San Diego Convention Center – Free Activities
A visit to San Diego Convention Center brings you to the heart of San Diego, a sunny city with lots to do. Beautiful beaches, challenging hikes, and charming neighborhoods await you. The best part is that you can have an action-packed time in San Diego, soaking up the sunshine, without spending a dime.
There are countless free activities and sites to see in the city and surrounding area, making it the perfect place for those trying to save. So after your time at the San Diego Convention Center, go explore the outdoors, venture through interesting neighborhoods, and relax in the sunshine.
Beaches
One of the most amazing parts of the California coast is its incredible, bountiful beaches. From calm, family-friendly lagoons to crashing waves perfect for surfing, there are options for everyone. We’ve narrowed down a few for you to explore.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is beautiful neighborhood that sits atop picturesque cliffs overlooking the ocean. Their incredible cove area can be enjoyed on top of the bluffs, which are covered in greenery and sprinkles of flowers. From there you can admire the unbeatable view of the crystal blue ocean and catch a glimpse of dozens of seals relaxing on the beach.
La Jolla Cove is a 23-minute drive from the San Diego Convention Center, and is a must-visit destination in the San Diego area.
Coronado Central Beach
Coronado Central Beach is regularly voted as one of the best beaches in the United States, which makes is a highly recommended place to visit. This large, sandy beach is perfect for families interested in relaxing, wading, or even kite flying. While it’s a popular place to visit, it still remains quiet and clean. It’s the perfect escape after visiting San Diego Convention Center.
One of the biggest appeals of visiting Coronado Central Beach is seeing the iconic Hotel del Coronado. This luxury resort has hosted illustrious guests like Thomas Edison, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey. The landmark hotel is probably most famous for being featured in the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot. Best of all, Hotel del Coronado is only 14 minutes from San Diego Convention Center.
Ocean Beach City Beach
While a bit of a mouthful, Ocean Beach City Beach is a popular destination that can be enjoyed for free. This pet-friendly location attracts lots of visitors, especially because of the Ocean Beach Pier. Visitors can soak in the ocean views, go fishing, or take a stroll all the way down to the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe. The Ocean Beach Pier is a 20-minute drive from the San Diego Convention Center.
This area also features a hidden gem with a great view. Oriental Point is a quiet spot with a great view of the distant pier and is not overrun with other visitors. For the best view, sit on the rocks and watch the sunset as the waves crash around you. Oriental point is located 21 minutes from the San Diego Convention Center by car.
Playa Pacifica Park
Playa Pacifica Park is a small cove with a soft, sandy beach surrounded by a green park. This quiet area is known as Leisure Lagoon, which sets the scene for the relaxing time you’ll have here. There are picnic areas, basketball courts, and paths for biking, walking, or rollerblading.
At Playa Pacifica Park guests don’t have to worry about strong waves, big crowds, or an overwhelmingly large beach area. On Leisure Lagoon you can swim and play in the sand, while watching colorful kayaks float by. This peaceful escape is just 17 minutes from San Diego Convention Center.
Hiking
After their visit to San Diego Convention Center, lovers of the great outdoors can achieve new heights in the area. Whether you’re interested in a casual daytime hike or an expert in all-day treks, you’ll find a path to suit your needs.
Hiking is a popular activity in the San Diego area, as there are so many trails that provide views of amazing waterfalls, the city skyline, or the Pacific Ocean. Breathe in the fresh California air by taking a hike.
Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain is the highest mountain in San Diego, but the three-mile journey is still manageable. The Cowles Mountain trail is a popular destination for hikers of all experience levels, so you’ll have plenty of company when taking the journey upwards.
At the top of this 1,593-foot-tall mountain is a unique, 360-degree view of San Diego County. Hikers who reach the summit will see beautiful scenery in every direction, from lakes to nearby Mexican cities. Begin your hike up Cowles Mountain after taking a 25-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center.
