Best Beaches in San Diego
Experience the serene setting and gorgeous views of San Diego's beautiful beaches
Browse any San Diego guide and you'll discover an abundance of pristine, sandy beaches. And thanks to the temperate climate and year-round lifeguards, the top beaches still draw visitors during the off-season, though they're most crowded in summer. Pack up an umbrella, shades and plenty of sunscreen. Once you book your San Diego hotel, find a prime spot to settle in and you won't want to leave until you've seen the sun set over the Pacific. Let us help make your summer sizzle with a list of San Diego’s best beaches.
1. Coronado Central Beach
It's technically in Coronado; the small city located just across the San Diego Bay; but Coronado Central Beach is one stretch of silvery white sand you can't miss while in San Diego. Named one of the Travel Channel's Top 10 US Beaches, this 1.5-mile strip stretches alongside a palm tree-lined street of mansions. Do some coastal cooking of your own while breathing in ocean air with eight fire rings available. They're always in demand, so get there by 9 a.m. if you're planning on hosting an evening family cookout. Bring your own coals and lighter; extinguish the fire and dispose of the coals in the provided hot coal receptacle when you're done.
2. Black's Beach
Want more sand to yourself? Located in the affluent community of La Jolla, Black’s Beach can be challenging to get to, which is why it's usually less crowded than San Diego's other sandy stretches. Download a tide chart app to track that day's tides, and aim to reach this beach at low tide by walking two miles south from Torrey Pines State Beach or three miles north from the La Jolla Shores Beach. When those routes are blocked during high tide, park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and follow the signs for Black's Beach. Bring binoculars to scan the waves for dolphins, but be careful where you aim them. Though it's technically illegal to strip down at local beaches, Black's is known for attracting nudists.
3. La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is perhaps the best example of a beach that has something for everyone. You'll appreciate the expansive and flat white sand, and your kids will love the playground at the adjoining Kellogg Park. And while this beach is lovely for kicking back with a book, it's most popular with the active set. Just a few blocks off the beach, on Avenida de la Playa, you'll find a cluster of businesses that rent equipment and run tours for those who want to kayak, surf and snorkel. The clear water and nearby La Jolla Underwater Park; an ecological preservation zone featuring artificial reefs that help attract marine life—make La Jolla Shores a popular destination for scuba divers too.
4. Pacific Beach
With a name like Pacific Beach, you can easily picture the sweeping views of the deep blue sea and white-capped waves lapping at the golden sand. This is the quintessential Southern California beach, which is why it's a popular spot for beachgoers of all kinds. As you'd expect, that means Pacific Beach, which is just south of La Jolla, tends to be crowded during the hot summer months. Things are quieter north of the Crystal Pier. Stretch your legs by walking along the boardwalk, which runs the entire length of the beach. Parking can be challenging, so look carefully for street parking or take a taxi or car service to eliminate the hassle.
5. Mission Beach
Walk south down Pacific Beach and you may not even realize when you've crossed over onto Mission Beach. Like its northern neighbor, Mission Beach is characterized by beautiful ocean views and big crowds in summer. This beach has something the others don’t and that’s location! It’s near Belmont Park, an oceanside amusement park. To go on the rides, you can either buy day passes or purchase individual ride tickets. So when the kids have had their fill of castle building, take them to Belmont for a quick spin on the bumper cars. The boardwalk that runs along Pacific Beach continues the length of Mission Beach as well. There are free public parking lots on either side of Belmont Park; get there by 10 a.m. on hot days to have your choice of parking spots.
6. Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is the place to go if you're looking to wander, take in the sights or enjoy a bit of fishing. The beach is located in the vibrant beach community of Ocean Beach. At the northern end of the shoreline, which sits just south of the channel where the Pacific meets Mission Bay, is a dog beach where canines are allowed to romp off the leash. At the other end of the beach is the Ocean Beach Pier, which extends half a mile into the ocean. Unlike many fishing spots on this pier, you're not required to have a California fishing license—making this the perfect place to cast off.
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