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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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Full Day Electric Bike Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing

Get ready for white sand beaches, meditation gardens, canyon hiking, unique stops, and local history. Also included are tasty restaurant options for lunch. You can enter or exit this tour at any time.  If you leave out the hike, this tour can be completed in a half day.

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Christmas Day Dining Cruise

Dec 25, 2024

See what makes Christmas in San Diego so special. Scenic sights and festive seasonal flavors will be in abundance aboard Flagship’s Christmas Cruise on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Make your holiday merry and bright with a glass of complimentary boarding champagne, holiday music and decorations, and Flagship's famous service, crafted to enhance your Christmas experience. Become a part of our tradition of celebrating life's magical moments. Savor a luxurious dinner while cruising the picturesque San Diego Bay.

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Explore the San Diego Bay!

Mar 4, 2024 - ongoing

Set out on the water as your own captain on a high-adrenaline boat ride in San Diego! Zip along the coastline and take in the stunning views of area attractions like the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, and of course, the iconic downtown skyline. No other boat rental in San Diego packs this much excitement and sightseeing into one fun-filled day. Embark on the Adventure Tour or become a real VIP as you fly over the water in a speed boat before exploring the streets on an electric scooter. No matter how you choose to experience the city, our San Diego boat tours offer premier sightseeing with a twist.

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What's Hot

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Surf and Skate in San Diego

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San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

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What's On

View More Events

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

Full Day Electric Bike Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing
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Christmas Day Dining Cruise

Dec 25, 2024
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Explore the San Diego Bay!

Mar 4, 2024 - ongoing
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Activities

FREE Del Mar Racetrack Bike Tour

Dynamite Electric Bike Tours
Valid: Jul 24, 2024 - ongoing

Explore the Del Mar Racetrack, the village of Del Mar, and a great restaurant with views of "Dog Beach" and the Racetrack.  This tour is on us, just select the "Del Mar Bike Tour" from our mobil...

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.,...

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! ...

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