There’s so much to do in San Diego, but it gets pretty pricey when you try doing everything. Fortunately, us San Diegans can save some money just for being residents. If you’re looking for local fun, here are some places where residents can score great deals.
The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. | Photo via @itooksomepicturesheretheyare
Museums at Balboa Park
San Diegans can get free entry to select museums at Balboa Park on the first four Tuesdays each month. You’ll need to follow the rotating schedule, but there are seven different museums giving this monthly freebie.
Pro tip: Spreckels Organ Pavilion offers a free show Sundays at 2 p.m. for the weekend warriors.
Museum Months
February is Museum Month in San Diego. If you want to learn something new, you can get a pass that gives you half-priced entry to 45+ museums and exhibits in the county. In October, kids get free access to museums, making family-fun a bit more affordable.
Visit Coronado
Known for its beaches, the island of Coronado has a lot of free activities — but getting there can be difficult. Residents can take advantage of free Commuter Ferry Services weekday mornings.
Take a Staycation
If you’re a local, you might not have heard of the GoCity app. It gives you discounts when you bundle passes and explore a city — so skip the hotels + airfare and save while exploring your hometown.
Take a Tour
Have a friend coming to town? You can pretend to be a tourist. The Old Town Trolley Hometown Pass Program allows residents to ride free when another adult buys a ticket. Rather tour land + sea? The same discount applies to SEAL tours.
Pro tip: Save even more with the GoCity San Diego Passport.
Golfing
Our city is home to some of the best golf courses in the nation, but the sport doesn’t need to be a luxury. Local courses offer resident discounts that can reduce the cost of tee-time by more than 50%.
It’s nap time for this lion; not a problem if you have an annual pass to the zoo. | Photo via @dltomasello
San Diego Zoo
Locals know experiencing the San Diego Zoo can take longer than expected. As a resident, you’re able to purchase an annual membership for $109 or less. So there’s no need to rush, and you can always come back if your favorite animal is taking a nap during your visit.
If the zoo isn’t your scene, our city has many annual passes full of fun + savings.