43 Free Things To Do In San Diego While Sober

On a budget? No problem!

San Diego offers tons of fun things to do without breaking the bank; museums, public art, self-guided walks, outdoor spaces, cultural parks, trails, major attractions, natural habitats, bustling markets, weekend trips, beaches and lots more.

This fine city offers something for everyone and if you’re recently sober or sober curious, this extensive list includes a zillion things to do for fun, for free and sober. You can have it all without alcohol!

Find your favorite space in San Diego

San Diego is home to over 2 million people. With such a large population, it makes sense that there are plenty of options when it comes to finding activities and popular spots. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or something more affordable, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our guide to finding the best free activities in this fascinating city.

San Diego Museums

The Museum of Man is one of the most popular museums in San Diego County. With over 30 million visitors annually, it is one of the most visited museums in California. Located in Balboa Park, just south of downtown San Diego, the museum features permanent exhibitions related to human history and culture.

Museumgoers can see how humans lived thousands of years ago, learn about different cultures around the world, and explore what life was like during World War II. Visitors can even take part in interactive activities designed to teach young people about science, math, art, history, and technology.

1. Botanical Building

The admission fee to the Botanical Building is free. You don’t even need to pay to enter the building. The Botanical Garden offers free guided tours every Friday at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. If you want to learn about plants, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. There are over 2000 different types of palms growing inside the Botanical Gardens. They come from all over the world. Some of them grow up to 50 feet tall.

2. Timken Museum

The Timken Museum of Art & History is one of the best art museums in San Diego, offering free admission. It features rotating exhibits that change every few months. These exhibitions feature artwork from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and video installations. The museum holds special events throughout the year, such as lectures, concerts, and film screenings. In addition, it offers educational programs for children and adults.

This museum is located in the center of Balboa Park, one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens, the zoo, the historic buildings, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

3. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most visited Catholic churches in the world. It is the second largest church in North America.

The Basilica is located in downtown San Diego, California and is open to visitors 365 days a year. You don’t even have to pay admission to enter the grounds. However, there are some restrictions. For example, you cannot take pictures inside the church without permission. Also, no flash photography is allowed.

4. World Beat Cultural Center

World Beat Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting African American culture. Their mission statement reads: “To provide educational programs and opportunities that foster an appreciation of African American history, heritage, and culture.” They offer numerous events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibits, lectures, films, workshops, dance classes, and much more. They offer numerous events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibits, lectures, films, workshops, dance classes, and much more.

5. Museum of Photographic Arts

The admission fee is free and there is no minimum age requirement. Photojournalists, photographers, artists and students are welcome to attend. Photography is an art form often overlooked in favor of painting or sculpture. This gallery brings attention back to photography. Exhibits include work by Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Eggleston, Lee Friedlander, Edward Steichen, Imogen Cunningham, Diane Arbus, Andreas Gursky, Robert Frank, Man Ray, and many more.

6. San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego’s Model Railroad Museum is located in Balboa Park. It opened in 1976 and is one of the city’s oldest museums. You’ll find trains, cars, planes, boats, robots, dinosaurs, and more. It’s open every day except Christmas Day.

7. The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum

The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad, CA, is a great place to go if you want some history and culture while in town. Here are some fun facts about it.

1. The Green Dragon Tavern & museum opened in 1875.
2. The Green Dragon Tavern is one of the oldest buildings in San Diego County.
3. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. The Green Dragon Tavern serves a variety of food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pizza, pasta, steaks, seafood, chicken wings, and much more.
5. There is live music every night of the week.

8. Stars in the Park

The San Diego Astronomical Association holds monthly star parties in Balboa Park, where members set up telescopes for free public sky watching. On January 27th, the group hosted a special event called “Stars in the Park.” Attendees could view Jupiter and Saturn together while learning about astronomy.

San Diego’s Astronomy Association members set up telescopes in the park for free public sky viewing.

9. Wisteria Cottage Gallery

Wisteria Cottage Gallery opened its doors in September 2017. Located inside the La Jolla History Museum, visitors will find art, photographs, and artifacts telling San Diego’s story.

The museum is open every day except Christmas Day. Hours are 10 am – 4 pm daily. Admission is free.

10. Flying Leatherneck Museum

The Marine Corps Aviation Association hosts events throughout the year. You can check out their calendar here.

There are many historic aircraft on exhibit including the F4U Corsair, A6M Zero, F3F Wildcat, OV-10 Bronco, AV8B Harrier, CH-46 Sea Knight, AH-1 Cobra, TBM Avenger, HMMWV Humvee, and many others.

11. Coronado Historical Society

Coronado Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Coronado, California. Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest organizations in the city. Its mission includes collecting, preserving, interpreting, exhibiting, and disseminating information about the history of Coronado.

