1. Horseback Riding

Happy Trails: 2180 Monument Rd; 619 947 3152; www.ponylandsandiego.com

Guided horseback rides are available on trails, through parks, and on the beach. The South Bay area offers the only beach where you can take an exhilarating ride on the sand and in the waves. There are also pony rides for children, hayrides, and romantic carriage rides.

2. Hiking

Hiking is available in every environment imaginable. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and Mission Trails Regional Park offer trails of varying difficulty through their canyons and valleys; the trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve and Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve pass near the ocean. The San Diego Natural History Museum hosts guided nature tours.

3. Cycling

Bikes & Beyond: 1201 1st St, Coronado; 619 435 7180 • iCommute: dial 511 and say “iCommute”; www.icommutesd.com

With over 300 miles (483 km) of bikeways, San Diego is a very cycle-friendly city. iCommute’s map details bike rides around the city and county, and is available online.

Cycling in the sunshine

4. Sailing and Boating

Seaforth Boat Rentals: 1641 Quivira Rd, Mission Bay; 888 834 2628

Whether at Mission Bay or the Pacific Ocean, you’re bound to see something that floats. Sailing enthusiasts can rent almost any type of boat, some complete with a crew, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres.

Sailors enjoying the calm waters

5. Surfing

San Diego Surfing Academy: 800 447 7873

San Diego’s beaches are famous for surfing. The months with the strongest swells are in late summer and fall, ideally under offshore wind conditions. Designated surfing areas can be found at every beach.

6. Swimming

The Plunge: 3115 Ocean Front Walk; 858 228 9300; adm

Nothing beats an ocean dip, though the temperatures seldom exceed 70° F (21° C) even in the summer. Alternatively, most hotels have pools. The Plunge at the Wave House Athletic Club at Mission Beach is a great public pool.

7. Sportfishing

Seaforth Sportsfishing: 1717 Quivira Rd, Mission Bay; 619 224 3383

Albacore, yellowfin, and dorado are just some of the fish in the offshore waters. Summer and fall are the best months, and half-, full-, and multiple-day trips are all available. A fishing license is not required to fish off the public piers.

8. Golfing

San Diego CVB: 619 236 1212; www.sandiego.org

With San Diego’s perfect climate and amazing views, over 90 public courses and resort hotels offer some of the best golfing in the country. Tee times may be hard to get, so reserve early. The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has a golf guide.

A team of golfers at a sand trap

9. Diving

San Diego Ocean Enterprises: 7710 Balboa Ave; 858 565 6054

The best spots for diving off the coast are the giant kelp forests of Point Loma and the La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve. Common sealife includes lobsters and garibaldi – the official state marine fish.

10. Skateboarding

Cheap Rentals: 3689 Mission Blvd; 858 488 9070; www.cheap-rentals.com

Mission Bay and Pacific Beach are the best areas to enjoy the miles of pathway shared by rollerbladers and joggers. Some areas prohibit skating, so watch out for the signs.