In this economy when prices are continuously on the rise while our paychecks stay the same it can be hard to find fun activities to do while still staying in budget. This is especially true when living in San Diego which is the 7^th most expensive city to live in according to Travel + Leisure, but it’s not impossible. All it takes to stay well within your means while also getting out and exploring is a little imagination, planning, and our list of the 10 best things to do when on a budget in San Diego.

Explore the Great Outdoors

San Diego is best known for its sunny blue skies, magnificent coastline, and almost constant 72-degree, breezy weather, so it’s no surprise that many of the best and cheapest activities are found outdoors. A beach day with a prepared picnic is the obvious choice for many locals, but it’s not the only choice. You can easily zest up a typical beach day, or engage in an activity by the beach that doesn’t require a swimsuit.

1. Rent a Board
Where: Anywhere
Price: $5-$10

With 17 miles of coastline it’s not hard to find a beach to hang ten near your home or hotel and several surf shops in the city offer surfboard and body-board rentals for an entire day for under $10.

2. Fish on Crystal Pier
Where: Pacific Beach
Price: $7

Located in the heart of Pacific Beach at the end of Garnet Avenue is the iconic Crystal Pier, a place that doesn’t require you to have a fishing license. Simply rent a pole from the Crystal Pier Bait and Tackle shop and cast your line. The rental provides you with everything you need including the pole, tackle, bait, knife, towel, pair of pliers, and a bucket.

3. Go for a Bike Ride
Where: Various Locations
Price: $7-$10

Thanks to DECOBIKE, a self-serving rental station you can rent a bicycle almost anywhere in the city especially near the most popular beaches such as Ocean, Mission, and Pacific Beaches for just $7 an hour. Grab a beach cruiser and take a journey along the many beachside boardwalks, or inland bicycle trails.

4. Ride the Coaster
Where: Mission Beach
Price: $3-$6

Be a kid again and head out to the famous Belmont Park in Mission Beach where you can ride the majority of the rides for $5 or less and take a ride on the historical wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, for just $6. You’ll have just enough change left over to indulge in a cool treat like the delicious Dole whips.

5. Go Tidepooling and Whale Watching
Where: Point Loma
Price: $5-$10

Head to the Cabrillo National Monument to enjoy a day of whale watching and tidepooling. For just $5 per bike, $7 per motorcycle, and $10 per car, you can gain entry and explore the area. There is even a hidden cave worth exploring if you can manage to find it.

The Other Side of San Diego – Inside

Outdoor adventures are great, but sometimes it’s too hot or too cold for your particular taste, or you just need a break from the beach. (Your words, not ours.) San Diego is here for you whether you want to catch a concert or do a little beer tasting; you’d be surprised what this great city can give you for just $10. Here are five of our favorite indoor activities that barely put a dent in the wallet.

6. Check out a Concert
Where: Little Italy
Price: $6-$10

It might be surprising to know you can easily catch a concert for under $10, but it is entirely true. Now they might not be the big names like Beyonce, but there are plenty of talented musicians constantly rockin’ the casbah quite literally at Rock the Casbah in Little Italy. Concert admissions are $6 during the week, and a few of the weekend shows are just $10 to enter.

7. Jump, Jump, Jump Around
Where: Various Locations
Price: $10

Find your inner child and head out to a trampoline park for some high energy fun. Rockin’ Jump, Bounce California, and Sky Zone welcome free spirits to enjoy 30 minutes of jump time for just $10.

8. Take a Tour and Enjoy a Beer Tasting
Where: Escondido or Spring Valley
Price: $3-$10

Yes, you can actually enjoy a distillery tour and indulge in a beer tasting for under $10 in two locations in San Diego. For just three dollars, Tour Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido gives guided tours of their facilities, provides four-ounce beer samples, and even gives you a complimentary glass to take home with you. Plus, it’s just an amazing place to be with a great ambiance in a natural garden setting. Tourist Tour at Kill Devil Spirit Co. in Spring Valley provides a tour of their distillery, six quarter-ounce tasters, and a mason sampler glass for $10.

