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Tourism and Hospitality
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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
Small Business
Final Feature: Santee Drive-In closing after 65 years in business
The beloved outdoor movie attraction said loss of customers and competition from streaming services have made it tough to stay in business.
December 14, 2023
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Monica Garske
Arts
Business Buzz: Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center in North Park celebrates 15th anniversary
The venue at 3925 Ohio St. hosts all kinds of art forms year-round — from live music and poetry to dance lessons and its beloved Beatles Fair.
December 8, 2023
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Monica Garske
Development
Waterfront development fore-cast: Topgolf tees up to build driving range facility on San Diego Bay
Topgolf’s vision includes a three-story venue that would house 102 hitting bays — and the Port of San Diego wants to build an entertainment district around it.
December 6, 2023
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Monica Garske
Small Business
Gaslamp, Convoy, Old Town: Bright local business releases new replica community signs
Category6LED’s newest neon signs are inspired by three beloved neighborhoods in San Diego.
December 4, 2023
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Monica Garske
Tourism and Hospitality
The most unique places to stay in San Diego
From historic hideaways to beachfront gems, San Diego is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
November 17, 2023
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Michael Beausoleil
Small Business
Iconic, longtime businesses in San Diego
You really can’t have San Diego without these beloved local spots.
November 16, 2023
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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
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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
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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
Events
San Diego Beer Week 2023: No big events, more focus on craft breweries
Beer Week is taking it back to the heart of the local brewing scene — with more robust plans in 2024.
October 31, 2023
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Monica Garske
The Buy
The Buy
From planks to poses: Get fit with interactive balance workouts
August 22, 2025
·
Staff
The Buy
Give story time sound effects, music, and a little bit of magic
August 21, 2025
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Staff
Home
This 4-piece set of luxurious bedding is just $26
August 21, 2025
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Staff
Latest News
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
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Monica Garske
History
Now, that’s a good boy: Visiting San Diego’s Bum the Dog statue in Edinburgh, Scotland
May 12, 2025
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Monica Garske
City
San Diego’s Sister Cities, one by one
May 8, 2025
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Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
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
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
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
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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