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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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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

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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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DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Dec 27, 2024

The 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will be played Friday, December 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium. The 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl game will match top teams from the ACC against current and former teams from the Pac-12.

The upcoming DIRECTV Holiday Bowl marks the third consecutive year the 101.5 KGB Sky Show follows the game, a fireworks display synchronized to San Diego’s Classic Rock at 101.5 FM and on the free iHeartRadio App.

 

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl fans will have the opportunity to enjoy several days of bowl game events that include the Snapdragon Bowl Bash – a downtown San Diego Street party, and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente.

 

Tickets go on sale in September. 

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Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink

Nov 1, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Lace up your skates and take in the holiday splendor as you relive a cherished piece of your childhood or take your very first spin at the Viejas Ice Rink!

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SoCal Riviera Tour of La Jolla & Mount Soledad

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing

Embark on a journey through the stunning coastal wonders of the SoCal Riviera with our Riviera Dreaming Tour by San Diego Tours & Rentals. Hop on an e-bike and set out on a 2.5-hour guided adventure through La Jolla's most captivating sights and attractions.

 

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What's Hot

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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

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Surf and Skate in San Diego

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What's On

View More Events

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Dec 27, 2024
Discover

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink

Nov 1, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025
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SoCal Riviera Tour of La Jolla & Mount Soledad

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

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

Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Apr 16 - ongoing

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

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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