9. Head to the Adult Arcade
Where: North Park
Price $10

This one cuts it kind of close, but still hits the mark; the Coin Op in North Park offers a craft cocktail menu where you can get drinks from between $7.50 and $9.50. With the change you can travel back in time and play a few rounds on their vintage arcade games.

10. Skate It Up
Where: Linda Vista
Price: $8-$10

Enjoy a little old school fun and be a teenager again at Skate World in Linda Vista; grab your funky four-wheel skates and spend a few hours cruising around the rink while listening to some amazing tunes. You can even call ahead to find out when they’re having the beginner roller derby classes, and try your hand at a new sport.

These are our top ten favorite activities to do in San Diego for less than $10, but there are plenty more. We’ve included a little hit list below to give you a broader taste, and would love to hear your suggestions too.

The Hit List

1. Padre’s Games, Petco Park, Downtown, $5 to $8 during spring training, lawn seats.
2. Disc Golf, Morley Field, North Park, $3 to $4.
3. Brunswick Bowling, Chula Vista, Tuesdays for $2 games, and $2 shoe rentals.
4. Drive In Movie, Imperial Beach, South Bay Drive In, $9.
5. Swap Meet, Sports Arena, Saturdays & Sundays, $2 entry.
6. Beach Yoga, Pacific Beach, NamaSteve, Saturday mornings, end of Law Street, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., donation based.
7. Ride the ferry to Coronado, Downtown, $4.75, Flagship Ferry.

Everyone knows SeaWorld San Diego is one of the hottest tourist attractions each summer, but did you know that they also have a separate waterpark with rides and shows? SeaWorld’s Aquatica is located on Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista, 30 minutes south of SeaWorld.

You can make a splash at Aquatica San Diego when it reopens for season seven in 2019. Aquatica is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s other cure for the summertime blues. With rides and slides for everyone from the least daring to the most adventurous, Aquatica is sure to become one of your favorite summer go-to destinations.

Get Up to 7 Free Aquatica Visits

Celebrate the return of Aquatica with FREE admission to the park when you buy a seven-day SeaWorld San Diego package with this summertime offer. Your SeaWorld San Diego package gives you express entry to Aquatica through September 30, 2019. The tickets are valid for seven consecutive days from the date of the first visit to either park.

Take Your Queue

Get right on the rides with the park’s Quick Queue system. Guests with Quick Queue wristbands can head to the front of the line at the park’s most popular rides: Kiwi Curl®, Whanau Way, Woohoo Falls®, Walhalla Wave®, and Tassie’s Twister. Hooroo Run’s 80-foot drop and Taumata Racer’s thrilling twists and turns round out the park’s adrenaline-infused water rides.

Catch Wave after Wave

Aquatica is also home to one of southern California’s largest wave pools that generates five-foot waves, perfect for bodysurfing.

Watch the Little Ones Splish Splash

Families with little ones will enjoy the children’s play areas, Slippity Dippity and Walkabout Waters. Slippity Dippity has a kid-size slide and waterfall feature for guests up to 48 inches tall. Walkabout Waters is a four-story structure built for kids of all ages who will delight in catching unsuspecting family members by surprise with jets of water from hoses and water cannons.

Commit to Conservation

It wouldn’t be a SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment property without animal exhibits. Floating down Loggerhead Lane, the park’s lazy river, guests will encounter several species of freshwater turtles and dozens of bright pink flamingos. Your visit to Aquatica helps support SeaWorld’s conservation efforts. Their scientific studies and strategic partnerships have aided in the rescue and rehabilitation of over 34,000 animals.

Upgrade Your Day

Guests who take a more leisurely approach to summer fun can relax in a poolside cabana. Premium and Ultimate Cabana packages include private access to Loggerhead Lane, a mini-fridge to keep your drinks cool, and a welcome basket filled with fresh fruit. The Premium Cabana package includes wristbands for four guests with the option to add two more for an additional fee. The Ultimate Cabana package is designed for larger groups. Wristbands for eight guests are included as part of the package and four more can be purchased at the park.

Escape the Crowds

Semi-private areas with shaded seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and optional food and beverage service are available at an additional cost.

Refuel and Refresh

When hunger strikes, head to one of the park’s food vendors for family-friendly favorites. You’ll also find a range of soft drinks, tropical beverages, and draft beer, and wine to quench your thirst.

