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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.
August 28, 2025 06:44 AM
·
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
·
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
Support for Windows 10 is ending — time to upgrade
July 24, 2025
·
Staff
The Buy
12 work dresses under $100 to wear now — all from Nordstrom Rack
July 22, 2025
·
Victoria Bardega
The Buy
This Montessori-inspired app is a healthy screen-time option
July 21, 2025
·
Staff
Latest News
Arts
This is not a mirage: Museum of Illusions opens in San Diego
June 4, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Parks and Recreation
Adam R. Scripps ‘Living Seas’ Gallery opens at Birch Aquarium
May 21, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Small Business
Small Business Week in SD: Spotlight on Kensington Cafe
May 16, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Tourism and Hospitality
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opens in Chula Vista
May 15, 2025
·
Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
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
Culture
Unwrap these 3 gifts given to the city of San Diego
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
December 17, 2024
·
Staff
Culture
“A Coastal Christmas Romance": A San Diego Hallmark-style movie, as told by ChatGPT
December Nights, the OB Christmas tree, holiday lights, and ice skating? We’d watch the heck out of this fictional, AI-generated holiday movie set in America’s Finest City.
December 16, 2024
·
Monica Garske
City
See it: Balboa Park’s restored Botanical Building reopens
The iconic, highly-photographed structure closed in January 2022 for a $26.45 million renovation project, but reopened to the public in December 2024.
December 13, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Culture
How to Watch the 2024 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 54-year tradition returns to downtown San Diego’s waterfront on Sunday, Dec. 8 + Sunday, Dec. 15.
December 5, 2024
·
Monica Garske
