Free things to do in San Diego

Culture · 1 free pick

1,200 acres of museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo.

Sea caves, kayak tours and resident sea lions on the rocks.

Dramatic sandstone bluffs — bring a blanket for sunset.

Wide white-sand beach in the shadow of the Hotel del Coronado.

Craft-beer crawl heart of SD — 30+ breweries within walking distance.

Family-run since 1933 — handmade tortillas, queue out the door.

Battered fish tacos with smoked-fish sauce — locals' top pick.

The budget plan turns these picks into a Friday–Sunday itinerary.