Mikaela Nadolski • September 29, 2021

7 Sports-Related Things To Do When You Visit San Diego

San Diego is a top-travel destination in the country, and if you’ve been to this southern California favorite, you understand why. In fact, San Diego experiences 35.1 million visitors every year to the city. From the beaches to attractions, delicious food, museums and more (did we mention the year-round 75-degree weather?), it’s no wonder so many people flock to sunny San Diego.

We have always felt honored to host the California State Games and Winter Games in San Diego. And if you're reading this, you or your athlete are at least interested in competing in the Games. We pulled together a list of 10 sports-related things to do when you visit San Diego next. Keeping the athletes in mind, many of these events are things you could do at the next Winter or Summer Games that you attend.

1. Petco Park

Home to the San Diego Padres, Petco Park opened in 2004 in Downtown San Diego. Set in a stunning location, Petco Park is in the heart of the city surrounded by points of interest like Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village. If you visit San Diego during the right time (like the Summer Games!), you can catch a Padres game between April and November. The California State Games typically offer discounted tickets for a Padres Game during the weekend of the Games. Be sure to check before you travel!

2. The Fowler Family Awards Center

Previously the Hall of Champions, the San Diego Sports Association maintains the Fowler Family Awards Center which celebrates the Breitbard Hall of Fame & Other Honorees. Anyone can visit the center during public tours of Petco Park and all all home Padres games. Visitors get to see the interactive center as it covers the organization’s honorees over its history, including Stars of the Month, Stars of the Year, Breitbard Hall of Fame inductees and more.

3. San Diego Gulls

The San Diego Gulls are a major sponsor of the California State Games, and particularly the California Winter Games Ice Hockey Championship. If you’re in San Diego for the Winter Games, then the Gulls are likely in season. The Gulls are a San Diego-based American Hockey League Team who plays out of the Pechanga Arena San Diego. If you’re an ice hockey fan — and even if you’re new the game, any sports lover would have a great time — catch a game, or keep with updates for the upcoming Ice Hockey Torch Lighting Ceremony that occurs before a local Gulls game.

4. USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum that’s located in downtown San Diego is an incredible experience for anyone, but especially sports lovers and history buffs! You need to reserve your ticket online to view the huge array of exhibits and activities, which even includes a flight simulator. Nearly a decade ago, there was the brief phase of the Carrier Classic, which celebrated the Armed forces while simultaneously hosting college basketball entertainment. It didn’t last long due to the challenges of playing on water among other issues, games were played on the USS Midway, making this attraction a unique adventure for anyone interested in sports.

5. San Diego Loyal Soccer Club

Soccer fans, we can’t forget about you! San Diego Loyal Soccer Club is San Diego’s premier outdoor professional men’s soccer club. The club plays at the Torero Stadium at University of San Diego within the United Soccer League (USL). You can catch a game May through October, and regardless of the time of year, you know you can watch the game in San Diego’s mild year-round weather.

6. Farmers Insurance Open

In North County lies the “beachy” areas of La Jolla, Torrey Pines and others. While there’s plenty of activities and sightseeing to do in these areas, those looking for sports-related attractions don’t need to look far for the Farmers Insurance Open. This professional golf tournament and PGA stop is held in January with available tickets and upgraded venues for purchase. The Farmers Open makes sure that ticket purchasers get the most out of the experience with attractions all week of the tournament including a fan village and more.

7. College Sports

San Diego has several colleges, San Diego State, University of San Diego and UC San Diego to name a few. On any given night, you’re bound to find a game or meet scheduled for some sport on campus. But even if you just want to do some sightseeing as opposed to attending a game, you can honor some San Diego royalty by visiting San Diego State to see the Tony Gwynn Stadium. Gwynn, a Hall of Fame superstar for the Padre and previous Head Coach of SDSU Baseball, left a vibrant history at the field and university in general. You can also see the Halls of Fame present at each university.

The California State Games is a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a quality amateur athletic event to foster the Olympic dream. Your donation will help us continue to provide competitive events for California’s amateur athletes and provide them the Olympic experience.

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From Ice to Arena: The 2026 California State Games Opening Ceremonies at the Gulls Global Games Night

By Sakura Roberson • October 22, 2025

The California Winter Games Youth Ice Hockey Tournament is Back! This upcoming President’s Day Weekend, February 13–16 , the California Winter Games will welcome over 80 youth ice hockey teams to arenas across San Diego. Get ready for action-packed competition on the ice, with the next-level experience of Opening Ceremonies at the San Diego Gulls AHL game on February 14 th . “I love to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they get to the front of the line and they see the whole ice for the first time.” Says Bill Foltz, Manager of Group and Inside Sales at the San Diego Gulls. “Not to mention the smiles and looks of awe as they pass the torch around and see the big torch get lit.” The San Diego Gulls have been longtime partners of the California Winter Games ice hockey tournament, hosting the annual Torch Lighting Ceremony for the past four years. What to expect at our premier youth ice hockey tournament: Competitive matchups for all levels Gold, silver, and bronze medals for 1 st -3 rd placing teams A chance to participate in the Torch Lighting Ceremony at Opening Ceremonies An exclusive invite to Gulls Global Games Night Gulls Global Games Night: February 14 th at Pechanga Arena Registered teams are invited to take part in a night of celebration, hockey, and community spirit at Pechanga Arena in San Diego! Here’s what’s in store: Torch Lighting Ceremony Step onto the ice and witness the ceremonial lighting of the torch and cauldron, a symbolic kickoff to the Games. Teams will line up on the ice for this unforgettable Olympic-style moment. Tailgate Party – 4:00 PM After the ceremony, head to the North Lot of Pechanga Arena for the ultimate Gulls tailgate experience, featuring fun games, delicious food, and exciting prizes for players and families. San Diego Gulls Game – Doors Open at 5:00 PM Cheer on the San Diego Gulls as they face off against the Bakersfield Condors! The puck drops at 6:00 PM , and the first 20 teams to sign up for Gulls Global Games Night will receive FREE admission to the game! Don’t Miss Out! Sign up now to secure your spot in the Torch Lighting Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night here => Torch Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night! This is more than just a tournament — it’s a weekend your team will never forget!