Top La Jolla Outdoor Activities

Embark on a thrilling adventure to La Jolla’s mystical sea caves and be at one with the ocean on board a single kayak during this small-group excursion. Soak up remarkable scenery and discover wildlife species unique to San Diego in the ecological reserve with an expert naturalist/biologist guide leading the way.

Explore the slot canyons in Torrey Pines on this guided tour. Discover spectacular, hard-to-reach areas and take in views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit sandstone slot canyons and wind caves on the trek and stop at a majestic grotto with a waterfall. The hike up can be strenuous at times, but you will be rewarded with stunning views after summiting the cliffs.

The seven beautiful sea caves along La Jolla Ecological Reserve can be difficult to explore, even for experienced kayakers. This small-group kayaking tour offers a guide to help small groups glide through the water and take the best routes to the caves. Paddle to all seven caves while keeping an eye out for sea lions, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

Why Book This Tour: Snorkel in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine reserves with expert guides who know these waters well. Swim alongside curious sea lions, snorkel into one or two ancient sea caves, and spot flashes of color from Garibaldi and other hidden sea life. With small group sizes, high-quality gear, and access to La Jolla’s dramatic underwater cliffs, this is a San Diego experience that feels both wild and personal. Designed for good swimmers. Many guests are first-time ocean snorkelers, but participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without a life jacket.

Go with the La Jolla water sports company consistently voted #1 in the area. We are a proud local company that is continually upgrading our equipment and involved in our community helping at-risk youth experience the water. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet, providing 1% of our profits for beach clean-up. Rent from us and you'll enjoy 90 minutes of kayaking for two in the beautiful La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

Join our seasoned guides with a passion for the ocean for a snorkeling session to see the world underneath the waves. We offer high-quality dive gear and wetsuits to keep you comfortable in the cool ocean temperatures. Leopard sharks, sea turtles, Garibaldi, and sea lions are just some of the sea life you might witness. We’ll tour the famous La Jolla shoreline and make our way to the famous Emerald Cave. (Participants must know how to swim.)

A rare sunset sailing adventure aboard our 35-foot sailboat, Luna: small group limited to six people, local captain sharing stories, hands-on sailing, and unforgettable vistas of San Diego. Watch for playful sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans. Participate or sit back and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the city's skyline and waterfront attractions as we sail among tall ships, mega-yachts, and military vessels. We invite you to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, family or group and capture the moments in breathtaking photos. No sailing experience is needed for this family-friendly outing, but participation is welcome. We love sharing our knowledge and experience. Choose a public or private tour option when you book. Snacks and bottled water included. Feel free to bring your own easy to handle alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Free cancellation, 100% refund up to 24 hours before your reservation.

Take a guided ride through La Jolla and Pacific Beach on an e-bike. Enjoy the feeling of pedalling with power as you cruise along some of San Diego’s most picturesque spots. See the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, watch the waves crash at Windansea Beach, and tour some of San Diego’s most lavish neighborhoods on a tour that’s suitable for all levels of rider.

Discover the natural wonders around the San Diego coastline with a marine biologist as your guide on this small-group tour. The guide, with over 20 years of combined science and education experience, tells you all about the sea creatures and critters you’ll spot in their natural habitat—from what they eat to how you can better protect them.

Take in the sunshine, sand and surf from your saddle as you cruise along the Pacific with one of your local expert guides. See why La Jolla truly is the "Jewel" of the sea and experience our local marine life including protected reefs, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Check out the "Locals" surf spots, hidden beaches and other historical sites along this 2 hour unforgettable ride.

Find hidden gems and learn all about the neighborhood with the help of a friendly guide on this historic walking tour. From the village to the coast, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace for around three miles as you hear stories about La Jolla’s past, from philanthropists and awe-inspiring women to murderers. They can also share dining and activity advice tailored to your interests.

Discover the stunning La Jolla coastline with our kayak rentals, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure while observing vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes. Rentals come with essential gear and safety training, ensuring a smooth experience. - 90 minute - All kayak rentals include necessary equipment and safety gear - Convenient beach pickup and drop-off for all rentals Exclusions: - Locker rentals - Wetsuit Rentals

San Diego’s La Jolla Ecological Reserve is one of the best spots on the West Coast to kayak and snorkel. On this two-activity tour—all gear provided—you and your crew will take turns between floating above water and snorkeling in it, hanging out with garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, sea lions, and tons of other fascinating marine life.

