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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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Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk

Nov 28, 2024

Welcome to the 23nd Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at Balboa Park!

San Diego's original and longest-standing Thanksgiving Day "turkey trot" is back, and it's critical mission remains the same: To provide crucial funds to feed the homeless through Father Joe's Villages' meal program.

During this season of giving and plenty, we invite you to give back to our community and make an impact on those who have less.

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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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Dirty December Poker Run

Dec 15, 2024

Come join us for some holiday cheer and fun on the trails. In addition to a costume contest and holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element. Your poker hand could give you bonus time (taken off from your final time).

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Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
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Nov 28, 2024
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Monster Jam

Jan 4 - Jan 12, 2025
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

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.,...

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...

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.

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