arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin
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!

Farmers Insurance Open

Jan 22 - Jan 25, 2025

Mark your calendars now, because one of San Diego’s biggest events of the year returns January 22-25, 2025 at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. We are excited to welcome fans back to the course for this year's tournament to experience San Diego's premiere social & golf event. Don't miss out on the breathtaking views, world-class golf, and an unrivaled experience at Torrey Pines.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Things to do

What's Hot|
What's On|

7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

Dive into these 7 big, bright water-related San Diego adventures

Discover

Surf and Skate in San Diego

From the sand to the street, San Diego has been at the center of action sports for decades.

Discover

San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

Ride, Surf, Skate and More

Discover

Farmers Insurance Open

Jan 22 - Jan 25, 2025

The PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open is played annually at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 & 2021 U.S. Open. Mark your calendars now, because one of San Diego’s biggest events of the year returns January 22-25, 2025 at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. We are excited to see you at Torrey to experience San Diego's premiere social & golf event.  Don't miss out on the breathtaking views, world-class golf, and an unrivaled experience at Torrey Pines.

Discover

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.

Discover

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025

 

Discover

Cali Baja Brunch at Rumorosa

Aug 9 - ongoing

Join us for Cali Baja Brunch every Sunday at Rumorosa from 8:00am - 1:30pm. Bonvoy Elite Members will have the ability to order off a la carte breakfast menu.

 

$41 for Adults & $25 for Kids

Discover

What's Hot

View More

7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

Discover

Surf and Skate in San Diego

Discover

San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

Discover

What's On

View More Events

Farmers Insurance Open

Jan 22 - Jan 25, 2025
Discover

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025
Discover

Cali Baja Brunch at Rumorosa

Aug 9 - ongoing
Discover

More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Accommodation

Breakfast for Two

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Valid: Aug 9 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast on us, for each night you stay. Rumorosa...

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...

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.,...

Related Articles and Features

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish