• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Balboa Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Balboa Park
© Courtesy of Art Boardman - Fotolia.com

2. Old Town San Diego ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Old Town San Diego
© Courtesy of georgeburba - Fotolia.com

3. The Timken Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture

4. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

5. The Botanical Building

The Botanical Building
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com

6. The Torrey Pines Gliderport

The Torrey Pines Gliderport
© Courtesy of David Levin - Fotolia.com

7. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
© Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

8. The Seeley Stable

The Seeley Stable
© Courtesy of Gabriele Maltinti - Fotolia.com

9. Coronado Municipal Beach

Category: Beaches
Coronado Municipal Beach
© Courtesy of Natalia Bratslavsky - Fotolia.com

10. The Children's Pool

Category: Kids & Family
The Children's Pool
© Courtesy of Steve Minkler - Fotolia.com

11. San Diego Public Libraries

Category: Food & Drink
San Diego Public Libraries
© Courtesy of ilandavid - Fotolia.com

12. The San Diego Embarcadero

The San Diego Embarcadero
© Courtesy of Jo Ann Snover - Fotolia.com

13. Torrey Pines State Beach

Category: Beaches
Torrey Pines State Beach
© Courtesy of Anne Worth - Fotolia.com

14. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Category: Activities
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

15. Dog Beach

Category: Beaches
Dog Beach
© Courtesy of everydoghasastory - Fotolia.com

16. First San Diego Courthouse

First San Diego Courthouse
© Courtesy of BirgitKorber - Fotolia.com

17. The Gaslamp Quarter

Category: Museums & Culture
The Gaslamp Quarter
© Courtesy of vivalapenler - Fotolia.com

18. Harper's Topiary Garden

Category: Activities
Harper's Topiary Garden
© Courtesy of ThomBal - Fotolia.com

19. Julian

Julian
© Courtesy of Mary - Fotolia.com

20. La Jolla Shores Beach

Category: Beaches
La Jolla Shores Beach
© Courtesy of Mcdonojj - Fotolia.com

21. Mission Bay Park

Category: Activities
Mission Bay Park
© Courtesy of Gabriele Maltinti - Fotolia.com

22. Moonlight State Beach

Category: Beaches
Moonlight State Beach
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

23. 59 Mile Scenic Drive

59 Mile Scenic Drive
© Courtesy of tibor13 - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Question: What free historic attractions can be found in San Diego?
    Answer: San Diego offers free historic attractions such as the restored buildings of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Question: What outdoor recreational activities are available at San Diego's public beaches?
    Answer: San Diego's free public beaches provide opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other outdoor recreational activities.
  • Question: Are all free attractions in San Diego available every day?
    Answer: Some attractions are free only on certain days, so it’s recommended to check before you go.

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