Carlsbad State Beach

Spring break is coming up and looks a little different in 2021. A pandemic tends to make travel, or making any plans for that matter, much harder. So here are some thrill-seeking ideas to try for spring break. All outdoors and that truly take advantage of all San Diego has to offer.

Paraglide at Torrey Pines

For a literal birds-eye view of the San Diego coastline, try an exhilarating tandem paragliding flight. Located on the cliffs of Torrey Pines in La Jolla, where Charles Lindbergh took his first maiden flight, flight enthusiasts have been taking to the air here more than a century.

Typically, San Diego boasts more than 300 flyable days a year, increasing the odds that you can find suitable conditions during your visit. Even novice fliers can enjoy the thrill of paragliding, flying in tandem with a certified instructor.

Tandem flights with experienced instructors are open to passengers of all ages. No experience is necessary, and the flights include all the equipment, basic ground instruction with your pilot, and a 20- to 25-minute flight over the Pacific Ocean.

Snorkel La Jolla Cove

The La Jolla Ecological Reserve and Underwater Park is one of the top ten places in the world for snorkeling and it is no wonder why as La Jolla is home to an incredible variety of sea creatures and provides a rare opportunity to see marine life up close and personal. The warmer-than-usual water and protected cove attracts fish and mammals from all along the coast such as Garibaldi, octopus, urchins, dolphins, sea turtles, leopard sharks, sea stars, shovel nose guitar fish; and of course, playful seals and sea lions.

The next time you’re in La Jolla, we definitely recommend snorkeling around La Jolla Cove and the La Jolla Underwater Park/Ecological Reserve! You can venture out with a partner on your own if you feel comfortable doing so. Make sure to rent a snorkel for a full day so you have plenty of time to explore. You can take a guided tour with experienced professionals if you prefer. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try a combination kayak/snorkeling tour – which brings us to our next adventure!

Kayak Through the Caves in La Jolla

If you prefer to be ON the water, kayaking in La Jolla amazing as access to the caves is permitted only by guided tour. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you paddle along with your expert guide observing the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions and even orcas that inhabit the area.

A great way to experience this adventure is on the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayack Tour. On this thrilling two-hour excursion, an experienced guide shares fascinating facts about the ecological reserve, the wildlife, and local history. Suitable for all levels of kayakers, the tour includes kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, as well as a paddling and safety demonstration before you go.

Zip Around the Bay on a Speedboat

Experience the thrill of driving your own two-hour San Diego Harbor Speedboat Adventure. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide’s boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, a US Navy submarine, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, the cruise ship terminal, the historic ship Star of India and San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn from your guide about these landmarks via the onboard two-way communications system and stop for photo ops on this exciting tour.

This is a great way to avoid the tourist crowds and get out on the water to enjoy the scenery.

Shred Some Gnar

From south Imperial Beach to north Oceanside and lots of beaches in between, San Diego’s warm waters can be surfed year-round. Local wave-riders here all have their favorite spots like Black’s Beach and La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, and Swami’s in North County Encinitas.

The city of San Diego has some of the finest surf spots and also has three piers where spectators can get close to the lineup and watch the action (Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Oceanside).

For those who’ve never surfed but always wanted to, San Diego has numerous surfing schools for every age group and experience level. Board rentals are available at the most popular beaches and in the cities near most of these beaches. If you are visiting the San Diego area and want to surf while you are here, you will have many surf breaks to choose from.