Sandra LawsThere’s something timeless about archery. Once a tool for survival, it still strikes a deep human chord. I’ve felt that pull myself, having shot targets at several ranges around the city.
San Diego is a great place to experience archery, with plenty of ranges both in and around the city. Many schools also offer lessons for kids and adults who want to learn the sport.
As an avid fan, I’ve narrowed my top picks for the best archery experiences in San Diego. These are places that have helped me hone my aim and hit the bullseye more than once.
1. San Diego Archers Club
– Media credit: San Diego Archers Club Instagram
Website: https://sandiegoarchers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdarchers
Address: 1499 El Prado, CA 92101
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Pricing: $$
For those who are already experienced in the sport and are looking for a challenge, the San Diego Archers Club is the perfect place to test your skill. The club is full of professional and semi-pro archers who have been participating in the sport for years.
With two shoots a month, members get to test their skills at some of the most popular archery ranges in the city. Additionally, they host three major tournaments each year, with some tournaments featuring a special theme, such as King Arthur’s Day.
If you’re an avid archery fan and want to meet more people who love the sport, joining in and becoming a member is a no-brainer. Aside from these, I even learned some neat tricks from the pros, like proper stance, that I simply wouldn’t have learned on my own.
| Pro Tip: Aside from the usual perks, the San Diego Archery Club also has connections with most of the archery ranges in the city. This grants their members access to these places, with some being free for members, such as those in Balboa Park. |
2. Performance Archery
– Media credit: Performance Archery Instagram
Website: https://performancearchery.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Performance.Archery
Address: 8665 Miralani Dr #301, CA 92126
Contact Details: +1 858-653-5945
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Performance Archery is a one-stop shop for all your archery needs. They sell a variety of bows and arrows, as well as the necessary equipment for the sport. Additionally, I enjoy the indoor range where I can easily test my equipment.
The goods they sell here are split into three forms of archery. Those utilizing archery for recreational sports should be fine with their recreational bows, which are lighter and are meant to shoot targets rather than pierce through flesh.
For those participating in competitions, there are dedicated bows available that are sturdier and more accurate than recreational ones. And rather than selling bows, they sell hunting gear and equipment, which can help a person camouflage into the wild.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a newbie to the sport, there are also lessons here that you can partake in. These are great at teaching the basics, and you won’t have to commit to a bow right away. However, I’d still suggest buying one, as it’s such a fun sport. |
3. Easton Archery Center of Excellence
– Media credit: Easton Archery Center of Excellence Instagram
Website: https://www.eastonarcherycenterofexcellence.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastonarcherycenterofexcellence
Address: 2800 Olympic Pkwy #2000, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Contact Details: +1 619-205-4326
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
When looking to partake in archery as a sport, the best place to do so is at Easton Archery Center of Excellence. Here, students are trained by professionals to master the art of the bow, shooting with accuracy and precision to hit the toughest of targets.
Programs here are split between adults and children, with classes ranging from 5 levels. Anyone can easily learn the basics, and I’ve personally joined their competitive academy class.
Additionally, there are also tournaments here that you can participate in. These are great at testing your skills outside the classroom. While I haven’t participated in one, the archers I talked to found the experience exhilarating and more fun than any class.
| Pro Tip: Those who want to join the pros need to try the Tournament 101 class. This allows archers to experience what it’s like to join a competition. Teachers will guide classes through the basics, covering all the necessary topics. |
4. Bow ‘N Arrow Shop
– Media credit: Bow ‘N Arrow Shop Instagram
Website: https://bownarrowshop.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bownarrowshop
Address: 9748 Los Coches Rd #5, Lakeside, CA 92040
Contact Details: +1 619-443-5488
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Bow ‘N Arrow Shop is a great place to head to when you want to connect with fellow archers. I’ve visited here a couple of times and have learned about some niche places to practice archery. Plus, they also provide repairs here.
They can easily rebuild bows and create custom arrows for each individual’s needs. I’ve also gone here for some arrow re-fletching, and I can say that my arrows flew faster thanks to their expertise. For badly tuned bows, you can visit here for more accurate shots.
Aside from these, they offer a selection of top-notch items from popular brands. Some that caught my eye are BowTech and Prime Archery bows and arrows.
| Pro Tip: For veterans, they offer a special military discount. Aside from the discount, customers can avail their archery lessons. However, the availability of these depends on the shop owner’s schedule, so be sure to ask when visiting. |
5. Balboa Park
– Media credit: honeybee040411 Instagram
Website: https://balboapark.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalboaPark
Address: Balboa Park, CA 92104
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Balboa Park is the heart of archery in San Diego. There are two great archery ranges here that are often frequented by the San Diego Archery Club. Out of the two, I much prefer Morley Field since it’s not as popular as Rube Powell.
Aside from archery, the park is a great place to explore and experience the sporty lifestyle of San Diego citizens. The park is loaded with various sporting courts and ranges that I feel attracted to try out. It even houses a few museums to explore.