The society owns three properties in Coronado: the former home of Dr John Goller, the former residence of William H. Sewell, and the former site of the Coronado Hotel. They offer guided tours of the historic homes daily during open hours.

12. Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla

This museum offers a great opportunity for visitors to learn about history through maps. There are over 3,500 different items in the collection including antique maps, globes, atlases, and even a few rare books. Visitors can see how maps have changed throughout history and how they have helped shape our world today.

The museum is located inside the historic La Jolla Library building, built in 1887. It features a large map wall that displays over 2,000 maps dating from 1510 to the present day. Many maps include information about local businesses, schools, and churches. Some of the most interesting maps include a 17th-century Spanish map that shows California and Oregon, a 1640 Dutch map showing the Pacific Northwest coastlines, and a 1790 French map depicting the Louisiana Purchase.

Activities at the San Diego Beaches

The beaches around SD offer many activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, sailing, and even scuba diving. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, get a taste of the laid-back ocean beach life! If you want to go camping, there are lots of campgrounds nearby. And if you like history, you’ll find museums and historical sites throughout the area.

13. Mission Beach Boardwalk

Mission Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the United States. The beach features a long promenade known as the Mission Bay Walkway. The walkway runs along the shoreline of Mission Bay. The walkway connects several parks, restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions. The boardwalk is a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, sand, and sea.

The boardwalk is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Visitors come to relax, eat, shop, play sports, swim, ride bikes, skateboard, rollerblade, stroll, and run. Some people even use it to exercise. The boardwalk is open 24 hours per day.

There are many things to see, do, and experience while you are there. You can go surfing, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, kite boarding, windsurfing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, water skiing, whale watching, and much more. You can take a bike ride, hike, jog, or just sit and watch the waves roll in.

14. Children’s Pool La Jolla

Children’s Pool La Jolla is located off Coast Highway 101 just south of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The pool is free and open daily during daylight hours. There is no lifeguard present. Lifeguards are scheduled to work every day from April 15th – October 31st.

15. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. Located along the Pacific Ocean just south of downtown, it is home to some of the area’s best beaches, restaurants, shops, and hotels. This video covers 20 interesting facts about La Jolla Cove.

1. The cove gets its name from the Spanish word juego de la vista, meaning “game of the view.”
2. In 1835, Juan Bautista Alvarado purchased 328 acres of land from Mission San Luis Rey for $6,000. He named his property Rancho San Pascual del Sur y Las Playas, later changing it to Rancho La Jolla del Norte.
3. On December 31, 1769, Fray Junipero Serra established Mission San Diego de Alcala. He arrived in California in 1776, traveling overland from Mexico via New Spain and Chile.
4. In 1834, José Antonio Yorba opened the first inn in what is now known as Old Town. His son, Isidro, took over the inn in 1839 and expanded it into a hotel called El Matador Inn.
5. The first recorded instance of the term “San Diego” occurred in 1603 when the governor of the province used the spelling Sancti Diega.
6. The city of San Diego was incorporated in 1850, four years after becoming part of the United States.

16. Tide Pooling

Tide pools are great places to discover and learn about marine life, especially during low tide. They are found throughout the world and provide a unique opportunity to observe wildlife up close. In addition to being a fun activity, there are many different locations to explore and find tide pools. Tide pools are typically located near the shoreline and are often covered in sand, rocks, shells, seaweed, algae, and other debris.

17. Grunion Runs

Grunion runs happen every month, usually, around 12 am, depending on the lunar calendar. These events are common along the coastlines of Northern California. During these runs, grunion swim upstream to lay eggs. After spawning, they return to the ocean to die.

The grunion is a fish-like creature related to herring and smelt. Its scientific name is Latolius audax. It lives in shallow water and feeds on small crustaceans like amphipods.

18. Shelling

Shelling occurs during the night hours, usually around 3 AM, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Shell fragments are often found along beaches and shorelines. Look for shell fragments washed up on the beach and watch out for the ecological reserve, where shelling is prohibited.

19. Snorkeling in La Jolla

La Jolla Underwater Park is located near San Diego’s shorelines and features many different types of marine life. This includes sea lions, seals, sharks, turtles, rays, octopuses, starfish, crabs, eels, jellyfish, and much more. In addition, visitors can snorkel around the coast, where they can swim among the beautiful corals, kelp forests, sandbars, and rock formations.

To access the underwater park, visitors must enter through the West entrance at the end of Coast Blvd. Parking is free and open 24 hours a day.

San Diego’s Parks

20. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. It features over 500 acres of parkland and open space that offers visitors something for everyone. From beautiful botanical gardens to world-class museums, you can spend hours exploring the area. If you want to learn more about what Balboa Park has to offer, keep reading.

21. Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is located along the Pacific Ocean just north of downtown San Diego. This area is full of unique shops and restaurants, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

There are plenty of things to do in Old Town San Dieguito, including taking a walk around the neighborhood, checking out some local art galleries, eating delicious food, and enjoying live music performances. You can even go surfing here! If you want to learn how to surf, check out our guide on where to find lessons.v

22. Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods. Located along the waterfront, it is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels. In addition to being a great place to hang out, there are plenty of fun activities to do around town. Here are 34 things to do that you must check off your list while exploring the Gaslamp Quarter.

1. Visit the Maritime Museum
2. Explore the USS Midway Museum
3. Have lunch at Spenger’s Fish Market
4. See a show at the Old Globe Theatre
5. Indulge in craft cocktails at Bar Agricole
6. Check out the shops at Horton Plaza

23. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

There are about 3500 memorial plaques honoring veterans and those who supported the military. A panorama view of the city and the Pacific Ocean is also available from the viewing platform, where visitors can see the Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum and the Naval Training Center.

24. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve is located just north of San Diego, California. This beautiful state park offers visitors many things to do, including hiking trails, camping areas, picnic tables, restrooms, and much more.

The preserve is home to one of the largest remaining stands of coastal sage scrub habitat in North America. Also known as chamise chaparral, it is a rare ecosystem found along the coast of Southern California.

25. Presidio Park

Presidio Park is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego. It is one of the most popular parks in the area because it offers beautiful views of the entire city and there are plenty of places to enjoy food and drinks.

26. Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay is an amazing place full of fun things to do. Here you can find some cool spots to rent bicycles or kitesurf gear for the whole family. You can even go surfing here! Located near the beach, this beautiful area offers great views of the Pacific Ocean.

27. San Diego Waterfront Park

Located in San Diego’s downtown, the waterpark features a variety of fun attractions including a large wave pool, lazy river and slides. There are also multiple outdoor movie screenings throughout the summer months, including “The Prince Bride” and ” Ice Age.” In addition to all of these activities, there are numerous public art installations scattered around this park.

28. Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park is located just south of Interstate 15 in San Diego County, CA. This park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and much more.

The park features 41 miles of paved multi-use trails that wind around the mountains and valleys of the area. These trails provide access to scenic vistas, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and meadows. Some of the most popular hikes include the following:

29. Heritage Park

Heritage Park is a public park known for its collection of Victorian houses, some of which date back to the late 19th century.

The park is located next to the Hotel Del Coronado, and there are many interesting things to do here. You can walk around the park and enjoy the architecture. If you want to take a look inside one of the historic homes, you can use the free admission tickets given out at the entrance.

30. Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs is located in the city of Oceanside, California. There are many beautiful places you can go to in San Diego’s county. This place is great for hiking, photography, and just relaxing.

31. Kellogg Park

La Jolla Canyon is home to many species of wildlife, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. But there are also some unusual residents living among us. In fact, there are 119 different types of marine life found within the La Jolla area. This video takes you inside the park, where it’s easy to spot these animals. The park is open daily from 8 am to sunset.

Public Art

Art lovers rejoice! San Diego has seen an explosion in the number of public art installations since 2000. Some of these pieces are located in neighborhoods where people don’t necessarily know about it. These are some of the best spots.

32. Stuart Collection at UCSD

The Stuart Collection is an amazing public art collection located at UC San Diego that features large sculptures and smaller works. The collection is free and accessible to the public.

33. Oceanside Murals

Oceanside is home to numerous murals throughout the city. Some of these murals depict the history and culture of the area, while others pay homage to local businesses and landmarks. The murals cover nearly every inch of wall space in the district. In fact, there are some areas where you cannot see the brick because it is covered with artwork.

34. TGIF Concerts in the Parks in Carlsbad

These events range from free outdoor movies to free concerts. Some even include food trucks and activities for kids.

35. Stagecoach Days

The annual event kicks off with a parade down Main Street beginning at 10 am. At 11 am there will be a performance by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Then, starting at 12 pm, visitors can enjoy free entertainment including face painting, balloon artists, and a petting zoo. At 2 pm, the main attraction begins – the historic stagecoach ride through downtown.

There will be food vendors, live music, and plenty of family fun. Admission is free.

Free Self-Guided Walks

San Diego County offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature without having to pay a dime. Whether you want to take in the miles of shoreline, calm waters, biking trails, green spaces, the wide variety of tropical plants, ocean views, and more. there are plenty of places where you can do it all for free. From beaches to forests, mountains to deserts, here are ten beautiful spots to experience nature in San Diego County. You don’t even need to bring anything except yourself!

