7 Ways to make a Splash in San Diego

Dive into these 7 big, bright water-related San Diego adventures.

Where to Surf in San Diego

If you're already a devoted surfer, you'll find a variety of different waves and conditions along San Diego's 70 miles of open ocean coastline to beacon you to paddle out. If you're a beginner, San Diego is an ideal place to learn to hang ten.

San Diego’s Rich Maritime Heritage

Ever since Spanish ships first sailed into the natural harbor under command of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, San Diego Bay has played welcome host to visitors.

Find Your Perfect Beach

Discover the best beaches for families and off-leash dogs, beaches coveted by the world’s top surfers and the best beaches for bonfires, bike rides, tide pooling and more.

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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.