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Get out and play

Sports & Recreation

Outdoor activities in San Diego is a year round pursuit

Photo By Aaron Chang

The Inside Scoop on Outdoor Activities in San Diego

San Diego may be known as a relaxing, kick-off-your-shoes beach destination but the locals have a passion for sports and recreation that runs as deep as the Pacific. An ideal climate, 70 miles of coastline and diverse topography draw outdoor enthusiasts to San Diego year-round. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding mountain biking excursion, an active surf lesson or even an exhilarating high-flying glide above the cliffs, there's always something exciting and thrilling to watch, do and discover in San Diego. Find the perfect outdoor activities in San Diego for you!

Watersports

If watersports are on your vacation agenda, you'll find plenty of options including sport fishing, sailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and surfing, to name a few.

Individual Sporting Activities

On land, enjoy outdoor activities in San Diego like gorgeous hikes in the backcountry and along the coast, rock climbing, golfing at over 90 courses, mountain biking, running along urban and rural routes and horseback riding. For a bird's eye perspective on the spectacular San Diego coastline, try your hand at paragliding or hang gliding from La Jolla's Gliderport or skydiving both indoor and out.

Spectator Sports

For spectator sports fans, there is plenty of cheering to do as San Diego's professional sports teams battle it out each season. The nice sunny weather in makes these outdoor activities in San Diego even more enjoyable. Get your Major League Baseball fix with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, where ballpark food takes on a whole new meaning with some of San Diego's favorite eateries and local craft beer on tap. Beyond the MLB, there are plenty of other spectator sports to enjoy, including international soccer tournaments, indoor soccer, ice hockey, rugby games, surfing, action sports competitions, marathons and much more.

Browse the articles and listings below to discover outdoor activities in San Diego and San Diego's best spots for fishing, sailing, scuba diving, mountain biking and more!

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Things to do

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Surf and Skate in San Diego

From the sand to the street, San Diego has been at the center of action sports for decades.

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San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

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Guided Docent-Led Tours

Jun 13 - ongoing

Guided Docent Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is your opportunity to learn of the ships in-depth stories from our trained knowledgeable historians, and enjoy the waterfront sights of San Diego Bay while meeting other people with like interests in maritime heritage and history. The docent and volunteer community share a wealth of knowledge, and a passion and pride with visitors for these extra special tours. Guided Docent-led Tour tickets include General Admission. So, after your tour you are welcome to explore more of the fleet and exhibits if you have time. Once at the museum, you can add-on a 45 min Historic Bay Cruise for only $10.00 more. Check with the Ticket Booth staff on availability. Leaving the museum for lunch, and returning is allowed, with lot’s of lunch and nibble options in close walking distance.

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Live Music at Rumorosa

Aug 15 - ongoing

Join us Thursdays through Saturday from 7-10 PM and Sundays from 11 AM - 2PM for live music at Rumorosa.
 
 

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San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

Dec 14, 2024

The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1 mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.

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What's Hot

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Surf and Skate in San Diego

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San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

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What's On

View More Events

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

Guided Docent-Led Tours

Jun 13 - ongoing
Discover

Live Music at Rumorosa

Aug 15 - ongoing
Discover

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

Dec 14, 2024
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Biking

50% OFF Any weekday watercraft rental

Sup & Saddle
Valid: Feb 29, 2024 - ongoing

Save 50% on any kayak or SUP rental in Coronado weekdays and 20% on weekends.  Valid before 10am and after 4pm only.

Team Building

November/December Midweek Special (Mon - Thursday)

Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Valid: Nov 11 - Dec 31, 2024

November/December Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday): Book a Private Midweek Charter in November or December and Enjoy a 10% Discount on the charter rate The Adventuress...

Activity

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Mar 20 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

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