Looking for fun and free things to do in San Diego? This article is for you.
San Diego is a family-friendly city with plenty of free activities that will keep your kids entertained without breaking the bank. From beautiful parks and beaches to historical sites, hiking trails, and even museums, there is no shortage of free San Diego attractions.
I’ve lived in Southern California for more than 20 years and raised my family exploring San Diego and its many amazing sights. Keep reading for details on the best free activities in San Diego that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy without busting your budget.
Top 5 Picks: FREE Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best things to do with kids in San Diego, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Visit Balboa Park and check out some of their great free museums and attractions
► Spend time exploring Old Town San Diego
► Lounge and play at the beach on Coronado Island
► Explore Seaport Village and the San Diego waterfront
► Check out the sea lions at La Jolla Cove
Keep reading for more details on these top five free San Diego attractions, plus lots more ideas to help you plan a fun and inexpensive trip!
Best Free Things to Do in San Diego
Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic destinations, offering a wide array of free activities for families. At 1,200 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. In fact, Balboa Park is so big, there’s a free tram that will take you around to different areas within the park.
I just love visiting Balboa Park! There is always something new to see. Balboa Park is home to beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and kid-friendly museums, all waiting to be explored.
Though you need to pay to go inside most of the museums, entry to the park itself is free, as are most of the gardens and the Botanical Gardens Building. The park also offers free parking, which is rare these days for such popular attractions.
► Travel Insight
Enjoy a free, one-hour guided walking tour of Balboa Park every Tuesday, and on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Friday of the month. at 11:00 am. Tours depart from the Visitors Center.
See a Concert at Spreckels Organ Pavilion
If you happen to be visiting Balboa Park on a Sunday, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion offers a one-hour free concert every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. Built in 1914, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is home to the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world (we’re talking 32-foot tall pipes!). With few exceptions, it has been providing free concerts weekly for more than a century.
Check Out the Free Museums
While you do have to pay to get into most museums, Balboa Park is home to several museums that offer free admission on select days.
The Timken Museum of Art, for instance, is always free and features a collection of European and American masterpieces. Other free spots inside Balboa Park include the San Diego History Museum, Veterans Museum, and the Spanish Village Art Center.
You can also explore the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s outdoor exhibits for free, which include vintage aircraft and space capsules.
Enjoy the Botanical Building
The Botanical Building, one of the most photographed spots in Balboa Park, houses more than 2,100 plants, including seasonal flowers, ferns, and a stunning orchid collection. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with kids, who will enjoy discovering the unique plant varieties inside the historic structure.
Visit the San Diego Zoo (from the outside)
While admission to the San Diego Zoo of course isn’t free, you can still enjoy the zoo from the outside by walking along the perimeter of the zoo’s fence. You might catch glimpses of the animals, such as giraffes and flamingos, which can be seen without entering the zoo itself.
Explore Old Town San Diego
Visiting Old Town San Diego is one of our favorite free things to do in San Diego! Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the state’s first Spanish settlement. Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums, historic sites, and educational experiences – many of which are free to explore.
The park is packed with historic buildings. Kids will have fun exploring while learning about life in San Diego in the1800s. You can watch a blacksmith at work, check out displays, wander through the Junípero Serra Museum, or even listen to free live music.
Old Town San Diego also has some of the best Mexican food in Southern California – so plan your visit around lunch or dinnertime if you can!
Plan a Beach Day
San Diego’s beaches are world-renowned, offering miles of coastline and various activities perfect for a family day out. Here are some of our favorite San Diego beaches that you can enjoy for free.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a lively spot that offers fun for the whole family. Stroll along the Mission Beach Boardwalk or bring bikes and scooters for a ride along the coast. Kids will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and you can even bring along a frisbee or kite for some extra fun.
Mission Beach is also home to Belmont Park, one of the most popular Southern California Amusement Parks located right on the beach. What makes this theme park special is it is totally free to enter. You can walk around and enjoy the vibes and free entertainment. You only have to pay if you want to go on rides, play arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, or grab a bite to eat.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is another favorite spot. It is perfect for families due to its expansive shoreline and gentle waves. The beach is located near the historic Hotel del Coronado, and its glittering sand, thanks to the presence of mica, adds an extra touch of magic. Bring along buckets and shovels for sandcastle building, or simply relax and enjoy the sun.
While you’re there, take some time to wander around town, visit the free Coronado Museum, and check out some of the other fun things to do in Coronado Island with kids.
One thing to note about Coronado Island, parking can be pricey and hard to find – so come early if you are visiting during the busy summer season.
Silver Strand State Beach
Located between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach offers a quieter and more relaxed environment. It’s a great spot for shell hunting, beachcombing, and taking in views of the Pacific Ocean. Parking is free on the street, making it a budget-friendly option for a beach day.
We stayed recently at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, which is located right by Silver Strand State Beach and even has a private walking path to the sand. We spent a lot of time on this beach and it truly is a gem of a destination.
Moonlight Beach
A family favorite, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas offers everything you need for a perfect beach day, including restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and picnic areas. It also has a large playground right on the sand, making it the perfect beach if you are visiting with younger children. The gentle surf and beautiful scenery make it a great spot to relax and enjoy the ocean.
Windansea Beach
Located in La Jolla, Windansea Beach is one of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches. It is known for its picturesque landscape, rocky coves, and stunning sunsets.
While it’s more of a scenic beach than a swimming one, it’s perfect for exploring tide pools, climbing rocks, and enjoying the unique beach huts built by locals. It’s quieter than other beaches, offering a peaceful setting for families. However, we’ve found that parking can be tough in this neighborhood, so best to visit early or on less crowded weekdays.
