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San Diego, California

San Diego, California, is a top pick for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic views, mild climate, and abundance of activities, it’s no wonder why it’s a top destination for those seeking a unique outdoor experience. From hiking the best trails to exploring Balboa Park, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-visit for those looking for a scenic adventure. This area features miles of trails, stunning views of the ocean, and a variety of wildlife. The San Diego Zoo is also a great family-friendly attraction, home to thousands of animals and with a variety of educational experiences. No matter what kind of outdoor activity you’re looking for, San Diego will be sure to provide an awe-inspiring, picturesque, and thrilling adventure.

Top Spots in and near San Diego

  • San Diego, California

    Hike the Rose Canyon Trail

    3.5
    8.9 mi / 725 ft gain
    This hike is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the spring is running. This trail offers good entry level mountain biking, with mostly flat well maintained trails and a couple of challenging but doable hills. 
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  • San Diego, California

    Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon

    4.0
    4.4 mi
    Tecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails.  But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...
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  • San Diego, California

    Bonfire at Fiesta Island

    4.7
    This island offers scenic views of of mission bay and if you're lucky, you can catch fireworks from Sea World. The bonfire rings are stationed around the island, so make sure you get there early to stake yours out, especially if you're headed there on the weekend. Dogs are allowed off leash at th...
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  • San Diego, California

    Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

    4.5
    1 mi
    From where Father Junipero Serra established the first of 21 California Missions in 1769, this area was the first permanent European settlement in the San Diego region. Today, past and present meet in a preserved historical park located near Downtown San Diego. You can explore life as it was in ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Dive La Jolla Shores

    4.5
    While it doesn't get the attention of La Jolla Cove's green fields, the shores are one of the best parts about San Diego.Driving up to the large parking area it's immediately clear you've come to the right place as there's almost always divers suiting up in the early morning. A dive shop down the...
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  • San Diego, California

    Swing on the La Jolla Tree Swings

    3.0
    From Torrey Pines Rd, turn left onto La Jolla Shores Drive. After about 1/4 of a mile down start to look for parking preferably near UCSD Coastal Apartments. Once parked walk along the UCSD apartments until you see Discovery way. Make a left at Discovery where you will then cross the street. You ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Surf Scripps Pier

    5.0
    Park on La Jolla Shores Drive and make the short walk down the boat ramp north of the pier. This spot often has some of the clearest waters in San Diego, making it a picturesque place to surf. During low tide, check out the tide pools just north of the surf spot to find some awesome sea life.
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  • San Diego County, California

    Photograph Scripp's Pier

    4.9
    Parking is easy, there are tons of random street you can park on just a little walk away. Be sure to arrive on scene at least an hour before sunset. Make sure to look up the sunset time and the weather forecast. Clouds will make for the most dramatic images with the most color from the sunset. Ex...
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  • San Diego, California

    Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

    4.0
    Located at the intersection of Spruce Street and First Avenue this spot is hard to miss! There is no parking lot, but there is plenty of street parking nearby!! This suspension bridge is one of those hidden gems in San Diego. Located within Banker's Hill, this bridge brings peace and serenity. It...
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  • San Diego, California

    Surfing at Black's Beach via the Main Gate

    5.0
    1 mi / 650 ft gain
    With arguably some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach can be found in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego campus, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach and north of La Jolla Shores. Stately eight-figure mansions now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black f...
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Cove

    4.8
    La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their ho...
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  • San Diego, California

    Swim in La Jolla Cove

    4.9
    La Jolla Cove is an iconic destination in San Diego for visitors and locals alike. Anyone visiting San Diego knows La Jolla Cove is famous for sea lions, beautiful sunsets, sea caves, kayaking, diving, etc etc. The entire area is a great place to eat, drink, relax and spend a day enjoying the Cal...
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  • San Diego, California

    Watch the Sunset at Windansea Beach

    5.0
    One of San Diego's hidden gems. This beach offers an incredible and beautiful view any time of the day. My favorite time to go to this beach is during the sunset. There is a set of stairs just north of the parking lot that leads down to the cliffs where you can sit, hang out, and relax. It's also...
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  • San Diego, California

    Ocean Beach Dog Beach

    5.0
    Ocean Beach Dog Beach is considered "The Original Dog Beach" and one of the first leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., according to city's website.  There's something really magical about being at a beach during sunset, and even up to an hour after sunset can still cast beautiful light on the wat...
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  • San Diego, California

    La Jolla Coast Walk Trail

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 295 ft gain
    La Jolla Coast Walk is a beautiful coastline trail, but is a bit of a heavily trafficked tourist trail. The hike can be started and ended at 3 separate locations. The trail is easily accessible with a small parking lot and tons of restaurants nearby.  The trail begins near another popular touris...
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  • San Diego, California

    Photographing Hospitals Reef

    5.0
    Hospitals Reef is a photographer’s paradise. San Diego is known for its many beaches, but Hospitals Reef is one of my favorites to photograph. It’s easy to see why when you get there. The unique rocky shoreline is home to many unusual and wonderful sights.There is a section of rocks filled with p...
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Camping and Lodging in San Diego

San Diego Metro KOA Resort
Chula Vista, California

San Diego Metro KOA Resort

Fry Creek Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Fry Creek Campground

Observatory Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Observatory Campground

Boulder Oaks Eqst
Campo, California

Boulder Oaks Eqst

El Prado Group
Laguna Meadow Road

El Prado Group

Laguna
Mount Laguna, California

Laguna

Guides, Insights and Stories from San Diego

The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

Dustin Kahia

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

William Woodward

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

Josiah Roe