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. 

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PROVIDES UP TO 250 COMPLIMENTARY ENTRIES FOR ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY AT 2026 CALIFORNIA STATE GAMES

June 3, 2026
*Click Here For Details* The 2026 California State Games presented by National University, an Olympic-style amateur sports competition that features 19 unique sports, announced today that National University will offer up to 250 free registrations for individual sports to active-duty members of the military and their dependents. Team sports are not eligible for this offer. The California State Games, managed by Sports San Diego, will draw approximately 8,000 athletes across multiple venues in San Diego County this July. The Games were founded in 1988, and feature individual sports like archery, track and field, wrestling, and more. The highlight of the event is the July 17 Opening Ceremonies presented by Kaiser Permanente at LionTree Arena on the campus of UC San Diego, which features an athlete fun zone, parade of athletes, and ceremonial torch lighting. "We are thrilled to once again welcome thousands of athletes from across the country to San Diego for the California State Games," said Sports San Diego CEO, Mark Neville. "We are especially grateful to our longtime partner National University for their continued commitment to underwriting entry fees for participants from our military community. This year's event promises to be truly memorable, and the impact on San Diego will be remarkable." “National University is proud to support the California State Games this summer,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of nonprofit, Veteran-founded National University, where half of undergraduate students are military affiliated and almost all the students are working while earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees. “There’s a shared determination between these athletes, the military community, working parents, and so many of our students. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and pushing toward your goals. We’re excited to be part of that spirit and wish all competitors the best in the Games.” All active-duty military members and their dependents participating in individual sports can find the link to verify their ID on sport registration pages, where, following verification, they will be provided instructions on how to redeem their registration. All questions about the 250 complimentary entries into the 2026 Cal State Games can be directed to info@calstategames.org . Sport registration pages can be found at HERE . # # # About California State Games California State Games (CSG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the largest amateur sports festival in the state. As a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee, CSG have hosted their Olympic-style event since 1988. As of 2023, CSG is managed by Sports San Diego. About Sports San Diego Sports San Diego is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a mission is to ignite tourism and fuel economic growth by 1) bringing world-class sporting events to San Diego; 2) producing extraordinary experiences for fans, athletes, and the community; and 3) unifying and elevating all sports across the region to foster a vibrant, inclusive sports culture, enhancing San Diego’s reputation and opportunities. About National University National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 150 online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 255,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu . # # www.sportssandiego.org # #

Two Exciting New Sports: Flag Football and Squash

By Sakura Roberson • March 18, 2026
Two Exciting New Sports: Flag Football and Squash The California State Games just got bigger — and we couldn't be more excited about it. This year, two new sports are joining the lineup: flag football and squash. This is the first time either sport will be offered as an official California State Games event. The athletes who compete up this year? They're the originals. The first California State Games flag football and squash athletes. Flag Football Is Having a Moment If you've been paying attention, you know flag football is everywhere right now. Participation is exploding at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, and the sport just earned a spot in major international competitions. The momentum is real, and it's not slowing down. Bringing flag football to the California State Games puts athletes right in the middle of that growth — and we can't wait to welcome our first teams this summer. Squash: A Classic Sports Joins CSG Squash has been a staple in clubs and collegiate programs for decades, and fans of the sport know just how exciting it can be. Fast rallies, incredible athleticism, and a serious test of endurance and decision-making: it's the kind of sport that hooks you once you see it live. Now, California athletes have a new place to compete, and new fans have a chance to see what squash is all about. Don't Forget Opening Ceremonies Competing in flag football or squash this year means you're not just showing up for your sport; you're getting the full California State Games experience. That includes Opening Ceremonies, one of the most exciting traditions we have. Walking out alongside athletes from every sport, representing your event on a statewide stage is one of those moments that sticks with you and becomes a memory you cherish. Ready to Make History? This is a new chapter for the California State Games, and we want you in it. Registration is open now — come be one of the firsts!

2026 Winter Games Sneak Peek

By Sakura Roberson • February 3, 2026
Winter Games Preview The 2026 California State Winter Games presented by National University is almost here! From the rink to the gym, we’re bringing the energy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences to the athletes coming in from all over California to compete in the Games. Ice Hockey | February 13–16 Location: Multiple Rinks in San Diego Ice hockey kicks off the Winter Games action from February 13–16, featuring youth divisions and high-level USA Hockey sanctioned competition all weekend long. Teams will battle it out on the ice for gold, silver, and bronze medals, with first, second, and third place awards presented in each division. But the excitement doesn’t stop with the final buzzer… Torch Ceremony | February 14 Location: Pechanga Arena Hockey athletes can participate in our ceremonial torch lighting ceremony, one of the most iconic California State Games traditions. Athletes line up on the ice and experience the lighting of the cauldron, creating a truly unforgettable Winter Games moment. The celebration continues after the torch lighting, with a tailgate hosted by the San Diego Gulls, capped off with watching San Diego’s AHL team take the ice for their game against the Bakersfield Condors. It’s a can’t-miss night of hockey and community for athletes and families alike.  Figure Skating | March 7–8 Location: San Diego Ice Arena Figure skating takes center stage on March 7–8 at the San Diego Ice Arena, showcasing grace, athleticism, and artistry on the ice. In step with a true Olympic-style experience, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the first, second, and third place skaters in each division. First Ever After Party | March 8 After the competition wraps up on Saturday, March 8, skaters are invited to our first ever Figure Skating After Party from 2–5 PM at Ringers Roller Rink - and yes, athletes get in FREE! The after party includes roller skating, games, music, and a chance to celebrate with fellow athletes. It’s the perfect way to end an amazing weekend of competition! Gymnastics | March 7–8 Location: Toby Wells YMCA Gymnastics returns to the Winter Games on March 7–8 at the Toby Wells YMCA, featuring talented athletes across divisions competing in this USA Gymnastics sanctioned event. Free Athlete Gift All gymnasts receive a free California State Games leotard commemorating their competition experience. Epic Winter Incoming Between the thrilling competition, medals, ceremonies, tailgates, and celebrations, the California State Winter Games presented by National University is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to welcome our athletes, families, and fans for another unforgettable California State Games season. See you at Winter Games!