Discover the Best San Diego Outdoor Activities

Summers in “America’s Finest City” are the perfect time to head outside and enjoy our legendarily perfect weather. There’s simply no end of things to do out there. You can play beach volleyball, kayak through sea caves or sip cocktails from rooftop bars — the fun to be had is endless. Read on to check out our picks for the best San Diego outdoor activities!

Learn To Surf

(Photos: @pacificsurfsandiego)

The Dana has partnered with our neighbors at Pacific Surf Company to offer our guests premium surfing lessons during their stays. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn to ride the waves, there’s never been a better time! 

701 Capistrano Place, San Diego, CA 92109

 

Check Out Belmont Park

(Photo: @danamissionbay)

Belmont Park offers the sort of timeless boardwalk theme-park experience only Southern California can really deliver, located less than a mile from us at Mission Beach. Here, you can enjoy bumper cars, midway games, and the famous “Giant Dipper Roller Coaster”. Don’t forget to stop by during sunset to check out the stunning ocean views, and delicious sushi on the rooftop at Cannonball.

3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

 

Take a Bike Tour of Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a beautiful area, and there may be no better way to see it than on two wheels. That’s why The Dana offers on-site bike rentals, so guests can enjoy an open-air tour of the area. Be sure to take advantage of BOGO rentals on Sundays!

1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

 

Enjoy a Day On the Water

(Photo: @adventurewatersportssd)

Located right here on-property, Adventure Water Sports offers our guests the best in equipment rentals to help them get the most out of our proximity to the bay. Wave runners, pontoon and ski boats, kayaks, pedal boats and more await you. 

1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

 

Catch a Padres Game

(Photo: @danamissionbay)

San Diego’s own Padres bring exciting MLB action to Petco Park (named by USA Today as the #1 best ballpark in America in 2022!) all season long. There’s just never a bad time to head out to watch our hometown heroes take on challengers from all over the league.  

100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

 

Visit Torrey Pines Reserve

Torrey Pines Reserve is one of San Diego’s most remarkable outdoor spaces. The preserve offers hiking trails of all levels with sweeping ocean views, and also plays host to a glider port for those looking to hang glide or paraglide. It’s also one of only two places on the planet where you can see the rare Torrey Pine.

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

 

Explore an Underwater Paradise

La Jolla is the home of the largest annual aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. These gentle, harmless creatures tend to congregate in the shallow waters just off of the beach, so snorkelers can enjoy up-close encounters with these beautiful animals.

1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

 

Experience the Magic of SeaWorld

Roller Coaster ride at SeaWorld in San Diego

(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)

SeaWorld has delighted generations of visitors with its entertaining and educational up-close marine-life exhibits of playful seals, orcas, dolphins, and more. The best part? The Dana on Mission Bay is just steps away from our front door. We also offer guests a shuttle right to the entry gate. Expect incredible exhibitions of all kinds when you make a day of this fantastic park, as well as amazing thrill rides (like The Emperor roller coaster — the tallest and fastest coaster on the west coast!).

500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

 

Haul In a Trophy Catch

(Photo: @sandiegofishingcharters)

San Diego is one of the most popular sport fishing destinations on the planet — and for good reason. The waters here are just brimming with incredible catches. So book a charter with our friends at San Diego Sportfishing, and get ready to land a big one.

2580 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA 92109 

 

Tour the Gardens at Stone Brewing

(Photo: @stonebrewing)

Nearby Escondido is home to Stone Brewing, one of the metro’s finest local beer purveyors. The brewery is also home to a breathtaking open-air European-style biergarten, so stop by to sample their best while you soak up some sunshine.

1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029

 

Take In Some Amazing Live Music

(Photo: @humphreysshows)

Our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn hosts Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, a fantastic summer concert series featuring stunning views of the marina and Point Loma hillside. Take a look at their packed summer schedule of household-name superstars, and grab some tickets while they last. 

2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

 

Snap Some Souvenir Shots

(Photo: @pomsky_oceaneyes_kai)

San Diego is a truly beautiful city. Postcard-perfect vistas present themselves nearly everywhere you look. Still, some areas are more photogenic than others. Looking for that perfect insta-worthy snap? We have a few suggestions for great places to start

 

Plan Your Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay

Ready to get out and start enjoying “America’s Finest City”? Take a look at our special offers to select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll have your room ready when you arrive.