Things to Do in National City

Leaving the bustle of the 805 freeway, visitors to Sweetwater Farms are swiftly transported to a pastoral scene alive with the sound of hoof clopping and constant horse-centric activity. The riding school has been tutoring riders in English-, Western-, and trail-riding styles since 1985, with programs that range from beginning horsemanship to hosting full-fledged hunter/jumper shows. Trail rides saddle guests atop steady, gentle dude-ranch horses or rehabilitated mechanical bulls for tours through nature, and horse camps immerse young riders in the world of horses to build riding skills, as well as confidence and responsibility. In addition to welcoming guests to their programs, Sweetwater Farms also boards and sells horses.

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.

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.