View Attractions Related to: Active Adventure

by TourGuideTim

Take an Adventure Vacation in San Diego

Enjoy the Slideshow – Starts in 6 seconds.

The first American to fly was John J. Montgomery off a San Diego hilltop in 1883. Nearly 50 years later, Charles Lindbergh set the distance record for motorless flight when he flew over the cliffs at Torrey Pines. Today, visitors come from around the world to fly off the ocean cliffs without the use of a plane. It’s just them and the quiet ocean breezes.

North Island, just across the harbor from the San Diego Airport saw the world’s first seaplane flight and first parachute jump. The Navy SEALS special forces now use the area for their training.

In 2009, the America’s Cup Challenger and eventual champion, BMW-Oracle, spent several months sailing in San Diego waters as they prepared to win back the Cup for America.

San Diego has always been and will always be a destination for those who thrive on adventure. Whether you want to SCUBA dive into the deep recesses of a submarine canyon, hike down steep mountain cliffs, or explore desert mud caves, you can experience all of that and much more in San Diego.

Start your adventure by selecting each of the picture tabs above to find what will get you to explore your wild side.

Kayaking in La Jolla Shores

Location: La Jolla Shores (12 Miles / 20 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)

When: Year-Round

Cost: Tours start at about $35; Rentals start at about $25

Features: Kayak Tours of the Ecological Reserve; Kayak Rentals; Kayak Fishing; Snorkeling

(read insider details…)

Paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Location: Torrey Pines (15 Miles / 20 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: 9AM – 5PM

Cost: $150

Features: Paraglide or Handglide above Ocean Cliffs; Or, come watch those who do!

(read insider details…)

Glamis & The Imperial Sand Dunes

Location: Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area (150 Miles / 2.5 Hours East of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: Open Year-Round (October – May are the Main Months)

Cost: $25 per Vehicle and Up. (See Fee Information Below.)

Features: World’s Most Popular Sand Dunes; Off-Roading; Hiking; Horseback Riding; Camping

(read insider details…)

Eagle & High Peak Gold Mine and Museum

Location: Julian (62 Miles / 1.25 Hours Northeast of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: 10AM – 2PM

Cost: $10 ($5 for Kids) – Includes Mine Tour and Panning for Gold

Features: Gold Mine Attracted People from across the Country in the 1870s; Learn the History and Pan for Gold.

(read insider details…)

Mining for California Gemstones & Tourmaline in San Diego

Museum Curators, Gemologists, Jewelers, and Rockhounds from around the world descend on northern San Diego County looking for the perfect specimens to add to their gem collections. California’s gemstones came to notoriety during the latter part of the 19th century when abundant pockets of high quality gemstones were discovered in the Mesa Grande and Pala Districts of San Diego County. A number of famous California gem mines are now open to the public.

(read insider details…)