Exploring San Diego Without Spending a Dime: 14 Attractions to Visit for Zero Cost
San Diego, California, offers a wealth of activities for families looking to have fun without breaking the bank. Beyond the city's renowned beaches, there are numerous free or low-cost attractions that cater to children.
One of the most popular destinations is Balboa Park, a vast urban cultural park spanning 1,200 acres in the heart of the city. The park houses 17 museums, multiple gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. While some attractions within the park require admission, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. Kids can marvel at kid-friendly outdoor art installations, walk along winding paths, and explore gardens. During the October Kids Free San Diego event, children 12 and under are admitted for free to various museums like the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Museum of Us.
Waterfront Park, located in downtown San Diego, is another family-friendly spot. The park offers play structures and a water play fountain, perfect for kids to cool off on a hot day. Visiting La Jolla Cove to see seals and sea lions is another popular free activity. Families can also take advantage of family-friendly hiking trails throughout the area.
Old Town San Diego offers a chance to explore historic buildings and parks at no charge, providing a fun educational experience for children. The area is rich in history and culture, offering a glimpse into San Diego's past.
For those seeking a day at the beach, Coronado Beach is known for its small waves, wide beach, and the opportunity for airplane spotting. Oceanside Pier is the best beach for fishing, with a 1,942-foot-long wooden pier and a shop selling fishing supplies. Dogs are allowed off their leash at Ocean Beach, which also offers no parking fees, restrooms, and picnic tables. South Ponto Beach, Carlsbad, is Bev's favorite beach, suitable for boogie boarding, surfing, and sunset viewing, but not for dogs.
La Jolla Shores is a location for scuba lessons, and La Jolla Children's Pool, a short walk from La Jolla Cove, is known for snorkeling, sea lion, and seal sightings. Cabrillo National Monument Park, a location in San Diego, offers stunning views and historical significance, but further details were not provided in this article.
In addition to these attractions, families can explore the grounds around the USS Midway Museum, which features the Unconditional Surrender Statue and the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military. Children 5 and under and active-duty military personnel get free admission to the USS Midway Museum with a valid ID.
Seaport Village is one of the free things to do in San Diego with kids. The village offers a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful views of the bay. On weekends, clowns and street performers can be found in Balboa Park, adding an extra layer of entertainment to a day out.
A 5-minute ride on the historic 1910 carousel in Balboa Park costs $4, and a miniature train operated by the San Diego Zoo allows exploration of 4 acres of Balboa Park for $4.50. The USS Midway Museum features 29 restored aircrafts from various military conflicts, and kids can climb in the cockpits of several aircrafts. Children 2 and under get free admission to the San Diego Zoo every day.
In summary, San Diego offers a wide range of free and low-cost activities for families. From Waterfront Park and La Jolla seals to family-friendly hiking trails, Old Town historic sites, and special seasonal museum admission events like Kids Free San Diego in October, there is something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for a fun-filled family adventure in San Diego!
- At La Jolla Shores, children can participate in scuba lessons, while La Jolla Children's Pool, a short walk away, is famous for snorkeling, sea lion, and seal sightings.
- For a taste of local crafts, lifestyle, home-and-garden items, and travel souvenirs, families can visit Seaport Village, which offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
