With beaches, mountains and canyons surrounding it, San Diego is an ideal destination for visitors looking for an active vacation. Get outside of your San Diego hotel and let the ocean wind tousle your hair as you surf, sail or bike in the warm California sun.
Skip to main content.
Skip to main content.
Book online or call:
800-2-HOTELS (800-246-8357)24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Start of main content. Read on from here or press tab to access the next link
Published 12/14/09
Photo by Joanne DiBona, courtesy of San Diego CVB
More about San Diego
- Top 10 family things to do in San Diego
- Summer vacations in San Diego
- A San Diego travel guide – sunny days, wild animals and plenty of surf and sand
- Where to stay in San Diego – a travel guide to San Diego's neighborhoods
- Short breaks in San Diego – a bit of art, animals, history and a lot of ocean
Related articles
Surfing
Whether you're a beginner or an old hat, San Diego has terrific waves for surfing. Lessons are available throughout the city, but the Pacific Beach Surf School provides the wet suit, the board, and even chairs and umbrellas for your companions.4150 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach 92109
Pacific Beach Surf Shop Website
Sailing
The steady wind and sunny skies of San Diego make it ideal for sailing. Even if you've never sailed before, you can rent a boat with a skipper or take a sailing lesson on the bay. There are dozens of companies to choose from, but Seaforth Boat Rentals has the largest selection.Scuba Diving or snorkeling
Choose from an array of diving locations or earn your scuba certification. Even if you don't have time for a dive, you can rent snorkeling gear and explore La Jolla Cove, or take a snorkeling tour from Scuba San Diego.Kayaking
Consider taking a guided kayak tour. San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours specializes in ocean tours around the La Jolla Cove and its caves. Or just rent your own kayak.2222 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla 92037
San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours Website
Rock climbing
The oldest rock-climbing destination in the city is the Mission Trails Regional Park, with over 150 lead and top-rope routes.1 Father Junipero Serra Trail 92119
Mission Trails Regional Park Website
Biking
Flat trails along the ocean make for gentle rides, while the Cleveland National Forest’s trails are more rugged and challenging. Or rent a bike downtown from the San Diego Bike Shop.619 C Street, Downtown 92101
San Diego Bike Shop Website
Hang gliding
The cliffs overlooking the ocean in Torrey Pines have been a proving grounds for motor-less flight since 1928. The sea breezes and elevated grounds make this location top notch for gliding. Take lessons, rent a paraglider or consider a tandem flight.2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla 92037
Torrey Pines Gliderport Website
Skateboarding or in-line skating
The city's skate parks have bowls, snakes and rail slides for hard-core in-line skaters. Other may prefer a more leisurely ride along the beach boardwalks. Both boards and skates can be rented from Cheap Rentals.3689 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach 92109
Cheap Rentals Website
Hiking
The mild weather and clean air make San Diego a hiker’s paradise, with rugged mountains in one direction and cliffside beaches in the other. And just a hop, skip and a jump from La Jolla are the trails of the Torrey Pines State Reserve.12600 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla 92037
Mission Trails Regional Park Website
Beach Volleyball
Some of the best-kept nets are located on the south end of Mission Beach, where you can rent a volleyball nearby. Alternately, you might even be able to catch an impromptu game on the La Jolla campus of the University of California-San Diego.Mission Beach Volleyball Website
Get out and enjoy the top 10 active things to do in San Diego for yourself with one of Hotels.com's San Diego hotels