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Parks and Recreation
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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
History
Discover local history at Heritage Park in Old Town
The 7.8-acre space in Old Town is home to seven historical buildings built during San Diego’s earliest years as a city.
July 31, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Entertainment
Restored Balboa Park Carousel will reopen on National Carousel Day 2023 in San Diego
The historic attraction will spin again on Tuesday, July 25, with free rides for the special occasion.
July 21, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Tourism and Hospitality
Wedding venues in San Diego
Check out this list of local spots to host your special event.
July 19, 2023
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Monica Garske
Development
3 things to know: the redesign of Pepper Park at the National City Bayfront
Construction is expected to begin in early 2024.
July 17, 2023
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Monica Garske
Culture
Lovely lakes to visit in San Diego, California
It’s not just about the beautiful beaches in our county — we’re a land of great lakes, too.
July 6, 2023
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Monica Garske
Culture
2023
Over-the-Line World Championships return to Fiesta Island
The sport was invented on South Mission Beach and since 1954, continues to be synonymous with San Diego’s summertime culture.
July 5, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Culture
Where to see Fourth of July 2023 fireworks in San Diego
From San Diego Bay to east, south, and north San Diego County, dazzling displays of patriotism will light up our local skies on Tuesday, July 4.
July 3, 2023
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Monica Garske
Culture
Carlsbad Strawberry Company open for 2023 U-pick season
The berry sweet activity is open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at 1050 Cannon Rd.
June 7, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Culture
Summer Movies in the Park 2023 returns across San Diego County
The free, outdoor movie series kicks off Memorial Day weekend and runs through late October.
May 24, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Sports
Score: Major League Soccer expands to San Diego
The league’s 30th team — San Diego FC — will play at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley starting in 2025.
May 18, 2023
·
Monica Garske
The Buy
Food
A year of BJ’s wholesale goodness is just $15 (but not for too long)
July 18, 2025
·
Staff
Home
This 4-piece sheet set is cool, comfy, and just $35
July 17, 2025
·
Staff
Sponsored
🛒 14 Prime Day sales you can (still) shop
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The Buy
Latest News
History
Now, that’s a good boy: Visiting San Diego’s Bum the Dog statue in Edinburgh, Scotland
May 12, 2025
·
Monica Garske
City
San Diego’s Sister Cities, one by one
May 8, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Play
‘Top Gun’ 101: San Diego locations where the movie was filmed
May 8, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Small Business
Small Business Week in SD: Spotlight on La Galleria San Diego
May 5, 2025
·
Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
Culture
Where to see holiday lights in San Diego County in 2024
We’ve mapped out 12 jolly, local displays that truly dazzle.
December 4, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Food
Fa-la-la-libations: Holiday pop-up bars in San Diego
We’ve rounded up fun, festive places to drink and be merry.
November 29, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Weather
Winter 2024-2025 weather trends in San Diego
Prepare for winter in SD with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
November 29, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Small Business
Shopping small in San Diego
San Diego is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
November 26, 2024
·
Staff
Play
45 volunteer opportunities in San Diego
This list includes everything from helping the hungry and mentoring local youth to helping animals and cleaning up local beaches.
November 18, 2024
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Monica Garske
Culture
SDtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 13, 2024
·
Sarah Leonhardt
Entertainment
Where to ice skate in San Diego County this season
From Coronado Island and Liberty Station to East County and downtown San Diego, the cool options roll deep in SD.
November 8, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Live
Find your flow: A guide to yoga in San Diego
Check out these 24 yoga options around America’s Finest City.
November 4, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Culture
Pumpkin patches to visit this fall in San Diego County
Gourd big or go home, right?
October 23, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Live
Amazing Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around San Diego
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around America’s Finest City and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
October 14, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
