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Sports & Recreation

Outdoor adventure is a year round pursuit in San Diego

Photo By Aaron Chang

The Inside Scoop on Outdoor Fun

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.

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 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. 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 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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San Diego Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United States. Spanning ages 14 – 84, the Crew Classic is a competition for future Olympians as well as for those new to the sport. This event is often a highlight of their competitive rowing careers. The Crew Classic is not only an athletic event with competitors at the peak of physical fitness, but a social gathering for enthusiasts to enjoy great local food, a beer garden with San Diego’s famous local craft breweries, and shopping. The event is held at Mission Bay, just a mile from the Pacific Beach.

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Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 7, 2024

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 7, 2024 against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of world renown sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay.

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The course then rolls atop Torrey Pines mesa, continues down through residential La Jolla Shores, and finishes at La Jolla Cove.

For those interested in a shorter option, the La Jolla Shores 5K offers a mostly downhill course and features some of the most scenic views of the last 3.1 miles of the half marathon course.

 
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Annual Lakeside Rodeo

Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2024

See you at the Lakeside Rodeo!

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San Diego Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024
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Apr 7, 2024
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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024
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Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2024
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More from San Diego

Neighborhoods

Offers

Activity

$18 Historic Bay Cruise with General Admission*

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 11 - ongoing

Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $18 more! MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...

Team Building

Winter Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday)

Adventuress Luxury Catamaran
Valid: Jan 17 - Mar 31, 2024

WINTER Midweek Special (Monday - Thursday): Book a Private Midweek Charter for Winter 2024 and Enjoy a 10% Discount on the charter rate The Adventuress is a gorgeous 60' luxury...

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SAVE $99 OFF YOUR PRIVATE ST. PATRICKS DAY TOUR

San Diego Sailing Tours
Valid: Feb 13 - Mar 31, 2024

Escape the overcrowded and noise-flooded shore for a truly genuine experience! Use code LUCKYSAIL24 to enjoy $99 off a private tour. Enjoy the open air and cold drinks with your own crew the way the...

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