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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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

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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Father's Day Beer 'N'Brats Brunch Cruise

Jun 20, 2021

The best place to celebrate Father's Day in San Diego is on the bay. We've got a variety of special cruises planned for Father's Day, June 20, 2021, to help you and your family celebrate. Is your father a beer-and-brats guy or would he prefer slow-roasted prime rib? Whether it's a brunch cruise or an evening of dinner and dancing, Dad will appreciate that you chose the local fleet, celebrating on San Diego Bay since 1915. So don't procrastinate, book your reservations, and get ready for a truly special Father's Day together.

Father's Day Brunch Cruises
Plated brunch service features choices like our fresh Three-Egg Omelette, Carnitas Chilaquiles, Chicken and Waffles, Bananas Foster French Toast and more. And for the ultimate Father's Day gift: complimentary ice-cold beer.

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Catalina Island Deep Sea Fishing Day Trip

May 3 - ongoing

Catalina Island offers exciting deep sea fishing opportunities. Full day trips travel to Catalina Island daily catching over two dozen different species of fish. Beautiful island backdrops make for a amazing experience.

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7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego

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Surf and Skate in San Diego

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San Diego's Outdoor Sports Scene

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2021 U.S. Open Championship

Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2021

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Del Mar Racing Season

Jul 16 - Sep 6, 2021

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Father's Day Beer 'N'Brats Brunch Cruise

Jun 20, 2021

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Catalina Island Deep Sea Fishing Day Trip

May 3 - ongoing

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Offers

Fishing

Kid's Free Whale Watching Special (Save $32)

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportsfishing

Valid: May 7 - ongoing

Enjoy this great special with "free kids whale watching cruise" and combine with other offers to make for a very affordable experience for the whole family. Davey's Locker Whale Watching offers...

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Venues

15% OFF Harbor Tours

Flagship Cruises & Events

Valid: Mar 23 - ongoing

See San Diego’s best sights in comfort aboard a Flagship yacht. Spacious, open-air seating, sunny weather and spectacular views. PLUS, now you can upgrade your evening Harbor Tour to a...

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Fishing

Save $200 Off Private Deep Sea Fishing Ship Rental

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportsfishing

Valid: May 7 - ongoing

Choose from smaller 6 pack fishing ship rentals or spacious larger fishing charter boat rentals (sun decks, huge bait systems, and more). All rentals come with captain and crew members along...

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Rob Machado

Surf-Scene Specialist

Australian-born, California-raised, pro surfer Rob Machado has spent most of his life atop a surfboard. Still one of surfing’s most iconic and beloved figures, he never strays too far from his favorite San Diego swells.

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Sports & Recreation

San Diego: A Birthplace of Skateboarding

Home of the West Coast’s first skate park

Through all the ups and downs that skateboarding has experienced over the last 70 years, San Diego has been a lifeline that allowed the sport to continue progressing, becoming a global phenomenon and finding its place among traditional sports like football and baseball.

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Hiking

The Seven Best Inland Hikes

Panoramic views, oak woodlands, and pastoral valleys

As you move east from San Diego's coast, the landscape takes a turn for the rugged. These seven hikes feature the best characteristics of the inland area.

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Parks & Gardens

Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers Hikes

Miles of brilliant colors stretching across the desert

Few experiences are more memorable than hiking along the miles of brilliant and color wildflowers stretching across vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

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Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.