All free museums and attractions to visit in San Diego

San Diego (California) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 16 museums and attractions in San Diego can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in San Diego? These are the best places to visit:

  1. Spanish Village Art Center1

    Spanish Village Art Center

     San Diego, CA
    Visit the large San Diego community of 200 artists and their studios. See, touch and feel the arts or participate in the intriguing workshops.
  2. La Casa de Estudillo2

    La Casa de Estudillo

     San Diego, CA
    La Casa de Estudillo, also known as Estudillo House, is a significant historical site located in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This adobe building is a part of the rich history of San Diego, California, and offers a glimpse into the past. It was considered one of the finest houses in Upper California during its prime. The building is horseshoe-shaped, single-story with a patio, and its facade measures 34.4 meters with wings that are 29.9 meters long.
  3. Timken Museum of Art3

    Timken Museum of Art

     San Diego, CA
    The Timken Museum of Art, established in 1965, is a fine art museum located at 1500 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is conveniently situated close to the San Diego Museum of Art, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts.
  4. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park4

    Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

     San Diego, CA
    The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is situated in the historic heart of San Diego, California. This area is not only a state park but also a protected national site. It offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, making it a significant location for those interested in history and culture.
  5. James Mccoy House5

    James Mccoy House

     San Diego, CA
  6. Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego6

    Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego

     San Diego, CA
    The Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego is situated in the historic district of Balboa Park. This location not only provides a beautiful setting for the museum but also places it in the heart of a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy the museum's exhibitions and then explore the surrounding park, which is home to many other cultural institutions and attractions.
  7. Museum of Photographic Arts7

    Museum of Photographic Arts

     San Diego, CA
    The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is located in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park. The museum, which was first founded in 1974 and officially opened to the public in 1983, is a significant cultural institution in the city.
  8. Mormon Battalion Historic Site8

    Mormon Battalion Historic Site

     San Diego, CA
    The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town, San Diego, California. It was constructed to honor the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served in the United States Army's Mormon Battalion during the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848. This site provides a glimpse into a significant period in American history and the role of the LDS Church in it.
  9. Centro Cultural De La Raza9

    Centro Cultural De La Raza

     San Diego, CA
    The Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in Balboa Park, San Diego, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, promotion, and education of Chicano, Mexicano, Native American, and Latino art and culture. The center supports and encourages the creative expression of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
  10. San Diego History Center10

    San Diego History Center

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego History Center, located in the city's Balboa Park, is a museum that showcases the rich history of San Diego. Founded in 1928, the center has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and understand the city's evolution over the years.
  11. La Casa De Machado Y Stewart11

    La Casa De Machado Y Stewart

     San Diego, CA
  12. Colorado House12

    Colorado House

     San Diego, CA
  13. Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden13

    Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

     San Diego, CA
  14. Seeley Stable Museum14

    Seeley Stable Museum

     San Diego, CA
  15. 15

    MCRD San Diego Command Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The MCRD San Diego Command Museum is situated in Day Hall, Building 26, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of the United States Marine Corps.
  16. 16

    Balboa Park - Desert Garden

     San Diego, CA