Cheap Things to do in San Diego

Suggested One-Day Itinerary for Travelers on a Budget
Day One

1. One thing you do not want to miss with only one day to spend in San Diego are the views around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores and the best news is, you can check them out for free! Kick the day off with views of the stunning coastal cliffs at La Jolla Cove and see the sea lions and other exotic marine life up close! If you are up for an adventure, you can rent a kayak for as low as $15 for an hour and a half to go exploring around the caves. You will launch from La Jolla Shores and paddle about a mile out to the cove.


2. If you are not already there renting or returning your kayak, head to La Jolla shores for some beach time. If you happen to be visiting August-September, rent some snorkel gear and you might be there on one of the many days hundreds of Leopard Sharks are grouped in the shallow waters in front of the La Jolla Shores Hotel and tennis club. Do not fear! These sharks are harmless to humans and are truly a spectacular site to see.


3. Next, head 15mins up the coast to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Here, you don’t need to purchase a tandem paragliding or hangliding flight to have fun. A lot of people come to enjoy a tasty sandwich from the Cliffhanger Café while spectating the gliders launching, landing, and soaring along the cliff. After, you can hike down the cliff to Black’s Beach and/or continue just up the coast to hiking trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for beautiful views across the Pacific Ocean.


4. Head to Balboa Park, one of the most picturesque places to see in San Diego, where you can spend some time taking pictures of the Spanish-colonial architecture, enjoy the scenery, and relax in the grass if you want to take a rest. Balboa Park is also home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ which usually holds free shows on Sunday afternoons.


5. To top off your one-day adventure in San Diego, head to downtown to walk around Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter! Here you can easily be entertained for free just by walking around seeing street performers, art galleries, and a lively downtown nightlife.

Suggested Three-Day Itinerary for Travelers on a Budget
Day One

1. One thing you do not want to miss with only one day to spend in San Diego are the views around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores and the best news is, you can check them out for free! Kick the day off with views of the stunning coastal cliffs at La Jolla Cove and see the sea lions and other exotic marine life up close! If you are up for an adventure, you can rent a kayak for as low as $15 for an hour and a half to go exploring around the caves. You will launch from La Jolla Shores and paddle about a mile out to the cove.


2. Spend the rest of the day at the beach! You can spend it at La Jolla Shores or head to another one of San Diego’s iconic beaches that offer vintage scenes and coastal shops like Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach.

1. Start the day off with breakfast in Old Town to witness the foundation of San Diego’s history with its historic buildings, markets, and museums which are free to tour.


2. Next, head 15mins up the coast to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Here, you don’t need to purchase a tandem paragliding or hangliding flight to have fun. A lot of people come to enjoy a tasty sandwich from the Cliffhanger Café while spectating the gliders launching, landing, and soaring along the cliff. After, you can hike down the cliff to Black’s Beach and/or continue just up the coast to hiking trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for beautiful views across the Pacific Ocean.


3. Top off your day and head to downtown to walk around Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter! Here you can easily be entertained for free just by walking around seeing street performers, art galleries, and a lively downtown nightlife.

1. Head to Balboa Park, one of the most picturesque places to see in San Diego, where you can spend some time taking pictures of the Spanish-colonial architecture, enjoy the scenery, and relax in the grass if you want to take a rest. Balboa Park is also home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ which usually holds free shows on Sunday afternoons.


2. End your trip to San Diego with an evening hike at Iron Mountain or Cowles and witness the beautiful colors of a West Coast sunset.

Suggested Five-Day Itinerary for Travelers on a Budget
Day One

1. One thing you do not want to miss with only one day to spend in San Diego are the views around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores and the best news is, you can check them out for free! Kick the day off with views of the stunning coastal cliffs at La Jolla Cove and see the sea lions and other exotic marine life up close! If you are up for an adventure, you can rent a kayak for as low as $15 for an hour and a half to go exploring around the caves. You will launch from La Jolla Shores and paddle about a mile out to the cove.


2. Spend the rest of the day at the beach! You can spend it at La Jolla Shores or head to another one of San Diego’s iconic beaches that offer vintage scenes and coastal shops like Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach.

1. Start the day off with breakfast in Old Town to witness the foundation of San Diego’s history with its historic buildings, markets, and museums which are free to tour.


2. Next, head 15mins up the coast to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Here, you don’t need to purchase a tandem paragliding or hangliding flight to have fun. A lot of people come to enjoy a tasty sandwich from the Cliffhanger Café while spectating the gliders launching, landing, and soaring along the cliff. After, you can hike down the cliff to Black’s Beach and/or continue just up the coast to hiking trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for beautiful views across the Pacific Ocean.


3. Top off your day and head to downtown to walk around Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter! Here you can easily be entertained for free just by walking around seeing street performers, art galleries, and a lively downtown nightlife.

1. Head to Balboa Park, one of the most picturesque places to see in San Diego, where you can spend some time taking pictures of the Spanish-colonial architecture, enjoy the scenery, and relax in the grass if you want to take a rest. Balboa Park is also home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ which usually holds free shows on Sunday afternoons.


2. End your trip to San Diego with an evening hike at Iron Mountain or Cowles and witness the beautiful colors of a West Coast sunset.

1. Spend the day in the California Historic Landmark of Julian. Here, you can spend the day hiking or go mountain bike one of the beautiful remote trails that take you through green rolling hills, oak trees, cows, and wildflower country. Or you can stay in town exploring the heart of the historic district and enjoying some of the renown Julian apple pie. It is truly a quaint mountain town with the upmost charm.

1. Check the visitor info for the Cabrillo Tide Pools to see if it is low tide. If your timing is right, head to Point Loma to visit! If it is not optimal time to visit the tide pools, head to Sunset Cliffs to walk along the coast and enjoy the stunning views or be sure to head here after tide pools if you do get to see them.


2. Complete your trip to San Diego by walking around some of the diverse neighborhoods to check out some of the local bars and restaurants. North Park is a great neighborhood to explore and is home to trendy venues like Soda & Swine, Polite Provisions, and North Park Brewing Company. Other neighborhoods like Hillcrest and Little Italy also have a lot of character and things to see around the main streets. Be sure to check out the neighborhood websites to check for events as they often host street fairs and art festivals.