Another amenity I found handy here is the Tram system, which can take you from one end of the park to the other. There are also restrooms around the park and near the archery ranges, and there’s free Wi-Fi at the Cultural District.
| Pro Tip: For those looking to be a regular here without the need to join a club, please avail the Explorer Pass. This pass provides access to most areas, including the archery ranges. It’s a great way to explore the park with ease. |
6. Lake Poway Archery Range
– Media credit: girltalkarchery Instagram
Website: https://poway.org
Address: 14445 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Contact Details: +1 858-668-4772
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
If you’re willing to drive a bit, I’d recommend heading to the Lake Poway Archery Range. The range is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but there’s enough space to share with several people. Additionally, the range is open quite early and is great for solitary practice.
Renting the facility is easy and can be done on their website. Aside from that, the archery card is quite cheap, and I got mine at the Lake Poway Concession on a Wednesday. These are valid for an entire year and cost only $19.
There are even archery classes here during the spring and summer. This is perfect for adults and youth who want to try a hand at archery. Impressively, these are taught by state and national champions, inspiring all their students to shoot better shots.
| Pro Tip: When looking for a year-round class, the Junior Olympic Archery Development offers its classes for adults and kids. These are great for those looking to try the sport, and they are also taught by state and national champions. |
7. LionHeart Academy
– Media credit: LionHeart Academy Instagram
Website: https://www.lionheartsandiego.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionHeartSanDiego
Address: 1331 Cuyamaca St E, El Cajon, CA 92020
Contact Details: +1 619-462-2027
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
LionHeart Academy is ideal for individuals seeking to learn archery and fencing at a young age. Even teens and adults can participate in their classes. I was amazed by their 6,000 sq. ft. gym facility, which houses a 20-meter archery range.
The program comes with private lessons and group classes. There’s also time to have fun with camp activities. Unlike other ranges, since this one is indoors, archers don’t have to worry about the outside climate.
I’ve even met archers who studied here who have a better understanding of archery than some pros. Lessons here focus on understanding the fundamentals and integrating math and physics into each shot.
| Pro Tip: The Monthly Unlimited is best suited for those who have the time and energy to attend archery class a few times a week. This pass allows people to join classes at any time, provided it is within their designated category. |
8. Archery House San Diego
– Media credit: Archery House San Diego Instagram
Website: https://www.archeryhouse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Archery-House-LLC-100064047790055
Address: San Diego, CA 92104
Contact Details: +1 858-254-4058
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Led by Tara Folz, archers are trained here under her tutelage and experience with the bow. With her Olympic and national background, I’ve learned much from Tara’s expertise, from the way to hold the bow to choosing the right moment to shoot.
This is the best place to try out the sport with their “One Day Beginner Archery Lessons,” which can help students learn to use the bow on their first try. There are even dedicated classes for kids and adults, each lasting 4 and 5 weeks, respectively.
Aside from these, families can send their kids to camp. These camps are a week-long trip to some of the most popular ranges in the city, with one taking place at Morley Field Archery Range.
| Pro Tip: A great way to bond is through archery, and Archery House San Diego has dedicated services for birthdays and events. These are private and are as great as the One-Day Beginner Archery Lessons. |
9. Willow Creek Archery
– Media credit: Willow Creek Archery Instagram
Website: https://www.willowcreekarcheryca.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillowCreekArchery/#
Address: 27496 Commerce Center Dr C, Temecula, CA 92590
Contact Details: +1 951-477-3297
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Willow Creek Archery is another great shop that has a shooting range. What’s great about their shooting range is that it can easily accommodate 13 people. This 13-lane and 20-yard range is also air-conditioned, which is great for the hot summer months.
Lessons are offered at this shop on Wednesdays. If you want to take a swing at the range, the best time to do it is on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the range is open all day. The range is also open all day on Saturdays.
Aside from these, there are Leagues at 6:00 PM on Thursdays. Events are commonplace at this establishment, typically occurring on weekends. Lastly, this is a great place for bow repairs, and I’ve even had arrows re-fletched here.
| Pro Tip: If you’re not bringing your own bow, then please try at least one of their lessons first. They don’t allow guests to rent unless they undergo these lessons, so please be advised to bring your own if you’re already a decent archer. |
10. Kumeyaay Valley Archery Range
– Media credit: County of San Diego Instagram
Website: https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Kumeyaay-Valley-County-Park-Archery-Range.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountyofSanDiegoParksandRecreation
Address: 10964 Ashwood St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Contact Details: +1 858-694-3030
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: $
The Kumeyaay Valley Archery Range is situated in the mountains, which I find to be the ideal location for practicing archery. Being a quieter and lesser-known range, it’s perfect for those who want a more solitary experience compared to those in the city.
There are three different lanes here, with the 10- and 20-meter lanes designated for beginners and the 50- and 70-meter lanes reserved for standard competitions. I love that the area is quite accessible, with footpaths and parking available near the range.
The range is fully ADA-compliant and is often frequented by local archery advocacy groups and clubs.
| Pro Tip: To get a lane for yourself, I would head here just before it opens at 8:30 AM. Although the range is still not as popular, it can get a bit crowded during early mornings, so heading as early as possible is essential to secure a spot. |
