Here Are The 9 Best Free Activities To Do In Southern California This Summer

As your self-proclaimed research assistants, we have compiled a list of free, fun activities you can do in SoCal this summer. These activities are family-friendly, inclusive, and guarantee fond memories. But before you head out, make sure to grab water and wear suitable footwear. You know how unpredictable the warm SoCal weather can get!

Vanessa M/Foursquare

Chinatown possesses the most random items, just about anything you can think of, from umbrellas to turtles. The best way to explore is on foot, so park your car and head up Broadway. For the icing on the cake, check out Old Chinatown Plaza, the oldest shopping mall in Chinatown.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Go for a free guided walking tour at the historic 27-acre Spanish-style ranch. The tour starts from the parking lot or Visitors Center to the Hacienda and covers a lengthy distance, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. You will explore the interiors and exhibits. Carrillo Ranch is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Advertisement

Racemanryan/Wikimedia

This museum was established as an Old Town Historic Park in 1968 to preserve the lifestyle and architecture of 1800 San Diego. You can tour historic buildings such as San Diego’s first one-room schoolhouse and the first frame house. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Advertisement

Carol M. Highsmith/Wikimedia

This quaint town in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley was founded by Danish educators in 1911. Visit the village to see a life-size windmill and Danish architecture. You can also enjoy authentic Danish cuisine and the local wine of the valley.

Related Stories

Touring These 7 Unique Ice Cream Parlors In Southern California Might Just Be The Perfect Way To Cool Down This Summer

8 Dreamy Day Trips In Southern California To Look Forward To This Summer

5 Incredible Scenic Hikes In San Diego That You Must Explore This Summer

Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia

This beautiful Southern California landmark sits atop bluffs. It is free for public use, and best for snorkeling and exploring the hidden coves. Treasure Island is impeccably clean; its beach stretches to Aliso Creek, making it perfect for swimming.

mark6mauno/Wikimedia

It is free to visit the sea creatures on display at this public aquarium. The Marine Habitats Hall has ocean zones, where you can learn about the open ocean, kelp forests, mudflats, tide pools, and sandy beaches. Visit the aquarium between 12:00 to 5:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday.

Thomas Hawk/Wikimedia

This unique pop culture museum boasts a vast collection of historical artifacts that pertain to the San Fernando Valley. Valley Relics Museum features a little bit of everything, from vintage neon signs, BMX bikes, and classic cars to movies, TV, and clothing.

City of Westminster/Website

Little Saigon showcases the rich Vietnamese culture and offers the largest concentration of Vietnamese shopping, right here in Southern California. Enjoy a wide variety of Vietnamese restaurants, shops, and boutiques. Make sure to visit Asian Garden Mall for the biggest jewelry market in Orange County.

Advertisement

TigerPaw2154/Wikimedia

Fees or permits are not required for visiting Whitewater Preserve. You can park at the trailhead for free or drive through the dusty desert canyon to the oasis of shady trees and beautiful lakes. You can even have a nice meal at one of the shady picnic areas.

Do you know of a SoCal establishment offering free activities this summer? Tell us in the comment section!