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park is a hugely popular destination in the San Diego area for those interested in exploring the great outdoors. At 7,200 acres, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the nation. There are almost 65 miles of trails, providing a variety of experiences for visitors of all experience levels. The desert landscape contains lush greenery, flowers, and beautiful mountain views. Mission Trails Regional Park features a dam inside the park where hikers can rest and watch the flowing water.
There is a fantastic Visitor and Interpretive Center at the entrance of the park that contains more than just bathrooms and water fountains. The Interpretive Center has video presentations, slide shows, sculptures, and informational pamphlets for visitors to learn about the history and beauty of the area. Mission Trails Regional Park is 24 minutes from San Diego Convention Center.
Iron Mountain Trail
Another popular hiking path in the area is Iron Mountain Trail, which provides amazing, 360-degree views at the summit. Those looking for a challenge can try climbing the rocks along the path, which some say are perfect for ascending.
Hikers on the Iron Mountain Trail can personalize their experience by choosing different paths and loops, which vary in length and difficulty. Access to Iron Mountain Trail is 40 minutes from the San Diego Convention Center.
Neighborhoods
In addition to the area immediately surrounding San Diego Convention Center, there are plenty of neighborhoods to explore. Each of these unique destinations has their own personality and appeal, so visitors would be remiss not to visit them all. Cafes, shops, museums, and more await!
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a colorful, waterfront area walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center. With more than 50 stores, 13 cafes and restaurants, and frequent outdoor entertainment, guests could easily spend an entire day here. Seaport Village is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll along the bayfront while window shopping at adorable boutiques. Check out the historic carousel, built in 1895, spinning in the sunshine.
The area regularly features pop-up concerts and other live music performances, where visitors can enjoy while relaxing in the grass by the water. Pack a picnic to save money, and watch the ships or admire the city skyline across the bay. Seaport Village is usually filled with other visitors enjoying the beautiful weather in this upbeat yet relaxed area. It’s the perfect neighborhood to spend part of your day and only a 14-minute walk from San Diego Convention Center.
Little Italy
If your visit to the San Diego Convention Center has worked up an appetite, you’ll love a visit to Little Italy. This neighborhood features free activities, weekly markets, hidden details, and, of course, delicious food.
After filling up on Italian food, go on a hunt for the cute, secret spots throughout the neighborhood. At Cafe Zucchero on India Street, a little tile at the front of the restaurant commemorates the spot where a local man first met his wife. In Amici Park there are table sculptures with recipes on them, so bring paper and a writing utensil to take a rubbing. Outside the restaurant Mimmo’s, the owners put their original sausage maker used by the restaurant founder on display. Lastly, there are granite statues throughout the neighborhood that share the history of the neighborhood.
The creators of the city wanted to create a bustling outdoor area, so there are many outdoor seating areas for people to relax, drink cappuccinos, and just slow down. Little Italy is only a 10-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center.
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is a historic, 16-block neighborhood filled with charming Victorian architecture. This walkable area is right near the San Diego Convention Center, making it an easy place to visit. Its name comes from the gaslights that were once used to light the streets and are still visible to this day.
This turn-of-the-century neighborhood dates back to the 1860s and contains dozens of galleries, specialty stores, small eateries, and charming shops. You’ll often see families strolling the streets to shop, grab a bite to eat, enjoy festivals, and more.
The Gaslamp Quarter holds an Artisan Market every Sunday that sells handmade products to support small, local businesses. This public market celebrates entrepreneurship and brings local people together. At night, the Gaslamp Quarter turns into an incredible downtown nightlife destination. There are plenty of bars and other destinations for visitors to dance the night away.
You should definitely check out this charming Victorian neighborhood filled with funky destinations and lots of history. After all, it’s only a 10-minute walk from San Diego Convention Center.
Old Town
Old Town San Diego holds substantial historic significance, making it a meaningful destination for San Diego Convention Center visitors. It’s the site of the first-ever European settlement in California and thus one of the birthplaces of the Golden State we know today. Because it’s the oldest area in San Diego, it contains many historic buildings to wander through. A visit to Old Town will transport you to the past.
