Looking for some excitement? San Diego has no shortage of extreme adventures to satisfy your need for thrills. From skydiving over the coastline to ziplining across lush valleys, you can find something to get your heart pumping faster. These San Diego attractions for adrenaline junkies are bound to take your breath away, so get ready to add them to your bucket list—if you dare. 

1. Go on a Parasailing Adventure 

If you are into high altitudes and extreme aerial activities, parasailing is high on the list of water sports and boat tours in San Diego. One of the best things is that this experience combines multiple activities: You start with an offshore powerboat ride and then continue on to ballooning, parachuting, and gliding. The height varies between 600 and 800 feet. If you consider everything you get on this action-packed adventure, the cost is a bargain. Whether you parasail solo or with your partner, it’ll definitely be an unforgettable experience.

2. Rock climb

Who can forget Tom Cruise hanging off a cliff in Mission Impossible 2 or Sylvester Stalone climbing a snowy mountain in just a shirt in Cliffhanger? If these movies awoke the urge to try rock climbing yourself, San Diego offers plenty of opportunities—without any bad guys looking to get you! Whether you are a novice or an experienced climber, the region’s rocky mountains will give you the urge you need.

On the eastern side of San Diego lies Mount Woodson. Considered a mecca for climbers since the 1950s, it is the perfect location for all climbers. You can pick from over 100 climbing routes and test your skills. As a bonus, you can see the famous Potato Chip Rock, one of the top 15 weirdest places to visit in California.

Another coveted climbing location is Mission Gorge. Situated in the upper part of the San Diego River Valley, just a few minutes away from downtown, this spot is a popular top rope climbing area, so the best strategy is to get there early on weekends and claim the best lines!

3. Learn to skydive

If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to fly like a bird, make your way to iFLY San Diego for some indoor skydiving. The professionals here teach all basic positions and go through training for military, skydiving, and tunnel flying—all in a safe and friendly environment. It is even possible to book a team-building event or organize a birthday party with the most extreme gift of all: flying! Once you’re ready to hit the sky for real, you can easily book skydiving sessions.

4. Go Ziplining

If you’re interested in exploring the heights of San Diego, La Jolla Zip Zoom has you covered. You can enjoy the breathtaking view and scenery of Pauma Valley while gliding through the sky at an impressive 55 miles per hour. Just remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and you are ready to go!

5. Experience SeaWorld's electric eel ride

If you head out to SeaWorld San Diego, you can enjoy more than water slides, pools, and theme park treats. If you feel the need for speed, the Electric Eel awaits. The fastest and tallest roller-coaster in San Diego can reach 62 miles per hour in just one minute. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll soon find yourself hanging upside down at 150 feet as the coaster takes you through looping twists and inverted heartline rolls. If you are brave enough to keep your eyes open at all times, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking upside-down view of Mission Bay.

6. Swim with sharks

Not for the faint of heart, swimming with sharks is definitely a bucket-list item for extreme thrill-seekers. Explore the underwater world of San Diego and see a shark up close—it will certainly get your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing! If you are ready for this experience, head out to 2051 Shelter Island Drive, and let the adventure begin.

7. Take a Jet Boat speed tour

The next time you visit San Diego’s beautiful beaches, take your experience up a notch by boarding the Flagship Patriot Jet Boat for a tour that will show you the bay like you've never seen it before: blurry! The 70-foot-long Patriot can accommodate up to 139 people and give you the time of your life. This 1,400-horsepower beast can hit speeds of 50 miles per hour, so buckle up and get ready for 360-degree turns that will have you screaming and giggling at the same time.

Want to experience the adrenaline rush and extreme sports every day? Move to San Diego. With so many thrilling San Diego attractions for adrenaline junkies, it’s worth considering a move to “America’s Finest City.” Why lose time traveling to San Diego just to have some fun? Make it your home, and you will be right there, with numerous extreme sports at your fingertips. 

Everyone who is into extreme sports can settle here from other parts of California in a matter of days. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make a professional career out of extreme sports—you don't have to stop at just participating. Take specialized training courses and become an instructor. This way, you get to share what you love with other enthusiasts and teach them how to have fun. The best part of becoming an instructor is that you get to do all the stuff for free and make money in the process. Doing what you love is the ultimate dream!