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Arts
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15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash?
No problem
. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
September 19, 2025 06:44 PM
·
Monica Garske
Festivals
Your guide to December Nights 2023 at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s biggest event of the year returns Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, with merrymaking opportunities aplenty.
November 20, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Events
Live plays and performances in San Diego for the 2023 holiday season
We’re giving you the gift of live entertainment — score tickets to plays, ballets, concerts, and more.
November 15, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Culture
Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk set to return to Shelter Island
The celebration of cultural diversity and community takes place this Sunday, Nov. 19, from Shoreline Park to Pearl of the Pacific Park.
November 14, 2023
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Monica Garske
City
Point Loma reveals renderings of its new gateway sign
The instillation will welcome visitors at the intersection of Lytton and Rosecrans streets.
November 9, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Small Business
Preview: The return of San Diego Made Holiday Market
This year’s event features 120+ local makers uniting at Julep — just north of Little Italy — on Saturday, Nov. 18 + Sunday, Nov. 19.
November 8, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Play
75+ festive, seasonal events happening in San Diego County in 2023
There’s a whole lot of jolly to be had — check out our guide to fun, festive events in San Diego this holiday and winter season.
November 8, 2023
·
Monica Garske
City
San Diego-Tijuana World Design Capital 2024: What it is and how to get involved
Together, SD and Tijuana, Mexico, will be the first ever binational World Design Capital.
November 6, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Events
Veterans Day events and deals in San Diego
Honor local veterans at community ceremonies and parades, and find local businesses that are showing thanks with specials and freebies.
November 3, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
City
Proposed amendments to the Uptown Community Plan could transform Hillcrest
The changes include proposals to add more housing, public transit, and high-rise buildings that could more-than-double the population.
November 1, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Entertainment
The Del’s ‘Wicked, Wicked’ history
The Hotel del Coronado has been the filming location for multiple Hollywood pictures, including a lesser-known horror film.
October 30, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
The Buy
The Buy
Cut the $10 monthly fees and own Microsoft Office apps for life
October 16, 2025
·
Staff
Sponsored
Buy these 5 things before November
Sponsored by
The Buy
The Buy
Work out your body and your stress at home with this rowing machine — now 37% off
October 15, 2025
·
Staff
Latest News
Sports
Over The Line: The history of San Diego’s sport born on South Mission Beach
July 7, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Live
Farmers markets in San Diego: Where to find fresh food
June 26, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Play
Celebrity restaurants in San Diego
June 25, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Live
Scrumptious Strolls: A guide to ‘Taste of’ food events in San Diego County
June 5, 2025
·
Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
Theater
Curtains, up: Broadway San Diego’s 48th season lineup
You’ll want to be their guest: The seven-show season at San Diego Civic Theatre includes “Beauty and the Beast” and “Hell’s Kitchen” from Alicia Keys.
February 10, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Food
Touchdown: 5 Super Bowl snacks to order from San Diego businesses
From charcuterie and margaritas to tacos and burgers, you’re going to score with this locally crafted spread.
February 7, 2025
·
Staff
Play
25 date night ideas in San Diego
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in America’s Finest City.
February 6, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Events
Lunar New Year celebrations in San Diego
From downtown San Diego and Balboa Park to City Heights and Mira Mesa — there are many fun community celebrations of the Lunar New Year in 2025.
January 24, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Live
Where to eat pizza in San Diego
Dig into San Diego’s must-try pizza shops including unexpected combos, fancy offerings, and gluten-free options.
January 24, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Work
Your guide to San Diego’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
January 17, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Nonprofits
How San Diegans can help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires
To LA, with love — here’s how SD can help victims of the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles.
January 10, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Play
Live and learn: Museums in San Diego
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or science fan, these 27 museums in San Diego have it all.
January 9, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Arts
Books written by San Diego authors
All of these writers have ties to America’s Finest City.
January 3, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Culture
Meet your New Year’s resolutions in San Diego
The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.
January 2, 2025
·
Monica Garske
