When you think of San Diego, you think of outdoors.  The beauty.  The weather.  The landscapes.  Oceans, Mountains and Desert all within reach.  Outdoors is where we spend most of our days here, 365 days of the year so we have compiled a list of our favorite San Diego outdoor adventures (with links and details included) that you can use to check these items off your bucket list.  Get out and explore!

A – Annie’s Canyon

Located in the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve, this area was once known as the “mushroom caves” and was closed to the public.  Recently, thanks to a donor by the name of “Annie” and a lot of work, this amazing slot canyon is now open for exploring and it’s a family’s dream!

Annie’s Canyon is an easy and quick “must do” of San Diego to really take in the outdoors experience.  Slithering through the narrow slot canyon will create a mild adrenaline rush with a sweet reward at the end.  Great for all ages, as long as you aren’t too claustrophobic (in which case you can walk up the other way and meet your party at the top to enjoy the views).

B – Borrego Springs

We have absolutely fallen head over heels in love with Anza-Borrego Desert State Park which is in Borrego Springs. Almost 650,000 acres and 500 miles of dirt roads, there’s endless possibilities to even make it a destination in itself for multiple days.  Desert beauty, Spring wildflowers, ancient discoveries, unique trails, incredible natural formations, and roadside artwork make it a top spot for families, couples, individuals, and truly anyone.

Our top 3 activities in Borrego Springs are exploring Galleta Meadows which contains incredible free standing sculpture throughout the area, and hiking at The Slot as well as the Wind Caves.  All can be done in a single day!

C – Cabrillo National Monument and Seaside Cliffs

Whenever we have friends or family that visit San Diego, we always tell them to visit the Cabrillo National Monument area.  It’s our classic San Diego attraction – beautiful, 360 views of San Diego and exploring.  You can spend a little time here or a lot, it’s really up to you…and we promise it will be the highlight of your San Diego vacation, or your weekend, if you are a local!

Explore the old Point Loma lighthouse and the actual Cabrillo Monument itself, with sweeping views of San Diego.  Then explore the seaside cliffs for natural wonders in the tidepools, wildflowers, and the landscapes.

D – Del (as in Hotel del Coronado)

National Historic Landmark.  Breathtaking ocean views. Whimsical Victorian era architecture.  Endless activities. Famous celebrities. Ghostly haunts. Tourist attraction. You’ll find it all at the world famous Hotel del Coronado, also known affectionately as “The Del”.  As you stroll through the 32-acre property, you’ll not only enjoy the historic aspects of this beautiful hotel, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous seaside scenery that they tout as “1/3 Sand 1/3 Sun and 1/3 Fairytale.”  Fairytale, indeed.

E – Eagle’s Rock Trail

This incredible trail along the infamous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is perfectly named as you arrive at your destination to encounter an uber climbable rock formation in the shape of a giant Eagle!

Eagle Rock trail is located in Warner Springs which is about 15 minutes outside of Julian, California.  This is about 1.25 hour drive from downtown San Diego. While it’s proximity to Julian may seem irrelevant, after hiking for almost 7 miles (round trip) it becomes very relevant indeed as you can reward yourself with some of their famous apple pie.  Gotta replenish those burned calories right?

F – Flower Fields

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are a seasonal activity you’ll want to take advantage of in the Spring.  They typically are open around March through mid-May and feature endless rows of captivating and colorful flowers, a playground, and more.

We highly recommend a visit and take note, they are not big fans of people running through the flowers to take photos so enjoy them from the pathways.

G – Graffiti Shack

The Graffiti Shack on Mission Beach Jetty is one of those spots you can walk right by, over and over again for 20 years (yes, I did this!) and not even notice it’s there.  Rumor has it that this random abandoned structure was once a bait shop.

This was an awesome new discovery for our family, perfect for some fun climbing, breathtaking 360 views, and unique photo opportunities.

H – Hiking along Torrey Pines

One of the most beautiful hikes in San Diego, Torrey Pines offers several coastal trails with unparalleled viewpoints.  It’s very popular, so get here early!  Hike a trail and then spend the rest of the time wandering and playing in the pristine beach.  They also offered guided nature walks on the weekends so check their website for dates and times.

I – Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain is comparable to the very popular Cowles Mountain. Iron Mountain affords amazing views as you get to the top, and as you can see here, the hubby did it with a kid on his back!

And if you are looking for additional peaks to hike, perhaps gear yourself up for the 5 Peaks Challenge!  In their efforts to steer crowds away from the ever popular Cowles Mountain, Mission Trails Regional Park came up with a 5 Peaks Challenge to promote the other very impressive mountain trails in the area.

J – Jennings Lake

When there isn’t baseball, you can find our boys at the lake fishing, and it’s always at Lake Jennings.  Such an easy process to rent a boat and be on the lake, immediately seeing fish swimming which makes it very entertaining for the little ones.  The area is just gorgeous and also great for camping and exploring.  Get there early to see pristine calm waters.

K – Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard with Sea Lions

Did you know you can easily rent a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and within minutes be hanging out with Sea Lions?  Well, now you do!  While there are plenty of places to rent watersports equipment along Mission Bay (kayaks, SUP, jet ski’s, boats, pedal boats, etc.) there is a special hidden location where this takes you right to the sea lions who are always hanging out. This adventure is completely kid friendly, and you don’t need kayak or SUP experience.  They are easy to learn and figure out, and the beauty of this location is you don’t need to go very far at all to hang out with the Sea Lions.

L – La Jolla Cove

When anyone comes to visit us in San Diego, we always recommend a day spent in the beautiful La Jolla Cove area.  There is so much to do, and you are completely surrounded by nature’s beauty.  You can easily spend an entire day here, or more, depending on what you do.  Tidepools, checking out a historic sea cave, playing in the park, exploring the beach, it’s just an all around perfect day. Don’t visit San Diego without enjoying this local gem!

M – Marian Bear Memorial Park

Wide paths. Easy pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. Tons of critters to enjoy such as Lizards, Barn Owls, Red Tailed Hawks, and more. Streams.  Green trees.  Serene atmosphere.  Moderate temperatures. These are some of the many reasons we frequent Marian Bear trail on those mornings or afternoons when we have a couple of hours and are wanting some fresh air. This local park is a great option when you just have a short time but want to connect with nature.

N – North Park Street Murals

Sure, San Diego is filled with nature’s beauty.  But that’s not all. Did you know that all around town our streets are filled with amazing murals and street art?  We created a scavenger hunt of these incredible works of art in the La Jolla, Normal Heights and North Park areas.  With our 2 kids in tow, we all had a blast checking out all these murals!  Not to mention great exercise as well.  We’ll show you some of our favorites in this blog (there were SO many more) and give you the guidance you need to do this scavenger hunt as well!

O – Ocean Beach & Sunset Cliffs

One of the most picturesque spots in San Diego, Sunset Cliffs at the edge of Ocean Beach features many lookout spots along the coastal drive, as well as opportunities to get out of your car and explore trails on the cliffs and down to the beach.  Driving to get there you will find yourself in Ocean Beach, an eclectic and bohemian beach town, filled with restaurants, pubs, shops, and fishing off of the OB pier.

P – Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock (Mount Woodson) is one of the most infamous hikes and photography spots in San Diego.  Crowded trails and a long line to take that memorable photo on top of the Potato Chip Rock, seemingly hanging on the edge of the earth. Well, there is a less known trail to Potato Chip Rock…one that is drop dead gorgeous the entire way, challenging but less painful than the other trails, and relatively unknown and therefore NOT CROWDED!!!!  YES, it’s true.  We highly recommend Potato Chip Rock as one of the most gorgeous, scenic, and enjoyable hikes in all of San Diego!

Q – Queen Calafia’s Magic Circle

This unique spot located in Escondido doesn’t have much competition in this blog post given the Q letter, but nevertheless it’s a fun spot particularly with kids.  A sculpture garden inspired by California’s cultural history.  There are 9 freestanding sculptures in the garden.  Please note that this attraction has very limited days and hours so it’s best to check their website before planning a visit.

