Things to Do in Bonita

To the uninitiated, the dusty, mountainous expanse just north of the Mexico border might sound like a war-torn battleground—it has born the boots of soldiers in the United States Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. However, the troops simply visited to practice plane evacuations at Skydive San Diego, whose private, skydiving-only airport is buffeted by steady winds and outfitted with state-of-the-art Cessna and DeHavilland jump planes.

Civilians can jump there too, drinking in views of the Pacific before leaping out of an aircraft for solo jumps or tandem dives, in which a USPA-certified instructor harnesses securely to the jumper with professional equipment and a powerful hug. With 8,000 square feet of padded packing area, the full-service facility not only houses an airport, but also a bunkhouse for overnight stays and a deck for barbecuing post-jump feasts.

San Diego Whale Watch sets sail along the scenic Pacific coastline in search of the area’s most beautiful and splash-happy underwater residents. A marine biologist with 15 years of experience lends her knowledge and keen eyes to each three-hour tour, pointing out blue whales and dolphins as they surface alongside the hull of veteran Coast Guard–certified vessel the Privateer. The spacious and clean New England–style boat seats 149 passengers and floats low in the water to allow its passengers up-close views of the wildlife from indoor and outdoor decks and seating areas. Daytime tours embark as early as 10 a.m. to catch the whales as they commute to work.

San Diego Sailing Tours’ crews guide patrons on oceanic adventures aboard the Lei Lani, a restored 36-foot sailing yacht hailing from 1967. Their two-hour tours and all-day sailing excursions give visitors a taste of the midday sun, sunset, or twilight on the San Diego Bay. Once out on the water, tour-goers witness the breath-taking sights that surround the San Diego skyline, including naval aircraft carriers, the Coronado Bridge, and Star of India trading ship that loom in the foreground while skyscrapers and the endless sparkling ocean line either horizon. Dolphins, harbor seals, and pelicans have been known to make appearances, frolicking and trading decorating tips in their natural habitats. To ensure patrons enjoy a comfortable ride, on-board drinks and snacks are on hand, in addition to gear including sunglasses, binoculars, and an iPod-compatible stereo.

We Love Tourists saddles sightseers on segways to glide along San Diego's landmarks and La Jolla's coastal views. Prior to each adventure, the guides introduce explorers to the basic techniques needed to balance, steer, and outwit their futuristic rides. During the roll-about, the team of locals shares inside knowledge and embarrassing baby pictures of city landmarks while gliding past storied locales including San Diego Harbor, the Gaslamp Quarter, PETCO Park, and Balboa Park. While trundling through La Jolla, adventurers discover a few of the seaside resort's most stunning surf spots and beaches, shopping areas, and parks where segways can play with other two-wheeled pets.

Anchored at Mission Bay, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach, the nautical professionals at Resort Watersports continue nearly 30 years of teaching in maritime navigation, offering lessons in sailing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. They also equip recreationalists with quality rentals that range from beach-cruiser bikes to 22-foot sailboats. For more advanced sports such as wake surfing, Resort Watersports’ team packages rental and lesson combinations. Further services include guided segway tours and group events that bring together families, coworkers, and bearded people through activities such as scavenger hunts and building and destroying a sandcastle.

For those interested in sleeping in a bed not their own, the staff can coordinate accommodations at the Kernville Kayak School and Lodge. To complement vacation stays, Resort Watersports also staffs a retail location that carries sports gear and apparel from brands such as Roxy, Quicksilver, and Sanuk.

San Diego’s picturesque harbor—awash with graceful bridges, sweeping views, and glimpses of sea lions—has thrilled passengers on Hornblower San Diego cruise ships for more than 30 years. Hornblower’s large fleet of ships includes an antique yacht and one of the largest charter yachts in Southern California, and each cruise is narrated by an experienced expert. An environmentally concerned company, Hornblower San Diego introduces passengers to ecological problems and ongoing environmental projects in the area on its cruises.