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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

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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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December Nights on the Bay

Dec 1 - Dec 31, 2024

Celebrate the holiday season aboard a Flagship yacht this December! Enjoy a festive dinner cruise on San Diego Bay, featuring a chef's special three-course meal, holiday music, stunning décor, and breathtaking views. Available Thursday through Sunday all month long—make magical memories with loved ones!

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Monster Jam

Jan 4 - Jan 12, 2025

Experience Monster Jam® live and become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun at Snapdragon Stadium on January 4 & 5 and January 11 & 12, 2025. Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over San Diego for two weekends packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts.

This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill.  It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where every moment is unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable. 

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Coastal Electric Bike Food Tour

Aug 5, 2024 - ongoing

Explore like a “local” and dine like you lived here, with this fun filled day tour. The idea is to share appetizers at up to five great restaurants listed on your route.

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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

December Nights on the Bay

Dec 1 - Dec 31, 2024
Discover

Monster Jam

Jan 4 - Jan 12, 2025
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Coastal Electric Bike Food Tour

Aug 5, 2024 - ongoing
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Tours & Sightseeing

$5 OFF | Waterfront Dinner Cruise

Flagship Cruises & Events
Valid: Nov 7 - Dec 31, 2024

    Indulge in our fall-winter California Coast dining experience, featuring vibrant cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Marc Brislin. Each course an be paired with our array of locally...

Activities

Gift Certificate Special

The Gondola Company
Valid: Nov 1 - Nov 30, 2024

All gift certificates purchase November 1-30, 2024 are 20% off. The perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion. Gift certificates can be purchased for the Pasaporto Cruise,...

Boating & Sailing

Veterans Ride Free

Flagship Cruises & Events
Valid: Nov 10 - Nov 11, 2024

We Salute Our Troops! In celebration of Veterans Day, we’re excited to invite all veterans, active duty, retired, and reserve military members to enjoy a FREE ride on our narrated San Diego...

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