Best Free Things to Do in San Diego, San Diego, California

I love San Diego, and I’ve been taking my family and out-of-town visitors to “see the sights” for 27 years now. Not just the touristy things that suck up all your money, but the things that San Diego residents do over and over again–because they’re proven to be enjoyable and don’t cost anything. So here’s my list of the best free things to do in San Diego. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy them whether you’re just visiting for a few days or living in “America’s Finest City.” This is part one of a continuing series of free things to do in San Diego.

of Pacific Beach on a paved path (Ocean Front Walk) that goes from Law Street all the way to South Mission Beach. It’s a three-mile path that’s packed with oceanfront vacation homes, restaurants, bike rental shops, and views of the beach for the entire stretch. Highlights include Crystal Pier Hotel at Garnet Ave–a fishing pier built in 1927 with original beach cottages, the Wave House, and Belmont Park’s historic 1925 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. You will find several grassy parks, and public restrooms are at the foot of Ventura Pl., the south side of Belmont Park, and at South Mission Beach Park. There are plenty of parking lots, but my favorite place to park is on Law Street—it’s not as crowded at that end of the beach. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).