San Diego is known for its laidback lifestyle and golden beaches with plenty to offer and many of them are actually free. If you’re looking for some of the best free things to do in San Diego, this guide will walk you through some fun activities to make some great memories without spending a cent.

1. Visit the Sea Cave at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Address: 📍1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, California

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is every photographer’s dream as there is a beautiful unique hidden sea cave that you can visit during low tide, so there are days that you cannot go at all. The rock formations of the sea cave are truly astonishing to look at and it has stunning coastal views overlooking the ocean. If you catch it during sunset, you’ll have that beautiful golden beach as your backdrop.

You must check the tide chart to check for perfect low tide time: https://usharbors.com/harbor/california/san-diego-ca/tides/

2. Watch Paragliders or Hanggliders at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Address: 📍2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037 

Torrey Pines Gliderport offers tandem paragliding flights and educational lessons, which is perfect for those who love adrenaline rush activities. They are open daily but sometimes they cannot do flights depending on the weather. The cliffside near the gliderport is free to visit, where you can admire and watch the paragliders as they glide through the sky. It’s a great spot to see them up close and is also a prime spot to catch the sunset, providing a golden beach view.

3. Walk Through the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Address: 📍W Spruce St, San Diego, CA 92103

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a historic bridge with lots of greenery for a peaceful stroll and will make you feel like you are stepping back in time. Interestingly, the bridge was built in 1912 above a canyon, which provided a way for pedestrians to cross from neighborhoods to the 4th and 5th Avenue streetcar lines. The bridge is both peaceful and slightly intimidating as it is wiggly and high. It is amazing how well-preserved it is despite all these years.

4. Visit the Edward Scissorhands Inspired Garden: Harper’s Topiary Garden

Address: 📍3549 Union St, San Diego, CA 92103

Over the years, Edna and Alex Harper created an Edward Scissorhands inspired garden with over 50 meticulously topiaries in different shapes and figures. The neighborhood even refers Edna as “Edna Scissorhands”. It is so beautiful to see all the creativity and vision they put together in their landscape for the public to enjoy. Please be reminded that this is their home so be respectful when visiting the garden for a quick stop.