With over 70 miles of breathtaking coastline, San Diego offers beachgoers endless options when it comes to soaking up the quintessential California lifestyle. Whether you seek family-friendly strands or secluded surf spots, rock formations housing seal colonies or resort towns primed for revelry, the beaches here deliver something special for every ocean aficionado.
| Beach Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Coronado Beach | Golden sands, calm waves, iconic skyline views, family-friendly. |
| La Jolla Shores | Gentle slope, soft waves, family-friendly, water sports, wildlife spotting. |
| Windansea Beach | Surfing haven, rugged beauty, dramatic scenery, less crowded. |
| Mission Beach | Vibrant boardwalk, beachfront attractions, lively atmosphere. |
| Ocean Beach | Laid-back vibe, dog-friendly, local culture, fire pits, stunning sunsets. |
| Torrey Pines State Beach | Natural beauty, hang gliding, unspoiled sand, adventure and serenity. |
| Silver Strand State Beach | Peaceful, fine-grained sand, gentle surf, scenic sunsets. |
| Del Mar Beach | Glamorous, racing enthusiasts, high-energy, refined ambiance. |
| Carlsbad State Beach | Quiet, family-friendly, picturesque sunsets, near Legoland. |
| Cardiff State Beach | Spacious, pet-friendly, surf-friendly, vibrant local food scene. |
| Imperial Beach | Spacious sands, gentle surf, beach cottages, southernmost beach. |
| La Jolla Cove | Scenic cove, marine life, iconic backdrop, tidal pools exploration. |
These 12 stretches of sand count among San Diego’s very best – each one a beloved destination promising refreshing waters, stunning scenery and blissful waterfront relaxation.
Coronado Beach
Name and Location: Coronado Beach stretches for 1.5 miles along Ocean Blvd facing the Pacific Ocean on the east side of Coronado Island, across the bay from downtown San Diego.
History and Significance: With fine sparkling sand, gentle surf, iconic views of downtown across the bay and postcard-perfect sunsets, Coronado Beach has been attracting beachgoers since the late 1800s, continuing today as one of Southern California’s top seaside destinations for locals and visitors alike.
What to Expect: Beachgoers flock to enjoy nearly a mile of oceanfront for swimming, body surfing, building sand castles, beach sports, picnicking on the sand and scenic coastal views stretching to Point Loma to the north with the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado as an iconic backdrop framing leisurely days along this quintessential California shoreline.
Visitor Information: Public beach access from Ocean Blvd with parking in designated lots and curbs along the strand. Restroom and shower facilities located intermittently. Beach facilities like chair/umbrella rentals, food and bars are found at nearby hotels.
No stay in San Diego feels complete without visiting the iconic Coronado Beach hugging the scenic bayfront of Coronado Island. Its glimmering golden sand gives way to calm azure waves perfect for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors drive or ferry over from downtown to spend full days beachcombing, building epic sandcastles and soaking in postcard-worthy views of the San Diego skyline from across the bay.
Stroll down Ocean Boulevard to browse shops and grab a bite at seaside restaurants like clay-oven pizzeria MooTime Creamery or farm-to-table gastropub Candelas. Then catch a movie at the vintage-inspired cinema The Lot or indulge in specialty spa treatments at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. With boundless options for lodging, dining and entertainment just steps off the sand, Coronado Beach makes the ultimate home base for experiencing coastal California culture at its best.
La Jolla Shores
Name and Location: La Jolla Shores spans over a mile of soft white sand sloping gently into turquoise waters near lifeguard Tower 32 on Avenida de la Playa in the affluent coastal community of La Jolla surrounded by picturesque bluffs.
History and Significance: Sheltered by bluffs of Torrey Pines Park, the spacious family-friendly La Jolla Shores provides safe areas for surfers, kayakers and scuba divers to dip below the smooth waves originating from Scripps Pier jutting over 1,000 feet into the sea. The adjacent Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego facilitates awe daily.
What to Expect: The wide gradual sand formations dipping into calm turquoise waters create beginner-friendly waves drawing children boogie boarding, standup paddleboarders venturing across the shoreline out to La Jolla’s deep underwater canyons, seen through scuba diving and kayak trips launching from the beach.
Visitor Information: Showers, restrooms and seasonal lifeguards available. Parking fills quickly along nearby residential roads like Calle Frescota. Traffic remains steady year-round. Leashed dogs allowed before 9am, after 6pm in winter; after 8pm in summer.