Del Mar Beach
Del Mar Beach offers a wide, sandy shoreline perfect for families, stunning cliffside vistas, and plenty of space for beach games. The beach is also close to Del Mar Village with its great shops and restaurants, and many other fun things to do in Del Mar.
The area near Powerhouse Park features a playground and grassy picnic areas. It’s also a great spot for spotting dolphins, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach is ideal for a family outing with its soft sand, relatively calm waves, and plenty of space for sunbathing and playing. The beach has picnic tables and shaded areas, and kids will love the opportunity to explore the tidal pools and rock formations at low tide.
Experience Nature at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is an incredible place to explore the natural beauty of San Diego. With scenic hiking trails, dramatic coastal cliffs, and views of the rare Torrey pine trees, it’s perfect for a family hike.
The park features breathtaking ocean views as you climb higher; keep an eye out for dolphins and whales in the ocean below, especially during the migration season. Trails cater to varying skill levels, making it suitable for young explorers.
Enjoy San Diego’s Waterfront
Stretching from the San Diego Convention Center, past Seaport Village, to the USS Midway Museum and Star of India Museum beyond, San Diego’s Embarcadero is a great space to spend the day along San Diego Bay.
Play in Waterfront Park
Located downtown very close to Seaport Village, Waterfront Park is a favorite for families due to its large play areas, splash zones, and expansive green spaces. The park’s interactive water fountains are a hit with kids, especially on warm days. They can cool off while running through the jets and splashing in the shallow pools, making it a fun and free way to beat the heat.
Visit Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a 14-acre waterfront shopping and dining complex that offers a fun experience for kids and adults alike. One of the most popular free things to do in San Diego, visiting Seaport Village is a great way to experience the essence of America’s Finest City.
Seaport Village features spectacular views of the Coronado Bridge and boats on San Diego Bay. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, or you can walk out onto the peninsula where you’ll find the new Rady Shell.
You can poke through the many shops at Seaport Village, enjoy a meal, or just walk along the waterfront. Live music, artisans, and entertainers make Seaport Village a lively spot.
The harbor is also great for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the water. There are lots of public art works to check out along the way, including the giant Embracing Peace statue (also called the Unconditional Surrender statue) depicting the famous photo taken at the end of World War II of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.
Enjoy the Carousel
Seaport Village’s historic carousel, built in 1895, is a delight for children. While the ride itself isn’t free, watching the vibrant horses and enjoying the colorful shops around the village is a great way to spend time. If you did want to splurge, it is only $5 for a ride.
Watch the Street Performers
Street performers, including musicians, magicians, and artists, often entertain visitors at Seaport Village. It’s a lively spot where you can enjoy free entertainment as you wander through the scenic waterfront area.
Learn About Maritime History at San Diego Harbor
Take a stroll along San Diego Harbor to explore the city’s rich maritime history. You can see historic ships, like the USS Midway and Star of India, from the outside – without having to purchase a ticket – and learn about San Diego’s naval heritage.
Check Out La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a small, picturesque beach known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a fantastic spot for kids to explore nature.
See Marine Life Up Close
One of the main attractions at La Jolla Cove is the opportunity to see sea lions lounging on the rocks. Kids will be fascinated by watching these playful creatures sunbathe, swim, and interact in their natural habitat.
Adults and older kids can go snorkeling off La Jolla Cove. This spot has some of the clearest water on the California coast and a protected reef. If you bring your own gear, snorkeling is a totally free activity you can easily spend a few hours enjoying.
Explore the Tide Pools
During low tide, the tide pools at La Jolla Cove reveal a hidden world of sea creatures like starfish, sea anemones, and crabs. It’s a hands-on learning experience that’s both fun and educational for children.
Enjoy Picturesque Views
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views. The bluffs around the cove offer excellent vantage points for photos, and the dramatic coastline is perfect for a family walk. There are also ample public restrooms and restaurants nearby if you want to eat out, or pack a picnic for a nice free outing on the coast.
Take a Family-Friendly Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It is located only eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, providing a quick, natural escape from the urban bustle.
The park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The Visitor Center Loop is an easy, family-friendly trail where kids can learn about the area’s wildlife and plants.
Don’t miss the Old Mission Dam, a historical landmark that provides insight into the area’s past.
If you would like to join a free guided nature walk, they are offered every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 to 11 am. No reservations are needed.
Visit the Mountain Town of Julian
Located just over an hour away from downtown San Diego, Julian is a mountain town worth a visit if you are up for a little road trip. This 1870s gold rush town is totally free to visit, and it is fun to walk around and see the old buildings and poke through the shops while breathing fresh mountain air. You can pick up a map in the Visitors Center and take a free self-guided tour through town.
The most popular time of year to visit is during the annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest, held each fall. If you don’t live in a place where the leaves change color, this is your chance to experience autumn!
Julian is also a great place to visit during Christmas in San Diego. They have an old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony in town square, and the cool mountain weather is perfect for enjoying Julian’s legendary apple pie and hot apple cider while admiring holiday decorations and lights along Main Street.
Kids Free San Diego
If you’re planning to visit San Diego in October, you’re in luck!
Every October, San Diego gifts parents with an amazing treat: Kids Free San Diego! During the entire month of October, dozens of San Diego hotels, museums, theme parks, and more offer families the chance to explore San Diego while saving big.
Most of the participating attractions – including SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, the New Children’s Museum, San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park – offer free kids admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. You can find the full list of this year’s offers at sandiego.org.
Final Thoughts: Free San Diego Attractions for Families
San Diego offers countless free activities that are perfect for families. Whether you’re exploring parks, hitting the beach, or discovering marine life, there’s no shortage of fun and free things to do with kids. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city without spending a dime!
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