Looking for Outdoor Adventure in San Diego?

If you’re the out-doorsy, always-active type of traveler, look no further than San Diego to get your adventure fix. This sunny city is a laid back place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little wild. Conversely, San Diego’s prime weather and diverse topography make it a perfect spot for outdoor activities of all types. Here’s a list of some of the ways to experience adventure in San Diego, including details on where and how to get started!

• Kayak

  Kayaking in San Diego is easy and fun. La Jolla Shores is the perfect place for kayaking, as is bay-like shape keeps the waters generally calm. Plus, the area is brimming with wildlife that you’ll get the chance to observe in a unique natural setting. We suggest you rent a kayak with Bike & Kayak Tours, Inc. They provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a water map, so you can navigate your way around. Kayak rentals in La Jolla are recommended for those with previous experience in kayaking.

• Surf

  For surfing, you may want to head to Mission Beach, the mecca of outdoor sports in San Diego. If you’re a pro and you’ve got a board, hit the water! If you’re a beginner, or just need to rent a board, head to Pacific Beach Surf Shop on Mission Blvd. For rentals, they offer foam surf boards, epoxy short boards, epoxy long boards, and wetsuits. And if you’re just learning how to surf, they give lessons, too! If you’re on a longer vacation, take a series of lessons to get the most benefit. For more information, check out the PB Surf School website.

• Bike

  There’s no better way to explore this city than on a bicycle. That’s why biking is such a popular activity for adventure in San Diego (the almost-perfect weather doesn't hurt either). For the best scenic views and a light sea breeze, ride along coastal San Diego. If you don’t have your own bike, rent one from Bike & Kayak Tour, Inc. (they do rentals, too) in La Jolla. You can choose from mountain bikes, road bikes, and tandem bikes, and each rental is equipped with a helmet, bike repair kit, water bottle cage, hand pump, and a custom illustrated map of the area.

• Hike

  The best part about hiking is that there’s very little (if any) equipment involved. San Diego has hiking for everyone, whether you’re looking for an easy climb, an intense workout, or just a view of the ocean. Simply remember to bring appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and a map. So where should you start? For an easy hike, take a leisurely stroll overlooking the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve. It’s a 5.6 mile trail through hills and seashore. If you want a challenge, try Mount Woodson in Poway. It’s 6.4 miles starting from the shores of Lake Poway, and the trail gets steeper and steeper as you go. Although it’s definitely a difficult hike, the view from the top is quite the reward.

• Snorkel

  Everyone will enjoy snorkeling in San Diego, whether you’re an old pro or a newcomer to the sport. La Jolla Cove is a great place for snorkeling because the water is calm and the visibility is usually good. You can rent your snorkel gear from La Jolla Bike & Kayak Tours, Inc.—they will provide you with your mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and optional life jacket. The staff will help you get your equipment fitted, and then they’ll go over the water map, snorkeling conditions, and what underwater life to look for, so that you’ll have the best possible time snorkeling.