On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$85
per adult
THE 10 BEST San Diego Outdoor Activities
Outdoor Activities in San Diego
Category types
Price
$0 - $500 +
Duration
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Popular Attractions
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75 places sorted by featured
- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
Climbing
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$57
per adult
On the Water
2 hours
Recommended by 93% of travelers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$57
per adult
Adventure Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$84
per group
Zoo Tickets
1–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travelers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$72
per adult
On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$150
per adult
Historical Tours
120–135 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$40
per adult
Adventure Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$64
per adult
Kayaking Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$99
per group
Historical Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$70
per adult
E-Bike Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$119
per adult
Jet Boat Rentals
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$40
per adult
On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$179
per adult
On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$117
per adult
On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$115
per adult
Zoo Tickets
2–8 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$72
per adult
On the Water
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$650
per group
4WD Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$62
per adult
Nature and Wildlife Tours
4–8 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$124
per adult
Nature and Wildlife Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$30
per adult
Adventure Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$25
per adult
Surfing Lessons
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$99
per adult
Fishing Charters
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$75
per adult
On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$139
per adult
E-Bike Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$189
per adult
Freediving
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$85
per adult
On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$115
per adult
Street Art Tour
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$35
per adult
Adventure Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$119
per adult
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Katherine C3 contributionsWe booked this on a whim, looking for things to do on a spring break vacation. It was a great choice! We were lucky to have a sunny, calm April morning. The boat is beautiful and spacious, and you can move freely once out of the marina. We saw countless sea lions and dolphins (some jumping right alongside the boat) and three or four instances of humpback whales! Plentiful fish made for great feeding conditions, apparently. Communication from the company ahead of time was good. Good to know: you will have to walk down a short hill and then a long dock, plus up/down a short portable ladder onto the boat, so keep this in mind if you have limited mobility. Also, there were several passengers who got seasick, even on that nice day (staff are prepared, but I strongly suggest standing and facing the horizon during the trip if you can)! Great value for the price, for sure.Written April 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AngelaK2620South Lyon7 contributionsThis is more than a hike. It’s an adventure. The views are stunning! You will get a little dirty. Wear pants! Hiking shoes are definitely recommended. Our tour guide was great. Be sure to follow directions and you will have an amazing experience. My 16 year old wants to do the hike again. We did the steep side of potato chip rock yesterday. This hike was less strenuous and more enjoyable.Written March 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Monkeysmama MWilmington, DE53 contributionsI had a wonderful time. Although we didn’t manage to find whales, we spent quite a long time with a few pods of dolphins. Captain did a great job of finding them, following as they went down to feed then resurfaced, and educating us a bit. The other staff also answered questions and were helpful and friendly. I would do this tour again. Sit in the front.Written March 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emarie V1 contributionFranky was a great guide. He was patient when my daughter and I fell off of our boat. He helped us get back on.
We were able to see sea lions đź¦Written April 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John B1 contributionThis Park is great, clean and pleasant.
And Kevin the bus driver is very professional.
We can clearly see the animals and they are well fed and cared for.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John SJonesboro, LA1 contributionWe had a great time, saw lots of dolphins and some sea lions. We also got to see one whale, although, not for very long. our boat captain was Jeff and he did a great job driving the boat and trying as hard as he could to make sure we got to see what we wanted to see.Written April 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Beth L1 contributionI had so much fun, learned a ton, and enjoyed the sun… on my first ever tour of La Jolla. I’ve lived here three years and finally learned about my home. Chas is a walking encyclopedia about La Jolla and its history. I highly recommend this tour.Written April 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Pete C3 contributionsDak and Josh were a great team. We got to see Leopard Sharks, Garabaldi and Sea Lions, along with the cave and great descriptions of the Fault and other local geography and culture. Josh helped us all in and out of the cave from the water. They were very friendly and accommodating.Written April 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maggie RBangkok, Thailand2 contributionsWe enjoyed our tour with Josh! Very knowledgeable, flexible and helpful as was the whole team! It was the first time to snorkel and kayak for some of our group and they are excited for more! I would recommend bringing one’s own wetsuit however as it was tough to get one that fit well for all six of us and snorkeling could get a bit cold otherwise.Written April 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- krystalstkSan Diego, CA1 contributionBeing on the coastline on the Pacific felt like being on the edge of the world. Granger is a warm, grounded, and thoughtful guide who made me feel safe while we were navigating varying terrain on soft beach sand, jagged rocks, and slippery sea rocks. I recommend this experience to everyone!Written February 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tom E1 contributionWe had a great time on our bike tour! Justin was very knowledgeable and he made the trip safe and super fun for us! All 4 of us had a splendid time.Written April 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deepak M1 contributionExtremely fun ride. If you are in San Diego please go for this. Be prepared to get wet a little bit. One of the best boat ride.Written December 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Monica H3 contributionsWe had an amazing time with Captain Rich and Tailwalker. Rich called to give us an update on the weather and then passed on instructions where and when to meet. Once on the boat, he gave us a safety lesson, allowed us to go up onto the flying bridge, and we were on our way. We first came upon a gray whale, our goal for the day, we then had a sea lion make his way past us and then it was off to a very large pod of dolphins. The dolphins were jumping and swam along with our boat for at least 30 minutes. It was amazing!! On the way back towards the bay, we saw more dolphins and then Captain Rich took us past the sea loins who reside in the bay. The day was wonderful!! And truly the best part of our trip. We plan to return and go blue whale watching with Captain Rich. Thank you again Captain Rich!!Written March 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bruce RAnkeny, IA5 contributionsWe had a great experience! The weather was good! The ocean was a little rough but manageable! The crew was awesome !Written February 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sharon T2 contributionsMy little one loves legos and had so much fun at the park. He enjoyed the robotic workshop the most, wish there were more and extending the park hour would be nice.Written April 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
- These experiences are best for outdoor activities in San Diego:
- San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two
- San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass Any Day Ticket
- Shared Two-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside
- La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour (Single Kayak)
- These places are best for outdoor activities in San Diego:See more outdoor activities in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly outdoor activities in San Diego:See more outdoor activities for kids in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking outdoor activities in San Diego:See more outdoor activities for couples in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking outdoor activities in San Diego:See more outdoor activities for groups in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly outdoor activities in San Diego:See more budget-friendly outdoor activities in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for outdoor activities in San Diego:See more romantic outdoor activities in San Diego on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for outdoor activities in San Diego:
- Sail Stars & Stripes
- San Diego Private Tours - Journeys with Julie
- Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures
- Eco Boat Rentals
- San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
- These are the best places for adventurous outdoor activities in San Diego:
- Sail Stars & Stripes
- Adventure Whale Watching
- Dive California
- Cloudia Adventures
- Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for outdoor activities in San Diego:
- Sail San Diego
- Sail Stars & Stripes
- Adventure Whale Watching
- Brothers Sport Fishing - San Diego Fishing Charters
- Dive California