Best Things to Do Under $20 in San Diego

Fishing at Oceanside Pier ($15)

Address: Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054

If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, try fishing while you’re in San Diego. The weather is often perfect for any outdoor activity year-round, and there’s no fishing license required. Halfway down the Oceanside pier, there’s a Bait & Tackle shop where you can rent all of the equipment you need. Spend a morning or afternoon taking in all San Diego’s scenery has to offer (and potentially catch dinner!).

Visit the Botanical Gardens & Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a cultural haven in the city of San Diego. The spot includes museums, hikes, architecture, and just a spot to sit and relax for each and every visitor. If you’re sick of the beach, but still want to enjoy some sun, then this is a great place to go. You can launch on the lawns or sit on the park benches while learning more about the gorgeous plants that inhabit San Diego.

See The Seals 

Address: La Jolla Cove, California 92037

On your next visit to San Diego, skip SeaWorld and see wildlife in its natural habitat. The seals of San Diego are located in La Jolla, just 20 minutes up the coast. These seals lounge on the rocks all day sunning themselves. If you catch them in a more active state, then you may see some diving and swimming too. Once you’re at La Jolla Cove, you may decide you want to invest in some other costlier things to do like snorkeling or scuba diving. Regardless of what you decide to do, just remember that the seals are wild animals and it’s always better to keep a safe distance. This is notthe same as taking your kids to a petting zoo.

Ride the ferry ($5)

Address: 990 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

If you’re ocean-obsessed then this is another fabulous way to get you out on the water. The ferry may not be a Yacht or a Disney cruise, but it’s still an enjoyable way to see San Diego. You can take the ferry from the San Diego Harbor to Coronado Island. Round-trip will cost you right around $5. There’s a variety of departing and arriving ferries, so you can also take the time to explore Coronado Island if you so please.

Take a picture at Potato Chip Rock

Address: Ramona, CA 92065

Potato Chip Rock is one of the most photographed spots in the country. The rock juts out just like a potato chip, and it’s a wonder it’s still standing after all the people crowding on for a photo op. Because it’s free, put this one on your list for early in the day. The trails do become increasingly more congested.

Walk the Boardwalk

The Pacific Beach Boardwalk is one of the most enjoyable boardwalks in the United States. Plopped right on the water sandwiched between sandwich shops, bars, and the water, there is a million things to do and look at. You can walk from Mission Bay all the way through Pacific beach and keep going if you’re so inclined. You can easily kill a few hours and if you’re in San Diego, it is a must.