Southern California isn’t generally known as an affordable region to live in. The cost of living in San Diego is higher when compared to other cities such as El Paso, Memphis, and Fresno, but it’s certainly more affordable than San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, and even Oakland. For the most part, residents of downtown San Diego are fine with having to pay more in exchange for a higher quality of life, but there are plenty of entertainment options that can be enjoyed at very low prices. People who live in lofts, penthouses, or downtown San Diego condos are sure to love these six fun, relaxing, and educational things to do around downtown San Diego on a tight budget.
1. Check Out the Botanical Building at Balboa Park
With more than 2,000 plant species from around the world, the Botanical Building is one of the various free attractions at Balboa Park, and it’s also one of the best spots to visit after you complete one of the hiking trails.
2. Go on a Gaslamp Quarter Historical Tour
There are 16 downtown blocks to explore in this district, and not all of them are dedicated to trendy nightlife spots. Many of the buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter feature local interpretations of Victorian architecture dating back to the early 20th century, and many of the art galleries around the district offer free exhibits.
3. Tour Downtown San Diego on a Trolley Day Pass
As of March 2020, a day pass to ride the San Diego Trolley, including the elegant vintage cars on the Silver Line, costs just $6 for 24 hours. Although the Silver Line only runs around the periphery of the downtown districts, you can ride the trolley all the way south to San Ysidro and all the way east to Santee.
4. Enjoy Some Family Fun with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass
If you want to lock down family activities for an entire year at Balboa Park, an Explorer Pass for two adults and up to four children is something to consider. A few of the 16 museums in Balboa Park offer free admission, but the Explorer Pass will grant you access even when there are special exhibits, concerts, and other activities. The annual Explorer Pass for a family is $229. A seven-day Explorer Pass is $32 for children and $59 for adults.
5. Spend a Day at Seaport Village
Located just south of the USS Midway, this waterfront leisure spot offers more than enough for visitors who want to enjoy a frugal day. Live music performances and art installations outside the galleries are very common. Seaport Village also offers some of the best vantage points for sightseers and photographers who want to capture the San Diego Bay, particularly at sunset.
6. Take a Petco Park Tour
For about half the price of a game ticket, you can take an entire guided tour of the home stadium of the San Diego Padres, including the dugout, press box, and luxurious private skyboxes where team owners and VIPs sit. For a few dollars more, you can even catch a batting practice session before the game.
Downtown San Diego has no shortage of fantastic places for people who are on tight budgets, which is only one of the many reasons to consider investing in downtown San Diego real estate. If you’re looking for your ideal home in the downtown district of America’s Finest City, reach out to the experienced agents at 92101 Urban Living to help you find the perfect space. Give one of our friendly team members a call today at 619-649-0368.