10 Ways to Stay Active This Summer

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From the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure found along San Diego County’s 70 miles of Pacific coastline to the wide variety of offerings brought to you by UC San Diego Recreation, there are so many options for getting your blood pumping both on and off campus during the summer months.

The numerous recreational facilities located on campus, which are open to all enrolled students—and to faculty, staff and affiliates with REC memberships—will be observing summer hours through Sept. 22. While some of these activities require additional fees, the Active Triton Initiative helps ensure that finances are not a barrier to students’ ability to participate in the various programs offered by the Recreation department. If financial assistance is needed, you can submit an application.

Ready to get moving? There’s no better time than summer to discover a new favorite hobby. Here are 10 of UC San Diego Today’s top picks for staying active this season:

1.    Hit the pickleball court

Touted as America’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball is trending—and shows no signs of slowing down. The easy-to-learn, surprisingly addicting paddle sport combines elements of tennis, ping-pong and badminton for a fast-paced game that will get your heart rate up in no time. Not only that, but playing pickleball regularly will improve your balance, agility and hand-eye coordination. Grab a friend—or three—for a game of singles or doubles and reserve the Warren pickleball court, which is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the summer quarter. No paddles? No problem. UC San Diego Recreation offers free pickleball equipment for check-out at the Canyonview Aquatic Center front desk.

2.    Try a new water sport

 Feeling drawn to the water to cool off in the summer heat? From powerboat training and sailing to stand-up paddleboarding and wakesurfing, UC San Diego Recreation offers a broad range of instructional classes through a partnership with Mission Bay Aquatic Center. Located less than 10 miles south of campus, the calm waters and coves of Mission Bay are ideal for getting the hang of paddleboarding or learning the fundamentals of wakesurfing behind some of the best boats in the world. Sign up for these activities and other instructional classes (fees apply).

3.    Take an aerial silks class

For those who want to stay active while engaging their creative side, UC San Diego Recreation offers five levels of instruction in aerial silks, with classes held at the campus’s main gym. The art of aerial silks, which combines elements of performance, dance and acrobatics while suspended from a length of fabric, may seem intimidating at first. But with beginner-level courses like Intro to Aerial Silks—which introduces participants to basic ties and poses—and Level 1, which teaches basic climbs, tricks and sequences from single and double foot locks, you’ll be hanging with the pros in no time. You’ll also build core strength and increase your endurance and flexibility. If silks aren’t your vibe, Recreation also offers a variety of classes in gymnastics, dance and martial arts, ranging from ballet and salsa to Okinawan karate, Tai Chi and much more.

4.    Swim laps

Feeling inspired by the medalists at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games? For a whole-body workout that’s proven to help you manage your stress levels and sleep better at night, get your swimsuit and goggles ready and hit one of the three pools on campus during lap swim hours. Practice your freestyle or backstroke in either of the Canyonview Aquatic Center’s two outdoor Olympic-sized pools, which are heated year-round to 80-85 degrees, or soothe your sore muscles in the center’s 30-person hot tub. The facilities are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed 1 to 3 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If indoor swimming is more your style, the Natatorium—located at the Main Gym Complex—boasts glass walls and skylights that give you the feel of being outdoors. This summer, it’s open for lap swimming Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m.

5.    Go roller skating

 Let the good times roll on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., when the Muir Basketball Court transforms into an on-campus roller rink. This retro pastime is making a comeback and is a fun and low-impact way to build core strength and improve stability. Need skates? Free rentals are available for students and UC San Diego Recreation members to check out at the Main Gym during roller rink hours.

6.    Hike Black’s Beach Trail

 If connecting with nature and water brings you peace, pack a towel and water bottle and check out the 1.1-mile out-and-back known as Black’s Beach Trail. The trailhead can be found just west of campus on La Jolla Farms Rd., where you’ll take in spectacular views of paragliders, cliffs and the ocean as you make your way to the sandy shores below.

7.    Catch some waves

 From Lower Trestles and Swami’s to Windansea and Black’s Beach, San Diego County is known around the world for its legendary surf spots. There’s no better place to pick up a board and hit the beach. That’s why UC San Diego Recreation offers both land- and water-based basic instructional classes like Intro to Surfing, which covers basic skills, understanding ocean conditions, water safety and proper surfing etiquette. Prior to attempting surf class registration, participants must complete a pre-registration step and pass a water safety test. Surfboards are provided at the pier.

 8.    Try indoor rock climbing

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned climber, UC San Diego’s Outback Climbing Center offers indoor rock climbing and bouldering for all experience levels. Located inside the Canyonview Aquatics Center, the facility is home to a vibrant climbing community on campus and is open this summer Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get ready to fall in love with this full-body workout that will help you build strength and challenge your mind.

9.    Hit the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

 Arguably one of the most scenic spots in all of San Diego and home to the nation’s rarest pine tree, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located just north of campus and boasts six hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty—some of which have beach access. From atop the reserve’s ocean bluffs, you’ll have magnificent panoramic views of the coast and the sandstone formations below. It’s the perfect spot to break a sweat, soak up the sun and appreciate the beauty of nature.

10.  Build muscle with strength training

 Looking to incorporate weights into your regular fitness routine but not sure where to start? UC San Diego Recreation offers courses like Strength Training for Beginners and Strength Training for Women that teach the basic foundations of a solid strength program in a small group setting. You’ll learn how to tailor a strength training program to your individual goals—like gaining muscle mass or increasing strength and endurance—and maybe even meet your next gym buddy.