Free Things to Do in San Diego

I would love to road trip (in a Kia, of course) to San Diego with my fam and share this delightful city with Andy and the kids. You could spend weeks here and never run out of fun, free activities! Without further ado, here are 14 fun, free family friendly things to do in San Diego. (#13 is a must do, sunken ship and buried treasure?!)

2. Gaslamp Quarter

I spent 2 nights at the lovely Hard Rock Hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter and strolled the neighborhood endlessly. This historic San Diego neighborhood is known for its Victorian architecture sprinkled with modern skyscrapers. It’s also home to the Children’s Museum, Petco Park, tons of eateries, shopping, and street art.

 

 3. The USS Midway Museum

This museum is an actual Navy aircraft carrier complete with 29 restored aircrafts from World War II to Operation desert Storm. Kids can even climb in the cockpit of several aircrafts! Children 5 and under and active-duty military personnel get free admission with a valid ID.

4. The grounds surrounding the USS Midway Museum

5. Seaport Village

Seaport Village is located right on the bay in downtown San Diego. There are 17 unique eateries, tons of shopping, and a picturesque walking area complete with bridges, ducks, and fish. For $3 you can ride on the hand carved carousel from 1895. You will have to pay a small fee for parking.

6. The San Diego police department exhibit and jail cells 

7. Cabrillo National Monument Park

 

8. Balboa Park

This 1,200 acre park is located in the heart of San Diego and is home to 17 museums, multiple gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. On the weekends, you’ll find clowns and street performers. The botanical building (closed on Thursdays) and the Timken Museum of Art always have free admission. For $2.50 a ticket you can take a 5 minute ride on the the historic carousel (more about the carousel and brass ring here) and the Balboa Park miniature train. Bonus: If you’re a resident of the county of San Diego or an active military personnel a list of rotating museums are free every Tuesday! 

9. San Diego Zoo

The 100 acre zoo is located inside of Balboa Park. The zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals. Each year, from October 1–31, in honor of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 3–11 are admitted free to the Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 enjoy free admission everyday.

10. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is tucked between 2 sandstone cliffs and is a great place to spend the day. There is a large grassy area for playing complete with barbecue pits and picnic tables. On a good day, you can see 30 feet below the water in the cove! La Jolla Children’s Pool is just a short walk away and well known for snorkeling and sea lion and seal sightings. If you are in the market for scuba lessons you will want to check out La Jolla Shores.

11. Waterfront Park Splash Pad

 

Free Things to do on Coronado Island:

12. Drive across the iconic Coronado bridge

13. Explore a sunken ship

14. Free summer concert series