If you are a person who loves the sun, sand, blue ocean, surfing, waterfronts, cliffs, or other water activities then San Diego beaches are the perfect fit for you. San Diego hosts around 70 miles of alluring coastal lines and together these make one of the best beaches in San Diego.
The San Diego beaches can be categorized into two distinct kinds- the buzzing tourist places and the quiet coves. Each of these beaches has a separate personality that offers a specific flavor. So, if you are looking for a vacation with adventure or for a quiet soul-searching one, then beaches and waterfronts in San Diego, California can provide all you need.
In this post, we will pen down the famous beaches of San Diego with the necessary details and this will help you to decide which beaches you want to add to your bucket list.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is a relatively new beach town in San Diego, California and it is for adventure activities. If you are not into water sports, then also you can enjoy a nice sunbathing session. Apart from various beach activities, Pacific Beach also sports a happening nightlife as it has many bars and restaurants which are open till late at night.
The nightlife scene in Pacific Beach pier is pretty LIIT as the dancing and craft beers have attracted college-goers and young professionals over the years. Apart from these, Pacific Beach also has nice family restaurants where you can spend quality time with your family.
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By Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4667 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States | Timing: Open 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UsieJsVji1FWeLWa8 | Phone number: +16199485506
Coronado beach
Coronado beach is one of the best beaches in San Diego, California. This famous beach sports white sand that adds a fresh charm to it. The unique color of the sand is due to the mineral mica present in it. The beach is surrounded by old-world mansions, waterfronts, elegant gardens, and many restaurants that have oceanfront dining.
If you want to experience a beautiful sunset then Coronado Beach offers the same. You can rent a bike to explore this beautiful coastline. Coronado beach also has the Coronado Museum of History & Art which you can visit to explore the rich cultural heritage of Coronado. Visit Coronado beach for some of the best experiences in San Diego.
By Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 919 Ocean Blvd., Coronado, CA. 92118 | Timing: Daily 9 am to dusk | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/e12nhQGyfiCz3SBj8 | Phone number: (619) 435-1867
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is located in the northern parts of the La Jolla neighborhood. La Jolla Shores has an amazing beach where you come to relax and enjoy the beautiful charm of the sand and the ocean. It also has an amazing park for children where your ward can have a gala time.
The La Jolla Shores also sport great water activities like surfing and the alluring restaurant present in this beach area will surely help you to satisfy your demanding taste buds. This beach also has the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and it is a launching pad for scuba divers and kayakers.
By D Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 8200 Camino del Oro,La Jolla, CA 92037, United States | Timing: 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vQaXD11EjvEV7WEs5 | Phone number: +1(619) 235 1169
Ocean beach
The Ocean Beach located to the north of Point Loma is a popular San Diego beach. This is a small beach town where you can enjoy an amazing session of surfing, sunbathing and many more. You can also rent vintage VW vans and explore the place on your own.
The Ocean Beach pier also has taco stands and unique boutiques where you can buy some collector’s items. Also, great dining places and other eateries let you enjoy various cuisines and dishes. Not to forget, the nightlife of Ocean beach is also vibrant and it attracts a lot of young crowds.
Address: 1779 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States | Timing: 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5EjxzQJ8TrBfyQnU6 | Phone number: +1 (619)-221-8899
Imperial Beach
The Imperial Beach is located on the southernmost borders of San Diego California and is approximately 5 miles from Mexico. Consequently, the neighborhood around the beach has a Hispanic ambiance, therefore, making it a premier tourist attraction where different cultures can be experienced.
The annual Sun and Sea festival organized on the shores of the Imperial Beach attracts thousands of individuals across California and the United States. Under the supervision of lifeguards, people can also indulge in various outdoor activities that include horse riding, surfing, sport fishing, and swimming, making it a popular landmark for people all around San Diego.
By Ruff tuff cream puff, CC0, Link
Address: Elder Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, United States | Timing: Daily 7:00 am to sunset | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uHq6GkgW2XfEPq2TA | Phone number: +1 (619) 423 0704
Tourmaline Surfing Park
As the name suggests, Tourmaline Surfing Park is an access point where surfers assemble to take part in surfing activities. Located in the northern area of the Pacific Beach region, Tourmaline Surfing Park is surrounded by jutting rocks that make ideal surfing conditions.
