7 Ways to Make a Splash in San Diego
With 70 miles of beautiful coastline, inviting bays and beaches and year-round great weather, San Diego offers endless fun options for getting out on the water. Check out our roundup of amazing activities in this aquatic wonderland, from kayaking to tidepooling to carving up some waves at one of the region's world-class surf spots. And then start planning your own watery adventures in San Diego.
Get Stoked for Secret Sea Caves
Get Stoked for Secret Sea Caves
La Jolla offers several guided kayak tours that provide an adventurous and up-close way to see the natural caves and cliffs of the area. On your journey expect to see colorful garibaldi fish, harmless leopard sharks and abundant kelp forests all before exploring the secret sea caves.
Big Smiles at High Speeds
Big Smiles at High Speeds
Why play in the waves when you can make them yourself? Have the adventure of a lifetime riding a single or tandem jet ski around Mission Bay. Cruise around Fiesta Island, jet between sailboats or explore the bay’s seemingly endless 27 miles of shoreline and 19 miles of beach.
Reel in Something Amazing
Reel in Something Amazing
Whether you’re a first-time fisher or advanced angler, San Diego’s sportfishing scene is second to none. Take a charter out of Shelter Island or Harbor Island in Point Loma and try your luck at catching bass, yellowtail and rockfish on a half-day to multiweek excursion. The ocean deepens quickly offshore, meaning exceptional deep-sea fishing is not far away in San Diego.
Shred Like a Local
Shred Like a Local
Tourmaline Surf Park, a classic SoCal beach break, sits near the north end of Pacific Beach and holds pride of place in the surf community. Come here to see experienced surfers catching waves on their vintage longboards as well as newbies standing up on foam boards for the first time. Either way, strike up a conversation and learn what brings locals and tourists alike to San Diego's legendary surf spots.
Slide into a Good Time
Slide into a Good Time
Cannonball into fun with two waterparks in one place: LEGOLAND® California Resort in coastal Carlsbad. Enjoy traditional LEGO fun racing down the Twin Chaser waterslides, building your own LEGO raft to float down the river on or getting blasted by water cannons in the Joker Soaker. Then, make your way to CHIMA™ Water Park for fun inspired by the Cartoon Network show “Legends of Chima”. Roll along with ginormous waves in Lion Temple Wave Pool and slide through the mouth of a crocodile in Cragger’s Swamp.
Awesomeness Under the Surface
Awesomeness Under the Surface
See crabs, anemones and many other marine organisms in their natural environment at the Cabrillo National Monument tide pools in Point Loma, as well as tide pools in numerous other locations along the San Diego coastline. The tide pools are accessible at low tide year-round, but always keep on eye on surf and weather conditions.
Under the Sea, Up Close and Personal
Under the Sea, Up Close and Personal
When you’re finished playing in the sun and sand, make an indoor splash at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. With more than 60 exhibits, this public exploration center lets guests learn about a wide variety of marine ecosystems and organisms. Don’t miss out on the two-story kelp forest as well as such exhibits as Living Seas and the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins.