44 free or really cheap things to do in San Diego County

It doesn’t have to cost dozens of dollars to go out for some fun in 2024.

In San Diego County, in addition to seemingly endless hiking trails and some famous beaches that are free to roam, there are museums, comedy shows, movies, farms, green spaces and cultural centers that charge visitors little or nothing at all.

Here are 44 family-friendly activities that are $10 or less, including free things to do.

Barona Cultural Center and Museum: Located on the Barona Indian Reservation, this museum holds artifacts spanning thousands of years that tell the story of the Kumeyaay-Diegueño people who first lived on this land. Exhibits also help relate the past to the present. 1095 Barona Road. Free. baronamuseum.com

— Maura Fox

Bikeways: For cyclists and recreational bike riders, there are over 1,340 miles of bikeways in the region. The San Diego Association of Governments promotes these bikeways, located throughout the county, with dedicated lanes, signs and street dividers. One is a bike trail that runs parallel to the San Diego River and leads riders to and from Santee and Ocean Beach. The newest bike path in the county is the Pershing Bikeway, which was completed in July for $27.5 million. sandag.org/projects-and-programs/bikeways-and-walkways/bikeway-and-walkway-projects

— Carlos Rico

Bonfires at beaches and bays: Grab some wood, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars and make some smores with a bonfire at a beach or bay park in the city of San Diego. Bonfires are allowed in fire rings at Crown Point, Dana Landing, Fiesta Island, East Mission Bay, La Jolla Shores, Ocean Beach, South Mission Beach, Sunset Park, Vacation Isle and West Mission Bay. No RSVP is needed for fire rings. 5:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/parksrecfirerulesringlocations.pdf

— Carlos Rico

Anza-Borrego Desert: For those who love hiking, climbing, sand, mountains, dunes and open land, Anza-Borrego Desert is a place to explore. During the spring, this area has around 90 different types of wildflowers that blossom after the winter rainy season. Plus, there are large art sculptures by Ricardo Breceda in Borrego Springs, such as a Columbian mammoth and a sabertooth cat. abdnha.org

— Carlos Rico

California Surf Museum: This museum tells the history of surfing through photos, videos, exhibits, artwork, surfboards and historic archives. The California Surf Museum also host events and a store where the public can buy souvenirs. This museum was named as the second best for “attraction for sports fans” by USA Today in 2023. 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Free for children. Adults $5-$7. (760) 721-6876, surfmuseum.org

— Carlos Rico

Carlsbad Strawberry Company: Bring a bucket and pick fresh strawberries to take home at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. The 25-acre farm has been around since the 1950s and allows guests to walk its fields and pick strawberries. There are also other family-friendly activities such as farm animals to pet, tractor riding, bounce houses and a lavender field. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February through July. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $10. (760) 603-9608, carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/strawberry

— Carlos Rico

Cedar Creek Falls: Surrounded by tree landscapes and running creeks, visitors can challenge themselves to a 5.4 mile out-and-back trail to reach a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall in Ramona. At Cedar Creek Falls, hikers can take a moment to reconnect with nature and cool off in the plunge pool at the end of the trail. Visitors must carry a valid government issued ID and purchase a permit before entering the hiking trail. Cleveland National Forest. $10 for groups up to 5 people. fs.usda.gov/detailfull/cleveland/home

— Serena Neumeyer

Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center: Discover one of the South County’s hidden gems: the Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center. Current and potential Olympic athletes train here in various sports such as track and field, water polo, speedskating, archery and field hockey. Guests can take a free, self-guided tour around the Olympic path that takes visitors around the 155-acre facility. 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista. Free. (619) 656-1500, trainatchulavista.com

— Carlos Rico

Coronado: There are many free and inexpensive options for the entire family to enjoy in Coronado. There are public beaches with areas to surf, swim, lounge, have a picnic and play volleyball and there’s also a dog beach. Coronado has several bike trails for exploring the city, and there is a ferry that goes to and from Coronado and makes stops at the Broadway Pier and behind the San Diego Convention Center for $9 one way. Also in the late fall and winter months, the Hotel del Coronado puts on a free holiday light show. coronado.ca.us

— Carlos Rico

Coast to Crest Trail Challenge: The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy hosts a challenge that requires completing a series of five hikes to earn a patch. Bernardo Mountain Lake View Trail, Piedras Pintadas Trail, Del Dios Gorge Trail, Upper Santa Ysabel Truck Trail and North Clevenger Canyon make up the list of hikes, which can be completed in any order. Participants must take selfies on each trail. sdrvc.org

— Abby Hamblin

Dance classes: Dance company and studio Majesty in Motion offers free one-hour introductory bachata and salsa classes. At each weekly class, guests will learn the basics of salsa and bachata dancing. There is one class for adults and one for children that coincide. The classes are taught by professional dance instructors Anna Galvan and David Stein. Registration is required ahead of class. 11 a.m. Saturdays. 6380 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Free. (619) 917-1721. majestyinmotion.com

— Carlos Rico

Digital Gym Cinema: At this media center and movie theater, the first screening of each day and all screenings on Mondays cost $8. Members can also get tickets for $9 for all showings. Here visitors can find international movies, documentaries, independent feature films and other screenings. It also has some of the cheaper movie concessions you’ll find among movie theaters. Check online for upcoming show times. 1100 Market Street, San Diego. $8. digitalgym.org

— Abby Hamblin

Dog beaches: The county has at least six beaches where dogs are allowed to walk and play in the water: Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Fiesta Island, Del Mar, Coronado and Cardiff State Beach. Plus, there are areas like Pacific Beach and La Jolla Shores where dogs are permitted to walk on the beach, but with numerous restrictions. Each beach has different times and rules for dogs. Find more of these areas here: Treat your dog to a day at the bay or beach at these 8 San Diego County locations

— Carlos Rico

Edwin and Frances Hunter Arboretum at Palomar College: Stretching across 5 acres, the Edwin and Frances Hunter arboretum at Palomar College is a trove of trees and plants from around the world. Placards are placed next to each plant containing identifying information about each species. Several plants in the arboretum were donated from botanical gardens around California, such as the L.A. Arboretum and the San Diego Zoological Society. Free. 1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos. palomar.edu/arboretum/

— Maura Fox

Enjoy a scenic drive to Palomar Mountain: Palomar Mountain is a beautiful destination, but getting there can be half the fun. Start this scenic drive on Highway 76 in Pauma Valley before taking County Road S6 up to Palomar Mountain State Park. At higher elevation, the route offers views of trees with their changing leaves and, if it’s a clear day, even views of the ocean. On the return, visitors can take County Road S7 and drive by Lake Henshaw. 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain. parks.ca.gov

— Maura Fox

Embarcadero: The Embarcadero offers a stretch of opportunities for sightseeing along the San Diego Bay. This area has various boat and ship museums, such as the Star of India and the USS Midway Museum, art installations like the Unconditional Surrender statue, open spaces for picnics, docked cruise ships and numerous vendors selling souvenirs, food and drinks. Plus, the Embarcadero has a few public piers to get provide picturesque photo opportunities overlooking Coronado, Point Loma and the sunset. portofsandiego.org/experiences/where-go/embarcadero

— Carlos Rico

Fishing at Santee Lakes: With a pole from home, this outing remains accessible for under $10. Rainbow trout, catfish and other fish are regularly stocked in the seven lakes here. A general store sells bait, fishing poles and other supplies, including snacks. 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. Permits start at $6. santeelakes.com/fishing-rates

— Abby Hamblin

Food halls: San Diego has several food halls, including Market on 8th (41 E. 8th St., National City), Windmill Food Hall (890 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad), Liberty Public Market (2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego) and the Sky Deck (12841 El Camino Real, San Diego). It may require sampling smaller dishes or sharing with a friend to keep it cheap, but the wide range of options at each place will make the hunt for good deals and good food more fun.

— Maura Fox and Abby Hamblin

Free classes from San Diego College of Continuing Education: Free career training is available at the San Diego College of Continuing Education in a variety of industries and career fields, including hospitality, digital media, entrepreneurship and child development. For example, in 2024, the course list featured classes in drawing and painting, project management and web design. Free. sdcce.edu/free

— Abby Hamblin

Gallagher Square: When there are no events at Petco Park, locals can access this public park. Gallagher Square was renovated this year and several new amenities were added. These include a children’s playground, a dog park, a viewing deck, artificial turf picnic space and mobile pickleball courts. 840 K St., San Diego. Free. mlb.com/padres/ballpark/gallagher-square

— Carlos Rico

Half-off at UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley: On Thursdays, movie lovers can get popcorn and tickets for half the normal price at UltraStar Cinemas. That means $6.50 tickets before 4 p.m. and $7.50 after. 7510 Hazard Center Dr #100, San Diego. ultrastarmovies.com/specials

Improv comedy: Some of the most affordable tickets in town come from the local comedy scene. Finest City Improv offers free admission to some of its shows. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a comedy pub serves beer and wine. 3746 6th Ave., San Diego. finestcityimprov.com

