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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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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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Tim Flannery & the Lunatic Fringe Perform Live

Dec 21, 2024

Maritime Museum of San Diego is proud to welcome back Tim Flannery Saturday, December 21st 7:30-10:00 p.m. The beloved former San Diego Padres player, MLB broadcaster, and show announcer turned musician and philanthropist has performed his annual holiday concert aboard the Star of India for over 20 years. Backed by his ace band, the Lunatic Fringe, his songs come to life in a dynamic blend of bluegrass, country, and rock. This year Tim will be joined also by a few special guests. This concert is for 21+ guests only.

His ace band, the Lunatic Fringe, brings his songs roaring to life in various musical genres like bluegrass, country, and rock. Flan has three World Series Championship rings as a third-base coach with the San Francisco Giants, and he has released fifteen albums of original music over the years. 

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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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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Activity

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $15***

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Aug 19 - ongoing

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

Team Building

November/December Midweek Special (Mon - Thursday)

Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Valid: Nov 11 - Dec 31, 2024

November/December Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday): Book a Private Midweek Charter in November or December and Enjoy a 10% Discount on the charter rate The Adventuress...

Biking

$10 Off any Bike or Kayak Tour

Bike & Kayak Tours Inc La Jolla
Valid: Jul 8 - ongoing

$10 off any bike or kayak tours with San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours in La Jolla.

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