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Get out and play

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

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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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San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals

Jun 24 - Jun 26, 2024

For Groups of Ten or More (10+), Hospitality Venues, and Premium Suite Options Email Tourism@Padres.com.

Monday, June 24, 6:40 PM PT

Postgame Fireworks Show

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a postgame fireworks show, set to some of your favorite summertime tunes!

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San Diego Legion vs. Houston SaberCats

Jun 23, 2024

Come and join us at Snapdragon Stadium for a thrilling rugby match with great food, tailgating, and more!

Get ready to cheer on The San Diego Legion as they take on the Houston Sabercats on our home turf. 

The matchup is set for Sunday, June 23rd and kickoff is at 3 pm PST. 

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to cheer on the San Diego Legion at home! Grab your friends and family wear your favorite team gear and get ready for a day full of excitement!

Tickets start at $20 

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Night Fishing

Jun 28, 2024

Join us for a night of fishing in Lakes 1-4. No state fishing license is required, only a permit from the General Store. Adults $10, Jrs & Seniors $6, Extra pole stamp $4.

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May 18, 2024
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Jun 24 - Jun 26, 2024
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Jun 23, 2024
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More from San Diego

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Associations & Organizations

Boatsetter Special Offer

Boatsetter
Valid: Apr 5, 2024 - ongoing

Use code: VIPFLL24 at checkout on Boatsetter.com or the app to redeem 10% off your next rental!

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...

Activity

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Mar 20 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

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