Strapped for Cash? Here’s 8 Cheap Ways To Enjoy San Diego This Fall!

With the holidays right around the corner, you’re probably saving for all the upcoming expenses. Their will be Christmas trips, gifts, holiday parties and more, but just because you’re pinching your pennies doesn’t mean you can’t afford to have some fall fun. In San Diego, where we have summer weather pretty much all year long, there are plenty of fun things to do while sticking to a crazy tight budget.

San Diego Botanic Garden

Photo Credits: Courtney Sloan

The SD Botanical Gardens in Encinitas are beautiful and perfect for kids and adults. They have tours, bird watching and much more. When you’re there, make sure to stop by and visit Sam, the 500-pound Galapagos tortoise. Adult admission is $14, military, students and seniors are $10, kids ages 3-12 are $8 and kids under 2 are free. On the first Tuesday of every month, admission is free for San Diego residents.

The Beach

Photo Credits: Courtney Sloan

This one might seem obvious but the beach is free and this is San Diego, so it’s always beach weather even in the winter. There is something to do for everyone whether it`s bathing in the sand, surfing, boogie boarding or just taking a walk. Pack a cooler, a few towels and you’re ready to go. If you’re taking the 4 legged members of your family, check out Dog Beach in Del Mar or Coronado.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a gorgeous San Diego stop. They have shops, unique restaurants and shows but you can also just walk around and enjoy the scenery. Kids (and adults) can ride the Historic Carousel for just $3. If you don’t feel like driving there and messing with parking, hop on the trolley and enjoy the ride.

Balboa Park

Photo Credits: Courtney Sloan

Balboa Park has tons of museums, beautiful gardens, parks and great restaurants. For the budget-minded, they have packages you can buy, which can even include a zoo pass at a discounted rate. If you`re a San Diego resident, Tuesdays are always free admission to many of the attractions.

Tidepools

Tidepools are free and so much fun! A few San Diego favorites are Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, Dike Rock in La Jolla and Swami’s in Encinitas. Make sure to catch them during low tide and wear some tough shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!

Disc Golf

If you`re looking for something that involves exercise and having fun with friends, try disc golf! Once the sport of burnouts and hippies, now locals of all stripes pride themselves on their disc golfing skills. To play at Morley Field in San Diego, it costs $3 for all day wristbands on weekdays, $4 on weekends and holidays and $1.50 to rent each disc. Don’t orget to bring some drinks!

Oceanside Pier

The Oceanside Pier is a great place to take a walk, fish, people watch and check out some of the local sea life like dolphins and stingrays. You really can’t beat the scenery walking above the water and taking in a beautiful day.

Mission Beach Boardwalk

Photo Credits: Courtney Sloan

Riding your bike along the Mission Beach boardwalk, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the gorgeous bay view is what happiness is made of. Walk, run, ride or stroll from the boardwalk to the bay and check out the famous Belmont Park. It does cost money to ride the park`s roller coaster or grab a drink at one of the bars along the way, but the salt air and scenery are always free.