Things to Do in Lakeside

The instructors at J World San Diego, a US Sailing--certified school, furnish students with the know-how to safely traverse the seas while manning a sailboat. Teaching sailors of all levels, the professional instructors employ the world-renowned J boats, which are known for their quick responsiveness—appealing to beginners—and their ability to summon playful dolphins to their vicinity. Pupils can tackle the basics or learn advanced-racing techniques during group classes or opt for private instruction to hone transatlantic escape skills. The handpicked vessels are also available for chartering for corporate events or sunset cruises.

Pacific Sunset Cruises rims evening jaunts around MIssion Bay and the Sunset Cliffs coastline. Cast in the orange and purple hues of dusk, passengers aboard the Privateer pass the waning moments of daylight searching for wildlife sightings or kicking back with refreshments purchased from a fully stocked galley. The ship's resident naturalist comes along, too, sharing insights on the sparkling water and the life within it.

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.

A family-owned-and-operated farm nestled in the hills of Jamul, Hidden Haven Farms maintains the camaraderie of the Old West lifestyle through relaxing horseback rides and educational field trips. In its tranquil setting far from metropolitan stressors, the farm's owners lead visitors along serene jaunts atop equestrian counterparts, meandering through the farm’s rolling countryside and ranch layout to take in sites and look out for time-traveling rustlers trying to take livestock back to the 1860s.

Hidden Haven's pastures also provide a space for outdoor education, as the family welcomes visitors for field trips, home-school programs, summer camp, and birthday parties. During these visits, guests can master the process of shearing a sheep, watch bee pollination, and witness the first seconds of new life at a live egg hatching. Horses model student-attached saddles and optional sets of subwoofers before trotting field trippers around the farm. Throughout the experience, guides stress the importance of maintaining a healthy connection and respect for all four-legged comrades.

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.