The neighborhood contains reconstructed structures from hundreds of years ago, such as adobe ranch homes and old schoolhouses. Old Town gives visitors a glimpse into the Mexican influence on San Diego’s history. The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and all museums in Old Town are free, making it the perfect place to learn and enjoy the history of the area without breaking the bank.
In addition to historic buildings and museums, Old Town hosts exciting celebrations. Their annual Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos celebrations draw in crowds from all over. Old Town also has other seasonal and special events throughout the year as well as daily live mariachi performers.
Walk through this amazing and historic neighborhood to connect to San Diego’s history, all without spending money. Old Town is only 14 minutes from San Diego Convention Center.
Additional Destinations
On top of beaches, hiking trails, and neighborhoods, there are other free destinations for San Diego Convention Center visitors to enjoy. Museums, parks, and classic California activities are some of the other options, and won’t cost a thing.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a cherished gem of San Diego and way more than your average park. It covers almost two square miles and is filled with destinations such as over a dozen gardens, hiking trails, three dog parks, multiple children’s playgrounds, interactive sculptures, and an art center.
Special events in Balboa Park include free concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion each Sunday and free admission to the park’s museums certain Tuesdays each month. Depending on the time of year, Balboa Park holds various seasonal activities such as an Ethnic Food Fair, Summer Movies in the Park, Kids Free October, and December Nights. This amazing destination is only eight minutes from San Diego Convention Center.
Yoga
California is one of the most yoga-obsessed states, due in part to its predominantly health-conscious population. There are countless yoga studios throughout the area, but visitors to the San Diego Convention Center can participate without spending a dime. Many organizations in San Diego have free and donation-based yoga classes open for all to enjoy.
Hotel Republic’s Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar, only eight minutes from the San Diego Convention Center, has a free yoga program every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Hotel Solamar’s Upper East Bar has Sips & Savasana, a rooftop yoga class where participants can enjoy cocktails afterwards. This program is within walking distance from San Diego Convention Center, so no need to worry about enjoying a cocktail!
Yoga in the City classes take place on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and constantly appear in different locations. Make sure to check their website to see where they’re headed next. Beach lovers can head to a donation-based yoga class on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.in Ocean Beach, 20 minutes from the San Diego Convention Center.
Even with all these options, this is still only the beginning. You can find other free yoga classes throughout San Diego that will stretch your body and not your wallet.
Chicano Park
Chicano Park is San Diego’s oldest Mexican American neighborhood, and its community park was created due to the tenacity and activism of community members. In the 1960s, the California Department of Transportation built a freeway directly through the neighborhood, cutting the community in half. The township told residents they would build a park to make up for it, something the community had long hoped for.
As the years went on, the state forewent their promise and planned to build a highway patrol station instead. Hundreds of community members gathered at the construction site to stop the demolition and occupied the area for 12 days. This passion and activism resulted in the formation of Chicano Park in 1971. Because of its cultural significance, the government named Chicano Park a National Historic Landmark in 2017.
You can spend an afternoon admiring the park’s 80-plus murals that grace buildings, overpasses, and more. This massive collection is the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world. These murals set into motion Chicano Park’s emerging arts district. There is a lot to see in area, such as galleries, independent shops, craft breweries, cafes, and live music venues. Chicano Park is just a five-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
History buffs, veterans, and museum lovers alike should visit Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, another impressive and free destination in the San Diego area. This museum contains more than 40 meticulously restored aircraft with great historic significance.
Many of the guides at the museum are veterans and retired Marines who are eager to share their extensive knowledge with all visitors. These guides have a passion for the work and lots of stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
One of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum’s special programs is Open Cockpit Days. Throughout the summer, the museum invites guests to climb inside the cockpit of the historic planes and see what it’s like to be at the helm of a military aircraft. Other exhibits include a photography collection honoring military dogs, and a collection of logos from every NASA flight ever taken. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day except Mondays. This museum is a 30-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center.