This may not be a shocker, but there are a lot of fun outdoor activities in San Diego. I mean, how could there not be? The weather is by definition perfect, with the coldest days no lower than around 60°F and the warmest not usually hotter than 80°F. Pair that with the picturesque SoCal landscape, and you’ve got year-round outdoor adventures.
Now just because I said “outdoors”, don’t think I’m just going to rattle off hikes and beaches. Granted, there are plenty, but there are many other outdoor activities for those of us looking for wine tasting, live entertainment, and general family-friendly fun.
If you’re curious about the best activities outdoors in San Diego, get ready because I’ve come up with a complete list of everything worth doing, plus tips and tricks for getting the most out of your trip!
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Outdoor Activities in San Diego
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more outdoor activities in SD as I discover them!
Get your tan on at the local beaches
Ask anyone what the best outdoor activity in San Diego is, and they’ll tell you it’s the beaches. That’s because SD has over 70 miles of coastline and roughly 31 beaches to choose from. There are beaches for every visitor, whether you’re looking for a dog beach, a surfing beach, or one with a scenic view.
My favorite beaches in San Diego are Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach. All are located in San Diego proper and have varying amenities depending on the vibe you’re after.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are adjacent, and I find that if you stick to the outskirts of each opposite of where they meet, you’ll experience fewer crowds. Ocean Beach is favored more for its antique shopping scene and historic business district, though it’s more crowded with families.
If you’re up for a short drive, head north to Carlsbad and Encinitas. Encinitas is closer to SD and has a strong surf culture, especially at Swami’s Beach. Carlsbad is more low key, with Carlsbad State Beach attracting mostly families looking to escape the bustle of SD.
Go for a hike
Ok I said this list of the best San Diego outdoor activities wouldn’t be all hiking, but there are so many hikes in worth exploring I need to mention it. One of my favorites is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It’s located along the cliffs and there’s a walking trail that takes you right to the beach. There are a few other trails to choose from, but none are longer than 1.3 miles. I suggest going early because it does get crowded with families by mid-afternoon. Note there is a $15 entry fee.
Another low-effort, high-payoff hike is to walk the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. It’s a hidden gem often overlooked because it’s located in a residential area, but there is free parking and lovely views.
If you’re in the mood for some thigh-burners, San Diego has plenty of those too. I suggest heading to the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and hiking the Iron Mountain Trail. It’s 5.8 miles and reminds me of the hikes in Phoenix. Three Sisters Fall Trailhead is only 3.5 miles, but it’s very difficult, though the views are worth it.
Watch the sun lower at Sunset Cliffs
website | neighborhood: Sunset Cliffs (get directions) | price: free | best for: coastline views
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is located in a ritzy residential neighborhood, meaning you have plenty of extravagant homes to gawk at during your drive. The park features dramatic cliff formations and gorgeous panoramic views of the coastline. The sunset especially is among the best in southern California.
If you’re daring, you can explore the Sunset Caves, but please be careful. You have to go during the negative tide. I haven’t gone because that freaks me out, though I’ve heard the views are worth it. If you’re also a bit nervous, you can also take a guided tour of the caves.
Get on the water
No trip to San Diego would be complete without getting out on the water, though which water will depend on what experience you’re after.
Snorkeling
If you’re looking to swim or snorkel, I say stick with La Jolla Shores for the gentle waves or La Jolla Cove for the 30+ feet of water visibility.
Surfing
Black’s Beach is best for experienced surfers, while Pacific Beach has beginner-friendly, consistent waves. Always wanted to take surfing lessons? Try a semi-private surf lesson or this full-day adult surf retreat.
Kayaking / paddle boarding
Kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders will find more luck on Mission Bay where the conditions are favorable and the waters mild. Newbies can take kayaking and SUP lessons or rent gear from Aqua Adventures to explore Mission Bay.
Boating
One of my absolute favorite outdoor activities in San Diego is renting a boat. Surprisingly anyone can rent a speed or pontoon boat to take on Mission Bay, no license required. We often rent power boats with Seaforth Rentals, but there are a ton of options for different water crafts, including jet skis!
Boat tours
Of course there are other ways to get on the water without doing any work. You can take a seal tour, go whale watching, or relax with a 1 or 2-hour boat tour of the San Diego harbor and city skyline.
Watch the animals at the San Diego Zoo
website | neighborhood: Balboa Park (get directions) | price: ~$75 per adult, ~$60 per kid under 12 | best for: animal encounters
I don’t usually visit zoos when I’m traveling because they’re so congested with families and tourists, but if there was ever a zoo worth visiting, it’s the San Diego Zoo. It’s one of the most respected zoos in the world for its immersive exhibits and dedication to conservation. Plus it’s just plain fun, with animal shows, live feedings, educational exhibits, and an impressive botanical garden.
About half an hour north of the zoo in Escondido is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It offers an open-air safari experience where you can take a guided safari tour and observe African and Asian wildlife roaming freely in large, naturalistic habitats.
Explore Balboa Park
website | get directions | price: free | best for: massive park
Visiting the San Diego Zoo conveniently puts you in the heart of Balboa Park, a massive 1,200-acre park minutes from downtown SD. This is where you’ll find many museums, like the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Natural History Museum. There’s also Palm Canyon, the Zoro Garden (former nudist colony turned butterfly garden), and numerous hiking trails.
One of the parks’ lesser-explored parts is the Spanish Village Art Center, a vibrant, colorful arts complex with historic Spanish-style buildings housing the works of local artists. The courtyard is lined with colorful bricks and you can buy original pieces, often for reasonable prices.
If you want to explore every nook and cranny, consider taking an e-bike tour of Balboa Park.