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

SDBK is the top ranked kayak operator by the City of San Diego for kayak operations. This ranking is based on meaningful criteria including the extensiveness and quality of our training programs, our proprietary guide certification process and stringent guidelines, our operating procedures, the quality and content of our opperations, our Water Safety Plan and Emergency Response Plan. Additionally, we are the closest operator to the beach in La Jolla and we also have the most available tours as the top ranked largest operator. Cave entry is not permitted on a rental; however, you can book one of our guided tours. If conditions do permit entry into the largest sea cave we access on our guided tours. Our priority is guest safety and we are unable to enter the Clam's Cave is ocean conditions do not permit.

Relax in the sun aboard a catamaran in San Diego Bay on this small group sailing excursion. Your captain will welcome you aboard with beer, wine, and soft drinks. You can relax, sunbathe, look at the sea life, and help sail if you like. You’ll also be keeping costs down with this small group tour.

Join a professional marine biologist for a hands-on exploration of San Diego’s tide pools. Get up close with sea stars, anemones, crabs, hermit crabs, snails, and sometimes even octopuses while learning fascinating facts about the intertidal ecosystem. This small-group, guided tour is perfect for families, solo travelers, and ocean lovers who want an interactive, educational experience.

An easy beach break with regular, predictable waves that don’t get too big, La Jolla Shores is one of California’s best destinations for learning to surf. Join an experienced instructor and no more than four other learners on a class that’s good for absolute beginners and intermediates alike. Your class includes your board and an Everyday California rash guard top, with full wetsuits available at an additional charge.

Slap on some sunscreen, give your legs a light stretch, and get ready to cruise to some of La Jolla’s best sightseeing spots on this popular San Diego e-bike tour! Take in amazing panoramic views at the top of Mount Soledad before an exhilarating descent into Pacific Beach. With the power of an electric bike, you’ll cover more ground with ease while soaking up the sun, surf, and vibrant outdoor San Diego culture. This 2.5 to 3-hour tour is led by our delightful, certified La Jolla tour guides.

Guests get to kayak out into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve with trained professional guides to take them to various snorkel sports in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (spot depends on safety and may change depending on the day.) Once the group arrivals at chosen snorkel spot, the guides will till all of the kayaks together with rope and drop a sea anchor, so the kayaks are stationary, and the guests get to hop out and snorkel in the majestic waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. After the snorkeling portion, guests kayak back to the launching point. Entire duration last two hours. No snorkel experience necessary but preferred. Must be a comfortable swimmer in the ocean to participate.

Experience the luxury and elegance of La Jolla, California on a remarkable walking tour with Another Side Of San Diego Tours. Stroll through the exclusive La Jolla Village, filled with upscale shops and gourmet restaurants, and admire the beautiful homes surrounded by lush subtropical plants. Explore the bluffs, coves, and rocky shoreline of La Jolla’s spectacular coast and witness the breathtaking views of the Pacific. View the coast and learn about the 200,000-year-old caves carved out by the surf. With a high level of service and the #1 Tour Company in San Diego, this 90-minute walking tour is available daily and on the hour with advanced reservation. Book now and experience a time to remember.

A mysterious crime has shaken San Diego. Put on your detective hat and solve the puzzle on this self-guided walking quest. Your smartphone delivers clues, witness statements, and puzzles as you navigate between real-world locations that become your crime scene. Each stop reveals new evidence and suspects. Follow the trail from location to location, piecing together the story while exploring San Diego's streets. The app guides you step by step with an immersive narrative full of twists. This 1–2 hour private detective adventure runs 24/7 — start whenever you want, pause for coffee or photos, and play at your own pace. Available in 5+ languages.

Enjoy a seamless day on the water with this snorkel equipment packages that provides sanitized, quality, and specially engineered equipment for snorkeling in the marine protected waters near the La Jolla Cove. Guests can use VR video to navigate to the best coves and caves and have access to complimentary lockers for an easy, carefree experience in the water.