Things to Do

Surfing & Water in San Diego

Learning to surf, the breaks that forgive a beginner, sea-cave kayaking, and where the whales pass in winter.

5 ranked lists · 35 places and things, each one checked directly against Google and Yelp · how we verify

All surfing & water listsBack to Things to Do

A captain who does the teaching himself, an 85-foot half-day boat with a cheeseburger galley, and a Point Loma landing since 1935.

Sand-bottom whitewater at La Jolla Shores, America's first surfing-only beach at Tourmaline, and slow Cardiff rights for later — seven spots, ranked.

A La Jolla Shores school for women opened in 1996, a former pro tour surfer runs an Oceanside academy, and Carlsbad adds a free practice hour.

A Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach's guides, a shop born in a 1994 La Jolla garage, and a cave tour when conditions allow. Who to book at La Jolla Shores.

An 80-foot Mission Bay boat with three bathrooms, a six-passenger speedboat, and a 141-foot yacht that welcomes dogs. Here's which tour to book.