Exploring San Diego's Ocean Beach on a Budget

There's a lot to love about Ocean Beach... and much of it can be enjoyed for free... or very inexpensively.

Ocean Beach "... (“OB” to locals) has been — and pretty much still is — a hippie, liberal, middle-class beach community that loves dogs and isn’t terribly fond of big business.... What this eclectic beach community does offer is a long fishing pier, a beautiful shoreline, tons of fun beach activities, and a dog beach for canine companions to roam freely without fear of the long arm of the law. Swim, surf, play some volleyball, or picnic; Ocean Beach is casual and hip, and it has some interesting characters, antique stores, surf shops, assorted shops, and restaurants along Newport Avenue.... More than any other beach community in San Diego County, Ocean Beach allows you to be you — whatever that may be!"

Enjoying Ocean Beach's Abundant Natural Beauty for Free

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Ocean Beach Cam

Ocean Beach's Outdoor Festivals and Marketplaces Offer Free Entertainment

Ocean Beach Farmer's Market "...is Rockin! Every Wednesday from 4-7pm on Newport Avenue between Cable and Bacon Streets, don't miss your opportunity to purchase the freshest, and most delicious locally grown produce, art, flowers, and more! And the music can't be beat... " Life just doesn't get much better than this! Dance down Newport Street to the beat of the music... nibbling as you go on fresh fruit and cheese from the many vendor-growers... and be part of a hip and happy crowd that really knows how to enjoy itself.

Ocean Beach Jazz Festival Held on a Sunday afternoon and evening in September. Sponsored by Jazz88 (with discounts for Jazz88 members). Try contacting

Ocean Beach Events

Best Places to Shop for Food in Ocean City

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market "...a member-owned vegetarian consumer co-op that has been serving the community since 1971. Originally a worker's collective, the cooperative has grown to include 6000 feet of retail space and more than 7000 member/owners. The Co-op offers an extensive selection of organic produce, grocery, dairy, and bulk foods and herbs, as well as vitamins and homeopathics, cruelty-free bodycare, and aromatherapy products. Enjoy a full service sit-down deli featuring a delicious selection of home-style vegetarian and vegan entrees, salads, sandwiches, freshly prepared baked goods, desserts, and more! At People's, San Diego's only community owned grocery store, we specialize in products that are organic, wholesome, minimally processed, cruelty-free, and environmentally safe. Membership at People's is only $15 per year, but is not required in order to shop."

Dining in Ocean Beach on a Budget

Ocean Beach Restaurants

Espresso Pizza on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in Ocean Beach is a pretty upscale Italian Ristorante ... which has an all you can eat spaghetti dinner with salad on Tuesdays for just $4.95.

Surfari Eats Casual Ocean Beach eatery run by a husband and wife team offers an interesting and inexpensive menu.

Inexpensive Ocean Beach Accommodations

Hostelling International San Diego Hostels - Point Loma "... located in the scenic Point Loma area of San Diego. Just 5 miles from downtown and 1 mile from the beach, it offers the relaxing atmosphere of a small town, with the access and activities of the big city (the bus stop is one block from hostel).... features an outdoor courtyard to catch the warm sun (all year long), where you can play table tennis, read a book, or chat with your new friends. With a large market across the street, the hostel kitchen becomes a great place to share your favorite recipes. And for those of you who like to cook and eat healthy, you can walk down the road to People's Market. This co-op market specializes in vegetarian and hormone-free food!"

Ocean Beach International Hostel As little as $16 a night (7 night stay) per bed ".... Free Muffin/ Bagel/ Toast Breakfast (Daily) Free all you can eat BARBECUES or dinners (Tuesday & Friday) Nice Big Kitchen With Dining Room, Cable TV... Over 400 Free Videos To Watch Free Linens, Pillows, and Blankets Free Coffee and Tea All Day ...Free Lockers... Best Rates! No Lockout! No Curfew! No Chores! No Tax!" Note: you must show proof of recent International travel or current HostelsAmericas Card or current HI-AYH card.

Shopping in Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market

More Ways to Live Large for Less:

Free VOIP  Talk for FREE over your broadband Internet connection using your regular phone.

Free Payday Loans  Get paid tomorrow instead of Friday. Your 1st loan is FREE.

Free Credit Report  Buying a new car or a home? Then you MUST check your credit report.

Free Laptop Computer  No kidding... there IS a way that folks are getting a laptop for FREE!

Free Satellite TV Installation  Get TV in 4 rooms for less than you're paying for cable.

Free Car  Learn how some folks are driving a car for free. Fascinating!

More Ways to Enjoy San Diego for Less:

San Diego Art Gallery Walks and Receptions, Open Studio Tours

Free and Low Cost Music in San Diego

See San Diego Museums for Free

See San Diego Theatre for Free

See and Experience Dance for Free in San Diego

Free San Diego Festivals and Street Faires

Internships in the Arts

San Diego Churches, Clubs, Groups

Best San DIego Happy Hours

Open Mic Nights and Poetry Slams in San Diego

Meeting People, Making Friends in San Diego

San Diego's Natural Beauty: in the Wild and in Captivity

Villages and Towns of San Diego County

Budget Pacific Beach

Budget San Diego Accommodations

Budget Dining in San Diego

Frugal Shopping in San DIego

San DIego Farmers Markets

Free San Diego Wi-Fi

Best San Diego Tours

San Diego Freebies