Best Outdoor Activities in San Diego

"Built in the 1930s, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach space, but since then it's been descended on by herds of seals and sea lions. Despite the pinnipeds' particularly pungent odor, tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating. Visitors can get extremely close via a concrete platform surrounding the cove, and the seals don't seem to mind – but there's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the seals."

"Location: Harbor Island (across the Street from the San Diego Airport)Water slide: NoAdults only pool: No. This pool is on the list for people who need a San Diego airport hotel but would like a pool, too. Guests may watch yachts meander through the harbor and enjoy water views from the pool at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"

"Rollin Roots offers four mouthwatering entrees that are available as a sandwich, loaded fries or as a rice bowl to give their customers exactly what they want. From spicy to tangy flavors, founder Avonte Hartsfield makes sure the public can find something they can enjoy at his eatery. “I hope people can see how great tasting vegan food could be and how accessible it could be,” he said."

"Another great brunch spot that I used to go to all the time when I lived in North County. It has a Mexican food twist to all the dishes, but super CLEAN & fresh. I get the yin & yang breakfast which is rosemary potatoes, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, red bean, avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, & a tortilla (I add poached eggs on top) & their golden fairy dust latte which is chai tea, ginger, cinnamon, sub the soy milk for almond milk… to die for!!!"

"First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too."

"Not all pop-up food retailers find the success necessary to graduate to a brick-and-mortar, but then again not all pop-ups feature bites as decadent nor as memorable as Maya’s Cookies. Born out of the desire to find vegan cookies that passed the taste, texture, and aroma test, owner Maya Madsen got to work crafting what would become the nation’s largest and most successful female and Black-owned vegan cookie retailer. Flavors vary from White Chocolate Espresso to Birthday Cake and Brown Sugar Butterscotch to Classic Chocolate Chip with several gluten-free options."

"What began as a way to earn extra income to put her sons through college grew into a beloved San Diego company that pleases anyone with a sweet treat, vegan or not. Maya Madsen, founder of Maya’s Cookies, wants her customers to know that she and her crew welcome questions and love hearing about their experience with the decadent goodies. “We focus on the quality of the ingredients and everything is artisanal and hand-scooped,” Madsen said."

"Maya now has the number one Black-owned and women-owned vegan cookie company in the country. Since June 2020, when Black Lives Matter supporters began showing her some love, her business took off and she now has her own storefront in Grantville/Mission Valley East. People drive from far and wide to buy her award-winning cookies that she’s been selling at local farmer’s markets since 2015."

"Whether your little splasher likes to get totally drenched by a bucket of water or just play in the spray zone, the Sweetwater Summit County Park's splash pad is tons of fun. For just three bucks kids can soak up the fun. Even more, there's a campground, so if you plan ahead you can make a night of s'more activities!"

"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."

"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."

"Get nose-to-nose with a lion, feed a giraffe, see rhinos tending their young, view an elephant herd splashing in a pond, and marvel at the fact that you can have a mini Safari experience right here in the USA. A tram takes you through the heart of the park, which shelters over 3,200 animals on more than 1,800 carefully-designed, African-themed acres. The park recently added a flight line (zip line) for a soaring view over the park at 160 ft."

"For example, if you love animals or are traveling with kids, San Diego Zoo is in the park. It’s huge with many open areas for the animals, and also margaritas and craft beer for the adults. If you just love parks or nature, you can stroll through the park itself or one of its many gardens- including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a botanical garden. Note that some gardens (like the last two) close at night."

"The San Diego Zoo is San Diego’s most popular attraction and renowned for conservation efforts. Having visited many zoos across the country and globe, ours is no doubt among the best in the world (some might say the best). Highlights include the pandas, koalas, Polar Bear Plunge, Children’s Zoo (temporarily closed for renovation), Skyfari Tram, Africa Rocks and more."

"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."

"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."