Watch the seals and sea lions at La Jolla
One of the cuter outdoor activities to do in San Diego is to watch the sea lions. La Jolla Cove is a popular spot where sea lions give birth and nurse their pups. The pups are usually born between May and June, but regardless, there are almost always dozens of sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Just be careful not to disturb them and keep your distance.
If you want to see them from the water, you can take guided tours into the cove on either single kayaks or tandem kayaks.
Rent a bike and hit the trails
San Diego is considered a very bike-friendly town, with over 1,800 miles of dedicated bikeways that safely take you through town or allow you to skirt along the perimeter and get some ocean views. Wheel Fun Rentals is a highly reviewed bike rental shop that rents regular bikes, e-bikes, kid bikes, and trailers for the little ones. I usually opt for an e-bike to cover more ground.
As for where to start, I prefer to bike the Mission Beach Boardwalk or Bayside Walk. The bay trail is less crowded, well-paved, and weaves you along quiet Mission Bay. If you prefer not to do it alone, you can go on a beachside bike tour.
Alternatively you can explore Coronado Island with this free self-guided tour or on a guided tour.
Snap photos at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
website | neighborhood: Escondido (get directions) | price: free | best for: sculptures
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is a sculpture garden hidden in Kit Carson Park. It’s only open certain days of the week, but it’s worth seeking out for an immersive experience among large mosaic sculptures. If you’ve ever seen a Gaudi exhibit in Spain, the pieces feel very similar. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the surreal art.
Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden
website | neighborhood: Encinitas (get directions) | price: ~$18pp | best for: botanical gardens
The San Diego Botanic Garden encompasses 29 unique, themed gardens across a 37-acre urban oasis. It’s home to the largest children’s garden on the west coast and North America’s largest public bamboo collection. There are even 4 miles of trails that lead you through the gardens to secluded ocean views.
Check out the local breweries and beer gardens
The brewery culture in San Diego is strong, and most of them have great outdoor patios given SD’s year round sunny weather. One of my favorite discoveries is The Gärten because it’s located in a nondescript warehouse area and features four businesses under one roof: Deft Brewing, Lost Cause Meadery, Oddish Wine, and Pizza Cassette.
Another favorite is the iconic Belching Beaver, which has four locations, three of which are in SD. Border X Brewing is another option making killer Mexican craft beers like a delicious horchata stout, while The Original 40 is cranking out a wide variety of funky sours and west coast IPAs.
A lot of the breweries are congregated in the North Park area. You can go on a crawl of them yourself or go on a guided brewery tour.
Explore wine country
Three of the best San Diego road trips are to nearby wine country. About 40 minutes north of SD is Escondido, home to the Ramona Valley and Highland Valley AVAs. If you love ambiance, visit the women-led wine team at Mia Marie Vineyards for valley views and Domaine Artefact for a great patio situation. Espinosa Vineyards is a lesser-known gem making Spanish varietals.
An hour south of SD is Temecula, a small but up-and-coming wine region that was recently voted one of the 10 Must-Visit Wine Regions in the US by USA Today. There are over 50 vineyards and tasting rooms ranging from the boutique Palumbo Family Vineyards to the scenic Doffo Winery. A guided Temecula wine tour is a great option if you don’t want to think about planning or driving.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Valle de Guadalupe about 1.5 hours south of San Diego in Mexico. This wine region is high on my list of places to visit. If you’re feeling intimidated by the idea of exploring it yourself, you can go on a Valle de Guadalupe wine tour leaving from SD.
Check out a farmers market
One of the highlights of my favorite San Diego outdoor activities is to explore the city’s many farmers markets. That’s because there is literally a market happening every day of the week (schedule here).
One of the most iconic is the Little Italy Mercato Farmer’s Market that runs Wednesdays and Saturdays. I still enjoy going, though word has clearly gotten around and it’s more crowded than it used to be.
Now I prefer Hillcrest Farmer’s Market which runs on Sundays. There are a lot of people here too, but the lanes are wider and it feels less cramped. Plus many of the same vendors are also at the Little Italy market, so you’re not missing anything.
Experience an outdoor movie, play, or concert
With weather as perfect as San Diego, it would be criminal not to take advantage of an outdoor movie or concert. The San Diego Rooftop Cinema Club hosts nightly movies from the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, or you can catch a free summer movie in the park and be guaranteed a family-friendly flick.
If you want to catch a play, Balboa Park’s Old Globe, modeled after Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London, is California’s oldest professional theater. It includes one outdoor venue, the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, which holds its annual Shakespeare Festival from July to September.
There’s no shortage of outdoor concerts, both free and ticketed. Check out this list for the rundown of the city’s summer concerts. For year round entertainment, check out Humphreys Concerts by the Bay.
Go on a food tour
Y’all know I create self-guided food tours of Seattle for a living, so obviously one of my favorite things to do when I travel is go on a food crawl. I find walking around a neighborhood and experiencing its restaurant scene is one of the best ways to get to know an area. Here are some options for getting to know SD through its food:
- Taste of Little Italy
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour
- Old Town Tales, Tacos & Tequila
- Taco Tuesday Hop to Tijuana from SD
Be a kid again at Legoland
website | neighborhood: Carlsbad (get directions) | price: ~$80pp when purchased online | best for: amusement park
About 30 minutes north of San Diego is Legoland. This haven for Lego fans and kids under 12 has a ton of rides, shows, games, and more. Those who love water will be pleased to learn there is also a water park and aquarium.
Picnic among the spring flowers
Come spring, the San Diego flower fields are in full bloom. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch feature 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers that only bloom for 6-8 weeks between early March to early May.
The Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park celebrates their annual Cherry Blossom Festival in early March, or you can smell the roses at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden any time between March and December, with peak blooming in April and May.
More to do around San Diego
After you check off the items on this list of the best outdoor activities in San Diego, fill your itinerary with ideas from my other guides.
