Skip to content

The Great Outdoors

San Diego is known for its natural beauty – with miles of spectacular coastline, wild canyons slicing through the city, mountains towering out to the east, and a massive desert state park beyond that. Within this natural abundant playground you will find plenty of outdoor activities in San Diego.

Hiking, camping, backpacking, trail running, mountain biking, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, canyoneering, rock climbing, hang gliding… shall we go on? Let’s just say – San Diego is an active city. So grab some gear and get out there to explore the great outdoors of Southern California.


BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SAN DIEGO


EASY WALKS AROUND SAN DIEGO


Filters (0)

colina park golf course
March 22, 2026

Colina Park Golf Course

A lovely little city course that supports local underserved youth

Mount Laguna Recreation Area - San Diego
February 19, 2026

The Best Hikes In San Diego

Nature knows no bounds in San Diego, making it a hikers paradise all year round.

anza borrego wildflowers
February 10, 2026

Anza Borrego Wildflowers

Come to the desert after the rains and see the colors

mission trails
February 10, 2026

Trail Tykes at Mission Trails

Educational shows and guided walks at San Diego's amazing MTRP

south park san diego
February 9, 2026

A Neighborhood Guide to South Park

A low key neighborhood with an abundance of charm

mt laguna
January 29, 2026

The Best Things To Do In San Diego This Winter

San Diego does have a winter, you just have to know where to look

The Best Things To Do In San Diego This Summer
January 28, 2026

The Best Things To Do In San Diego This Summer

Beaches, bars, walks, pools, and more - the best San Diego summer ideas

belmont park
January 26, 2026

The Best Things To Do in San Diego With Kids

The best things to do in this kid friendly city

torres pines state beach
January 26, 2026

The Best Free Things To Do in San Diego

Enjoy yourself in sunny San Diego without spending a penny

sunset cliffs
December 27, 2025

Sunset Cliffs

Stunning coastline with endless ocean views

windansea beach
December 27, 2025

Windansea Beach

A lovely rock coastline in La Jolla

One Day Itinerary: Date Idea For Adventurous Couples In San Diego
December 23, 2025

One Day Itinerary: Date Idea For Adventurous Couples In San Diego

Have an adventurous date in Mission Bay with SUP's, cocktails, and bonfires.

One Day Itinerary: What To Do In San Diego After A Break Up
December 23, 2025

One Day Itinerary: What To Do In San Diego After A Break Up

He didn't deserve you anyway

What To Do In Anza Borrego Desert State Park
December 14, 2025

What To Do In Anza Borrego Desert State Park

One of the largest state parks in the country sits just east of San Diego

mt laguna
December 11, 2025

Mount Laguna Recreation Area

Camping hiking and snow just east of San Diego

Whale Watching Tour in San Diego
December 9, 2025

Whale Watching Tour in San Diego

Grey whales migrate ten thousand miles. What did you do this year

palomar mountain
December 5, 2025

Palomar Mountain State Park

A slice of the Sierras in Southern California

paddle boarding
September 29, 2025

Paddle Boarding In Mission Bay

Paddle in calm waters around resorts and beaches

torres pines state beach
September 25, 2025

Torrey Pines State Beach

Open stretch of natural coastline with a inlet for the kids

The Outpost By Valley Farm
September 22, 2025

The Outpost By Valley Farm

THE place for BBQ and beers after a beautiful hike.

maple canyon trail
September 17, 2025

Maple Canyon Trail

A natural canyon between two great neighborhoods.

windansea beach
July 22, 2025

The Best Places To Watch Sunset In San Diego

A San Diego sunset is a thing to behold

anza borrego
July 18, 2025

The Best San Diego Outdoor Activities

A starter guide to exploring San Diego's natural abundance

moreton bay fig tree
July 2, 2025

Moreton Bay Fig Tree In Balboa Park

Gaze at a century old fig tree and contemplate life

maple canyon
June 17, 2025

San Diego City Canyons

Find some great hiking in San Diego's beautiful canyons.

pacific beach boardwalk
June 12, 2025

Pacific Beach Boardwalk

Cruise the sandy sunny SoCal strip and see and be seen

Silver Strand Bikeway In Coronado
June 5, 2025

Silver Strand Bikeway In Coronado

A bicycle route cruising the bay and oceanfront at a leisurely pace

goat canyon trestle bridge
May 20, 2025

Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge In Anza Borrego

The largest wooden trestle bridge in the world sits in the middle of nowhere in…

blair valley
May 19, 2025

Blair Valley And The Pictographs Trail

The desert offers a surprising abundance of life, you just have to know where to…

anza borrego
May 17, 2025

Borrego Palm Canyon In Anza Borrego

A desert oasis just over the mountains from San Diego

domelands trail
May 14, 2025

Domelands Trail (Near) Anza Borrego

Walk the shores of an ancient inland sea

Cabrillo National Monument
May 7, 2025

Cabrillo National Monument

Walk the cliffs and search for the elusive nudibranch at the oldest (European) site in…

Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
April 10, 2025

Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

A wilderness corridor stretching from the city to the desert

father junipero serra trail
April 1, 2025

Father Junipero Serra Trail

A stunningly beautiful walk right in the heart of San Diego County

torrey pines state reserve
March 18, 2025

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Blustery cliffs and wind-swept pines overlooking the coast

mission trails regional park
March 15, 2025

South Fortuna Trail At Mission Trails

Hike to the peak for sunrise and sunset views (not at the same time)

san diego fire pit
March 13, 2025

Ocean Beach Bonfire

Gaze at the stars, gaze at the fire, listen to the waves

Weekend Itinerary: When You Need To Find Cheap Things To Do in San Diego
July 4, 2024

Weekend Itinerary: When You Need To Find Cheap Things To Do in San Diego

Don't break the bank - cheap and fun things to do in San Diego

Weekend Itinerary: Getting Outdoors In San Diego
May 10, 2024

Weekend Itinerary: Getting Outdoors In San Diego

A weekend packed with the best outdoor activities in San Diego