Hit up Balboa Park on the first through fourth Tuesdays of the month. Select museums offer complimentary admission to San Diego city and county residents.
If you’re an early bird, you are in luck. Take a relaxing and quick ride to Coronado for free during the hours of 5:40 and 8:50 am. The Flagship Ferry sails for 15 minutes and leaves from several locations around downtown San Diego. And yes, this comes with a free return ticket in the afternoon.
San Diego Hikes
With so many great hiking destinations in San Diego, its hard to pass up this free activity. Check out the San Diego Best Hiking Trails list we put together of some of the greatest mountains, paths, and trails and enjoy some quality exercise and spectacular views.
One of our favorite San Diego events just happens to be free. Every 2nd Saturday of every month from 6-10pm, join local artists, gallery owners, and oh so many hipsters for an art walk along Ray Street in North Park.
If you’re 25 or younger and into art, we’ve got the perfect thing for you to do, for free! Thanks to a grant from the Qualcomm Foundation, the museum is offering free admission to people 25 and younger. Check it out from 11-5pm everyday except Wednesday when is is closed.
Every Wednesday throughout the summer Stone Brewing Co. hosts a free movie night in their gorgeous gardens. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets to settle down on the grass for a great night of good movies, munchies…and of course, beer! They also have free beer tours daily that last about 45 minutes and are followed by a tasting .
East Grand Avenue in Escondido
If your in Escondido on Fridays, check out East Grand Ave to check out hundreds of pretty cool cars and lots of live music. This free event begins at 5 and ends around 9.
Get half off admission to the aquarium on the 20th of every month in 2012 as part of the aquarium’s 20th anniversary deal. The offer is good for San Diego county residents living in zip codes 91909-92199.
Every Tuesday you can get in for free to this totally cool museum. If you miss Tuesday, don’t worry, tickets are only $3 for all other days and kids under 12 are always free.
Although not necessarily free, at $2 a pop, tickets to check out the culture, tradition and history at this museum are well worth it. Don’t stop by on Monday though, the museum is closed.
Mission Bay Visitor’s Center Yoga
Have fun while exercising and stop by the Mission Bay Visitors’ Center on Sundays at 9:30am for a free class of Laughter Yoga.
Another not technically free activity, but at $1, it might as well should be. Buck n Bowl at Brunswick bowling in Chula Vista is every Monday night from 9pm to close and offers $1 bowling, hot dogs and drinks.
San Diego has an awesome array of Farmer’s Markets. There is plenty of fresh produce, prepared food, artisans, entertainment and much more. Each location adds its own flair, so make sure you check them all out.
Get a good chuckle in and join everyone at U-31 in North Park on Tuesday nights where the funniest and new upcoming comedians perform for your pleasure. It’s free before 7, but if you can’t make it before then, its only $5 after.
Bring the kids to the Clairemont Library from 4 to 5:30pm every Thursday to play free board games. Children aged 3 and up are welcome, and of course parents can join in on the family fun!
Every second Sunday of each month, The New Children’s Museum offers free admission during the opening hours of 10am and 4pm.
Beach
More of an obvious option, but sometimes its easy to take for granted the amazing backyard we have in San Diego. With some of the best beaches ever, you can easily enjoy a pleasant day at the ocean. Pack a lunch, bring a surf board, hit the volley ball courts, don’t forget a good book and voila: you won’t have to spend a buck.
