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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
Food
Order up: 35+ restaurants set to participate in first ever Taste of East Village in San Diego
The inaugural event is on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30, 4-8 p.m.
August 22, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Music
3 things to know: Updates on the $125 million renovation of Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego
The construction timeline for the large-scale project has shifted, and the hall’s anticipated reopening is now in early 2024.
August 16, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Festivals
What to expect at the star-studded Del Mar Wine and Food Festival
The brand-new, celeb-driven fest will highlight local culinary talent across 20+ events on Wednesday, Sept. 6-Monday, Sept. 11
August 14, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Education
Have you herd? “Elephant Valley” coming to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2025
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hopes the new savanna-like environment makes strides for conservation of the species.
August 10, 2023
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Monica Garske
Travel and Outdoors
It’s giving Barbie vibes: Rent this pink party boat to cruise San Diego Bay
The all-pink electric boat will take your group of six cruising on San Diego Bay.
August 7, 2023
·
Monica Garske
Play
Hit the Road: a 40-mile getaway to Oceanside
This beach city is roughly 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and is perfect for a nearby getaway.
August 3, 2023
·
Michael Beausoleil
Travel and Outdoors
Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in San Diego
These are three of our favorite local accessible trails that are wheelchair-friendly.
August 3, 2023
·
Trevor Peters
Festivals
Authentic folk art, artists fill Bazaar del Mundo for Latin American Festival
The folk art showcase — Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 6 — will also boast a large display of authentic, intricate Mata Ortiz pottery.
August 2, 2023
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Monica Garske
Small Business
Breweries in San Diego’s Miramar area — aka ‘Beeramar’
Many of San Diego’s most beloved craft breweries are making beer in the heart of Miramar.
July 25, 2023
·
Monica Garske
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
The Buy
The Buy
Support for Windows 10 is ending — time to upgrade
July 24, 2025
·
Staff
The Buy
12 work dresses under $100 to wear now — all from Nordstrom Rack
July 22, 2025
·
Victoria Bardega
The Buy
This Montessori-inspired app is a healthy screen-time option
July 21, 2025
·
Staff
Latest News
Tourism and Hospitality
High-tech hotel tower to debut at Jamul Casino Resort in May 2025
March 31, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around San Diego
March 21, 2025
·
Monica Garske
History
6 amazing women who helped shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
March 14, 2025
·
Monica Garske
Play
Your guide to sports teams in San Diego
March 7, 2025
·
Monica Garske
More from SDtoday
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
City
Now Open: San Diego Humane Society’s redesigned Adoptions Center
The facility’s improved layout includes 58 dog rooms, 55 cat kennels, and 53 spaces for smaller pets.
February 14, 2024
·
Monica Garske
Food
So sweet: 11 chocolate shops in San Diego
Take a sweet tour of stores that sell chocolates and other treats.
February 14, 2024
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Monica Garske
Parks and Recreation
Allied Gardens Off-Leash Dog Park now open
The space is the first city-owned dog park in District 7 and is larger than 68% of dog parks in San Diego.
February 13, 2024
·
Michael Beausoleil
Culture
Our readers’ local love stories
Thanks for sharing your sweet stories, SD.
February 12, 2024
·
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
