From the Marine Room, I paddle through the surf break, trying not to get knocked into the water. Once through, I stand on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP), navigating the next set of challenges: avoiding the groups of snorkelers directly in front of me, and then the flotilla of kayakers working their way from La Jolla Shores in the direction of the sea caves—each of us connecting with the ocean in our own way.

At a little over one square mile in size and reaching offshore depths of some 330 feet, the area between the shores and La Jolla Cove is technically a marine protected area called the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Under the surface of the water, you might spot sea lions and seals, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other fishes, various kinds of rays, lobsters, and possibly even moray eels. Above water, winged creatures like brown pelicans and egrets dart through the skies. One of the joys of snorkeling here is when you spot a Brandt’s cormorant “flying” underwater, fishing for a meal.

Past most of the snorkelers and in front of the flotilla, I turn south and head over to where the water is more open and less hectic. After 10 minutes or so, with the leash wrapped around my ankle, I squat down and straddle my SUP. Then, I secure my paddle through the accompanying loops on the side of the board. Strapped under the SUP’s bungee webbing are my snorkel, mask, and fins. I put them on and drop into the water.

The visibility is okay, about 15 feet or so. Immediately, I see the territorial garibaldis protecting their watery turf. Juvenile ones, identifiable by the iridescent blue-purple spots on their backs, swim by. Snorkeling in the direction of the undulating grasses, I pass over a patch of sand. Down there, round stingrays hover. No bigger than a small dinner plate, they are in their element, fluttering with ease.

Above the grasses, I hover, emulating the rays. It is one of my favorite things to do while snorkeling: I simply float, using my fins only to maintain my position and avoid being pushed into the rocky underwater cliffs. As the waves roll in and back out, the green grasses shimmer in the sunlight, dancing to and fro.

Amidst it all, my body sways with the grasses, recalibrating my being for the days ahead.

Tips for Stand-Up Paddleboarding in La Jolla

• La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are very busy and crowded areas. Be mindful of those around you while SUPing. Your board can cause injury to others in the blink of an eye. Be very aware that open ocean swimmers and sometimes scuba divers are out there as well. 
• You cannot SUP in the La Jolla Cove zone. Lifeguards will get on the intercom and ask you to leave the cove. As a rule, I suggest staying around the sea caves—if you’re going to pass them, go north, not toward the beach-goers in the shore break zone.
• You can rent SUPs in the village area at La Jolla Shores. Be sure to have a waterproof bag—also called a dry bag—for your phone and other valuables. 
• Do not forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a long-sleeved sun shirt with a hood. You get burned more quickly out on the water.

Despite ancient lore that hints at people adding wheels to wooden boards since the 1920s, influential skate photographers and skateboarding legends concur that the global-sensation sport had humble beginnings in La Jolla in 1947, when a couple of teens stuck their sister’s roller skate wheels on a two-by-four. Since the early days of reckless street skating sans helmets, culture-defining skateboarders have essentially handcrafted San Diego into a world-renowned destination for the sport. 

Sprinkled around San Diego are dozens of parks designed with help from professional boarders who began their careers right here in SD, including Tony Hawk, Andy Macdonald, and Chris Miller. Young prodigies, seasoned pros, and average joes alike: San Diego is your place to scope out bowls, ramps, pump tracks, and so much more. Here are 14 of the best skateparks in San Diego.

Washington Street Skatepark 

Using industrial concrete beneath the Pacific Coast Highway as a blueprint, local skaters launched this underground skatepark in 1999 as a free place to ride without the threat of fines. In the years since, Washington Street has become a vibrant, community-supported attraction for the more advanced skateboarders of SoCal.

Address: Pacific Highway and West Washington Street, Middletown

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: Free, but only for advanced skaters

Robb Field Skatepark

Overlooking Mission Bay, just across the San Diego River, sits the Rob Field Skatepark, fully equipped with bowls, rails, and ledges for skaters of any skill level to master their tricks while catching a sick view. 

