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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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Celebrating the Sea Art Exhibit

Oct 29, 2024 - ongoing

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, whose mission is to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experiences by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, announces the opening of the new exhibit Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collection in the Compass Gallery on the ferryboat Berkeley. Entry to the new exhibit is included with general admission. October 2024 through July 2025 visitors can revel in a rare and rich tapestry of treasured maritime-themed art and admire notable artists’ work, embracing the nautical world of breathtaking coasts, artifacts & treasured ships. 

 

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Cali Dreaming Tour of La Jolla & Pacific Beach

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing

Embark on a journey through the scenic coastal wonders of La Jolla with our Cali Dreaming Tour by San Diego Tours & Rentals. Hop on an e-bike and embark on a 2 hour guided journey through La Jolla's most captivating sights and attractions. Cruise effortlessly along scenic paths, soak in breathtaking views, and discover the vibrant marine life that calls these waters home.

 

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Parade of Lights Dinner and Boat Parade Viewing

Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024

Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to enjoy the 54th Annual Parade of Lights Dinner staged aboard the elegant Victorian-era 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley Sundays, December 8 and 15, 2024. Parade judges will be nested at the Maritime Museum as the brightly decorated boats cruise by the Museum fleet located at Star of India Wharf between Grape and Ash Street. The procession of boats starts at 5:30 p.m. and will follow a predetermined parade route. The parade route organizers project the parade to pass the north embarcadero and Maritime Museum of San Diego at approximately 6:20 p.m.

Maritime Museum of San Diego has been known for years as the best place on the waterfront to view the annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay.

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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
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Celebrating the Sea Art Exhibit

Oct 29, 2024 - ongoing
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Cali Dreaming Tour of La Jolla & Pacific Beach

Apr 11, 2024 - ongoing
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Parade of Lights Dinner and Boat Parade Viewing

Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024
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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...

Tours & Sightseeing

$5 OFF | Waterfront Dinner Cruise

Flagship Cruises & Events
Valid: Nov 7 - Dec 31, 2024

    Indulge in our fall-winter California Coast dining experience, featuring vibrant cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Marc Brislin. Each course an be paired with our array of locally...

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...

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