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!

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

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

Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise

Dec 24, 2024

Light up your Christmas Eve with a special dining cruise on San Diego Bay. On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, join us aboard a decorated yacht adorned with lights and holiday decor. While you cruise past the sparkling city skyline, we’ll prepare a holiday dinner in our onboard galley. After you dine, enjoy music on the dance floor and more sightseeing from the open-air observation deck. Create magical memories with family and friends and experience Christmas Eve like never before.

Discover

SoCal Riviera Tour of La Jolla & Mount Soledad

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing

Embark on a journey through the stunning coastal wonders of the SoCal Riviera with our Riviera Dreaming Tour by San Diego Tours & Rentals. Hop on an e-bike and set out on a 2.5-hour guided adventure through La Jolla's most captivating sights and attractions.

 

Discover

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.

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

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
Discover

Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise

Dec 24, 2024
Discover

SoCal Riviera Tour of La Jolla & Mount Soledad

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

Explore the San Diego Bay!

Mar 4, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

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.

Activity

Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Apr 16 - ongoing

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

Activities

Gift Certificate Special

The Gondola Company
Valid: Nov 1 - Nov 30, 2024

All gift certificates purchase November 1-30, 2024 are 20% off. The perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion. Gift certificates can be purchased for the Pasaporto Cruise,...

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