North of La Jolla Cove lies this mile-long shoreline beloved for family-friendly recreation, unspoiled natural scenery and epic sunsets. Its gentle slope and soft waves create beginner-friendly waters for trying out surfing or kayaking. Wildlife lovers can spot dolphins frolicking offshore or pelicans diving for fish.
Stretch out on the sand to sunbathe or build reservoirs and tunnels Galore during low tide when the beach expands dramatically outward. Fuel up on organic acai bowls and cold brew coffee from Shore Rider La Jolla before browsing boutiques lining Avenida de la Playa. With lifeguard stations, playgrounds, volleyball courts and fire pits perfect for s’more making, La Jolla Shores offers endless options for carefree, sun-filled days by the sea for visitors ages one to 100.
Windansea Beach
Name and Location: Windansea Beach spans just under one-half mile wedged between craggy sandstone cliffs. Located off Nautilus Street in La Jolla’s southwest corner, a grassy park overlooks the scenic shoreline.
History and Significance: Named after a turn-of-the-century oceanfront hotel, Windansea has ciphered surf breaks coveted across generations. Concrete remnants of a historically doomed bathhouse sit sprinkled among tide pools swarming with marine life below the picturesque rocky outcroppings flanking both ends of the sand stretch.
What to Expect: Expert surfers navigate between jutting reef and rocks to access distinguished swells. Meanwhile photographers shoot colorful sunsets behind the sculpted stone pillars bookending either end while beachcombers explore secret seasonal tide pools discovering burst sea anemones when tides permit foot access.
Visitor Information: Unmetered parking available along Neptune Place and Nautilus Street when available. Portable restrooms nearby. Given reputation, heavy surf days draw wave riding spectator crowds scattering belongings across sand slips at own risk. No lifeguards.
This tucked-away surfing haven located south of La Jolla Cove captures the quintessential soul of Southern California’s beach culture. Visitors descend the stone staircase leading down from Neptune Place to discover a narrow strip of sand bordered dramatically by reefs, ragged cliffs and cascading palms.
Avid wave riders flock here to catch air off the infamous “Garbage Pit” break offshore. But Windansea also offers ideal spots to spread out beach towels and enjoy breathtaking vistas in peace. Stop by Vahik’s for fresh-frozen fruit bars and other surfer fuel before watching dusk settle over the fiery horizon. Though lacking in amenities and facilities, Windansea’s rugged raw beauty guarantees an unforgettable and tranquil beachfront experience.
Mission Beach
Name and Location: Mission Beach spans two miles of sand perfectly situated between the recreational mecca of Pacific Beach to the north and attractions around Mission Bay Park across a narrow channel to the south centered around the Belmont Park rollercoaster.
History and Significance: Developed as a resort town along a narrow sandbar in the early 20th century after dredging and causeway construction, Mission Beach remains San Diego’s most crowded fun-filled strand dotted by colorful beach houses, volleyball nets, concession stands and the Giant Dipper coaster along a bustling oceanfront boardwalk.
What to Expect: Beachgoers occupy every patch of sand engaging in sunbathing, swimming, standup paddleboarding and boogie boarding gentle waist-high waves or tossing footballs and flying kites amid energetic crowds concentrated between lifeguard towers. The scene pulses with a vibrant, festive atmosphere during summer.
Visitor Information: Pay parking available in two lots and metered spaces along Mission Blvd. Restrooms cluster near rollercoaster’s South Jetty lot. Belmont Park features the Wavehouse Athletic Club. Free open showers provided at lifeguard towers 9-20.
Spanning nearly two miles of sand and surf, Mission Beach brims with summertime excitement from the boardwalk attractions to the carnival rides and game stalls lining the oceanfront. By day, beachgoers dig their toes into the sand as they splash about in the balmy Pacific waves. In the evenings, the energy shifts to the bustling boardwalk filled with bike rental outposts, boutiques, ice cream shops and restaurants running the gamut from giant turkey legs to craft beer and fish tacos.
Fun-loving visitors of all ages soak up the vibrant scene playing arcade games, people-watching from patio bars and dancing to live bands rocking beachfront stages. Then collapse into cozy vacation rentals mere steps from the sand after days filled with sun, surf and pure California-coast magic.
Ocean Beach
Name and Location: Ocean Beach spans over 5 miles of shoreline in northwest San Diego stretching south from the Mission Bay channel’s south jetty to the San Diego River’s mouth against a hilly coastal neighborhood bearing the same name.
History and Significance: Initially populated by European fishermen, Ocean Beach emerged into a 19th century beach resort destination even as the adjoining community became a hippie hub into the 1960s counterculture movement. Vestiges of both eras commingle in the lively social scene centered around Newport Avenue today.
What to Expect: Both visitors and San Diego residents flock to enjoy bonfire pits glowing along Ocean Beach where the San Diego skyline hovers in the distance. Hardier swimmers brave the strong shore breaks monitored by lifeguards while the O.B. Pier concentrates local anglers and sightseers.
Visitor Information: Miles of metered parking line adjoining streets with free lots towards dog beach and Robb Field. Parking fills by mid-morning weekends. Restrooms located sporadically near lifeguard towers and the main pier with more facilities lining off-beach commercial blocks.
For laid-back San Diego vibes and seriously immacive beachfront chill sessions, make tracks for Ocean Beach. Its four-mile sandy corridor delivers spectacular sunset views and bountiful space to spread out and unwind oceanside. Beachgoers mingle with free-spirited locals walking their dogs, tossing footballs and playing hacky-sack as reggae beats flow from beachfront bars.
Fuel up on avocado toast and kombucha at Wonderland Ocean Pub, grab fish tacos from OB Noodle House Bar 1502, then browse the street art and surf shops lining Newport Avenue. At the end of the day, watch the sky erupt in watercolor hues with new friends gathered around fire pits. Thanks to its welcoming spirit and quintessential California coastal identity, OB life captivates visitors hooked on that laid-back beach community atmosphere.
Torrey Pines State Beach
Name and Location: Below Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve overlooking steep sandstone cliffs, Torrey Pines State Beach extends over 2,000 feet between Del Mar and La Jolla just south of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon past Guy Fleming Trail.
History and Significance: Backed by rare Torrey pine trees clinging to eroded bluffs above, the beach’s unusual flat rock reef formations create tide pools harboring a wealth of marine organisms though strong rip currents warrant caution when exploring waters below the rugged cliffs hosting Torrey Pines Golf Course.
What to Expect: Hikers descend Guy Fleming Trail from the adjacent reserve to access the narrow shore boasting rocky intertidal zones harboring anemones, crabs and octopi during low tides while opportunities for surf fishing present along the waves below the towering sandstone bluffs prone to erosion over time.
Visitor Information: A state beach parking fee applies for roadside access during daylight hours. Exercise caution near cliff edges and use Guy Fleming Trail when visiting on foot. No lifeguard services offered with unpredictable ocean conditions.
With epic panoramas from sandstone cliffs to unspoiled stretches of sand, Torrey Pines State Beach wows SoCal beach buffs seeking both adventure and zen-like serenity by the sea. Hang gliders launch from the towering bluffs then soar dramatically above the beach below. Down on the sand, relax atop colorful beach towels and take in the stellar scenery of La Jolla coastline or migrate through sandstone caves carved out by the tides.
When hunger strikes, swap stories and bites over California burritos stuffed with carne asada, guacamole and all the fixings at Pacific Coast Grill. Reservations at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve allows further exploration of the rare pine forest and preserve backing this uniquely picturesque section of shoreline. With both rugged nature and modern comforts, Torrey Pines Beach promises a quintessential San Diego coastal experience beyond compare.
Silver Strand State Beach
Name and Location: Silver Strand State Beach spans over 2 miles of sand ebbs and tranquil waves across a barrier isthmus channel linking Coronado to Imperial Beach just south of San Diego Bay.
History and Significance: Part of the Silver Strand Training Complex for the Navy SEALs, the popular beach provides swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, lifeguard towers and campgrounds alongside scenic vistas across silver sands backed by elegant Coronado mansions.
What to Expect: Beachgoers swim, bodyboard and wade in the ocean lined by the Silver Strand boardwalk accessing restrooms, showers and picnic areas beside parking lots and lush green spaces with RV sites.
Visitor Information: The beach park is open daily sunrise to sunset. Aside from metered parking, entrance is free. Separate fees apply for camping and RV reservations through Reserve California.
This peaceful stretch of sand on the Coronado Island side of San Diego Bay blankets nearly three scenic miles, perfect for carefree days splashing about in the Pacific. Visitors flock here to bask beneath the rays then cool off bodysurfing along the gentle breakers.
Little ones dig endless holes and construct mighty sandcastles, while older kids try their hand hang gliding on the bay breeze or playing friendly games of beach volleyball. Enjoy picnic provisions from the Coronado Ferry Landing like loaded burgers from Bay Park Fish Company or smoothies from Juice Crafters. Locals know to arrive by 5pm to witness legendary sunsets over the Coronado Bridge’s intricate blue spires with views extending all the way to Point Loma. Thanks to the wide fine-grained beach, mild surf and golden hour magic, Silver Strand checks every box for an idyllic day of sun, surf and sand.