Address: 2525 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach 

Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk

Price: Free

Krause Family Skate & Bike Park

This massive facility is every aspiring X Gamer’s dream park (while keeping mom and dad’s peace-of-mind at the forefront). Events like birthday parties, private and group lessons, and parents’ night outs with reliable supervision for little shredders well overshadow the small fee it costs to ride here. 

Address: 3401 Clairemont Drive, Mission Valley

Hours: 2 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekends; sessions are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Price: Year membership: $30 / Without membership: $10 per session / With membership: $5 per session / Month pass: $40 (free sessions)

Bill and Maxine Wilson Skate Park

New to the skating world and terrified of wiping out in view of the experts? No worries—do it in front of the newbies at the Bill and Maxine Wilson beginner’s bowl, sans embarrassment. Advance from there and take a shot at the 10-foot “keyhole” or a 90-foot-long “snake run.”

Address: 702 South 30th Street, Logan Heights

Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk

Price: Free

Del Mar Pump Track

Pump yourself up to take on the Del Mar Pump Track, one of the best skateparks in San Diego, and an undulating path full of small, looped sequences of rollers and swoopy, banked turns designed for riders to flow freely in circles without the need to push.

Address: 5977 Village Center Loop Road, Del Mar

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

Price: Free

Poway Skate Park 

Known as a hidden gem for its lack of crowds and chill vibe, Poway Skate Park is beautifully suited for beginners and intermediate skaters alike. As a bonus, it’s open 12 hours a day, so you can work on your heelflip well into the evening.

Address: 13090 Civic Center Drive, Poway

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Wednesdays 

Price: Free

Alga Norte Carlsbad State Park

Expectations were understandably high for a skatepark in Tony Hawk’s hometown. Luckily, designers understood the assignment: The large facility is one of the best skateparks in San Diego and is free of fees and full of diverse features, including a steep ramp where more advanced skaters can flex their skills.

Address: 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: Free

Rancho Penasquitos Skate Park

Rancho Penasquitos Skate Park is a 22,000-square-foot, multi-level skate plaza offering handrails, bank ramps, boxes, ledges, pipes, and a wealth of other elements—including picnic tables where parents can hang while their little ones work on their kickturn.

Address: 10111 Carmel Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Price: Free

Linda Vista Skateboard Park

This Linda Vista park satisfies skaters of all skill levels while taking advantage of the natural landscape. The focal point of the area is a pedestrian viewing bridge, hovering over the middle of the park for 360 views of all the action. 

Address: 7064 Levant Street, Linda Vista

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Price: Free

Poods Encinitas Skate Plaza

A majestic piece of land protected and managed by the San Diego River Park Foundation, Eagle Peak Preserve offers over undeveloped 1,100 acres that are part of the Upper San Diego River Watershed. One of the best parts? When the winter rains and snowfall arrive, a seasonal waterfall emerges, plummeting more than 200 feet over a cliff. And there’s no better way to see the beauty of Mildred Falls than on a bicycle.

My favorite path to the falls is a 28-mile lollipop loop through San Diego’s rugged backcountry. With nearly 4,000 feet of total elevation gain, it’s a rewarding doozy of a ride that can be completed on a gravel, mountain, or cyclocross bike. Here’s how to do it:

How to Bike to Mildred Falls

Start in Julian and head southwest out of town on Route 79. In approximately one mile, turn left onto Pine Hills Road. About 1.5 miles after that, pivot right onto Eagle Peak Road, which eventually turns to gravel and dirt. 

After about 10 miles, you’ll find yourself in the vicinity of Mildred Falls. Keep an eye on your right-hand side and listen for the water’s rush. Dismount from your bike and trek out on foot for a better view. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, and watch your footing if you get closer to the edge.

In spring, wildflowers push up from the ground, with carpets of California poppies sometimes blanketing the mountain sides in quilt-like patches. Hawks soar overhead, scanning the canyon for a meal.

