Beach Workout Ideas for San Diego Residents
Beach workouts are a must in San Diego, the land of eternal sunshine! Perpetually pleasant weather and phenomenal scenery make this city the perfect place to break a sweat outdoors. With so much accessible coastline, you’re sure to find a spot ideal for your exercise needs.
What is the best beach in San Diego, anyway? That all depends on where you are and what you’re looking for! Technically, you can bring any of your favorite portable equipment to any convenient beach and create your own experience. Why not try a new spot every weekend and get to know the city in the process?
We’ve collected a list of our favorite seaside hotspots and great workout ideas to match.
Trail running at Sunset Cliffs. The breathtaking tide-sculpted archways of Sunset Cliffs are topped by a winding trail with only a gentle slope, perfect for a sunset (or morning) jog or run. End your workout by clambering down the stairs or trail to the beach and exploring rocky alcoves.
Hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Torrey Pines boasts several scenic trails of easy to moderate difficulty, a welcoming choice for all levels of fitness fans. Bring a buddy and explore the natural habitats of San Diego.
Volleyball (or basketball) at Mission Beach Volleyball Courts. Mission Beach’s picturesque sands are home to an abundance of volleyball courts. Join a pickup game, class, or bring a party of friends and challenge yourself to a whole lot of sand running- fire up your stabilizer muscles! There’s also a basketball court for those of you who like to dribble and slam dunk for your cardio.
Bring your own boot camp to La Jolla Shores. With plenty of open grassy space and an expansive beach with clear waters and mild waves, La Jolla shores gives you plenty of room to bring some equipment and create the workout of your dreams. Grab a kettlebell and some bands and set up circuits on the grass, then finish up with some sand sprints for conditioning. It gets quite busy on weekends- we recommend a weekday workout here.
Bodyweight fitness at Embarcadero. It’s not quite the beach, but it is seaside! Embarcardero Marina Park South provides bodyweight fitness equipment like pull-up and dip bars in the heart of the Port of San Diego. Add extra intensity by bringing a weighted vest and add some hanging ab exercises for good measure.
Playa plyometrics at Pacific Beach Pier. Sand is great for absorbing shock as well as adding an extra layer of challenge to explosive movements. The charming Pacific Beach pier has plenty of space for a plyometric HIIT workout, and it’s a fun neighborhood to walk around and explore for your cool-down and post-workout meal. Trust us, your legs will be burning after some squat jumps or lunge jumps in the sand.
We hope these workout ideas stimulate some fresh ideas to get you motivated and moving in the warm San Diego sunshine. What’s your favorite beach in San Diego? We’d love to know!