San Diego Outdoor Recreation

San Diego Recreation

San Diego Balboa Park Trails

The map corresponds with the first in a series of gateway signs is located at the intersection of Balboa Drive and Sixth Avenue, on the northwest corner of the park. A satellite image-based map has been merged with a series of GPS-documented routes, a significant advancement in park signage designed to highlight topography, incorporating park landmarks to help guide the user and gauge the level of difficulty of the trails.
The routes are clearly marked with color coded, numbered signs, which inform users of the distance, degree of difficulty and change of route direction.
This is one of a series of projects designed to increase safety and usability within the many canyons and natural areas of the park, adhering to the Balboa Park Master Plan.
This project was paid for in large part by a generous grant from the Balboa Park Trust at the San Diego Foundation. A committed group of community volunteers envisioned and developed this system in partnership and with guidance from the City of San Diego's Department of Park & Recreation and the Balboa Park Committee.
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San Diego Cycling and Bike Trails

The amazing weather and unique geographical features of San Diego make it a bike rider’s paradise. Bicyclists can take a leisurely cruise along the San Diego beach trails, confront a challenge on the hills and valleys inland, or hit the city streets and leave your car in the garage. San Diego is also a biker-friendly county at-large, providing many San Diego bike paths and lanes for its bicycle riders.

San Diego Bike Trail: San Clemente to the Mexican border

This San Diego bicycling trail starts at the top of San Diego County and works down to the border of Mexico. It will show you the best of the San Diego beach scenery and offers, for the most part, easy terrain to ride. You will follow the historic former Highway 101 path along the Pacific Ocean through Oceanside, Carlsbad, and La Jolla, among other San Diego communities.
San Diego Bike Trail: San Clemente to the Mexican border Website

San Diego Bike Trail: Cuyamaca Peak Trail

Perfect for the San Diego biker who enjoys a challenge, the Cuyamaca Peak Trail starts strong with a 2.7 mile uphill climb. The bike trail loop is 9.3 miles total, and mostly on dirt trails. The reward for your troubles is an amazing view of San Diego County from the Cuyamaca Peak, which affords views of the Salton Sea, San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and Mexico.
San Diego Bike Trail: Cuyamaca Peak Trail Website

San Diego Bike Trail: Mission Trails Regional Park

Nestled in the middle of San Diego is Mission Trails Regional Park is 5,700 acres of San Diego biker heaven. Bicycle past the historic Old Mission Dam, established by one of Father Junipero Serra’s Catholic missions in the 1800’s. San Diego’s Mission Trails consists of mostly intermediate level bike trails, but the park offers many opportunities for advanced bike riders to challenge themselves.
San Diego Bike Trail: Mission Trails Regional Park Website

San Diego Bike Trail: Florida Canyon Trails

Located to the east of Balboa Park, Florida Canyon Trails offers San Diego bicycle riders a kind of build-your-own adventure. These bike trails are single-track and are shared with the occasional walkers and joggers. There are mini-hills to keep things interesting, but be on the lookout for a few bridges and stairs scattered throughout the trail.
San Diego Bike Trail: Florida Canyon Trails Image

San Diego Bike Trail: Miner’s Ridge Trail

This 8-mile trail will take you to the peak of Black Mountain, the second-highest mountain in San Diego. Designed for intermediate riders, the single-track trail can be accessed off the northwest side of Carmel Valley road. Once reaching the peak, bike riders are rewarded with 360 degree views of Escondido, the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego, and the Laguna Mountains.
San Diego Bike Trail: Miner’s Ridge Trail Document/Pdf

San Diego Bike Trail: Noble Canyon

The Noble Canyon Trail in southern Cleveland National Forest is not for beginners. Advanced riders will encounter tight switchbacks, a rocky outcropping referred to as “The Widow Maker,” and a stretch of trail dubbed “The Stairway to Hell.” The 17.3 loop will give you the best overview of the canyon, and short-cut options are scattered throughout the bike trail if the going gets too rough.
San Diego Bike Trail: Noble Canyon Website

San Diego Hiking Trails

San Diego County is home to miles and miles of hiking trails for San Diego hikers of all skill levels. From the beaches to the mountains to the desert, San Diego has a hiking expedition catered to your adventure tastes. The weather in San Diego is suitable for hiking year-round, so grab your hiking stick and hiking boots and hit the San Diego hiking trails.

San Diego Hiking Trail: Beach and Broken Hill Loop

Reward yourself with amazing ocean and dramatic cliff views as you hike among the rarest pine trees in the country, Pinus Torreyanna – better known as the Torrey Pines. The 3.25 mile loop is along a well maintained San Diego hiking trail and perfect for a leisurely afternoon hike. Dogs are prohibited on the trail.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Beach and Broken Hill Loop Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Stonewall Peak

Located near Descanso, this San Diego hike leads you through old growth black oaks and sycamores in Cuyamaca State Park. At 4.4 miles round trip, the hike along well-maintained hiking trails is considered easy and rewards the climber with views of the Anza Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Stonewall Peak Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Cowles Mountain from Golfcrest Drive

Arguably the most popular hiking trail in San Diego, the Cowles Mountain trail from Golfcrest Drive is a challenging vertical ascent up to the highest peak in the city. The best time to go for a hike is right before sunrise or right after sunset, when several hundreds of hikers have been counted taking in the spectacular 360 degree views of San Diego and Tijuana. The hiking trail is 3 miles round trip and has a 933’ vertical climb.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Cowles Mountain from Golfcrest Drive Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Lake Poway Loop

This 3.2 mile loop around Lake Poway is an excellent hiking trail for runners and walkers, comprised of flats and gentle hills with the occasional steep switchback. Encounter great views of the lake and surrounding environment. The lakeside San Diego hiking trail offers a few picnic tables and portable restrooms.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Lake Poway Loop Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Take in unobstructed views of the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and marine wildlife at Cabrillo National Monument. Access the hiking trail to the east of the old lighthouse by the visitor’s center. The trail is asphalt and leads to a vista point 90 feet above the water. San Diego Hiking Trail: Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Woodson Mountain via Lake Poway

This San Diego hiking trail is one of the best places in California to enjoy bouldering and rock climbing because of its huge spherical and ellipsoidal rocks, weathered smooth over thousands of years. The hiking trail to the boulders can be accessed from Lake Poway and is a 2300ft. climb to the finish.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Woodson Mountain via Lake Poway Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Observatory National Recreational Trail

Access the trailhead inside the Palomar Observatory campground. The hiking trail is 2.2 miles each way and takes you up to the observatory through a scenic path of pine and oak trees, and offers great views of the surrounding valleys.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Observatory National Recreational Trail Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: Five Oaks Loop

This San Diego hike circles the Vulcan Mountain preserve near Julian. The hiking trail takes you through apple groves and broad meadows, with awesome views of the Anza Borrego Desert and Mount Palomar. The best time to hike is in spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
San Diego Hiking Trail: Five Oaks Loop Website

San Diego Hiking Trail: La Jolla City to Sea

The 2.5 mile round-trip offers the San Diego hiker the best of what La Jolla has to offer: amazing coastal landscapes and shopping. The loop starts on Cuvier Street and takes a gentle tour along the famous coves and shopping district. This walk is a great way to familiarize oneself with the area while getting some exercise.
San Diego Hiking Trail: La Jolla City to Sea Website

San Diego Walking Tours

San Diego is bursting with historical, architectural, and scenic beauty, and the best way to experience San Diego is through a San Diego walking tour. Year-round amazing weather makes it the perfect place for an afternoon afoot. Learn as you explore the diverse urban neighborhoods and cultural epicenters within San Diego.

Gaslamp Walking Tour

Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best destinations in San Diego to explore on foot. The Gaslamp District encompasses 16 ½ city blocks, and is filled with beautiful examples of Victorian-style architecture from the turn of the century. Yet you’ll find no cobwebs in this historic district – the Gaslamp is San Diego’s present-day cultural epicenter, thriving with restaurants, shops, and the best nightlife in San Diego.

Start: Horton Plaza
The Horton Plaza Mall is Downtown San Diego’s most popular shopping center. Even if you’re not looking to buy, the funhouse-inspired layout of this colorful San Diego mall is worth a stop. Balboa Theater The Balboa Theater opened its doors in 1926 and was designed by the Reid Brothers, the famed designers of the neighboring Hotel Del Coronado. It was originally called the “New Balboa Theater” to distinguish itself from another Balboa Theater in the area.

Keating Building (Keating Hotel)
The Keating Building is currently home to the ultra-swanky Keating Hotel. It was originally opened in 1890 by Fannie Keating as a tribute to her late husband. The original building featured such modern wonders as steam heat and a wire cage elevator.

William Heath Davis House
The William Heath Davis House is the oldest wooden structure in Downtown San Diego. The home was shipped from the East Coast in 1850 for the Davis family. Over the years, the house served as a county hospital, and even housed the “Father of the Gaslamp” Alonzo Horton.

End: U.S. Grant Hotel
In 1905, the U.S. Grant Hotel was erected by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. to honor his father, the U.S. President and Civil War general. Today, the San Diego hotel still stands proud. Stop inside for a tour of the public rooms.

Old Town San Diego Walking Tour

San Diego is the place where Father Junipero Serra established the very first of his Catholic missions in 1769. San Diego’s Old Town is considered the “birthplace” of modern California. Today, Old Town San Diego is a huge tourist draw in part to this historical background and also the abundant authentic Mexican restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. San Diego visitors can still get a taste of what life must have been like in this small settlement over 300 years ago.

Start: Old Town Plaza
This was the center of town social life during the early days of Old Town. Here the Mexicans held their fiestas, bull-and-bear fights, and executions. Many of the cork trees in the center of the plaza were imported from Portugal by San Diego horticulturist Kate Sessions in the 1890’s.

Church of the Immaculate Conception
Construction on the church began in 1868. At this same time, Alonzo Horton’s New Town (San Diego’s current-day Gaslamp district) was starting to flourish and draw citizens away from Old Town. Funds for the church dried up, and it wasn’t completed until fifty years later.

Whaley House
This was the home of New England merchant Thomas Whaley. It was the first two-brick brick home in Southern California. Originally built for Whaley’s family, the home was later converted into the county courthouse until the county records were stolen and moved to New Town. The house is widely believed to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country.

Mason Street School
This one-room school house was built in 1865 to house the 35 local students in Old Town. Children ages 4-17 came here for their education until a larger school was built in 1872. The original building was scheduled to be bulldozed to make way for a new highway, but the San Diego Historical Days Association managed to save it from destruction.

End: Old Town Mexican Café
Wrap up your walking tour of Old Town San Diego by enjoying a meal at one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in San Diego. The restaurant has been serving San Diego for twenty-five years. Sip on a margarita as you take in the famous “Tortilla Ladies of Old Town” as they prepare 7,000 corn and flour tortillas from scratch.

La Jolla Walking Tour

La Jolla is derived from a Spanish word meaning “the jewel” and this term perfectly describes the neighborhood on the coastline. This exclusive San Diego beach community is home to breath-taking natural beauty, fine dining, art galleries, and high-end shopping.

Start: Wisteria Cottage
The Wisteria Cottage on Prospect Street is home to the La Jolla Historical Society. Here you can browse the materials and sign up for one of the many lectures and events the society hosts. The cottage was built in 1905 for a member of the influential Scripps family.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
The MCASD contains the works of prominent contemporary artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Bill Viola. Walk the grounds and take in the ocean views and garden gallery pieces.

La Jolla Children’s Pool
Make your way to the La Jolla Children’s Pool. Ellen Scripps donated the man-made cove to the city so that children could safely enjoy the ocean. Today, the La Jolla Cove is home to hundred of harbor seals and sea lions.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Continue to follow the pathway along the coast until you reach the Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The park is named after Ellen Scripps, the same benefactor of the Children’s Pool and countless other La Jolla treasures. The open park space is popular for weddings, picnics and outdoor recreation.

End: La Jolla Cove
The famous La Jolla landmark is the result of thousands of years of ocean erosion on the shore. The waters in the cove are crystal clear and popular for snorkeling and scuba-diving. The cove is protected under the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve and gaming and fishing is strictly prohibited.

San Diego Ghost Tours

Old Town Walking Ghost Tour

Take a walk through historic Old Town and learn about the people that formerly lived there, and those who just won’t leave. Hey, even ghosts love Old Town! Your guide will take you on a leisurely hour-long walk past some of the paranormal hot spots in Old Town including the old cemetery and the infamous Whaley House. Learn about this hub of San Diego history with a paranormal twist. The tours run Thursday through Saturday and cost $10, not including entrance into the Whaley House. These tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
Old Town Walking Ghost Tour Website

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour

All aboard the official “Ghost Bus” where ghost hunters are whisked around to San Diego’s most haunted haunts. The bus stops at the Whaley House, the Horton Grand Hotel, and the William Heath David house among others where you can get off the bus and see the sights for yourself. Spirited tour guides keep the ride informative and entertaining. The San Diego ghost tour also promises views of the San Diego Bay and skyline. Not suitable for children under 10 and reservations are required in advanced.
Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour Website

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

This is no walk in the park. Well, maybe it is – but the scenery on this spooky San Diego walking tour is nothing like the Balboa Park you know and love. Open during the Halloween season, this moon-lit guided tour of the park promises to deliver the scary. Walk past graveyards through the menacing trees as cast members scare the living bejesus out of you. The tour meets at Marston Point, east of 6th Ave. and Juniper Street. Tickets cost $13.99 at the door; pregnant women and people with heart conditions are not allowed to participate.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park Website

San Diego Amusement Parks

SeaWorld Adventure Park

Address:
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
SeaWorld Adventure Park Website
Home to Shamu and his crew, SeaWorld is one of the main tourist draws in San Diego. You can spend the whole day catching live shows starring whales, dolphins, and sea lions, or ride the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster or the Shipwreck Rapids water ride. Kids love the animals and parents love the free beer sampling in the Hospitality Center.

San Diego Zoo

Address:
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Zoo Website
The world famous San Diego Zoo features hundreds of species of rare and beautiful animals from all over the globe. The biggest draw at the San Diego Zoo is the Giant Panda Research Station, where throngs of animals lovers line-up to get a brief peak of the endangered pandas. The San Diego zoo also boasts live animal shows and dining options.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Address:
15500 San Pasqual Valley
Escondido, CA 92027
San Diego Wild Animal Park Website
Located 35 miles north of San Diego is the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Here the animals roam in a safari setting on 1800 acres of open space. The best time to visit the San Diego Wild Animal Park is when the animals are most active in the morning and evening, and the best way to view the animals is to hop aboard a tour caravan for safari-style interaction.

Legoland California

Address:
One Legoland Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Legoland California Website
The kids will go crazy over San Diego’s Legoland, where everything is centered around their beloved plastic building-blocks. The park offers interactive play-areas and a couple Lego-themed roller coasters. Legoland has fun for toddlers to big kids, and even adults will appreciate the intricate exhibits, including a Mt. Rushmore made entirely of Legos.

San Diego Paintball Arenas

Weekend Warriors Paintball Park

Alpine
619.445.1217
Weekend Warriors Paintball Park Website
This park has been around since 1984 and has over 100 acres of terrain, making it the oldest and largest paintball arena in the San Diego area.

Mr. Paintball USA

Escondido
760.751.2931
Mr. Paintball USA Website
Mr. Paintball USA has 18 fields over 50 acres of paintballer’s heaven.

Camp Pendleton Paintball

Camp Pendleton
800.899.9957
Camp Pendleton Paintball Website
Located on the military base, non-military paintballers in San Diego must show license, insurance, and registration to get on base. Features target practice area, multiple fields, and advanced and beginner walk-on grouping.

Velocity Paintball

Ramona
619.871.8504
Velocity Paintball Website
Velocity Paintball park is home to 9 wooded fields, 2 concept fields, and an airball field.