Top San Diego Attractions for Thrill Seekers

There's nothing dull about California's second largest city. From hanging 10 at some of the best surf spots in the country to exploring cultural attractions and nightlife, you can always find plenty to do. When it's time to get your adrenaline pumping on a heart-pounding new adventure, San Diego rises to the occasion and serves up a full menu of attractions that are perfect for thrill seekers. A few of the most popular experiences include:

Swimming with Sharks

The adrenaline rush of swimming with sharks is a once in a lifetime thrill. Horizon Charters run regular trips from San Diego into the nearby waters and offer a variety of adventures for all levels of skill and adrenaline. Book a five-day adventure to Guadalupe Island – one of the world’s best locations to see great whites. Visitors with less time are encouraged to try cageless diving day trips from San Diego to swim with blue and mako sharks. You might even catch a glimpse of the gargantuan sunfish. 

Aerobatic Tours of San Diego

Sightseeing from the skies is an exciting way to see the city, but thrilling, aerobatic rides provided by San Diego Sky Tours take the standard plane tour to a whole new level with aerial tours that require you to wear a parachute. Each tour includes a 20-minute briefing and approximately 40 to 50 minutes in the air over San Diego's beaches and downtown. Pilots complete loops, rolling maneuvers, spins, and tumbles that include negative Gs and speeds as fast as 140 miles per hour – all in an open cockpit airplane.

Paragliding

If you want to experience San Diego from the air in a different way, go paragliding from the cliffs high above Torrey Pines and the infamous nude beach, Black's Beach. Torrey Pines Gliderport operates one of the largest tandem paragliding businesses on the planet. Take flight with one of the experienced instructors or fly solo if you have some experience.
 

Whale Watching Tours

Hit the open seas in the same type of rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) used by Navy SEALs when you take a tour with Adventure Whale Watching. The ride itself is a thrill as you’ll be skimming across the water at speeds up to 50mph. Whatever time of year you choose, enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views that provide a fabulous backdrop for the mighty Pacific and native marine life. Make sure you have a waterproof camera ready to capture the thrilling moment you catch up to pods of dolphins and whales.

Flyboards and Jetpacks

Soar up to 45 feet above the water on a Flyboard or with a Jetpack strapped to your back when you book an aquatic adventure with Aquatic Aviation or Jetpack America. Become a superhero for the day as you shoot into the air and flip your way across the sky before diving into the water. The instructors provide you with a brief instructional demo to get you up to speed before strapping you in for the ride of a lifetime.
 

Extreme Hiking

San Diego offers abundant outdoor recreational activities, including several notable hiking destinations designed to leave you thrilled and exhilarated. The trails to Black's Beach offer plenty of challenges and steep terrain, while the uphill climb to Potato Chip Rock provides a great workout and spectacular views of San Diego. To the north of the city, Fortuna Saddle Trail offers fantastic views and a route that’s best suited to experienced hikers due to its steep inclines. 

Thrilling Family Fun

For thrill-seekers of all ages, the Speed Circuit Family Fun Center is the place to be. As its name suggests, the star of the show is the exciting go-kart circuit, offering exhilarating racing with single and double seater go karts for parties of all sizes. The adjoining Thrill Park is also home to a Giant Hamster Ball Arena, Wipeout Trampoline and even a space for toddlers to get their adrenaline pumping. 

What are some of your favorite adrenaline-boosting activities in San Diego? Share your extreme photos by tagging @hertz over on our Instagram page.