Southern California is home to an endless array of memorable outings. With so much to see and do in our state, all those activities can add up and put a dent in your budget. Last week we shared a few suggestions for where to find some fabulous free excursions in Southern California and it turns out that you all love a bargain just like we do. Continuing with that theme, we thought you might enjoy knowing about these wonderful activities to explore in SoCal that will give you the most bang for less than ten bucks. Here are 9 places to explore that made our list. Go out and have some fun without spending a ton!

  1. The Ocean Institute in Dana Point

flickr/AngryJulieMonday General admission to the Ocean Institute is free to members. If you’re not a member, admission is only $5 to explore all of the exhibits that offer a peek into maritime history and the ocean’s underwater world.

  1. Angel Stadium Tour

flickr/Matt Nunley For only 8 bucks you can get a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the ballpark, with access to areas that are normally restricted to the public.

  1. The Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

Wikimedia Commons This is a hidden gem in Orange County that many people don’t know about. The historic home and elaborate garden can be viewed during a docent led tour for only $5 per person. The history lesson alone makes this tour the steal of the century.

  1. Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre

Yelp/Wayne W. How about watching a double feature for nine bucks at a restored drive-in theatre in Montclair? They have a snack bar on site, but you can also pack your own snacks and beverages which is another great way to save a few dollars.

  1. The Getty Villa

Wikimedia Commons You can spend a day at the Getty Villa and explore the gorgeous gardens and museums for no charge which is an epic bargain. If you go after 4pm, parking is only $10 per car.

  1. Fullerton Arboretum and Botanic Garden

flickr/Tracie Hall For a suggested $5 donation you have access to the largest botanical garden in Orange County. The grounds are a great place to get your nature fix without breaking the bank.

  1. Palomar Observatory

flickr/Bill Dickinson Go on a public tour of this magnificent observatory in Palomar Mountain for only $5. Now that’s money well spent!

  1. Cabrillo National Monument State Park

flickr/Jasperdo Visit this state park for only $10 per vehicle. You can pack in the whole family and have a cool outing for one low entrance fee.

  1. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

flickr/Scott Davenport Not only does Cabrillo National Monument State Park offer an incredible view of the San Diego region, but it’s also where you can tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is one of the original 8 lighthouses on the West Coast.

Aren’t these the best ideas ever?! There’s quite a bit to explore here in SoCal without spending a ton. Go out and enjoy all that Southern California has to offer and save some money while doing it. If you want to see the list of fabulous freebies to explore, take a look at our suggestions for 10 free activities to enjoy in SoCal.

flickr/AngryJulieMonday

General admission to the Ocean Institute is free to members. If you’re not a member, admission is only $5 to explore all of the exhibits that offer a peek into maritime history and the ocean’s underwater world.

flickr/Matt Nunley

For only 8 bucks you can get a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the ballpark, with access to areas that are normally restricted to the public.

Wikimedia Commons

This is a hidden gem in Orange County that many people don’t know about. The historic home and elaborate garden can be viewed during a docent led tour for only $5 per person. The history lesson alone makes this tour the steal of the century.

Yelp/Wayne W.

How about watching a double feature for nine bucks at a restored drive-in theatre in Montclair? They have a snack bar on site, but you can also pack your own snacks and beverages which is another great way to save a few dollars.

You can spend a day at the Getty Villa and explore the gorgeous gardens and museums for no charge which is an epic bargain. If you go after 4pm, parking is only $10 per car.

flickr/Tracie Hall

For a suggested $5 donation you have access to the largest botanical garden in Orange County. The grounds are a great place to get your nature fix without breaking the bank.

flickr/Bill Dickinson

Go on a public tour of this magnificent observatory in Palomar Mountain for only $5. Now that’s money well spent!

flickr/Jasperdo

Visit this state park for only $10 per vehicle. You can pack in the whole family and have a cool outing for one low entrance fee.

flickr/Scott Davenport

Not only does Cabrillo National Monument State Park offer an incredible view of the San Diego region, but it’s also where you can tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is one of the original 8 lighthouses on the West Coast.

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