Enjoy summer in East County without breaking the budget. Here are 10 free things you can do.
Making summer plans feels overwhelming when you’re working with a limited budget. You don’t want to miss out on all the excitement, but constantly having to check your bank account to make sure you’re not overspending is no way to live either. The great thing about living in East County, though, is that there are numerous opportunities to explore the outdoors and enjoy local culture.
Whether you’re into art (like me) or you want to find a new spot to go paddleboarding, you can keep yourself entertained all summer long in San Diego and beyond without spending a penny. To make the most of each experience, pack your own lunch, snacks, and beverages for even more frugal fun.
1. Summer Arts Festival, June 13
A free summer arts festival? Sign me up! (Literally). On Saturday, Jun. 13, the Summer Arts Fest is being held at NTC North Promenade from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is hosted by the Arts District Liberty Station and features live demonstrations from local painters, in-studio workshops, an art market selling one-of-a-kind pieces, food, drinks, and live entertainment. What could possibly be better?
Tickets aren’t necessary to attend, but RSVPing in advance is recommended so event organizers know roughly how many people are going to show up. Click here to reserve your spot.
2. Mission Bay Park
Mission Bay Park is billed as San Diego’s “Water Wonderland,” and for good reason. People usually flock to the area to kayak, water ski, paddleboard, kite surf, and sail, but you don’t have to get out on the water if you don’t want to. You can also ride your bike and have a picnic here, or even just spend the afternoon sipping an iced coffee while you read a good book.
The one thing to note with this activity is that you’ll have to pay a small parking fee if you’re driving to Mission Bay. Parking meters and lots are both located in the direct vicinity. Meters will run you between $2 to $8, depending on how long you’re there, whereas lots can cost up to $24 if you’re staying for most of the day. Take a look at your options here. Apps like SpotHero provide somewhat more affordable alternatives, or you can opt to ride your bike or walk here instead to save on the parking fee altogether.
3. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is the perfect summer destination because it encompasses 1,200 acres and includes 18 museums, gorgeous architecture and installations, and several free events for residents throughout the summer. On Resident Free Days, you can gain complimentary admission to several museums, which you can learn more about by following this link.
Free activities at Balboa Park include hiking, going to the dog park, hanging out on the playground with your kids, taking a closer look at some of the interactive sculptures, and listening to free organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. For even more ideas, click here.
4. Old Town San Diego
Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in time. The area is rich with history and serves as an ongoing celebration of Mexican culture, all of which you can learn more about as you take a stroll and look around. Live mariachi bands perform every day, and there’s a celebration planned for the Fourth of July you won’t want to miss.
Yes, some of the things you can do here require payment, like the stores and restaurants. But you can bypass those and stick to free options like checking out all the historical sites or listening to music while you sit in the shade and sip a lemonade you brought from home.
5. 59-Mile Scenic Drive
Okay, for this activity, you’re going to have to factor in the cost of gas, and prices are obviously on the rise right now, but you can always carpool with a few friends to make it more affordable. Cruising through the 59-Mile Scenic Drive is a wonderful way to spend a day, or even several days, exploring San Diego’s various neighborhoods and roadside attractions.
The official San Diego website has a great breakdown of everything you can see on this breathtaking drive here. I’d recommend planning a few stops in advance so you can make the most of your time on the road. Building a special playlist for the 59-Mile Scenic Drive and packing a cooler full of food and drinks will make the experience even more magical.
6. El Cajon’s Fourth of July Celebration
Fourth of July celebrations don’t have to be costly. Every year, El Cajon hosts a free event at Kennedy Park complete with fireworks, family games, arts and crafts, train rides, and live entertainment. Festivities start at 3 p.m., and the fireworks show begins with a bang (pun intended) right around 9 p.m. If you have additional questions about the event, where to park, or what to expect, please call (619) 441-1699.
7. El Cajon’s Movies in the Park
El Cajon really knows how to keep the free entertainment coming all summer long. Movies in the Park are scheduled for the following dates at the following locations:
- May 29, Johnson Elementary
- Jun. 20, Wells Park
- Jul. 10, Fletcher Hills Park
- Jul. 17, Renette Park
- Jul. 24, Bostonia Park
- Aug. 7, Kennedy Park
As of writing, the movies being screened during these events have not been announced. However, it seems like it’ll be a good time no matter what, because free activities, crafts, and games are held leading up to showtime, so it’s a great place to be with your family, regardless of what they’re showing. Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candy, gather some blankets and chairs, and get ready for a few unique evenings of community fun.
8. San Ramon Summer Concerts in the Park
Music lovers, don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you. San Ramon’s Summer Concerts in the Park series features exciting performances of everything from pop music to Motown throwbacks to Prince. Hosted at the San Ramon Central Park Amphitheater, every concert is completely free to attend. You’re encouraged to bring your own blanket or chair if you’d like to sit down and stretch out as you soak in all the musical sounds.
9. La Jolla Tide Pools
I’ve been obsessed with the ocean for as long as I can remember, and being able to take a closer look at the creatures that live there feels like catching a glimpse of an alternate dimension. La Jolla’s tide pools offer that feeling in spades. The best places to find them are South Casa Beach, Shell Beach, and Dike Rock. La Jolla Mom has a guide you can follow here to make the most of your time at the tide pools and learn more about what you can expect to see.
The most important thing to remember is that you should not touch or take any of the aquatic creatures you find in the tide pools. Please just look at them and do nothing else. Tide pools are delicate ecosystems, and it’s best to leave them how you found them.
10. The Stuart Collection, UC San Diego
Lastly, for all my fellow art lovers, the Stuart Collection at UC San Diego features countless artworks you can browse and admire without having to worry about an entry fee. 20 sculptures are found throughout the 1,200-acre campus, so you can design your own scavenger hunt to track them all down. Here are a few of the stunning artworks you can find at the Stuart Collection. If you need additional information on the campus’s accessibility and maps, please click here.
