San Diego, CA, is a beautiful city known for its amusement parks, scenic white-sand beaches, and multi-million dollar mansions. While San Diego’s lifestyle is pretty luxurious, there are plenty of things you can do here that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And since America’s Finest City has gorgeous weather all year round, you’ll have fun whenever you decide to visit. Yes, summers in San Diego are unforgettable. However, when the summer beach crowds thin out, visitors (and locals) can start enjoying all the fun fall activities this city has to offer! So, if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, here are 8 free things to do in San Diego this fall!
Take a Stroll Down The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
If you want to uncover what life was like in the 1800s in early America and Mexico, then you should take a stroll down the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This is where the city of San Diego was founded. Archeologists have uncovered ancient artifacts there throughout the years. This fantastic historic site includes several ancient adobes, a blacksmith shop, a museum packed with antiques, a schoolhouse, and a carriage collection.
Since you’re visiting in the fall, you cannot miss the annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This celebration is completely free, and it includes a traditional candlelight procession. Additionally, many Old Town restaurants will provide unique Dia de Los Muertos meals and live music, as well as activities for the whole family, such as traditional face painting and mask crafting. Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for free things to do in San Diego this fall, this one should be on top of your list!
Experience Fall Foliage
Even though San Diego has near-perfect weather all year round and almost endless summer, you can get a taste of fall right here in Southern California. All you need to do is take a short trip and know where to look! Fortunately, we’re here to point you in the right direction.
To see a plethora of reds, oranges, and yellows, visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain, or Mount Laguna. Oak and conifer forests flourish at these higher elevations, producing stunning scenery that you won’t see in the city. These places are great for experiencing the leaves change colors because of the thick vegetation, high elevation, and isolation!
While San Diego is known for its warm weather, it’s possible to experience some fall foliage as well!
Check out Balboa Park
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, visiting Balboa Park is something you simply must do. This is definitely among the best places to visit in San Diego, no matter the season. This 1,200-acre urban park is brimming with free activities, including the Automotive and Air and Space Museums, as well as historical buildings, theaters, cafés, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Balboa Park Botanical Building and Park, one of California’s most magnificent botanical gardens, is not to be missed. The botanical gardens and lily pond, as well as the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Museum of Man, are all worth seeing. You can also enjoy shows at one of the few theaters. With its amazing array, Balboa Park is really San Diego’s cultural hub.
Pay a visit to San Diego’s Embarcadero
Embarcadero is a Spanish word for “landing place”, and San Diego is home to many historic ships and cruises. Taking a stroll through the Embarcadero is a beautiful treat and a soothing experience, with panoramic ocean views and broad pathways. Here, you can see many amazing monuments. The best one has to be the ‘Unconditional Surrender Statue’. Additionally, Embarcadero is full of beautiful spray fountains in the new Waterfront Park. If you’re coming with kids, they can play on this huge playground; they’ll love it! Your children will also enjoy a fun seal tour. Also, if you like museums, you can pay a visit to the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum! Amazing, right?
Take a Walk Through Mission Bay Park
Another famous free attraction in San Diego is Mission Bay Park. More than 15 million people enjoy this Park every year. It’s located north of downtown San Diego, and it spans 27 miles.
Mission Bay Park provides a plethora of activities for the whole family. Since you’re visiting in the fall, you should definitely go biking, hiking, or kite flying. If you’re a picnic lover – it’s your lucky day! This Park has excellent picnic areas, which include fun playgrounds for your little ones. If you decide to go biking, you’re in for a real treat! The pathway is very long, and it features some incredibly scenic views along the route. You can bring your own bike or rent one for a very reasonable price.
Spending your day in Mission Bay Park with your loved one(s) is a perfect way to spend your San Diego visit.
Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
If you’re a nature lover, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve should definitely be on your list of free things to do in San Diego this fall. This place offers 8 miles of trails through the breathtaking landscape of San Diego. These scenic paths wind their way over sandy hills, providing spectacular views of the azure shoreline and rugged sea cliffs. However, the real treat is the twisted Torrey Pine tree, the rarest pine tree in the world. It’s only found in two places on Earth, and this is one of them. Since fall is not the perfect swimming season, you can go down to the beach and watch a fantastic sunset with your loved one(s).
