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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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Coronado 5K Turkey Trot

Nov 28, 2024

Join the Coronado Unit of the Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary for our 5k Turkey Trot benefit Rady Children's Hospital.

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Book your Holiday Party on a 60' Luxury Catamaran

Nov 7 - Dec 23, 2024

Incorporate a slice of paradise into your Holiday Party and impress your guests/employees with a sail around beautiful San Diego Bay onboard the gorgeous 60' Adventuress Luxury Catamaran.  

The Adventuress is available exclusively for private charter and all of our excursions are customized for our guests. The Adventuress is certified to accommodate between 2 - 48 guests, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing first class customer service.

Catering and beverage service with top shelf options are available.

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Celebrating the Sea Art Exhibit

Oct 29, 2024 - ongoing

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, whose mission is to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experiences by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, announces the opening of the new exhibit Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collection in the Compass Gallery on the ferryboat Berkeley. Entry to the new exhibit is included with general admission. October 2024 through July 2025 visitors can revel in a rare and rich tapestry of treasured maritime-themed art and admire notable artists’ work, embracing the nautical world of breathtaking coasts, artifacts & treasured ships. 

 

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What's On

View More Events

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

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Nov 28, 2024
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Book your Holiday Party on a 60' Luxury Catamaran

Nov 7 - Dec 23, 2024
Discover

Celebrating the Sea Art Exhibit

Oct 29, 2024 - ongoing
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

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...

Tours & Sightseeing

$5 off | Narrated Harbor Tours

Flagship Cruises & Events
Valid: Nov 4 - Dec 31, 2024

Save $5 on any narrated 1 or 2 hour harbor tour. Good for up to six (6) full fare adult tickets. Use Coupon Code at Checkout: SDTABAYTOUR5

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...

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