10 Best Activities to Do in San Diego

Whether you're a beginner or an old hat, San Diego is renowned for its excellent waves and vibrant surfing culture. Lessons are available throughout the city, catering to all skill levels. Among the top-rated options is the Pacific Surf School, a favourite among aspiring surfers. Known for its engaging instructors, the school strikes the perfect balance between patience and encouragement.

Pacific Surf School offers both private and group lessons, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs. During the summer, they even run a surf camp for kids and teens. For the best waves and fewer crowds, book an early morning lesson.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, San Diego’s pristine waters offer an array of sailing opportunities for everyone. Newcomers can opt to hire a boat with an experienced skipper or take sailing lessons on the picturesque bay.

There are dozens of companies to choose from, but Seaforth Boat Rentals has one of the largest selections of sail boats, available for rentals ranging from 2 to 6 hours. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a sunset sail to enjoy breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. 

San Diego boasts a captivating underwater world for scuba diving or snorkelling. There are a variety of stunning diving locations to explore the region’s rich marine life. If you're looking to earn your scuba certification, numerous local schools provide comprehensive courses to get you started.

Short on time but still eager to experience the underwater beauty? Hire snorkelling gear and head to the iconic La Jolla Cove, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. Alternatively, join a guided snorkelling tour with Scuba San Diego for an expert-led adventure.

Kayaking is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the vibrant coastal life of San Diego. Take a guided kayak tour with San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours that specialises in exhilarating ocean tours around the picturesque La Jolla Cove and its mesmerising sea caves.

For those who prefer a more independent experience, hiring your own kayak allows you to explore at your own pace. Plan your visit during low tide to get a good glimpse of the hidden marine life, or opt for high tide to kayak in areas that are otherwise too shallow.

In San Diego, rock climbing enthusiasts will find excellent opportunities just a short drive from downtown. Whether you're seeking an evening bouldering session or a full-day adventure, San Diego offers numerous spots to satisfy your climbing passion, from dramatic coastal cliffs to the serene inland outcrops.

A standout destination for thrill-seekers is Mission Trails Regional Park, the city's oldest and most renowned rock-climbing area. With over 150 lead and top-rope routes, climbers of all skill levels can challenge themselves amidst the park's breathtaking natural scenery.

Biking is a popular activity in San Diego, thanks to its diverse array of cycling trails. Along the coast, flat trails provide gentle rides with stunning ocean views, ideal for leisurely exploration and family outings. For those seeking a more rugged and challenging experience, the Cleveland National Forest boasts trails that will test your endurance and skill amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

If you prefer a convenient urban ride, head downtown and hire a bike from the San Diego Bike Shop, and explore the city's vibrant neighbourhoods and scenic waterfront at this central location.

For those seeking a thrilling experience in San Diego, the cliffs of Torrey Pines offer an unparalleled opportunity for hang gliding. Since 1928, Torrey Pines Gliderport and its majestic oceanfront cliffs have been a renowned proving ground for paragliding enthusiasts. The combination of steady sea breezes and elevated terrain makes this location ideal for gliding.

Here, you can take lessons from experienced instructors, hire a paraglider for solo flights or opt for a tandem flight to soar effortlessly with a professional. Visit in the late afternoon for the most spectacular sunset glides.

San Diego has numerous skate parks where you can hone your skateboarding or in-line skating skills. The parks have bowls, snake runs and rail slides, ideal for hard-core in-line skaters and skateboarders looking to perform tricks. For those who prefer a more leisurely ride, the beach boardwalks present a scenic and relaxing alternative.

Whether you want to grind the rails at the skate park or cruise along the beach, you can join in on the fun by hiring boards or skates from Cheap Rentals, located on Mission Boulevard. 

San Diego's mild weather and clean air create an ideal environment for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a true hiker's paradise. The city's unique geography offers a diverse range of trails, with rugged mountains in one direction and breathtaking cliffside beaches in the other.

One of the standout locations for hiking is the Torrey Pines State Reserve, located just a hop, skip and a jump from La Jolla. This stunning reserve features a network of trails that wind through rare Torrey pine trees.

The beautiful beaches of San Diego are a hotspot for beach volleyball enthusiasts. Some of the best-kept nets are located on the south end of Mission Beach, where you can hire a volleyball nearby, with the stunning Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

Alternatively, check the events at La Jolla campus of the University of California-San Diego to see if you can catch one of their games. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun in the sun, San Diego’s beach volleyball scene will keep you entertained.