Stop to Shop

Forgot your sunscreen at home? All the necessities for a day at the park can be found at Kiwi Traders and Sunnies. Stop by to pick up sunglasses, swimwear, water shoes, beach towels, and more.

Practice Park Safety

Electronic lockers can be rented to secure your valuables as you enjoy the park’s amenities and attractions. Some of the rides have height and weight restrictions for the safety of all guests, and complimentary life vests are available for guests of all ages and sizes.

Easily Access the Park

Aquatica is easily accessible from the I-5, I-8, and I-15. The park is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle, just off Heritage Road in Chula Vista.

Park at the Park

Parking fees start at $10 per motorcycle and $17 per car for general parking. Parking is available for RVs at a cost of $20 per vehicle. Guests with valid handicapped permits can park in designated spots close to the main entrance.

Take Advantage of Aquatica’s Accessibility

Ask at Guest Services for the park’s Accessibility Guide which includes detailed information about the accessibility of facilities at Aquatica San Diego. Standard and beach accessible wheelchair rentals, priority parking, companion restroom facilities, and service animal “relief areas” are just some of the many services available to guest with specific needs.

Know When to Go

The park is open on select days and times in May and early June, and then daily from June 6 to September 2. The fun continues on the remaining weekends in September and the first weekend in October. A complete calendar is available on the park’s website.

Did We Mention Aquatica Admission is FREE?

Get seven full days at SeaWorld San Diego for the price of one including admission to Aquatica. Purchase your tickets online and bypass the booth for quick and easy access to two of San Diego’s most popular parks.

Don’t forget, you can always buy a Go San Diego Card for deep discounts on all the best attractions in San Diego.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Marcel Proust

San Diego is known for its iconic attributes, namely magnificent beaches, constant 70-degree weather, and legendary surf, as well as attractions like Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and the Gaslamp Quarter.  But San Diego is also a city filled with undiscovered treasures, places very few know of, or think twice about. Its vibrancy can oftentimes overshadow its true brilliance, the very land on which it sits, the natural beauty that surrounds every inch of it, and the dark hidden corners no one expects to find.

San Diego is one voyage of discovery that most certainly needs you to open new eyes in order to see all that you’ve missed for too long. We’re going to help you do just that by providing a list of secret locales that some may know all too well, while others will be shocked they even exist. It’s time to see what San Diego has been hiding in its depths, and we’ve got a whopping eight places to get you started.

The Pink Lady

Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Del Mar sits a Mission-style mansion known as the Canfield-Wright House, also known as the Pink Lady due to its vibrant color. It was built in 1910 by Charles A. Canfield, an oil tycoon whose life is said to be the inspiration behind the iconic movie There Will Be Blood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since it’s restoration in 2004, this city treasure is a beautiful site and photo op hidden within the hills.

Location: 420 Avenida Primavera, Del Mar

Harper’s Topiary Garden

Most people won’t believe there is a private sculpture garden hiding away in the Mission Hills neighborhood, but it is entirely true. And it’s been there for over two decades. Nicknamed “Edna Scissorhands,” the local artist behind Harpers Topiary Garden has sculpted over fifty shrubs into figures on her front yard. A diverse collection of shapes from elephants, snakes, and dinosaurs to pyramids, a surfer, a Buddha, and everything in between. But don’t take our word for it, check it out yourself.

Location: 3549 Union Street, Mission Hills

Hidden Words

While many people have no doubt enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach near Hotel del Coronado, few may have noticed the hidden messages in the sand. If you haven’t, it’s probably because they look like no more than sandy heaps of seaweed and ice plant, and while that is in fact what they are, that is not all they are. If you know what to look for, or happen to be high in the sky (the best vantage point), you may notice these artful sand dunes are also words. Specifically, Coronado and Beach.

So how did they get there and what are they? In 1988, city worker Armando Moreno was assigned the task of removing seaweed and kelp from the beach, but decided to add his own twist. He ended up sculpting the mounds, which he covered with sand after and sowed with rice. It took several years for him to complete this project, and the city ended up loving it so much, they’ve continued to maintain it throughout the years.

Coronado Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Coronado

A Musical Bridge

If you’re ever sitting in traffic on Highway 94 near 25^th Street and suddenly hear a melodic tune that takes your breath away, it’s probably coming from the musical bridge. Hidden behind a railing that separates traffic from the sidewalk is an incredible public art piece created by Roman de Salvo in 2003 that plays Crab Carillon by Joseph Waters. Its 488 chimes respond to each step, those who follow the sequence will end up creating some beautiful music as they simply stroll by.

Location: 700 25^th Street, Golden Hill

The Secret Swings

Hidden on a La Jolla hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a picturesque cityscape, a quick hike up from Expedition Way near UC San Diego, you’ll find the land of “secret swings.” While their style is continually changing, and they often seem to move about, one thing remains constant. There is always at least one swing in this low-key locale. Throughout the years tire swings, handmade seat swings, and swinging bench chairs have all made an appearance. Nobody really knows where the old ones go or how the new ones appear, but one thing’s for sure their mysterious nature only adds to their enchantment.

Expedition Way, La Jolla

Chasing Waterfalls

When most people think of waterfalls they think of Hawaii, Oregon, or maybe Niagara Falls. Well, most people do. And while there are far more places to find and enjoy these natural music makers, you’d be hard pressed to find one in San Diego. Just ask a local. We don’t have them. Or do we? Yes, actually San Diego has a number of waterfalls to the complete shock of us all. You just need to know where to look. One of the best is located twenty miles north of downtown in the green lush canyon of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Location: 12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego

SS Monte Carlo at Low Tide. Photo by Jamie Lantzy from San Diego, CA

Low Tide Shipwreck

Back in 1937, the SS Monte Carlo, a 300-foot casino ship, ran ashore on Coronado Island. Before it made its fateful end it served as a water-bound casino that was frequented by the Hollywood elite including famous stars such as Mae West and Clark Gable. Today, it serves as one of the only visible shipwrecks in California and can only be seen during low tide. To see this fascinating site, visitors need to travel along Orange Avenue past Hotel del Coronado to the south end of Coronado Shores Beach. The shipwreck emerges at the shoreline during low tide providing an epic photo op.

Location: South End of Coronado Shores Beach

Magical Circle

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle in Carson Park’s Iris Sankey Arboretum attracts visitors of all ages with its whimsical sculptures. Kids will appreciate the 400-foot-long giant snake wall and maze, and parents will be thankful for the integrated bench seating. Art connoisseurs will recognize the work of famous French artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, who created the mosaic project based on California’s cultural and historic roots. The colorful mosaic sculptures are inspired by local Pre-Columbian, Native American, and Mexican art, and of course, the artist’s unfailing imagination.

Location: 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido

That wraps up our list, but this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to San Diego’s secrets. Tell us about any low-key San Diego spots you’ve discovered and think everyone should know about.

It’s hard to imagine tiring of San Diego’s beaches, attractions, shopping, and night life. After all, there is always something new and exciting going on in America’s Finest City. But when sun and sand have left you exhausted, you can’t even think about dressing up for a night on the town, and the travel budget needs a serious time out, San Diego delivers just what the weary traveler needs. Whether it’s experiencing your first grunion run or relaxing by a beach bonfire, these 10 free things to do in San Diego provide a low-key good time.

Race to Balboa Park’s Velodrome

Every Tuesday and Friday night the San Diego Velodrome hosts heart-stopping bike races that spectators can watch for free. The Velodrome, located in Balboa Park at Morley Field Athletic Complex, is one of three premier racing and training venues in the Southwest. You’ll see racers from early development level to Olympic level. Fridays are for up-and-coming competitive cyclists, and Tuesdays are for top-of-the-line racers. Tuesday night races begin at 6:30 p.m. and run from April through September.

Explore the Splashy California Surf Museum

Come to Oceanside to see one of the best collections of surfing history in the world. California Surf Museum has preserved San Diego surf heritage and entertained thousands of annual visitors from all over the globe for over 30 years. Besides the renowned permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts featured exhibits like The 1966 World Surf Championship and special exhibits like China Beach: Surfing during the Vietnam War. Admission is free every Tuesday. If you take the Coaster to Oceanside, the museum is a short walk away in the heart of downtown.

