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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 17, 2025 06:44 AM
·
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
Celebrating two years of SDtoday
We’re doubling down on the sweet, sweet memories today — it’s our party and we’ll cry if we want to.
November 14, 2023
·
Monica Garske
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
Festivals
What to expect at the 2023 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Oh, the 19th annual celebration — Monday, Nov. 6-Sunday, Nov. 12 — is going to be grand, alright.
November 2, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Restaurants
Where to feast for Thanksgiving in San Diego — dine-in and takeout
Whether you’re treating yourself to an outing or picking up your feast, these local restaurants have your Thanksgiving spread covered.
November 2, 2023
·
Monica Garske
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
Sports
Play the Ponies: Details of Del Mar’s 2023 fall horse racing season
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s autumn affair runs on select dates Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Dec. 3.
October 26, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Business
5 questions with San Diego’s Printers Row Publishing Group
The Sorrento Valley-based publishing group has been around for 30+ years — read all about it.
October 25, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Entertainment
SDtoday editors chat with ‘All in San Diego’ podcast
Monica and Michael talk with AJ and Sara about developments coming to San Diego by 2030.
October 18, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
The Buy
Food
Build your own wine collection for less than $6 a bottle
August 18, 2025
·
Staff
Home
Back-to-school must-haves for students (and parents)
August 1, 2025
·
Emily Shea-Owen
Home
The newest robot cleaner can vacuum carpet and mop hard floors
July 25, 2025
·
Staff
Latest News
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
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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
Culture
How to spend your 24 extra Leap Day hours in San Diego
Start your day off with good, local coffee, head to the beach, go on a hike, peruse the city’s marvelous murals — seize the Leap Day, SD.
February 28, 2024
·
Monica Garske
History
6 ways to see Dr. Seuss’ influence in San Diego
The iconic author lived in La Jolla from 1948 until his death in 1991 — but his local legacy lives on.
February 28, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Travel and Outdoors
What is bioluminescence and how can you see it?
The naturally occurring phenomenon tends to produce a blue glow at night, but results from a sensation called “red tides.”
February 27, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
City
What is the ‘Coastal Resilience Master Plan?’
The effort aims to find natural ways to address searise, protect communities, and preserve natural habitats.
February 27, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Food
6 cool retro diners in San Diego
Vintage never goes out of style, right?
February 26, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Food
Vote in SDtoday’s pizza shop bracket
We want to know: Where is the best pizza in San Diego? Vote for your favorite to help determine a champion.
February 23, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
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