Del Mar Beach
Name and Location: Del Mar Beach runs over two miles long extending along Camino Del Mar from 15th Street south to Torrey Pines State Beach near the famed Del Mar Racetrack miles north of La Jolla Shores and south of Solana Beach centered around Seagrove Park.
History and Significance: Fronted by scenic sandstone bluffs with stair access, Del Mar Beach often draws families wading in tide pools and enjoying its wide sandy stretches popular for surfing and boogie boarding gently sloping waves bellow towering old homes dotting Del Mar’s scenic coastal headlands.
What to Expect: Beachgoers occupy sun-dappled sands while accessing rocky tide pools during low swells to observe aquatic life. Meanwhile surfers gravitate towards the beach’s north end to ride reforming waves breaking over inner sandbars south of 15th Street lifeguard tower near Seagrove Park.
Visitor Information: Over 1,600 metered parking spots available along Camino Del Mar supplanted by pay lots. Leashed dogs allowed 6pm to 9am in summer, 4pm to 9am fall through spring. Year-round tower guards.
This glamorous two-mile ribbon of sand neighboring the famous Del Mar Racetrack impresses jet-setters and racing enthusiasts alike. Beachgoers mingle stylishly under their parasols, then refuel with cocktails on the patio at Stratford Square along Camino Del Mar. Further north near the 15th Street Beach entrance, volleyball die-hards rally by the nets while families build epic sandcastles equipped with moats and tunnels galore.
At sundown, patrons spill out from bars and eateries to watch the sky shift brilliant hues over sand and surf. During summer, free family-friendly movie nights entertain beachgoers on the sand after recharging over tacos and Spanish rice from Red Tracton’s food truck nearby. Thanks to its high-energy yet refined ambiance and fantastic setting, Del Mar Beach promises visitors endless refinement and West Coast wonder.
Carlsbad State Beach
Name and Location: Carlsbad State Beach spans over 1 mile of shoreline along Carlsbad Boulevard inside Carlsbad Village sandwiched between coastal bluffs extending from La Costa Avenue down to Pine Street jetty across from Cannon Road.
History and Significance: Offering a gateway to the Pacific across North County San Diego, the family-friendly beach stayed spared from major resort and commercial developments leaving plenty of sand for boogie boarding, swimming and surf fishing beyond the wooden Tamarack Surf Break sign designating premier regional surf spots offshore.
What to Expect: Wide sandy beach favored by swimmers and beginners learning surf basics flock below the wooden Tamarack sign’s location known for long smooth rideable waves breaking over the gradual sandy underwater slope extending out from shore in best conditions attracting veteran longboarders nearby.
Visitor Information: Parking access from Carlsbad Blvd. or nearby Tamarack State Beach lots for $15 or free before 10am daily. Seasonal lifeguards stationed near sign’s marked waters. Leashed dogs allowed after 6pm, before 10am.
Flying under the radar of bigger named shores nearby, Carlsbad State Beach delivers expansive sand ideal peaceful oceanside decompression just north of Legoland. Families relish the calm waters perfect for kids to splash about safely along the shorebreak, while couples treasure the photogenic sunsets viewed from colorful beach chairs snuggled in the sand.
Beachgoers craving classic California fare wander to nearby Pizza Port for craft brews and cheesy slices, or Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar for ahi bowls layered with brown rice, avocado and fresh veggies. Thanks to ample parking, picnic tables and playground equipment set behind beachfront shrubbery, Carlsbad Beach offers family-friendly convenience without feeling overly crowded or touristy. So visitors desiring gorgeous sun-filled days in low key style need look no further than this North County haven.
Cardiff State Beach
Name and Location: Cardiff State Beach encompasses a mile of sandy surf along Ocean Street spanning south from Restaurant Row in Encinitas down to Swami’s renowned point break across San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds.
History and Significance: Offering convenient beach access off the Old Highway 101 corridor, Cardiff became known for its popular surf near Swami’s point break, tide pools and recreational amenities like basketball courts, playgrounds and lifeguard tower staffing during peak seasons thanks to its location nestled against surrounding bluffs.
What to Expect: Families spread blankets over the flat beach near Ocean Street access while friend groups toss footballs and ultimate frisbees across from roaring waves constantly being ridden by local surfers in wetsuits navigating between other watermen fishing San Elijo Lagoon’s outlet jetty.
Visitor Information: Year-round lifeguards near tower 2, public parking along Ocean Street access and seasonal amenities like outdoor showers, concessions available. Leashed dogs allowed before 10am, after 4pm in off-peak seasons with some area restrictions.