— Abby Hamblin

Kate Sessions Memorial Park: This popular picnic spot in Mission Bay is filled with 79 acres of greenery and offers a scenic view of the city below. The park also has several hiking trails to choose from, including a 0.7 mile loop trail surrounded by some of the exotic trees planted by “the mother of Balboa Park,” Kate Sessions, herself. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego. Free. sandiego.gov/insidesd/kate-sessions-neighborhood-park

— Serena Neumeyer

Lake Poway: Free for Poway residents and $10 for anyone else, Lake Poway is a recreational area with seasonal camping, fishing, hiking, picnic tables, a concession stand, archery and other activities. Most boat rentals will cost more than the $10 threshold for this guide, but a pedal boat rental for 30 minutes costs $10. Fishing permits are for sale for less than $10. Keep an eye out for season activities, too, such as fishing competitions, concerts and live music. 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway. poway.org/401/Lake-Poway

— Abby Hamblin

Linda Vista Skate Park: When it opened in 2018, it was touted as the biggest skate park in San Diego County and one of the biggest in California. Linda Vista Skate Park is 34,000 square feet and provides various skating elements such as a full pipe, several bowls, a street course, rails, banks, ramps, stairs, jumps, ledges and benches. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 7064 Levant St., San Diego. Free. sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/skateparks/lindavista

— Carlos Rico

Live music at Panama 66: The restaurant, located just outside the Museum of Art in Balboa Park, has a schedule of musical artists playing genres like jazz, blues and swing throughout each month. A calendar of upcoming performers can be found online. 1450 El Prado, San Diego. panama66.com

— Maura Fox

Torrey Pines Gliderport: Hang gliding and paragliding aren’t cheap, but watching for free as people brave the skies can be just as fun, and the Cliffhanger Cafe offers food and drinks to go with the entertainment. On Saturdays in the summer, visitors can listen to local DJs, bands and artists next to a scenic view of the ocean. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla. Free to visit. flytorrey.com/catering-and-events/ 

— Serena Neumeyer

Mission Bay Boardwalk: Take a two-mile stroll alongside Mission Beach, surrounded by a variety of fun activities, including surf shops, mini golf, bars, restaurants and an amusement park. At a low cost, families and friends can also visit different vendors and watch street performances from the sidewalk. West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. Free.

— Serena Neumeyer

Organ concerts: Visitors to Balboa Park can enjoy free organ concerts once a week, all year. Various musicians with different styles grace the Spreckles Organ Pavilion from current to classical music. There are benches where the public can sit and enjoy the one-hour show. 2 p.m. Sundays. 2125 Pan American E Road, San Diego. spreckelsorgan.org

— Carlos Rico

Outdoor fitness court: This unique fitness park can be attempted with friends or on a solo mission. It was constructed in 2022 and pairs with a free “Fitness Court” app that shows exercisers what to do. With options for a full body workout, some of the guided exercises include standing row, broad jump, box jumps and tricep presses. 790 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. imperialbeachca.gov/546/Imperial-Beach-Parks

— Abby Hamblin

Outdoor movies: From late spring to fall, parks throughout the county provide viewing experiences for a variety of family-friendly movies and animated classics. Movies range from G to PG-13 ratings, with recent titles such as “Barbie,” “Coco” and “The Sandlot.” Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. Through November 1. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/summer-movies-in-the-park

— Carlos Rico

Pelly’s Mini Golf: Grab a friend or family member and head over to the Del Mar Golf Center for some inexpensive miniature action. Pelly’s Mini Golf has two, 18-hole themed courses titled, “Surfin’ Safari” and “Ocean Adventure.” There is also a cafe offering a variety of drinks and food, such a hamburger, chicken quesadillas, hot dogs, pizza, beer, soft drinks, churros and shaved ice. 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.  $9-$11. (858) 509-5130, delmargolfcenter.greensidegolfer.com/pages/pellys-mini-golf

— Carlos Rico

Pickleball courts: With the growth of pickleball, there are now several courts in San Diego County where locals can play for free, including at Gallagher Square when there are no events at Petco Park. The city of San Diego also has recreation centers where the public can play pickleball for free: Standley Recreation Center, Pacific Highlands Ranch Recreation Center, Pacific Beach Recreation Center, Nobel Recreation Center, Colina Del Sol Recreation Center, Golden Hill Recreation Center and the joint-use Ellen Browning Park and Scripps Ranch Recreation Center. Plus, the Big Rock Park in Santee offers free pickleball lessons. Learn more here: How to play pickleball or learn how to play for free in San Diego County

