The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do Along the San Diego Coast
- San Diego Beach Review
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
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San Diego’s coastline isn’t just for luxury travelers — locals know plenty of affordable (and even free) ways to soak up the sun, surf, and scenery. Whether you’re visiting or lucky enough to call this place home, here are the best cheap things to do along the San Diego coast, complete with insider tips, what to expect, and how to make the most of your day by the ocean.
Cheap and Free Coastal Activities
Activity | Cost | Best Location(s) |
Paddle Board Rental | ~$25/hour | Mission Bay |
Surfboard Rental | ~$20–30/hour | PB, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, Ocean Beach, Solana Beach |
Beach Walk | Free | Coronado, Mission Beach, PB Boardwalk |
Beach Day | Free | La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, Mission Beach, Coronado Beach |
Bike the Boardwalk | ~$15–20/hour | PB to Mission Beach |
Pedal Boat | ~$25/hour | Mission Bay, San Diego Bay |
Beach Bonfire | Free | Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Coronado |
Fireworks Show | Free | Mission Bay |
Sunset Watch | Free | Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, Pacific Beach |
1. Rent a Paddle Board — Around $25/hour
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a great way to explore the calm waters of Mission Bay or La Jolla Shores. You can rent a board for about $25/hour at beachside rental shops. You can also buy an inflatable paddleboard on Amazon for less than $150 that will be cheaper in the long run if you plan to go multiple times.
Local tip: Head to Santa Clara Point or El Carmel Point on Mission Bay for quieter water and smaller crowds — perfect for beginners.
2. Rent a Surfboard — About $20–30/hour
San Diego is a world-class surf destination — and you don’t need your own gear to give it a try. Surfboards rent for $20–30/hour, with wetsuits a few dollars extra.
Best beginner beaches:
Pacific Beach: All the surf shops have affordable hourly rentals.
La Jolla Shores: Gentle waves, great for lessons.
Mission Beach: The surf shops at Belmont Park have board rentals available.
Check out this cheap, $25/hour all-day surfboard rental in Solana Beach
3. Walk the Beach — Free
Sometimes the best things really are free. If you're looking for free things to in San Diego, you can't go wrong with walking along the shoreline. Stroll the length of Coronado Beach, people-watch on the Mission Beach boardwalk, or walk along La Jolla Shores.
Local tip: Some beaches in San Diego County might be more difficult to walk on at high tide due to the cliffs. This is more the case in North PB, La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad beaches. Be sure to check the tide before you go for walk!
4. Spend the Day at the Beach — Free
Bring a towel, some snacks, and settle in for a full beach day — San Diego’s beaches are open and free to the public. You can't beat this ultra budget-friendly San Diego activity. Be sure to check out our beach reviews of San Diego's most popular beaches for information on parking, amenities, safety, activities, and more.
Local favorites:
La Jolla Shores: Family-friendly and mellow. See more on La Jolla Shores Beach here.
Mission Beach: Lively, with tons of energy. Check out our review of Mission Beach.
Del Mar: Scenic and relaxed. Learn more about visiting Del Mar beach here.
5. Bike the Boardwalk — About $15–20/hour
Rent a beach cruiser for around $15–20/hour and ride the three-mile boardwalk between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Ocean views the entire way make this a can’t-miss cheap beach activity in San Diego.
Local tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
6. Pedal a Boat on Mission Bay — About $25/hour
Pedal boats are a fun, family-friendly way to explore Mission Bay’s calm waters. Rentals cost about $25/hour-50/hour at Mission Bay Sportcenter or on San Diego Bay.
7. Have a Beach Bonfire — Free (Bring Your Own Wood)
San Diego is one of the few places in California where you can enjoy a public beach bonfire. Fire pits are free — but arrive early to claim one.
Best beaches with fire pits:
Mission Bay and South Mission Beach
Coronado Beach (North Beach)
See here for a list of fire rings at San Diego beaches.
8. Watch Fireworks Over Mission Bay — Free
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SeaWorld San Diego puts on nightly fireworks over Mission Bay. No ticket required — just head to Crown Point, Ski Beach, or South Shores and enjoy.
Local tip: Check the schedule ahead of time to confirm showtimes. Typically come on 10 minutes before close.
9. Catch a San Diego Sunset — Free
Nothing beats a Pacific Ocean sunset — and San Diego has some of the best. This has to be one of the most iconic free things to do in San Diego, and the best part is that it happens daily and never gets old!
Top sunset spots:
Sunset Cliffs: Dramatic ocean views. See our Guide to Sunset Cliffs to make the most out of your visit.
Pacific Beach Pier: Colorful and lively. Learn more about Pacific Beach here.
La Jolla Cove: Often with sea lions basking nearby. Check out our full beach review of La Jolla Cove.
Pro tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot.
See our post on 7 Beautiful Sunset Spots Along the San Diego Coast and Top Things to Do at Sunset in San Diego for more ways to enjoy the sunset!
FAQs
Can you rent beach equipment in San Diego?
Yes — from paddle boards and surfboards to beach cruisers and umbrellas, rental shops line the beaches. No matter which beach town you're in, the rental shops lining the beach will have rentals available!
Are all San Diego beaches free?
Absolutely — all beaches are free and open to the public. Parking may cost in some areas, especially at state beaches. See our Guide to State Beaches in San Diego County for more information.
What’s the cheapest activity to enjoy the San Diego coast?
The cheapest activities are free: walking the beach, watching the sunset, and swimming in the ocean. See our post on Top Walks Along the San Diego Coast for scenic places to go for a stroll and take in the ocean or our Guide to Torrey Pines if you're looking for more of a hike.
Where’s the best place to watch the sunset?
Locals love Sunset Cliffs for its dramatic ocean views and peaceful atmosphere. Check out our Guide to Sunset Cliffs for more information.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy San Diego’s beautiful coast. From free beach days and sunsets to affordable paddle boarding and bike rentals, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly San Diego activities along the coast!
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