Feast Your Eyes on a Moonlight Grunion Run

Not sure what a grunion is? That’s all the more reason to grab your flashlight and head to the beach for a grunion run. Grunion are small fish that spawn on San Diego beaches from March to August. They’re quite methodical in when they make their appearances, so you have a fair chance at seeing them. They spawn just after high tide for four consecutive nights beginning on new moons and full moons. There’s approximately a two-hour window of time after high-tide to see this phenomenon, the second hour being the best. Get your tide and moon charts out and start planning!

Hike the Coastal Trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Reserve is San Diego’s premier coastal park offering miles of trails that zigzag through coastal sage scrub. Individual park trails are each under a mile long, some closed loop, but most intersecting other trails. Guy Fleming Trail is easy, relatively flat, and offers two outstanding views where hikers can watch playful dolphins and seasonal whale migrations. Razor Point Trail offers two points perfect for views of a sandstone gorge and the ocean. Beach Trail runs from the top of the reserve down to the beach. Although the hiking is free, there are steep parking fees, so come early to grab free parking spots just outside the reserve.

Tour World Beer Cup Champion Ballast Point Brewery

San Diego has been dubbed the ‘Craft Brew Capital of America’ and for good reason. There are over 100 craft/micro/nano breweries in the county. Many of them offer tours where you can learn about the personality of the brewery, its history, and its brewing process. Ballast Point Brewery Tour, unlike nearly every other local brewery, offers free tours. Located in Scripps Ranch, the former World Beer Cup Champion offers a variety of tastes at the end of each tour.

Snorkel among the Garibaldi in La Jolla Cove

If you peer over the railing at the edge of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla Cove during summer, it’s sheer eye candy. Below, next to a small crescent beach backed by towering cliffs, you’ll see dozens of bright orange garibaldi fish darting around the clear blue water. Depending on the day, you’ll also see a number of snorkelers trying to get a closer look at this underwater spectacle. When you’re ready to join them, don your snorkel gear and expect to see a treasure trove of marine life including sea cucumbers, sea stars, and sea lions.

Gather ‘Round an Evening Beach Bonfire

If you’ve ever strolled past a beach fire ring longingly and wondered if anyone can use them, the answer is yes. Mission Bay, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and Coronado’s Silver Strand let the public use their beach fire rings for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Just bring your own firewood and marshmallows and stake your waterfront claim. Mission Bay bonfires have the added perk of Seaworld’s nightly fireworks.

Watch Paragliders at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Sunshine, ocean breezes, and epic views alone are enough to make you want to hang out at Torrey Pines Gliderport for a few relaxing hours. The big draw, of course, is watching the paragliders and hang gliders launch off the top of the sandstone cliffs and glide through the air like colorful birds. There’s a viewing deck where you’re welcome to watch, but the grassy area is reserved for the gliders – for everyone’s safety. Although you can purchase food from the Cliffhanger Café, you can certainly bring your own snacks instead. There is also ample free parking, a San Diego rarity.

Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista

The U.S. Olympic Training Center (recently renamed the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center) has a long legacy of training Olympic, Paralympic, World Cup, and other elite athletes. Athletes trained here have garnered over 60 medals in national and international competitions. You can take a guided tour of the facility any Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. Daily self-guided tours are also available. There is an optional 12-minute Olympic short-film to watch before or after your self-guided tour. Tours are free of charge and only large groups need reservations. Bring water, sunblock, and good walking shoes.

Wander through the Magic of Harper’s Topiary Garden

Hidden in plain sight at the corner of Union and Vine streets in Mission hills, Harper’s Topiary Garden has to be seen to be believed. Edna Harper and her gardener have been shaping an array of topiaries for 15 years. Unlike most topiaries that are shaped around metal forms, these beauties have been slowly made solely through careful trimming and training. You’ll see over 50 creations including such disparate forms as a dinosaur, a herd of elephants, a surfer, and a Buddha. Edna wants you to feel free to park the car and wander among the shapes, just mind your manners and don’t climb the topiaries.

These 10 free things to do in San Diego merely scratch the surface of possibilities. There are parks, trails, overlooks, music and movie events, and so much more. What’s your favorite free thing to do in San Diego?