City Guides
Live
Work
Play
Events
Jobs
The Buy
Advertise
Subscribe
instagram
facebook
linkedin
Menu
City Guides
Live
Work
Play
Events
Jobs
The Buy
Advertise
Subscribe
instagram
facebook
linkedin
Search Query
Submit Search
Show Search
Arts
Play
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
Entertainment
6 huge live music venues in San Diego
Discover arenas where big names play to crowds exceeding 10,000 people.
May 9, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Arts
Mission Fed ArtWalk 2023 heads to Little Italy this weekend
The festival celebrates visual and performing arts on Saturday, April 29 + Sunday, April 30.
April 26, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Arts
Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest
We challenged our readers to turn one of our newsletters into a poem — here’s what you came up with.
April 18, 2023
·
Sarah Leonhardt
Entertainment
5 podcasts inspired by life in San Diego
From craft beer to Padres baseball, these local podcasts show mad love to SD.
March 31, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Business
Made in San Diego: 22 things created in America’s Finest City
From brands to bands, San Diego’s business scene is truly inspired.
March 23, 2023
·
Monica Garske
City
Oh, snap: City of San Diego launches first-ever photo fellowship program
📸
Applications for “Exposure” are being accepted through Wednesday, April 5.
March 21, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Arts
San Diego Latino Film Festival celebrates 30th anniversary
The spotlight on Latino cinema runs Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 19. 🎬
March 7, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Travel and Outdoors
Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation hosts 2023 photo contest
The deadline to submit your pics of animals, plants, landscapes, and people at Mission Trails is Wednesday, March 15. 📸
March 1, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Arts
March is San Diego Theatre Month
The observance brings special events and tickets priced $15, $30, or $45
February 28, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Development
Hillcrest welcomes a new, multicolored community sign
The renovation will be used for community celebrations
February 24, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
The Buy
Travel
This AI tool watches your flights and hotels for price drops so you don’t have to — for a flat $49.97
November 28, 2025
·
Staff
Sponsored
It’s Black Friday: Shop 15 of The Buy team’s favorite sales
Sponsored by
The Buy
The Buy
This calm, Montessori-style app for $40 makes screen time feel like a win
November 27, 2025
·
Staff
Latest News
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Sponsored by
The Buy
Live
15 interesting facts about San Diego
April 11, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Play
San Diego restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
April 10, 2025
·
Michael Beausoleil
Arts
New Children’s Museums expands with ‘Artopia’ studio and more programming
April 4, 2025
·
Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
Sports
It’s time: Women’s pro volleyball team San Diego Mojo makes home debut
The team is owned by Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings and features a 15-player roster with serious pro experience.
February 22, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Culture
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance signs agreement that could bring back giant pandas
The new bears could arrive at the zoo as soon as late summer 2024 if all permits are approved.
February 22, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Tourism and Hospitality
San Diego’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in San Diego that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night.
February 21, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Weather
When will El Niño conditions end in San Diego?
Following another substantial storm, it the end of San Diego’s rainy season in sight?
February 21, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Music
San Diego County Fair unveils Grandstand Stage lineup for summer 2024
The fair — which returns June 12-July 7 — will boast headliners like Ludacris, Jay Leno, Pepe Aguilar, and TLC.
February 21, 2024
·
Monica Garske
History
San Diego history: The Douglas Hotel, also known as the ‘Harlem of the West’
The hotel was built in 1924 at 206 Market St. and offered quality accommodations and entertainment for Black visitors in San Diego during the segregation era.
February 20, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Travel and Outdoors
Getting back on track: San Diego’s plans to repair roads
The city has identified declining road quality, but has conducted studies to find ways to improve conditions.
February 19, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Food
5 must-try margaritas for National Margarita Day
Explore these twists on margaritas, including sweet, spicy, and sans-alcohol options.
February 19, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Development
Freedom Park receives approval to start construction
The project will demolish the three-story headhouse on Navy Pier and create a 10-acre park and memorial
February 15, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Real Estate
Hot Homes: The history and $2 million renovation of The Barcelona in Bankers Hill
The 100-year-old apartment community at 326 Juniper St. is considered a “hallmark” of its era — and a “real estate jewel” of present-day San Diego.
February 14, 2024
·
Monica Garske