Go on a Hike!
In San Diego, there are many beautiful hiking routes to choose from. There is a path for everyone in San Diego, from the picturesque Torrey Pines beach walk to the plummeting slopes of Three Sisters Falls. One of the most popular hiking treks in Southern California is Cowles Mountain. This challenging hike (3 miles is nothing to laugh at) provides amazing views of San Diego County from the peak point at 1593 feet. Other great hiking trails are Los Penasquitos Canyon, the Iron Mountain route, and the Cuyamaca Peak Loop trail. The good news is they are all suited for all hiking levels.
Enjoy a Scenic Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
End your day in San Diego by watching the perfect sunset at Sunset Cliffs. The ambiance is rather lovely. If you wish to isolate yourself from the crowd, you may climb down to the beach, or you can join everyone on the arch. Nothing will ever compare to standing on the cliffs and looking down at the water crashing into and over the boulders. Watch a spectacular sunset with a swirl of pinks and oranges illuminating the sky. Just a perfect way to end a perfect day!
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, sunsets are always there for you!
Want to move to San Diego?
If you’re visiting San Diego for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with it and decide to relocate here. Even if you’re coming from Los Angeles, which is not so far away, you might be dazzled by San Diego’s charms. Many people can’t handle the rush of the Hollywood lifestyle, so they decide to move here to experience life in America’s Finest City. So, if you’re one of those people who want to leave LA and make a new home here, you’re making the right choice!
While these two cities have a lot in common, San Diego has a more welcoming and relaxing vibe. It’s a more family-friendly city surrounded by beautiful nature and packed with many fun activities, as we mentioned earlier. You’ll still be living that California lifestyle, but on a more chill and mellow note.
Visiting Does Not Break The Bank
As you can see, visiting San Diego doesn’t have to break your bank. You can have the most fantastic time in this beautiful city without hurting your wallet. San Diego offers an incredible array of fun-filled activities for all ages. These eight free things to do in San Diego this fall should be on everybody’s list. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready, set, San Diego!
[author updated 12-03-25]
Fall in San Diego’s Metro Neighborhoods: North Park & South Park
While the major tourist spots like Balboa Park and the Embarcadero are fantastic, locals know that the real autumn magic happens in our historic neighborhoods. As experts in North Park and South Park real estate, we love seeing our communities come alive as the weather cools down slightly.
Explore North Park’s Arts & Canyon Trails
North Park isn’t just about craft breweries; it offers plenty of free fall activities for families and nature lovers.
- Switzer Canyon Hikes: Tucked between North Park and South Park, this open space preserve is perfect for a cool morning hike without leaving the city. It’s free, dog-friendly, and offers a glimpse of native San Diego flora.
- Ray Street Arts District: Take a self-guided evening stroll down Ray Street. While the galleries are amazing inside, the street art and murals are free to enjoy and make for perfect Instagram backdrops.
The Charm of South Park in Autumn
South Park is famous for its “small-town feel” within the big city. Fall is the perfect time to grab a warm drink and walk the historic streets.
- Historic Home Walking Tour: You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the architecture! South Park has one of the best collections of Craftsman and Spanish Revival homes in San Diego. A simple walk through the neighborhood to admire the historic real estate is a favorite local pastime.
- South Park Walkabout: Keep an eye out for the quarterly Walkabout events. These are often free to attend, with shops keeping their doors open late, live music on the sidewalks, and a festive community atmosphere.
Why Fall is a “Sweet Spot” for San Diego Real Estate
Many people think spring is the only time to make a move, but the fall market in San Diego offers unique advantages. Whether you are looking to sell your home or buy a new one, the season brings less competition and serious movers.
With the summer rush over, buyers can often take their time viewing homes in University Heights or Golden Hill without getting into immediate bidding wars. For sellers, your home looks especially inviting with the warm autumn light and cozy staging.
Community Events with McT Real Estate Group
We believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Throughout the fall, keep an eye out for our McT Real Estate Group community events! From neighborhood garage sales in North Park to shredding events and pet-friendly gatherings, we love creating opportunities for our neighbors to connect for free. Check our social media for the latest dates!