Once you’ve snapped plenty of photos of Mildred Falls, continue south on Eagle Peak Road, going in the direction of Cedar Creek Falls. Twelve miles into your ride, you will arrive at the trailhead for the popular hike to those famous falls. This time, though, you’ll pass on by, bearing left onto Cedar Creek Road. 

Stay on Cedar Creek for about 3.5 miles to the Three Sisters Falls trailhead, yet another popular San Diego County hike. Pass this trailhead, too, turning left onto Boulder Creek Road.

Remain on Boulder Creek Road for 8.5 miles, enjoying the idyllic country views as you climb, twist, and turn your way back up towards Julian. Turn right onto Eagle Peak Road and follow it for approximately 1.5 miles. When you arrive at the T intersection with Pine Hills Road, turn left. Trace along Pine Hills Road for another 1.5 miles to reach Route 79, then turn right and bike for another mile or so to reach town.

Note that the first seven miles of this ride are relatively flat, and then the next five miles provide a fast downhill slope, dropping all the way to Cedar Creek, which is the low point of the trek. From there, you’ll partake in sustained climbing for the next seven miles, so it might be a good idea to enjoy the natural creek music while refueling and rehydrating. 

The path plateaus out a bit after the first major climb, but you’ll head uphill some more until you connect back into Eagle Peak Road. From there, it is relatively flatter as you roll back into Julian, where pizza, BBQ sandwiches, and a few pints of ale await at Julian Beer Company. Cheers!

Originally published July 2020 | Updated April 2023

 

Choose your Camping Adventure:

Beach | Mountain | Desert | Baja | More Camping Tips

 

 

Beach

 

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

You can hear the waves crashing from your tent as you sleep right next to the ocean at this state beach campground north of Camp Pendleton. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, like nature programs and geocaching, and easy beach access down a short and steep path. It’s also close to Trestles, a world-class surfing site.

Distance from downtown San Diego: 60 miles

Fees: Starting at $35 a night

Best campsites: Sites 1 to 23 or 105 to 112, which have ocean views

How early to book: Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance on reservecalifornia.com. Many fill up immediately for the summer.

 

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Located right off the highway, this campground has a long road down the middle that’s great for kids to bike and play on, and the beach is just a short walk down a stairway. Take the family for swimming, surfing, skin diving, and fishing. The campsites have picnic tables and fire pits, and the bathrooms are equipped with showers. The on-site camp store has provisions like wood and ice, and Carlsbad is just a few miles away if you forget something or want a break from camp food. It’s a low-key beach getaway without having to travel too far.

Distance from downtown San Diego: 30 miles

Fees: Starting at $35 a night

Best campsites: Sites 36 to 53 and 183 to 205 are right on the ocean and in the center of the campground, away from the entrance and parking areas.

How early to book: Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance on reservecalifornia.com. Many fill up immediately for the summer.

 

San Elijo State Beach

Get ready for your little ones to make friends at this beach campground, the most popular in the area. It’s packed with kids playing and riding bikes. Take the wooden staircase down to the beach for fishing, sandcastle-making, swimming, and surfing. Plus, Seaside Market is right across the street. Cardiff Crack (tri-tip), anyone?

Distance from downtown San Diego: 27 miles

Fees: Starting at $15 a night

Best campsites: Sites 145 to 163, on the north side next to the shore

How early to book: Up to six months in advance on reservecalifornia.com

 

Silver Strand State Beach

Leave your tents at home. This campground allows only RVs, motorhomes, and trailers. If you have the right equipment, it’s a cheap way to get an oceanfront room for the night or the weekend with the beach just steps away. Plus, you can put the Bayshore Bikeway to use for walks, bike rides, or runs, and venture into Coronado for shopping, dining, or a ferry ride.

Distance from downtown San Diego: 11 miles

Fees: Starting at $50 a night

Best campsites: Sites 101 to 137 are on the beach.

