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!

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Surfer throwin up spray right after coming out the barrel and smacking the lip

Surfing & Paddleboarding

Yoga

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Things to do

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

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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

Ride, Surf, Skate and More

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2021 U.S. Open Championship

Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2021

The 2021 U.S. Open marks the third USGA championship for the South Course and the second time it will play host to the national championship.

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Del Mar Racing Season

Jul 16 - Sep 6, 2021

San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Racetrack racing season, mid-July - early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation's top racehorses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

Friday, July 16 - Labor Day, September 6, 2021

Racing Thursdays - Sunday, and Labor Day Monday.

First Post 2 PM most racing days, 4 PM on Fridays.

*dates and times subject to change. Visit DelMarRacing.com for up to date information.

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Flagship 1 & 2 Hour Harbor Tours

Feb 11 - ongoing

Flagship harbor cruises are the most beautiful way to enjoy the best of San Diego. Take in the sights, sounds and stories of the bay on a relaxing cruise with a unique perspective on San Diego that you can only get from the water. Your professional guide will share entertaining facts and history that helped to shape our city's distinctive waterfront. Our luxury ships feature three levels with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, 360-degree views, and an onboard snack bar serving snacks, sodas, beer and wine.

Each of our 1-hour North Harbor and South Harbor tours provides up-close access to scenic waterfront architecture, military crafts, historical landmarks, natural sea life and spectacular photo opportunities. Can't decide? You don't have to. Choose the 2-hour combined tour for just a few dollars more and see it all!

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Flagship Patriot Jet Boat Tour

Feb 11 - ongoing

Climb aboard the Patriot for one of the most thrilling rides in San Diego! Zip and zoom around the bay on an entertaining tour of the waterfront's most scenic spots - past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge. The 70-foot Patriot comfortably seats 139 and offers fantastic views in every direction. With rock music pumping, your highly skilled captain will narrate and navigate while executing 360-degree turns and reaching speeds upwards of 50 mph. Propelled by two 1,400 horsepower jet engines, it's the adrenaline adventure of a lifetime!

Feel the wind, the motion and the refreshing spray, and experience the beauty of San Diego from a whole new perspective. There's nothing like it!

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2021 U.S. Open Championship

Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2021

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Jul 16 - Sep 6, 2021

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Flagship 1 & 2 Hour Harbor Tours

Feb 11 - ongoing

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Flagship Patriot Jet Boat Tour

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Offers

Team Building

Twofer Tuesdays!

Hydrobikes San Diego

Valid: Apr 9, 2021 - ongoing

Walk-ins only. Every Tuesday throughout the year. A great way to experience beautiful Mission Bay on hydrobikes at half the price. Check in at Aqua Adventures, 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA...

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Boating & Sailing

$5 off Whale Watching Cruises

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Valid: Mar 1 - Apr 30, 2021

$5 off Whale & Dolphin Watching with Hornblower Cruises. Hornblower offers large comfortable Whale Watching boats with live narration from San Diego Natural History Museum's trained naturalists...

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Tours & Sightseeing

Save $10 on Cruises! Experience San Diego Bay!

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Valid: Mar 1 - ongoing

Get outdoors and on the water this spring! Save $10 off on weekend Champagne Jazz Brunch and Nightly Dinner Cruises, as well as Harbor Cruises and Whale & Dolphin Watching. Use code TA10D...

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Visitor planning guide

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