the views at the Windansea Beach
- Visit the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
- Take a stroll through the Balboa Park Botanical Building
- Explore the San Diego Automotive Museum
- Visit the San Diego History Center
- Check out the Chicano Park
- Walk through the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
- Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum Annex
- Enjoy the scenery at the Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Visit the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art
- Explore the San Diego Comic-Con Museum
- Take a stroll through the San Diego Model Yacht Pond
- Visit the San Diego Museum of Making Music
- Enjoy the views from the San Diego Bay
- Visit the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum