Top 5 Exciting Outdoor Adventures in San Diego
Explore one of the greatest cities on the West Coast.
1. Snorkel in La Jolla
While visiting the famous La Jolla sea caves on a kayak tour is possible, nothing beats swimming there. You will see beautiful sea grass, and fish, and be greeted by overly curious sea lions (they are just like underwater dogs).
After picking up your gear, you will follow the guide to the beach, get into the water and attach your fins. From there, you will swim to the caves, stopping several times on the way while the guide explains the surroundings.
- The water gets colder once you swim away from the beach. Consider wearing a wet suit.
- Underwater visibility is not great. You will not see very far, and your GoPro is not likely to capture incredible footage.
- Look for the beautiful orange Garibaldi fish.
- Do not touch the surface of the caves, as it might cut your skin.
- Good swimming and snorkeling experience is recommended, as you will have to constantly swim to stay on the surface.
2. Go on a Whale Watching tour
Who hasn’t dreamed of seeing the biggest mammals on earth in their natural habitat? San Diego is one of the best locations for whale watching and offers some incredible whale encounters.
- Whales being wild animals, seeing them requires some luck, and you might see none during your trip. Some companies offer the possibility to come back for a tour for free in that case.
- During the summer, you can expect to see blue whales and fin whales.
- The wind is strong in the open ocean. You will need a windproof jacket.
- Be first in line to the boat, to get a table with the best view.
- Whales have a cycle of going up and down. They can stay down for up to 30min. Whale-watching boats measure how long a specific whale stays underwater to predict when it will resurface again.
3. Visit the Tide Pools
Point Loma Tide Pools is a wonderful place to observe small marine life that got revealed and trapped by the low tide. And, of course, some incredible views of waves crashing on the rocky cliffs.
- There is no cell phone reception in the Tide Pools area. It will take about 25min to walk up to the park entrance to get a signal.
- The park entrance fee is $10 per person.
- Be sure to come at the right time, when the tide is low, to see most of the animals that populate these waters.
4. Watch the sunset from the Sunset Cliffs
No better place to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean than the aptly named Sunset Cliffs. These rock formations provide many natural benches to sit on and enjoy the spectacle. This is a very popular spot, so be sure to come early.
5. Visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has a reputation for being one of the best in the world, and it is well deserved. Situated in San Diego downtown, in the middle of Balboa Park, it is easily accessible from most hotels and allows you to get in touch with more than 650 different species and subspecies of animals.
- Some animals, such as Hamadryas Baboons, can be observed from a bench through a large panoramic window. You can take your time watching them groom each other, climb cliffs, or simply run around.
- Instead of viewing beautiful tropical birds through the bars of a thick cage, you can walk into their voluminous aviary, wander around them and observe them flying around and building their nests.
- Once reached the far side of the zoo, you can take the gondola lift for the way back.
- If you don’t feel like exploring the zoo by walking, a guided bus tour is available.
- Once you buy a refillable water bottle, you get free refills throughout the park.
