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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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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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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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Electric Bike/Train Coastal Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing

Want to ride the rails and explore on your electric or road bike? The tour begins at the Solana Beach Train Station where you will board the train, with your bike, headed to Carlsbad Village.  The train follows the coastline, so you can enjoy spectacular views along the way. Once off the train in Carlsbad, your bike adventure will begin.   As you ride back to Solana Beach you will enjoy incredible coastline vistas, white sand beaches, meditation gardens, local history, and restaurants to experience for lunch. The bike riding leg of the tour is about 16 miles with up to 14 stops along the way.

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DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Game Day 5K Walk/Run

Dec 27, 2024

The 29th annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Game Day 5K Run/Walk will take place along San Diego’s beautiful harbor front, starting at Harbot and Ash, just before the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente. Athletes will run past thousands of cheering spectators. Runners, families, and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade, which features colorful floats, bands, and huge inflatable characters. All participants receive a finisher medal! Awards are three deep in all divisions.

 

 

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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
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Aug 15 - ongoing
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Electric Bike/Train Coastal Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing
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Neighborhoods

Offers

Accommodation

SeaWorld Package

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Gift Certificate Special

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Valid: Nov 1 - Nov 30, 2024

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