Sports and Recreation

     San Diego has the type of ideal climate that encourages year-round outdoor excitement. The region has more than 70 miles of coastline to explore, and many great locales to experience sports and recreation in the great outdoors.

Action sports are prevalent among locals, with San Diego producing legends like Tony Hawk and Shaun White. San Diegans embrace an active, healthy lifestyle, full of surfing, skating, hiking, biking, and more. Sports fans are sure to have a great time at a Chargers or Padres game while in town.

Surfing:
There are many kinds of waves and as many approaches to riding them. Sandy bottoms usually make for the fast and shifty waves called beachbreak, while rock bottom reef breaks are more fickle but, when the conditions come together, can produce long and shapely waves. There are shortboards for quick, high performance turns, longboards for smooth, carving glides, big narrow guns for big hollow tubes, and fat little fish for fat little waves. Bodyboarding is a fun and rewarding alternative that gives you the sensation of riding a wave without the long learning curve of stand-up surfing. Purists can enjoy bodysurfing with no equipment at all. San Diego is lucky to have waves to satisfy surfers of all styles and skill levels and a climate that allows them to pursue their passion all year long.

Places to Hike
Hot Springs Mountain: This five and a half miler takes place near Warner Springs, off Highway 79. Follow the signs to Nelson's Camp. Beginning with a steep climb up an old jeep trail, the hike becomes easier as it winds up the south slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Dense forests of black oak, Coulter pine and white fir greet you as you follow the ridge line. Higher, closer to the top, wildflowers beckon from sprawling meadows. Return the way you came.

Mission Gorge: Located within Mission Trails Regional Park, this climber's paradise - the oldest rock climbing area in San Diego - is perfect for a day of combining hiking and climbing. The miles of rolling terrain are scenic and vary in difficulty, while the climbs themselves are perfect for skill levels from beginner to expert. Over 150 lead and top-rope routes are available on the granite rocks, with the top routes are 5.13.

Valley of the Moon: Down by the Mexican border, an hour east of El Cajon, look for the signs for Old Highway 80. A quarter-mile after turning off, a Bureau of Land Management bulletin board shows the way to San Diego's version of the famed Joshua Tree climbing area. Boulders and technical faces dot the arid desert landscape. Camping is permitted, and there are plenty of places to hike, but this is an area best experienced during a daytime climb&ing jaunt.

Sweetwater Regional Park: Fifteen miles of hiking trails and 53 campsites aren't the only reason to hike in this urban enclave. It's just 10 miles southeast of downtown San Diego, allowing for quick access. The Chula Vista Nature Center is a mere 5 miles away, too. But the park itself is a destination, especially Summit Site, its highest point. After a moderate hike through a scrub and oak landscape, hikers can see the Pacific to the west, and Tijuana to the south.

Agua Caliente: Located within the confines of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the country, this offbeat hiking and camping experience can be yours by driving 95 miles east of San Diego. Agua Caliente ("hot water" in Spanish) has been compared by many to Yellowstone National Park, owing to its geothermal mineral springs flowing from the desert. Miles of canyon and desert trails beckon, and a lack of ambient light at night makes this a fantastic place to stargaze.

Places to Ride
Corral Canyon: This ride is the perfect introduction to the pristine wilderness of San Diego's east county. You've got to drive a ways to get to this rugged backcountry ride, but the combination of challenge and enjoying scenery will make the journey worthwhile. Head east on Interstate 8, exiting an hour later on Buckman Springs Road. Follow the signs to Lake Morena, then follow the signs to the trailhead. The ride itself is about 10 miles long, but plan on being out there a solid 2 hours. The lake will be close enough to see, but that's as near as water will come to this ride, so carry plenty. The trail features almost 70% singletrack, with a smattering of fire roads and paved road providing the access. If you like a good climb, this is the ride for you. Lots of nontechnical singletrack climbs and stellar views of the lake. The ride finishes up with a 3-mile downhill jaunt back to the parking lot.

Cuyamaca to Noble Canyon: Designated by the International Mountain Biking Association as an "Epic" ride, this 30 mile journey along the spine of the Santa Rosa Mountains, in the heart of the Cleveland National Forest, begins about 50 miles east of downtown San Diego. Soothing pine forests and sun-baked high desert canyons, once the home of Kumeyaay Indians, offer some of the most stunning ride terrain anywhere. The trail itself is composed of fire roads and single track. Look for patches of snow in winter and carry extra water to battle the dry desert air. Descend Noble Canyon into the historic mining town of Julian, treat yourself to a cold Arrogant Bastard Ale at the Stone Brewing Company, or find yourself a slice of Julian's signature apple pie.