How early to book: Up to six months in advance on reservecalifornia.com

 

 

 

Mountain

 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Sleep 5,000 feet above sea level in an oak forest with green meadows and rushing creeks in this mountain park 15 miles northeast of Alpine.  There are several good options for hiking that leave right from the Paso Picacho campground, and nearby Lake Cuyamaca has fishing and boating. Campsites come equipped with fire rings, flush toilets, and pay showers, but if you don’t have a tent, you can reserve one of the park’s cabins. The 12′ x 12′ cabins have full-size bunk beds, a wood stove, picnic table, barbecue, and fire ring.

Distance from downtown San Diego: 50 miles

Fees: Starting at $40 a night

Best campsites: Sites 6 and 7 sit farther off by themselves, making for a more quiet camp.

How early to book: Reservations are recommended for weekends. You can book up to seven months in advance on reservecalifornia.com.

 

 

The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

If you need your camping tricked out with a swimming pool, lodge, petting zoo, and freshly remodeled cottages, check out this 144-acre ranch in San Pasqual Valley. Each cottage has a rustic feel and a different arrangement, from a romantic studio to a spacious two-story with a kitchenette. Plus, they’ll soon add glamping for visitors feeling slightly more outdoorsy.

Distance from downtown San Diego: 32 miles

Fees: Starting at $249 a night

Best cottages: The Family Two-Bedroom Cottages are the biggest on site, sleeping up to six.

How early to book: Summer weekends are mostly booked for weddings, but weekdays are typically available. Reserve through bandycanyon.com.

 

Idyllwild Park

It’s the first day of spring and we’re one week into daylight saving time, which was created so people could make better use of daylight hours. Can you think of a more productive usage of that extra hour than sipping on discounted drinks as the sun slides into the Pacific? Not likely. To kick off spring the proper way, we’ve rounded up a few spots that would make William Willett (to whom we owe this clock-changing tradition) proud. When you’ve sampled all of these, you can start working through our exhaustive guide to San Diego’s very best happy hours, for any time of year.

Pisco Rotisserie and Cevicheria

Ceviche fans will want to try Pisco’s Peruvian varieties that tend to be smoother and richer than the tangy, spicy Mexican styles familiar in California. Why not start with the salmon ceviche, which is among the half-off menu items at Pisco’s new al fresco happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m. at its Point Loma location? Cocktails, wine, and beer are $2 off, too.

2401 Truxtun Rd Ste 102, San Diego

Starlite

The beloved Middletown cocktail lounge has an open air back patio that is a fine place to enjoy their daily happy hour, featuring reduced price bites like kale Caesar and pulled pork toast, plus draft beer, well drinks, and specialty cocktails. Happy Hour is 5 to 7 p.m. every day except Friday, when it starts at 4 p.m. instead.

3175 India St, San Diego

Hello Betty Fish House

What’s not to like about $5 frozen margaritas, $6 daily cocktails, $3 short rib sliders, and much more in the seafood, taco, and adult beverage categories, all with a view of the Oceanside Pier? Happy hour extends from Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. But Monday is your best bet, as happy hour prices continue from 3 p.m. until closing time. With those hours, you could squeeze in a golden hour surf session and still have time for grilled mahi mahi tacos, ceviche tostadas, and oyster shooters here.

211 Mission Ave, Oceanside

Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar

Tucked away on a second-floor patio of the Hotel Republic, Topside offers a respite from the busy downtown surroundings. The many cabanas and lounge chairs make for a good spot to indulge in $6 craft beer, $7 well cocktails, $8 wine, plus pork steam buns, roasted bone marrow and other nibbles from 3 to 6 p.m.

421 W B St, San Diego

Fairweather

You could hardly get more San Diego than sipping a tiki cocktail within cheering distance of Petco Park under fair skies. Park-adjacent Fairweather is the kind of open-air bar not afraid to serve mai tais alongside higher-brow cocktails such as the Mezcal Mule. Daily happy hours from 4 to 6 p.m. are made all the more delicious with menu items from Rare Form, the restaurant downstairs.

795 J St, San Diego