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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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Surf and Skate in San Diego

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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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Coastal Electric Bike Food Tour

Aug 5, 2024 - ongoing

Explore like a “local” and dine like you lived here, with this fun filled day tour. The idea is to share appetizers at up to five great restaurants listed on your route.

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DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Dec 27, 2024

The 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will be played Friday, December 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium. The 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl game will match top teams from the ACC against current and former teams from the Pac-12.

The upcoming DIRECTV Holiday Bowl marks the third consecutive year the 101.5 KGB Sky Show follows the game, a fireworks display synchronized to San Diego’s Classic Rock at 101.5 FM and on the free iHeartRadio App.

 

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl fans will have the opportunity to enjoy several days of bowl game events that include the Snapdragon Bowl Bash – a downtown San Diego Street party, and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente.

 

Tickets go on sale in September. 

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Full Day Electric Bike Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing

Get ready for white sand beaches, meditation gardens, canyon hiking, unique stops, and local history. Also included are tasty restaurant options for lunch. You can enter or exit this tour at any time.  If you leave out the hike, this tour can be completed in a half day.

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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
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Coastal Electric Bike Food Tour

Aug 5, 2024 - ongoing
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DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Dec 27, 2024
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Full Day Electric Bike Tour

Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing
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Neighborhoods

Offers

Accommodation

Breakfast for Two

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Valid: Aug 9 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast on us, for each night you stay. Rumorosa...

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...

Accommodation

SeaWorld Package

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Valid: Aug 9 - ongoing

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the perfect waterfront location for exploring all that Southern California has to offer. The hotel is just minutes away from popular attractions like...

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