There's no shortage of sunshine and FREE outdoor activities in San Diego. It's possible to go out and have fun without spending a penny (not too many cities can boast that). Pack a picnic, walk or ride a bike to your destination and save on dining and get your exercise!
Here's A List of Free Places
Free Summer Music Concerts Liberty Station
North Promenade 2848 Dewey Rd
Guests, friends and family members of all ages are welcome to bring a blanket and lawn chairs to set up on the North Promenade and enjoy live music. Here's the line up:
Sonido de la Frontera- Sunday, July 28 4-7 PM
Nosotros- Sunday, August 25 4-7 PM
Frontera Bugalú- Sunday, September 22 4-7 PM
Free Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Highway
Located right along the harbor, the Waterfront Park is a beautiful outdoor public space in Downtown San Diego with large grassy areas, interactive fountains for kids to play in, jungle gyms and several picnic areas.
Free Sat. 7/20 10AM-12:30PM Visit Olivewood Gardens Open Garden Day
2525 North Ave. National City
Open Gardens and Property Tour for children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult. Explore the garden walk, tastings, crafts, critter visits and more! You’ll learn about the history of Olivewood, classes, and more! This tour takes place on natural surfaces such as dirt and mulch so please wear appropriate shoes no registration required.
Free Self Realization Meditation Gardens
215 W K St, Encinitas, CA
This lovely garden has ocean views, blooming flowers and a koi pond. It's the perfect setting to relax and enjoy nature.
Free Museums in Old Town Click Here For More Information
2384 San Diego Ave.
BLACK HAWK LIVERY & BLACKSMITH
619-220-5399
The town's original blacksmith shop that operated during the 1860's.
Hours: Wed and Sat 10am-2pm
CASA DE CARRILLO
4136 Wallace (Presidio Hills Golf Course)
619-295-9476
The oldest building in California, built in 1821.
Hours: 7:30am-6:30pm
CASA DE ESTUDILLO
619-220-5426
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
The largest of the adobe houses.
CASA DE MACHADO Y SILVA
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
It was from this house in 1846 that Senora de Silvas ran to cut away the Mexican flag, and in it that she hid the banner.
CASA DE PEDRORENA
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
An original adobe house built in 1854.
HERITAGE PARK
Juan St. and Harney St.
A 7.8-acre county park with seven restored and relocated Victorian homes.
MASON STREET SCHOOL
619-297-1183
Call for hours
California's first public school house built out of salvaged lumber in 1865.
SAN DIEGO SHERIFF'S MUSEUM & EDUCATIONAL CENTER
2384 San Diego Ave.
619-260-1850
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
This free museum showcases over 150 years of history and present day operations of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
SAN DIEGO UNION BUILDING
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
This first office of the San Diego Union newspaper is restored to what it was when the Union printed its first edition on October 10, 1868 as a weekly paper. Free admission.
SEELEY STABLES
619-220-5427
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
The Yuma/San Diego stagecoach stop built in 1851 houses a collection of vintage carriages and transportation memorabilia.
SERRA MUSEUM
2727 Presidio Dr.
619-297-3258
Hours: Fri-Sun 10am-4:30pm
Admission: $5, children under 13 free
Built in 1929, houses Kumeyaay Indians Spanish & Mexican exhibits of San Diego history from 1700 to 1920.
WELLS FARGO MUSEUM
619-238-3929
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
* There is an entry free for The Whaley House Museum.
The following Balboa Park Museums are Free Everyday, donations are accepted:
Free Centro Cultural de la Raza
Free The Timken Museum
Free Museum of Photographic Arts
Free Institute for Contemporary Art
Free Worldbeat Center
San Diego Museum of Art *Free For Youth 17 & under
• Current Students, with ID | Free
• Military, active, retired with ID, plus one guest | Free
• Seniors, 65 and older with ID | $15
• Adults | $20
*There are also Resident Free Days on Tuesdays for additional museums like the San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden, The Mingei, The Museum of Us, and The Fleet Science Center.
Escondido has some wonderful spots to spend the day that are you guessed it FREE!
Free Queen Califa's Magical Circle
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 AM-12 PM
Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden located in Kit Carson Park in Escondido, named in honor of the legendary Queen Califia of California. Opened posthumously in 2003, it is one of the last works of Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. This sculpture garden is a must see!
Free Grape Day Park and Museums
321 N. Broadway Escondido
The park has a grapevine climbing structure on it's playground. Heritage Walk has buildings preserved from Escondido’s early days which include a turn-of-the-century working barn, Santa Fe Railroad depot, blacksmith shop, and other historic buildings, museums, and monuments.This is a great place to spend the day for free!
Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla
700 Prospect St, San Diego
*All second Sundays and third Thursdays of the month offer free admission.
*Free Self Guided Tours Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915
For those who are curious to learn more about Olympic training, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center offers educational tours and even VIP experiences at the facility. Visitors can walk down the mile-long Olympic Path that runs through the main campus without a guide for absolutely free. This self-guided tour will provide an overlook to many of the sports venues. It’s open to public Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.
