53 Fun Free Things To Do In San Diego For All Ages

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

1. Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden
2. Explore the Torrey Pines State Natural Re
3. Head to any of sunny San Diego’s many beaches!
4. Take a stroll through Balboa Park
5. Visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
6. Walk along the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
7. Explore the tide-pools in Point Loma at low tide
8. Visit the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
9. Check out the San Diego Museum of Art
10. Explore the Cabrillo National Monument
11. Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails.
12. Enjoy the views at Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
13. Visit the San Diego Central Library
14. Check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
15. Visit the San Diego Zoo
16. Walk through the Gaslamp Quarter
17. Explore the La Jolla Cove
18. Visit the USS Midway Museum
19. Enjoy the views from the Coronado Bridge
20. Take a stroll through La Jolla Shores Park
21. Visit the San Diego Museum of Man
22. Explore the Del Mar Beach
23. Check out the San Diego Maritime Museum
24. Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum
25. Walk through the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
26. Enjoy the scenery at the Children’s Pool Beach
27. Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
28. Take a stroll through the La Jolla Village
29. Explore the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
30. Visit the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
31. Check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum
32. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
33. Walk along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk
34. Explore the San Diego Museum of Photography
35. Visit the Seaport Village
36. Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for a free tour
37. Check out the San Diego Art Institute
38. Walk through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
39. Enjoy the views at the Windansea Beach
40. Visit the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
41. Take a stroll through the Balboa Park Botanical Building
42. Explore the San Diego Automotive Museum
43. Visit the San Diego History Center
44. Check out the Chicano Park
45. Walk through the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
46. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum Annex
47. Enjoy the scenery at the Torrey Pines Gliderport
48. Visit the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art
49. Explore the San Diego Comic-Con Museum
50. Take a stroll through the San Diego Model Yacht Pond
51. Visit the San Diego Museum of Making Music
52. Enjoy the views from the San Diego Bay
53. Visit the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum