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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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Californian Tall Ship Adventure.

Apr 1 - ongoing

The Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to join us for Tall Ship adventure sailing! This is a four-hour adventure history sail aboard the schooner Californian.
The Californian is a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter and the Official Tall Ship of the State of California.

Arrive early to take in your general admission visit to the entire fleet and exhibits, then set sail! 

Join the crew in sailing a traditionally rigged tall ship! Passengers will be invited to haul a line, man the helm and watch the crew as they scamper up and down the rigging to set and furl the sails. Listen as the Californian’s crew relates the history of sailing and exploration in San Diego, tales of whaling and sea otter trade, local sea battles, the art of ship’s gunnery, life at sea and more.

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Sail onboard a Gorgeous 60' Luxury Yacht

Nov 12 - Dec 31, 2024

Enjoy the seabreeze and sunshine on board a gorgeous 60' luxury catamaran.

Whether you want to spend a few hours or the day on the water, all of our excursions are customized for our guests.  

The Adventuress can accommodate between 2 - 48 guests and catering and beverage service options are available.

 

The Adventuress is ideal for:

Family Gatherings

Corporate Events

Weddings/Rehearal Dinners

Birthday Parties

Corporate Team Building

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Special Events

 

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$10.00 Historic Bay Cruise w/general admission!

Aug 20 - ongoing

This boat tour provides visitors with an educational tour of San Diego Bay. The 45-minute Bay sightseeing tour takes guests out on the water in a large loop first heading toward North Island and the Aircraft Carriers, then stopping at buoy 22. Guests will then head just under Coronado Bridge and make a port (left) turn around one of the bridge pillars. The vessel then heads back towards the Maritime Museum along the downtown side of the waterfront.  Several attractions will be highlighted along the way as guests enjoy the fresh air and view.

Sheduled daily tour times Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Weekends: 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

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View More Events

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

Californian Tall Ship Adventure.

Apr 1 - ongoing
Discover

Sail onboard a Gorgeous 60' Luxury Yacht

Nov 12 - Dec 31, 2024
Discover

$10.00 Historic Bay Cruise w/general admission!

Aug 20 - ongoing
Discover

More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Venues

Luxury Yacht Wedding: 10% Midweek Discount

Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Valid: Nov 7, 2024 - Jan 21, 2025

Love is in the air! Book your 3+ Hour Wedding on board the Adventuress Luxury Catamaran for this Winter and receive a 10% Discount on the charter rate. The Adventuress is a gorgeous 60' Luxury...

Accommodation

Breakfast for Two

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Valid: Aug 9 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast on us, for each night you stay. Rumorosa...

Activity

$10 Historic Bay Cruise with General Admission*

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Aug 19 - ongoing

Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $10 more! MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...

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