The Tourmaline Memorial serves as a testimonial area where surfers from different corners of the world acknowledge the beauty and experience of surfing in the blue Pacific waters. Don’t worry, you will find lifeguards scattered all over the beach for tour safety.
By Invertzoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 600 Tourmaline St, La Jolla, CA 92037, 92109, San Diego, United States | Timing: 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kRiHUjPjgzzcEZQL7 | Phone number: +1-6192218899
Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach is one of the most beloved beaches on the coastline in La Jolla of San Diego, California. The Windansea beach is primarily known for its waves as it is located in a landscape that is surrounded by jutting rocks and cliffs creating a perfect condition for waves to slash upon the shores.
Likewise, surfing can also be enjoyed at Windansea beach as large waves are created that are ideal for surfers to ride. It is a great location where photography enthusiasts can capture some mesmerizing images. This San Diego beach was acknowledged as a historic landmark back in 1998.
Address: 6600 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States | Timing: 24×7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ayWkQp6a4y4Hc8kR6 | Phone number: +16192218899
Mission beach
Mission beach is one of the most renowned beaches in San Diego. The Mission beach features a wide sandy beach and also has seaside amusement parks. You can visit this beach for relaxing or for enjoying the rides in the amusement parks.
This beach also has various restaurants where you can satisfy your taste buds. The vibrant boardwalk present on this beach will allow you to take a nice stroll around the area. For an extreme adrenaline rush, you can ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster which is located near the beach.
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By The Erica Chang, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: San Diego, CA 92109, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oq6HngJ4VEGQMZpT7 | Phone number: +1 (619) 236-6622
Flat Rock beach
Flat Rock beach requires a bit of hiking to reach. But do not get demotivated as your efforts will be rewarded with some amazing views and sceneries. So, to reach here, you can drive to the parking lot which is located high up on the cliffs, and then you need to trek downwards to reach the beach.
The Flat Rock beach is sandy, and it has a huge fin of sandstone sticking out towards the ocean. There is also a huge flat rock that one can climb when the tide is low. So, if you are looking for some adventure, then Flat Rock beach is the perfect place for you.
By Raquel Baranow, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Broken Hill Trail, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States | Timing: open for 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eP8iGoCXfuxwLSEC6 | Phone number: +17608400540
Silver Strand State beach
The Silver Strand State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the lively city of San Diego. This one-of-a-kind beach is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay on each side making it a popular attraction for locals as well as tourists.
The Silver Strand State Beach has a great location where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, picnicking, surfing, etc with lifeguards watching closely over them. The Silver Strand State Beach is a must-visit spot when in San Diego, California.
Address: 5000 CA-75, Coronado, CA 92118, United States | Timing: Daily 7:00 am to 7:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ds5xYBHeuFX1SBXk6 | Phone number: +16194355184
Del Mar City beach
Del mar City beach is also a beautiful beach located in the city of San Diego, California. This is a quiet beachline and tourists can enjoy relaxing views of the cliffs, sandy beach, and the ocean. This beach covers up to two miles in length and is perfect if you are looking for some leisurely walk.
The Del mar City pier also has Powerhouse and Seagrove Parks which is a must-visit. Overall, this famous beach is also dog friendly and your furry friend can have a gala time here. The Del mar City beach offers perfect picnic spots for families to enjoy the day out.
Address: 101 Border Ave, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States | Timing: Open 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cFpArGUy4YS15CDi9 | Phone number: +13032987554
Mission Bay Park
Mission Bay Park is a beautiful place located on Mission beach. This park offers beautiful waterfront BBQs, water sports like surfing and snorkeling, and many more.
The waves of this beach are gentle and hence you can enjoy a nice session of swimming in the waters. This place also sports a 4,300-acre aquatic park that has numerous water rides.
