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.

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.

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Oceanside Harbor

Location: Oceanside (39 Miles / 40 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)

Features: Sailboat Tours, Whale-Watching, Sportfishing, Boat Rentals

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San Luis Rey River Trail

Location: Oceanside (38 Miles / 40 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: Dawn to Dusk

Cost: Free, Including Bike Rentals

Features: Hike and Bike a 14.4-Mile Round-Trip Trail Along a Riverbed Starting Near the Oceanside Pier

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Beautiful Stroll Along San Diego Bay

Location: Downtown San Diego (From the San Diego Convention Center to the Airport)

Hours: Always Open

Things to Do & See: Enjoy the Views of San Diego Harbor and Skyline while walking several miles along the waterfront, visiting world-class attractions, dining at restaurants, shopping in unique stores, looking at artwork, and people watching. You can also ride an Antique Carousel or take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride.

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San Diego Harbor Cruises

Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)

Harbor Tours Start: 10AM – 4:15PM (5:30 PM during Summer).

Cost: $20+ ($10+ for Kids ages 4-12 and $18+ for Seniors 55 and over)

Features: Take a cruise on San Diego Harbor, the most beautiful harbor in America. Enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown San Diego Skyline while passing by Yachts, Sailboats, Naval Warships, and Seals. Whale-watching, Brunch and Dinner Cruises, and Yacht Charters also available.

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Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Around San Diego

Unfortunately, the Cinderella Carriage Company closed down but hopefully somebody reading this will be inspired to start something similar as we receive a number of requests looking for an alternative.

San Diego has the perfect climate for enjoying the outdoors. You can celebrate the beauty of San Diego with a loved one by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown San Diego.

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