Visit San Diego on a Shoestring Budget

A visit to San Diego, California cannot only be memorable and fun it can also be CHEAP! With a wide variety of attractions and events there is something for everyone. The architecture is breathtaking; there are fabulously interesting museums, a great theatre retinue and sporting events to thrill all. And don't forget, the seashore and beach shorelines can't be beat.

Depending on the amount of time and money you want to spend and with just a little preplanning, you can have a fantastic trip and visit some of the most popular and interesting places for little to nothing.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park has Free admission of Tuesdays and is one of the most popular and interesting places to visit when you're in the San Diego area. It's free to enter the park - can't get much better than that, can it? You will be entertained by the majestic view of many seasonal flowers, the Spanish architecture and a beautiful landscaped canyon.

Museums Galore

There are many different museums to visit in San Diego but here are a few that have reduced admission or are free on particular days: 1) San Diego Chinese History Museum which has a $2.00 admission fee, 2) the San Diego Museum of History which is FREE on the second Tuesday of the month, 3) San Diego Automotive Museum which is FREE on Tuesdays, 4) San Diego Hall of Champions which is FREE on Tuesdays 5) and the Photographic Museum which is Free on the second Tuesday of the month.

Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument is located on the west coast shoreline and was founded by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. It is located in Point Loma where one of the oldest lighthouses resides. Here you will experience the panoramic view of the entire city and when you drive down the coastline you'll come across a large area of tide pools. The admission fee is $5.00 per vehicle.

Hotel Del Coronado

Another value attraction to visit while you're in San Diego is the Hotel Del Coronado. While here you can learn about the history of the hotel, take in its beautiful architecture and browse around the restaurants and shops.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a beach side community in San Diego where the swanky Prospect Street is located. For free you can enjoy swimming and basking in the sun all day along with the harbor seals that continuously wade in the water. Because of the many incredible beaches that San Diego has to offer there's no limit to the photogenic scenery, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, rollerblading and bike riding, and the many activities and attractions available to tourist.

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond in Balboa Park

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond were built for the 1915-16 Exhibition. If you get a chance, you will want to see this site as it is the largest lath structure in the world. Inside the Botanical Building you will be awed by the over 2100 permanent plants. You will be able to see collections of cycads, ferns, orchids and many other tropical specimens of plants. If you are fortunate to be visiting during on of the Parks seasonal flower displays, count yourself a winner. It is a spectacular sight for sure.

Speckles Organ Pavilion

The Speckles Organ Pavilion, at Balboa Park, is home to the world's largest outdoor pope organ. There a free year-round concerts on Sundays at 2:00. If you are visiting San Diego, mid-June through August, you might want to check out the free summer International Organ Festival that takes place on Monday evenings around 8 p.m.

Timken Museum of Art

Also located in Balboa Park is the Timken Museum of Art which is home to the Putnam Foundation Collection of Europe and old masters American art and well loved Russian art. Admission to the museum is free.