What To Do Around San Diego When You’re Broke AF

The broke college student; you either know one, have seen one, or you are one. In any case, we live in a world where our attention spans are shorter and our wallets are emptier. So how are we supposed to occupy our time on a budget where top ramen and coffee pods are carefully factored in? Well here are a few ideas on what to do when you’re broke AF in San Diego!

1. Go hiking!

With the lovely geography and climate that comes along with living in San Diego, it would be a shame to not take advantage of the free activities that accompany great weather. Hiking is a great way to spend your day, while getting some great exercise, for free! Hikes like Torrey Pines and Potato Chip Rock offer amazing views with varying difficulty, and even offer prime Instagram photo spots! I mean, did you really go on a hike if you didn’t post a picture at the top?

2. Relax at Balboa Park.

Balboa Park is another great place to spend your day when you’re ballin on a budget. There are tons of gardens, museums, and activities going on there every day. It’s filled with gorgeous architecture, and can make for some great photos! I once even saw a poodle wearing sunglasses and a visor posing in front of the stage area for fan photos. Needless to say, you’re always bound to run in to some interesting characters here.

3. Visit The Museum of Contemporary Art!

Speaking of museums, The Museum of Contemporary Art is a great attraction in San Diego. Coming in at just $5 for student tickets, it’s a unique way to spend the day and become a little more cultured, even if you are a broke college kid. However, do I have a little secret for you! The third Thursday of every month, from 5-7pm, it’s free admission to the museum. Either way, you’re bound to have a great time and save some cash while you’re at it.

4. Spend a day at the beach!

Obviously it wouldn’t be an article about free things to do in San Diego without mentioning the beach. With so many beaches to choose from, you can grab your surfboard, sunscreen, and burrito and have a solid day ahead of you. That is of course, until the ravenous seagulls with no chill surround you and snag the food right out of your hands. Trust me, I’ve experienced this first hand. But besides that, with the beautiful sunny weather, crystal blue ocean, and hot surfer boys, you would be foolish not to take advantage of the ultimate free activity.

5. Take pictures at Sunset Cliffs.

And there’s no better way to end your day of debauchery than at sunset cliffs. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down and to get those golden hour pics. It’s also a great place to people watch, as I’ve seen a marriage proposal, a funeral, and a family newborn photo shoot all occur simultaneously on these magnificent cliffs. Make sure to bring a jacket and a blanket however, because the moment that sun hits the waves you’ll be sprinting back to your car to put the heat on.

With so many things to do in San Diego when you’re broke af, there’s no excuse not to get out and explore this beautiful city we’re so blessed to live in. Netflix can wait.