Pacific Beach offers everything a Southern California beach should: broad and beautiful sand, great surf, beautiful scenery, and a historic pier. The proximity to the heart of town, with its bustling daytime crowds and exciting nightlife, is an added bonus.
This beach is connected directly to multiple other beaches, all of which offer a wide range of amenities and activities. The boardwalk, which links them all, is a destination unto itself, with several dining options, stores, bars, and hotels.
Plan on spending plenty of time there, because once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.
Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, bodyboarding, jogging, walking, biking, and fishing.
Dogs allowed on the beach before and after peak hours, as long as they remained leashed. During the busy season, from April – October, dogs are permitted before 9 AM and after 6 PM, while from November – March, visitors can bring them after 4 PM.
Amenities
Restrooms, lifeguards, bike paths, pier, and restaurants.
There are a number of paid parking lots, but the area is very popular and can become crowded, so plan ahead.
Nearby Attractions
Oceanfront Walk is the boardwalk that runs from La Jolla, along Pacific Beach, and all the way down to the Mission Bay jetty. There are various shops, restaurants, and bars along the way. People often bike, rollerblade, skateboard, and jog along the boardwalk, as well.
North Pacific Beach is, as the name implies, just north of Pacific Beach. It’s a popular place for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. The Pacific Beach Boardwalk runs along the bluffs above North Pacific Beach, where guests can find several great spots to watch the sunset.
South of Pacific Beach is Mission Beach, a similarly popular beach with a wide variety of amenities and activities, including Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park.
Crystal Pier separates Pacific Beach from North Pacific Beach. It’s a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy the incredible views.
The Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages, located on Crystal Pier, offers one-of-a-kind overnight accommodations over the Pacific Ocean.
Fun Facts
Crystal Pier was built in the late 1920s and used to have an arcade, an amusement park, and a ballroom.
In 1902, a lot of oceanfront property in Pacific Beach sold for an average of $475. Today, they are worth millions.
Details
Location: Mission Blvd and Grand Ave in San Diego, CA, 92109
Phone: 619-221-8899
Season: Year-round
Pets: Yes, on-leash | Before 9 AM and after 6 PM (April – October) | Before 9 AM and after 4 PM (November – March)
Website: pacificbeach.org
La Jolla Shores Beach – La Jolla, California