There are many fun things to do in San Diego - and despite what you may have heard, not all of them break the bank.

If there’s one thing this area is criticized for, it’s that the high-standards lifestyle often comes with a price tag that’s just as soaring.

But San Diego is called America’s Finest City - not its priciest city. While there are some high-priced attractions and establishments that attract the affluent, it’s also possible to enjoy this amazing area without a big budget.

Today we’ll highlight some of the best restaurants, attractions, and locations that allow you to fill your stomach and your day without requiring you to drain your savings in the process. We’ll also mention some of the spots you can head to when it’s time to splurge and treat yourself.

Let’s plan our San Diego day together!

Affordable and Appetizing: Best Budget Eats in San Diego

There’s no better way to start your San Diego day than with food. After all, the right recipe can bring everything this area is known for - style, satisfaction, and of course, flavor.

No matter your favorite style of cuisine, everyone’s pallet is preferential to budget eats. The only thing better than leaving a good restaurant with a full stomach is to also leave with a full wallet or purse. You’ll want to empty your plate and ask for seconds at these affordable eateries.

Breakfast Republic

It’s only natural to start the list and the day with breakfast. Breakfast Republic has locations in Encinitas, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach, and North Park. Their all-breakfast restaurant is all delicious and affordable, with many plates going for less than $15!

Lucha Libre Taco Shop

This lovely North Park location champions the passionate spirit of Lucha Libre, and translates it into a ton of flavor combinations across their menu of tacos, burritos, sides, and kids meals. It’s lots’o taco fun for the whole family.

Landini's Pizzeria in Little Italy

This popular location is on India Street in Little Italy, bringing a lot of flavor for a low price. It’s always a good time for pizza, especially when you can have two slices and a drink for only $12.

Affordable Food and Fun Things to Do in San Diego - Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla — Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.

Breakfast, tacos, and pizza - sounds like three square meals and three eating experiences that are outside the box. Not only do you get great food when you visit a restaurant scene like the one in San Diego, but you’ll enjoy a unique ambiance that makes the experience even more flavorful.

Fun and Affordable Recreational Activities in San Diego

All that food will leave you with some energy - how can you spend it? That and $25 or less will cover the cost of a variety of fun activities throughout the area.

Affordable Food and Fun Things to Do in San Diego - Old Town San Diego — Old Town San Diego

Point Loma Ecological Reserve and Tidepools

For example, you can visit the Point Loma Ecological Reserve and Tidepools. This aquatic attraction and protected area is home to various species of marine life. When the tide rolls out, visitors can peer into the tidepools and see sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and more.

Torrey Pines State Park

Nature lovers can come ashore and explore more beautiful plant and animal species in Torrey Pines State Park. It’s a fine place to enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and amazing photo opportunities. It also features a Natural Reserve which houses the tree that gives the location its name, along with other rare species and unique geological formations.

La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium

Back to the water we go for more affordable aquatic adventures at La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium. Even more than the tidepools, this location will make you feel like you’re communing with the creatures of the ocean, as various exhibits offer opportunities for entertainment, exploration, and education about the area’s amazing marine life.

Padres Baseball Game

You can go from soothing ocean exhibits to screaming fans by snagging tickets to a Padres baseball game. There are some affordable options that may not put you right by the field, but they will put you in a location to enjoy a fun day with friends, family, and fellow sports fans.

These are just a few of the affordable entertainment options that encompass the area’s beautiful natural wonders and bustling recreational scene. But what if you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego that are even more affordable - as in, free?

Best Free Beach Activities to Check Out in San Diego

What if your budget for fun is non-existent? Luckily, you can’t put a price on enjoyment, at least not in every San Diego location. Plenty welcome you in without a price of admission, meaning the only thing you’ll spend here is time.

La Jolla Beaches

For the beach bums, wave riders, shell collectors, and more among us, San Diego gives generously. Visit Scripps Beach in La Jolla to splash around, soak up the sun, surf the waves, or watch the seagulls fly by. Speaking of species by the ocean, La Jolla Cove is known for its sea lions, another species that embodies San Diego with their love for the beach.

Coronado Beaches

Coronado Island offers multiple beaches and piers as well, letting you explore land and sea alike.

It’s also worth checking out Mission Beach - and make it your mission to stroll down the Oceanfront Boardwalk. It’s free, and you’ll feel a sense of freedom as you gaze down the sprawling sea’s horizon.

More Free Recreational Amenities in San Diego

Even for San Diego regulars, you may not always feel like hitting the beach. If you need some more options for fun (and free) land attractions, here are a few extra suggestions - no charge.

Balboa Park

Known as San Diego’s backyard, it’s only fitting this 1200-acre mix of trails, parks, and gardens, mixes in a myriad of art and culture features as well.

Old Town San Diego

Not only can you explore land and sea in San Diego, you can also slip away from the present day and journey back to the past. Old Town is called “The Birthplace of California.” It provides an unmistakable vintage charm with preserved buildings and festivals to celebrate its historical significance.

Sunset Cliffs National Park

Sunsets are a fine way to wrap up the day, so we wrap up this list with Sunset Cliffs National Park. It’s an outstanding outdoor option if you want great exercise and even greater views.

A day at the park, a stroll around the backyard, a glimpse back in history - all of these activities invite you to enjoy all the fun with no cost of admission. It just goes to show that San Diego welcomes everyone, from those who want a relaxed day of lowkey and low-priced fun to those who seek more extravagance in their activities.

Affordable Food and Fun Things to Do in San Diego - San Diego Zoo — San Diego Zoo

A Few Recommendations for Splurge Activities

Another benefit of pursuing all those affordable activities is that you have more money left over. So what should you do with it?

There comes a time when every person needs to splurge. It’s a chance to let loose, spending your time and money freely on activities that are worth the cost. There are a few locations that fit this bill, allowing you to spend some bills and get a return on investment that you can tally up in fun, photos, and family memories.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

When it comes to splurging in San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are two experiences worth every penny. Both are world-renowned for their conservation efforts and diverse animal exhibits, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to get up close with some of the planet's most magnificent creatures in areas that mimic their natural habitats.

Legoland

Another place to build memories is a location themed after an iconic building block. Legoland attracts individuals from all over the world, and is particularly popular among young people and families. Step into a land that’s stacked high with fun activities and unforgettable sights, all themed after one of the most iconic toys in the world.

In contrast to the commotion of a theme park, a harbor cruise is much more placid in nature. You’ll be in nature alright, as you drift around the shorelines and take in the ambiance of the entire San Diego scene as one. Oceans, shores, docks, and cityscapes all blend together in this adventure, which is perfect for solo explorers, couples, and families alike.

Enjoy Your Savings or Splurging in San Diego

Whether you’re hungry, bored, curious, or just ready to hit the beach, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego. No matter your interests or your spending cap, there’s nearly no limit to the enjoyment you are able to experience in this amazing area.

Enjoy cheap eats along with low-cost and free attractions. Or, when the occasion calls for it, let loose and dive deep into some of the area’s more expansive activities on land and sea - we can tell you that the experience is something you can’t put a price on.

If you’re curious about moving to San Diego so you can enjoy these activities and many more, contact Best Fit Movers for moving assistance and a free quote.