Kayaking
There are several places to kayak throughout San Diego. You can spend an especially memorable afternoon exploring the Seven Caves off La Jolla Cove, where you can often see seals, sea lions, and even dolphin.
Bike & Kayak Tours. While La Jolla's outpost of Bike & Kayak Tours offers a Leopard Shark Encounter snorkeling tour ($39 per person), where adventuresome travelers can see the shy spotted creatures up close, the Coronado location has you embarking on a kayak tour ($49 per person) underneath the Coronado Bridge at dusk to enjoy incredible views of Downtown San Diego. The Coronado branch also offers stand-up paddleboards for as little as $29 per person. 1201 1st St., #215, Coronado, California, 92118. 858/454–1010; www.bikeandkayaktours.com. From $39.
Everyday California. This action-on-the-water sports company also has its own clothing line offering beach-casual styles inspired by La Jolla. Tours with expert guides, many of whom are former college-level athletes, include a sunset kayak tour, where wildlife to see includes sea lions, seals, pelicans, and dolphins; the tour combines kayaking and snorkeling. Leopard shark migration tours are offered May–August, and whale-watching tours December–March. Surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons are also available. If you'd rather go out on your own, Everyday California rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, snorkel equipment, and bodyboards. 2261 Av. de la Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037. 858/454–6195; www.everydaycalifornia.com. From $44.
Hike Bike Kayak Adventures. This shop offers several kayak tours, from easy excursions in La Jolla Cove that are well suited to families and beginners to more advanced jaunts. Tours include kayaking the caves off La Jolla coast, and whale-watching (from a safe distance) December through March. Tours last 90 minutes to two hours and require a minimum of four people. 2222 Av. de la Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037. 858/551–9510; www.hikebikekayak.com. From $50.
La Jolla Kayak. This family-owned company offers kayak tours of the Seven Caves of La Jolla as well as snorkel and biking adventures. Several guides have extensive backgrounds in marine biology and ecology. 2199 Av. de la Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037. 858/459–1114; www.lajollakayak.com. From $39.
