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Get out and play

Sports & Recreation

Outdoor adventure is a year round pursuit in San Diego

Photo By Aaron Chang

The Inside Scoop on Outdoor Fun

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.

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 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. 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 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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USA Ultimate National Championships

Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2024

The USA Ultimate National Championships represent the pinnacle of elite ultimate in North America and crowns champions in three divisions: men’s, mixed and women’s. 

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2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships

Nov 1 - Nov 2, 2024

It all starts with Future Stars Friday, where the sport’s stars of tomorrow compete in five Juvenile (two-year-old) races. The non-stop action continues on Saturday where the Breeders’ Cup will crown nine more World Champions across different surfaces and divisions, including the season-defining $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.

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A Knight To Remember

Nov 15, 2024

This will be special evening at the Bali Hai Restaurant in Point Loma complete with a delicious Polynesian meal, music, fanfare, drinks, dancing, and more.
Join us as we honor Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO, Maritime Museum of San Diego. Tickets to this year’s event will help raise funds to support Maritime Museum Association of San Diego.

In 2014, Dr. Ashley was recognized with lifetime achievement awards by both the Maritime Alliance in San Diego, and the International Maritime Heritage Alliance, for the construction of the Galleon San Salvador. In recognition for his efforts in building the San Salvador, Dr. Ashley was knighted in 2016 with the rank of Knight Commander, Order of Isabella la Catholica by direction of his majesty, King Felipe VI of Spain.

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MCRD San Diego Bootcamp Challenge

Oct 19, 2024

The MCRD Bootcamp Challenge features obstacles used only by Marine Recruits plus USMC Drill Instructors providing direction and encouragement.

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View More Events

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Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2024
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Nov 1 - Nov 2, 2024
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Nov 15, 2024
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Activity

Kids Fish Free at H&M Landing!

H&M Landing
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

NOW is the perfect time to introduce a child to the adventure of Deep-Sea Sportfishing. Kids fish FREE, when accompanied by a paid adult on Premier Sportfishing Half-Day Trips in October.  ...

Activity

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Mar 20 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

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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