San Diego beach lovers wanting ample room to play fetch with their four-legged friends or set up lively lawn game tournaments with friends appreciate spread-out Cardiff State Beach. Its wide sandy shores extend for over a mile, bordered dramatically by soaring sandstone bluffs to the north and surf-friendly waves down south by the Cardiff Reef. Beach goers flock here with stand up paddleboards and boogie boards to ride the gentle breakers, then rinse off sandy feet at the outdoor showers.
Refuel on poking bowls, acai smoothies and cold-brew coffee from nearby VG Donut and Bakery or tacos stuffed with beer-battered fish or shrimp from cheeky food truck Chubby Cod. Then claim one of Cardiff’s signature vibrant beach fire pits to soak in brilliant sunsets before heading home already dreaming of returning again tomorrow.
Imperial Beach
Name and Location: Imperial Beach spans over 4 miles of shoreline extending south from the Silver Strand channel’s southern terminus down through the Tijuana Estuary sandwiched between Border Field State Park and Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach.
History and Significance: Once dominated by tuna fishing and clam harvesting tying the remote area to downtown San Diego, Imperial Beach rebranded as a budget-friendly seaside destination touting annual sandcastle contests and summer beach concerts while harboring stretches of undeveloped silver strands unique to Southern California.
What to Expect: Beachgoers occupy sleepy sands near lifeguard towers accessing border monuments obelisks while watching Navy helicopters touching down across the bay. Further south near estuary channels attracts clam diggers and coastal fishermen seeking bigger game like sharks and sting rays.
Visitor Information: Beach facilities like parking and Tower 15 concentrates near city park north of Pier Plaza street. Beach broadens remote further south with some access limitations around Navy airport zone prohibiting kites.
As the southernmost beach before crossing into Mexico, Imperial Beach offers vacationers mile after mile of spacious golden sand, gentle surf and killer sunset views. Beach cottages for rent along Seacoast Drive allow out-of-towners to fully immerse themselves in the quintessential SoCal beach lifestyle: waking up oceanfront, brunching barefoot on the sand, beachcombing, bonfiring and repeat.
Active visitors set out stand up paddleboarding through the waves, high tide permitting, or stake claims on distant sandbarsideal for whiling away afternoons in golden solitude. Come mealtimes, seaside eateries like Pier South and IB Fish Shop & Tiki Bar serve up fresh seafood tacos, bowls teeming with udon noodles and poke, icy margaritas and other fuel for beachside revelry from sunrise to sunset ad infinitum.
La Jolla Cove
Name and Location: La Jolla Cove sits tucked against towering sandstone cliffs on Coast Boulevard comprising one of the most picturesque shorelines and popular swimming coves along the San Diego County coastline.
History and Significance: Protected by Ellen Browning Scripps Park hedging the cliffside overlooking La Jolla Shores to the south, La Jolla Cove’s calm crescent-shaped sandy beach has drawn families and photographers for generations to enjoy its idyllic setting against jagged rocks frequented by barking sea lions.
What to Expect: Visitors lay out across the petite golden sands near La Jolla Cave Store accessing Sunny Jim’s sea cave arched entrance before kicking into the sheltered cove’s crystal waters swarming with brightness fish and garibaldi unmatched outside island shores.
Visitor Information: Free public parking off Coast Blvd fills quickly. Sea cave access involves climbing 140 stairs. Shoreline Trail connects parklands dotted with educational plaques decoding the sandstone topography and cliffs enclosing the cove below.
This rocky yet utterly scenic cove in the La Jolla neighborhood promises visitors one of Southern California’s most iconic beachbackdrops. Photographers flock to Capture Boomer Beach’s towering sandstone cliffs standing guard o’er a half-moon stretch of sand caressed by gently lapping waves. At low tide, natural tidal pools offer hours of exploration revealing an abundance of marine lifefrom anemones to crabs scuttling beneath boulders.
When the tide rises again, visitors flock up to Scripps Park topping the cliffs to soak in epic views of La Jolla Beach’s sweeping crescent sandscape down below. Come sundown, watch from cliffside benches aboveas the setting sun ignites the Pacific into brilliant bands of pink and tangerine. Then toast the stunning sunset spectaclewith craft brews from La Jolla Brewing Company just steps away.
Thanks to diversity ranging from bustling bayside beaches to remote rugged stretches of sand, San Diego spoils ocean lovers for choice when it comes to quintessential California waterfront bliss. Visitors find charm and adventure all along this sun-kissed coastline marked by staggering natural beauty, laidback welcoming vibes and the song of the rolling tide beckoning eternally.