4 Tips for Visiting San Diego on a Budget
San Diego is a stunning destination famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and diverse neighborhoods — but it’s also a notoriously expensive place to vacation. If you plan carefully, you can enjoy all that the San Diego area has to offer without breaking the bank. Start with a clear picture of your overall budget, a bit of self-restraint, and these tips for visiting San Diego on a budget.
Finding Affordable Lodging
Hotels in San Diego tend to stay full, even with high prices, which can make it hard to find an affordable room. One trick is to visit during the off-season, in January, February, and March or in October and November. Rates will be slightly lower, and the reasonably priced hotels won’t be all booked up. Booking early is also important, as is looking outside San Diego proper. Hotels in Pacific Beach and other communities outside San Diego or La Jolla often offer better rates.
Big Attractions for Less
Several discount cards are available that bundle San Diego’s world-class attractions for an affordable price. The Go San Diego Card is the most popular and gives you admission to the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, and more. Other options are the Balboa Park Explorer Passes, which grant admission to some or all 17 museums located within the park. You can also add a zoo day to your Balboa pass. You can even bring a picnic with wine to Balboa Park, which is one of the few places in the area you’re allowed to drink alcohol outdoors.
If the passes are outside your budget, just go to the zoo. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world and will easily fill an entire day with memories.
Visit Free and Cheap Attractions
Spending time at the beach is the best activity San Diego has to offer, and the beaches are free. Hiking trails are also popular. Check out the great short trails in Torrey Pines Park that take you through woodlands and onto the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Farmers markets in San Diego and La Jolla are legendary, and it’s free to walk around and people watch.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Even if you didn’t buy a Balboa Park pass, you can still enjoy the outdoor areas of the park and even join a free guided tour. The Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park is free, so stop in and enjoy some eye candy. The Old Town area is great fun for Western history buffs, and it offers free tours. La Jolla is an expensive town to eat, shop, or stay in, but it’s free to walk around and enjoy the spectacular views and charming streets. Walkabout International can guide you to several more free walking tours around San Diego.
The fresh air, sunshine, and sea views that Southern California is famous for are all free to enjoy. The food in San Diego is generally high-caliber across the board, which means you can’t go wrong, even with cheap and mid-priced eateries. Of course, nothing beats enjoying a day on the beach and a burger in the sunshine.
Like this Article? Share it!