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By Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 2688 E Mission Bay Dr San Diego, CA 92109, United States | Timing: 04:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/R7J3mNzwaU52uxeBA | Phone number: +1(619) 221-8900
Sunset Cliff Natural Park
Located on the western side of the Point Loma area, the Sunset Cliff Natural Park is a 68-acre property that attracts people for its majestic landscape and natural beauty.
The Park is surrounded by sea caves, sea arches, and coastal bluffs that make it a perfect wedding location. The Ladera Street area is ideally visited by people to witness the mesmerizing sunset.
Wedding ceremonies are also famously organized in this region primarily due to its magnificent natural beauty and surrounding. Due to its commercial appeal, parking amenities are also freely available in this region.
By Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States | Timing: 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ex8mDdAFSFEmHxet5 | Phone number: +16195258213
Black’s Beach
If you are looking for a quiet and secluded beach surrounded by magnificent natural landscape then the Black’s Beach San Diego is the place to be. The name of the concerned beach was kept after the Black family that famously owned a horse ranch in the region.
The Black’s Beach is also notoriously known for being a Nude Beach where people from all corners of California assemble to bask in the bright sun within an open waterfront. The conditions are also ideal for water sport activities such as fishing, swimming, and surfing in the Black’s Beach region.
By Levi Clancy, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States | Timing: Daily 06:00 am to 08:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cux61srW1uRQKJEx9 | Phone number: +1(858) 452 9858
Playa Pacifica Park
On the East side of Mission Bay lies the sandy shores of Playa Pacifica Park which is mostly made of glass. The unique design and architecture of this structure make it one of the most popular attractions in the San Diego area.
The center of the park is home to a tiny sand island that is a favorable location for kids of all ages. The Fiesta Islands lie on the other side of the ocean which makes it a popular location that PWC riders and boating enthusiasts often visit.
Address: 1093 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States | Timing: Daily 04:00 am to 02:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dd8CzTorxXTDfNVr6 | Phone number: +16192351169
Bermuda Beach
Bermuda Beach is a splendid San Diego beach as it is known for its white sand and majestic landscape that surrounds the location. It is a perfect destination if you wish to witness the bright orange sun setting on the horizon.
There is limited parking space available in the On-Street region. Therefore, you must make your way early to experience the beautiful sunset on the magnificent shores of Bermuda Beach. Other activities such as swimming, surfing, and picnicking can also be initiated here.
Address: 4848 Bermuda Ave, San Diego, CA 9210, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UUx16CwhpdBrWY2x5
Dog Beach
Dog Beach is one of the best beaches in San Diego for pets. It is the perfect place that every pet owner must visit with their furry friend. Being one of the first leash-free beaches in the state, Dog Beach attracts pets and their owners from different corners of the state.
It serves as an amalgamation point where every pet lover can freely interact and enjoy a refreshing swim with different dog breeds. The Dog Beach is also famous for surfing activities as the external conditions are just about perfect for surfing.
Address: West Point Loma Blvd and Voltaire Street, San Diego, CA 92107, United States | Timing: 24 x 7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pYDRWzYJFkyd5w6d7
La Jolla Cove Beach
La Jolla Cove Beach is rated as one of the top beach destinations in the world. This is because this beach in San Diego offers a wide range of luxurious hotels, restaurants and eateries, museums, art galleries, and a wide range of outdoor activities like snorkeling.
If you have safety concerns, then you will be relieved to know that there is a skilled team of well-trained lifeguards who keep a close eye on the surfers and swimmers on the beach. This place is also home to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. Apart from the spectacular beach, the La Jolla Cove beach is home to scenic cliffs and seals where one can enjoy a hearty hike and enjoy some spectacular views. You can also opt to hang gliders on this cliff and see the scenery from a bird’s eye view.
Address: San Diego, CA 92037, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2fEDdVKoAmPofQg77 | Phone number: 6192351169
These were some of the most popular and beautiful beaches that surround the San Diego region. Therefore, if you are a water sports enthusiast, or just wish to be in the presence of nature, be sure to visit all the above listed 18 locations to experience true beauty. San Diego is a lively city that has a lot to offer. Explore and relish the landscape and culture this beautiful city in California has to offer. Happy Exploring!