— Carlos Rico

Poway-Midland Railroad: Take a trip back in time aboard an 1870 passenger train car, 1883 mining car, 1906 cable car, 1907 locomotive or 1950 Fairmont Speeder at the Poway-Midland Railroad. Since 1991, the Old Poway Park has been the place to go to ride full-size, antique and vintage trains that are preserved by community volunteers. There are also various events scheduled throughout the year. Train schedules vary based on the day and train type. Saturdays and Sundays. 14134 Midland Road, Poway. $1-$3.50. (858) 486-4063, powaymidlandrr.org

— Carlos Rico

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum: The San Diego Chinese History Museum preserves and celebrates Chinese art, history and culture. It features exhibits on the Chinese American immigration story focusing on the community in San Diego, as well as Chinese history. The museum also offers a walking tour of the Asian Pacific Historic District and other educational opportunities. 404 Third Ave., San Diego. $8 general admission. sdchm.org

— Abby Hamblin

San Diego Zoo: For 31 days in October, children 11 years and under can enter for free with a paid adult to the San Diego Zoo. Each adult can bring up to five children for free. Also in October, the San Diego Zoo hosts its HalGLOWeen, an event with Halloween-themed activities such as such as a Dia de los Muertos-themed mariachi, a glow in the dark show, acrobatic spider performances, reptile education classes and a dance party. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free

— Carlos Rico

San Diego pools: There are 15 public pools in the city of San Diego where the public can take a dip, play, cool off and exercise. Several pools offer lap swimming and recreational pool times. Plus, 10 city pools offer water fitness classes. Various locations. $2-$4. sandiego.gov/pools

— Carlos Rico

South Bay Drive-In: One of the last drive-in movie theaters in San Diego can be found in South County. The South Bay Drive-In has three movie screens and on most nights, customers can see two movies in one night. Each screen shows two different movies back to back with an intermission in between. Guests can bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. 2170 Coronado Ave., San Diego. $10 for adults and $1 for children ages five to nine years. southbaydrivein.com/nowplaying

— Carlos Rico

Stand-up comedy: San Diego’s thriving stand-up comedy scene can be found at comedy clubs, breweries, wineries, dive bars, coffee shops, basements, theaters, casinos and in parking lots. Many of these shows are free to see, though the drinks and food will cost something. The Privateer (Oceanside), Duckfoot Brewing Co. (Miramar) and Bolt Brewery (La Mesa) are among the many bars and restaurants across the county hosting weekly or monthly comedy shows.

— Abby Hamblin

Summers Past Farms: Established in 1992, Summers Past is on a 5-acre property that has a handmade soap shop, chicken coop and rustic barn where visitors can buy kitchenware, cookbooks, body care products and home decor. Go in October for the pumpkin patch, early in November for the farm’s annual antiques and craft fair or visit any weekend to enjoy a picturesque picnic on the lawn or for a coffee and pastry from the beverage kiosk. 15602 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon. summerspastfarms.com

— Maura Fox

Tony Gwynn Museum: The Tony Gwynn Museum, located at AleSmith Brewery in Miramar, lets visitors reflect on the life and career of San Diego Padres legend Tony Gwynn — all while enjoying a cold beer from the San Diego-founded brewery. There are hundreds of pieces of memorabilia in the museum, including from Gywnn’s early life as a baseball player at San Diego State University to his Padres career as a player and later a coach. AleSmith also has a .394 Pale Ale, which was crafted for (and taste-tested by) Gwynn and named after his career-high batting average. Free. tonygwynnmuseum.com/museum/

— Maura Fox

Waterfront Park: It’s one of the best open spaces and public parks with views of the San Diego Bay and various options of family activities. Waterfront Park has children’s playground equipment, water fountains to play and cool off, large grass areas for picnics and lounging and public parking. There are also various public events throughout the year such as Blanket Sounds, a music series featuring local musicians. 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Waterfront

— Carlos Rico

Water Conservation Garden: On the second Friday of each month, the public can enter the Water Conservation Garden for free and learn about water sustainability and maintenance. There are almost six acres at this venue with over 10 gardens and exhibits that demonstrate drought-tolerant plants and smart water usage. 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon. (619) 660-0614, thegarden.org

— Carlos Rico

Women’s Museum of California Education Center: This museum invites visitors to learn about women’s role in history through interactive activities and workshops on subjects like the California Suffrage Movement and the gender spectrum. Visitors can view changing exhibits or learn from an archive and many historic collections of artifacts. Free. $10 donation suggested. 1649 El Prado, San Diego. womensmuseumca.org

— Maura Fox 

See something missing from this list? Send your idea to abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com.

Zara Irshad contributed to this report.

Originally Published: August 1, 2024 at 10:30 p.m.