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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!

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.

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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.

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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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CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025

 

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Monster Jam

Jan 4 - Jan 12, 2025

Experience Monster Jam® live and become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun at Snapdragon Stadium on January 4 & 5 and January 11 & 12, 2025. Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over San Diego for two weekends packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts.

This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill.  It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where every moment is unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable. 

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Farmers Insurance Open

Jan 22 - Jan 25, 2025
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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
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CONCACAF Gold Cup

Mar 1 - Mar 30, 2025
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Jan 4 - Jan 12, 2025
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