R – Rollerblade or Bike Along Mission Bay

Whenever the sun is out and I have no specific plans, there is always a no-fail activity…rollerblading (yes, it still exists) or whatever wheel transport you prefer (Bikes, Skateboard, etc.) along the vast boardwalks of Mission Bay.  There is also a beachside boardwalk, but we prefer the Bayside as it’s much calmer and family friendly especially during high season.

S – Secret Swings

The La Jolla Secret Swings. They are kind of like Big Foot.  Some people have never heard of them.  But those who have heard of them whisper about their existence, their location, and even if they exist anymore.  The swings are there.  They aren’t there.  They were there, but they’ve been cut off the tree.  2 painted swings, hung from a tree, hidden off a trail, with panoramic views of La Jolla and the ocean waters.  There’s a certain delight you get from sitting on that swing.  Maybe it’s because of the amazing view.  And definitely because you feel like you are now a member of a secret club.

T – Tidepools

While the surfers and boogie boarders relish in high tide, our favorite beach time is when it’s low tide, and the sea creatures that are normally hiding underwater are accessible.  There’s something magical about standing on the ocean floor when the ocean…isn’t there!

What are tidepools?  Imagine as the ocean retracts, leaving behind the rocky floor with pockets of small “pools” that sea creatures (sea anenomies, sea slugs, hermit crabs, mussels, fish, and so much more) hang out and wait for the ocean to return. There are so many great tidepool spots in San Diego, take your pick!  Our favorite is the La Jolla Tidepools.

U – Urban Bridges Hike (7 Bridges Urban Hike)

Ok, we got a little creative by starting this one with a “U” but we had to include it. In 2012, the San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers shared a walk they created, 5.5 miles, looped, weaving through highly recognized areas such as Balboa Park, and then looping through neighborhoods with unknown and historical bridges.  The article came and went, and when you ask a native San Diegan about the 7 Bridges Walk, most will not have any idea what you are talking about!  We have done this urban hike 3 times now, and as we’ve shared it with friends, we have seen it’s popularity grow as people share their photos of this fun experience on social media.

V – Various Amazing Beaches!

Why did we move to San Diego and pay $$$ for our home, well, to live by the beach of course!  There are so many beautiful beaches along the coast.  For families, try La Jolla Cove, North Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores.  Single and looking to mingle?  Pacific Beach or Mission Beach.  Looking for some good people watching with a Bohemian atmosphere?  Ocean Beach is for you.  North County beaches are also great for singles and families alike, Encinitas (Moonlight Beach) is our top pick!

W – Waterfront Park

At ages 7 and 10, our visits to playgrounds has come to almost a complete halt.  I remember the days where very weekend and every vacation was hopping from playground to playground.  Having outgrown most of them, there is one playground that truly has it all…and still resonates with the older kids.  Relatively new over the last few years, the Waterfront Park was built at the County Administration Building, of all places.  It’s a great location, right across from the San Diego Maritime Museum, and the Embarcadero area which continues to be built up to a true destination.

X – Xtra time at the Beach!

Y – Your Favorite Spot!

Okay. Okay. We really tried.  We couldn’t think of anything for “X” or “Y”.  If you think of something please let us know.  But let us emphasize our point, it’s not about checking things off the list.  It’s about going places you enjoy.  So, found something you really like?  Well, do it again.  That’s what life is about, enjoying those moments!

Moving on!

Z – Zoo

Yes, the San Diego Zoo is world famous.  And for good reason.  We know you already know this but we’d be remiss to not include it.  Given it’s all outdoors, it’s a great place for an outdoor adventure suitable for all ages and one that’s just “easy” – not much thinking required, you just show up!  Of the theme parks in San Diego, this one is our top pick!  We love these tips for getting the most of the San Diego Zoo so if you are planning a trip check it out!

That’s it folks!  We hope you enjoyed our San Diego Outdoor Adventures from A to Z!  Let us know if you explored any..we’d love to hear from you!

FREE family travel tips!

It's taken us years, but we finally figured out the formula for family travel success! You can too (and without taking years!), by learning our travel tips (planning and executing!) for having amazing, fun, and stress-free family vacations! We'll send you occasional tips and tricks, right to your e-mail, that are the "secrets" behind the blog posts we share!

We care about your privacy and will not share your information with anyone.