Top San Diego Outdoor Activities

Sail into the setting sun aboard a Catalina style sailboat during this intimate cruise with a small group. Feel like you have the ship all to yourself on this trip that’s limited to just 12 total guests, watching as the last rays of the sun drop into the glistening waves. Enjoy the included beer, soft drinks and snacks during the ride, as well as jackets and wind gear in case you get cold. You can even plug in your own music to add to the fun. Departure times vary throughout the year. Guest must contact Sail San Diego after purchase for the exact departure time.

Experience the thrill of driving your own speed boat during this tour of San Diego Harbor. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide's boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, a US Navy submarine, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, the cruise ship terminal, the historic ship Star of India and San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn from your guide about these landmarks via the onboard two-way communications system and stop for photo ops on this exciting tour.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks and guided bus tours. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes, and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers—a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its in-built GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Little Italy, Mission Hills, Presidio Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

Spend a few hours relaxing, sunbathing and sightseeing in the placid waters just off San Diego during this 1 or 2 hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully-narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions. Choose between 1 and 2 hour cruise options, offering you two trips to fit your schedule and interests.

Enjoy a classic San Diego sunset while spotting whales and dolphins during this wildlife cruise in Mission Bay Park. Travel comfortably on a well-equipped boat with a dedicated and knowledgeable crew. Learn about San Diego's coastal marine mammals as you scan the harbor. Watch the sun set while sailing the shore.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your or or two day trolley pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Sail out into the San Diego Bay and take in great views of the city's skyline with this small-group tour aboard a 34-foot Catalina sailboat led by a local captain. You can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures and you will be welcome to bring your own drinks on board.

Take a tour of San Diego's most-popular park during this Segway exploration of Balboa Park. Follow your friendly local guide to all of the hot spots and learn why locals love the laid back vibe of this coastal destination.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

View more than 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo, or split your time between the Zoo and the Safari Park. At the zoo, see the diverse collection of animals, many of which are not present at other zoos in the United States. The Safari Park is inspired by the Serengeti Plains in Africa and the Asian plains and is home to lions, tigers, zebras, which you can see from the a 32-acre (13-hectare) safari trail. Access to all shows and exhibits, as well as use of all the in-park transportation, are included. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Watch the sun set over San Diego during an all-inclusive small-group cruise aboard a classic sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway, and look for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor on the 2.5-hour cruise.

In just four hours, experience the scenic highlights of San Diego and its neighboring areas. Watch sea lions and pelicans on the beaches of La Jolla and capture fantastic views from the top of Mt Soledad. Soak up the Old World elegance of the mansions and Hotel Del on Coronado Island, and find peace in the urban oasis of Balboa Park. Wind through downtown and Old Town San Diego, learning about the city’s history along the way. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour limited to just 14 people.

Feel the adrenaline rush of skydiving without jumping out of an airplane during this indoor skydiving experience at iFLY San Diego. Learn how to safely float in a vertical wind tunnel with wind speeds of up to 175 mph (282 kph). Your activity includes skydiving gear and two flights. Plus, receive one-on-one guidance from an accredited flight instructor and take home a personalized flight certificate.

Cruise around San Diego bay aboard an authentic 1992 America’s Cup racing yacht and travel at twice the speed of the average sailboat. The Stars and Stripes USA-11 is one of the fastest and best known America’s Cup racing yachts. It was designed and built to be raced in San Diego, and has been restored to pristine condition. Take a turn at the helm and join in grinding the winches to raise and trim the sails.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90-minute harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Set sail on the San Diego Harbor without spending a fortune on this affordable small-group sailing tour. Climb aboard a replica 1904 yacht that's unlike any other in San Diego, and enjoy several hours of cruising the bay and harbor, from Seaport Village past the USS Midway Museum and other shoreline attractions. No sailing experience is required, as a captain handles the navigation so you can enjoy the voyage.

Get off the beaten path and explore the San Diego-Tijuana border area in a way most travelers miss when you join a four-wheel-drive Jeep tour. Experienced off-roaders will love the adventure and nervous travelers will feel reassured in the presence of expert guides. Trails range from easy to advanced and all offer amazing views, steep ascents and descents, and a lot of fun.

Take a private boat trip out into the sunset with this private, romantic cruise. Your skipper will take you out into Mission Bay in a private boat, complete with its own observation tower for 360-degree views of your surroundings. Cheese and crackers will be provided and you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine on board.

On this small, exclusive experience (6 riders max), guests will enjoy a super-fun musical electric bicycle tour on Coronado's most beautiful coastal bike paths, scenic photo hotspots, and areas of historical interest. Inspired by the woody wagons of California’s surf culture, Fat Woody Beach Cruisers are artisan handcrafted e-bikes. If you’re looking for a truly unique & memorable southern California experience, take a ride on one of these incredibly unique beach cruisers! Guests must have ‘expert proficiency’ riding skills and be 21+ years old, 16+ when accompanied by parent. Riders MUST be able to put both feet on the ground, a 29”+ inseam measured floor to crotch. Because these e-bikes weigh 90+lbs, shorter legs require riders to lean the bike to one side with all the weight on one leg, resulting in potential falls, injury and equipment damage. No exceptions to this requirement.

Try the world's first off-road electric hoverboard and ride like a pro! With a top speed of 19mph and the ability to ride on grass, trails, sand, and of course pavement you'll be having a blast in no time. Riding the Onewheel is easy to learn, even for people with no previous board sport experience with proper instruction (lesson included). I will be providing instruction, helmets, safety gear (knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards). Electric scooters are available for those who prefer not to try the Onewheel. Enjoy a beautiful ride along the San Diego Waterfront from Liberty Station Park to Embarcadero. Pictures and videos of your adventure included!

Find out what it’s like to be a fighter pilot during a high-intensity flight over San Diego. Learn basic flight maneuvering skills as you speed, twist, and turn through the sky, and enjoy aerial views of the mountains, desert, and San Diego skyline. Upgrade to include dynamic low level flying, aerobatic maneuvers, and more time in the sky; or suit up and learn to fly the plane yourself.