1. Mission Trails Regional Park – This park is located near Escondido and features miles of trails perfect for walking, running, jogging, bicycling and rollerblading.
2. Palomar Mountain State Park – Located in Carlsbad, Palomar Mountain State Parks are home to over 200 acres of open space, including hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, equestrian facilities and much more.
3. Torrey Pines State Reserve – This state reserve is located about 30 minutes north of La Jolla and is one of the best places in San Diego County to spot wildlife such as deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, squirrels and more.
4. Mount Laguna – Mount Laguna is a mountain range that runs along the coast of San Diego County and is known for its scenic views, hiking trails and wildflowers.
5. Balboa Park – Balboa Park is a large urban park located in downtown San Diego and is full of activities ranging from museums, gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, fountains, botanical gardens and more.
6. Coronado National Forest – This forest covers around 5,000 square miles and includes several lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and springs. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, hunt, camp, swim, boat, canoe, kayak, rock climb, bird watch, horseback ride, run, play tennis, golf, ski, snowboard and much more.

36. Walk the Embarcadero

San Francisco’s waterfront is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. In fact, it’s been named America’s Most Livable City three times since 2000. As a visitor, there are plenty of things to do along the Embarcadero, including taking a ferry ride across the bay, strolling down Market Street, and exploring Pier 39.

37. Coast Walk Trail

The Coast Walk Trail is an 8-mile trail that runs parallel to the coast of La Jolla Cove. You’ll pass by many beautiful beaches and cliffs, and there are plenty of places to stop and take photos. If you’re looking for something different, try taking the Coastal Cliffs Scenic Drive.

Other Free Things to Do in San Diego

San Diego is known for having a very mild climate, meaning you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, running, walking, jogging, golfing, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, bird watching, whale watching, dolphin watching, zip lining, sky diving, paragliding, hot air ballooning, hang gliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, jet skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, roller blading, skate boarding, volleyball, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, squash, archery, bowling, darts, billiards, shuffleboard, pool, ping pong, mini golf, miniature golf, arcade games, bumper boats, go carts, ferris wheel, carousel, train rides, cable cars, bumper cars, shopping malls, movie theaters, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, planetariums, science centers, historical sites, art galleries, concert halls, comedy clubs, bookstores, and much more.

38. San Diego Public Library

The San Diego Public Library is a public library system headquartered in Downtown San Diego, California. It is one of five branches of the San Diego County Libraries system. It is located just down the street from the Civic Center Plaza, which is home to City Hall, the Old Town Trolley Station, the Horton Plaza shopping center, and the Convention Center.

39. The 59-Mile Scenic Driving Tour of San Diego

Follow along through some of San Diego’s most beautiful natural areas. You’ll start off in Escondido, where there are plenty of lovely stops along the way. Then it’s on to Julian, where you’ll find the famous Mission Valley Zoo and Safari Park. Next up is La Jolla, home to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and SeaWorld San Diego. From here, you’re headed north into Oceanside, where you’ve got the chance to stop at one of the city’s best beaches, Pacific Beach. Finally, you’ll head east toward Coronado Island, where you’re sure to enjoy the views of the bay and downtown San Diego.

40. Bird Watching

San Diego is a great place to go bird-watching. There are many different species of birds that you can see here. You can find some common ones like ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. But there are also rarer kinds of birds that you might want to look out for. If you’re looking to learn about birds, binoculars are an important piece of equipment. They help you identify what type of bird it is, how big it is, and where it lives. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you’re out bird-watching.

41. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are an easy way for people to connect with local growers and producers. They offer fresh produce, flower, baked good, crafts, etc. Many farmers markets sell locally produced food directly to consumers.

42. Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

The Historic Pier is located at 6700 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, Florida 33756. For more information about the market, call 727-446-7444 or go online to www.tunaharbormarket.com.

43. Fiesta del Sol

The 69th edition of the Festival del Sol de México kicks off today. In addition to traditional Mexican food, there are plenty of cultural events happening throughout the week. Here are some highlights:

Monday, January 28 – “El Día de los Muertos”

This day commemorates those who passed away during the previous year. People dress up as skeletons and come together to celebrate life and death.

Tuesday, January 29 – “Carnaval”

There are many different types of carnivals in Mexico, including the famous one in San Miguel de Allende. Carnaval is celebrated in cities across the country, and it includes parades, dances, and concerts.

Wednesday, January 30 – “La Noche de las Flores”

On Wednesday night, families enjoy a special dinner and dance. They eat sweet foods like flan and tamales and wear flowers in their hair.

Anyone can find wonderful things to do in San Diego!

No matter who you are or what you’re into, there are amazing things to see and do in San Diego that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. We like to see you high on life! If you or anyone you love need help with addiction or mental health issues, Sober Life is here to help. Right in the heart of San Diego.