15 Best Beaches in San Diego

Located Southwest of California, San Diego is an excellent beach destination. It boasts 70 miles of coastline with different varieties of beaches that offer a number of fun and adventurous activities. One must go to the beach when visiting San Diego. The city sees very little rain and always has average temperature, thus San Diego can be visited throughout the year. There are a lot of attractions which pull tourists to “America’s Finest City” and without doubt, the sunny beaches are one of the main reasons. Let’s take a look at the 15 of the best beaches of San Diego and what it has to offer.

Coronado Beach

Arguably the best and most famous beach in San Diego, the Coronado beach is a favourite place for all. Clear waters, breathtaking sunsets and glittering sand make this beach irresistible. Overlooking this magnificent view is the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where you can grab a drink and just be in the moment. The beach has four sections, Coronado City Beach, Glorietta Bay Park, Tidelands Park and Centennial Park. You can do all kinds of activities like Surfing, Paddleboard, Sunbathing, and Kite flying as well. Also, the northern part is open for pets to play on the shores. Coronado Beach is an ideal beach for all regardless of age and interest because you are guaranteed to have a fun time here.

La Jolla Shores

Another fun beach for all, La Jolla shores is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. You can explore the marine life at La Jolla Underwater Park by diving or snorkelling and if you feel like surfing also there are designated surfing areas as well. This family-friendly beach tends to be crowded, so make sure you ready early and grab the best spot.

Windansea Surf Beach

Located very near to La Jolla beach, the Windansea beach is a prime surfing location. This beach is famous for its rocky cliffs and famous shacks, the waves are ideal here which makes it a favourite beach for both experts and amateur surfers. But you have to be careful as Windansea is not your typical San Diego beach due to its rocky nature and it is advised not to let kids go into the waters unsupervised.

Also Read: Fun things to do in California

Pacific Beach

The Pacific Beach is one of San Diego’s best party beaches. The beach is always packed with an energetic crowd, both day and night. Cool and happening clubs, designated surfing areas and a beautiful 4-mile Esplanade make it a popular spot, especially for youngsters. Families can relax at the Crystal Pier and enjoy a beautiful day in the sun. Bonfires at night are a regular sight at the beach.

Imperial Beach

The Southernmost Beach in San Diego, Imperial Beach is another must-see beach. This one is famous for the variety of birds and is a prime bird-watching location. Imperial Beach is family-friendly, and also offers surfing and fishing as well. The Beach is almost packed all year.

Silver Strand Beach

Aptly named, this beautiful beach is a favourite one for swimmers, surfers, kayakers, etc. The white sand beach is located between Imperial Beach and Coronado Beach. Silver Strand is also a location for RV camping on the oceanfront, families park their RVs and cook up a barbeque looking at the picturesque sunset. Take a stroll in the waters and you can collect beautiful shells as well.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is totally a different beach out all the beaches in San Diego. Located near to the Pacific Beach, this beach has the Belmont amusement park right next to it. Mission Beach is ideal for family and especially for kids as they would have a whole day of fun and exciting activities. As for the adults, the beach has numerous bars and clubs and a very happening nightlife too.

Cardiff State Beach

Located north of San Diego County, Cardiff state beach is one of the best spots for surfing and swimming. This beach is more popular among the surfing community, especially Cardiff Reef attracts a lot of surfers. You can have a great view of surfers catching waves along Highway 101.

Del Mar City Beach

A perfectly family-friendly beach, the Del Mar City Beach is almost 2 miles long. This beach is wide and has Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park right next to it, which are the perfect locations for family gatherings, picnics etc. The North Beach next to Del Mar beach is dog friendly, you can have a great day out with your dog there. The southern part of the beach is not very accessible due to the landscape and tidepools.

Torrey Pines State Beach

The Torrey Pines State Beach is just north of La Jolla and has two sections. It has the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Park, just above the beach, and the park ends on a cliff with the waves slowly touching the bottom. You can plan out an entire day’s activities here, either on the long white sands sunbathing or swimming in the sea. One can also take a hike in the Natural Reserve as there are guided tours, mainly on weekends.

Black’s Beach

Now, this is a unique beach in San Diego County, as it is a clothing-optional beach. Black’s Beach has stunning views and a perfect surfing point as well. Situated near to the Torrey Pines and La Jolla shores, people come here for a relaxing time under the sun. Being one of the lesser crowded beaches in San Diego, Black’s beach is calm and quiet.

Solana Beach

You have to head on North of San Diego to find this amazing beach. Solana Beach is not easily accessible to tourists, and you can see a good number of locals here. When you go a little farther to the north you can reach the Seaside which is a fantastic surfing site.

Also Read: USA Travel Blog

Carlsbad Beach

Carlsbad Beach is another low-key yet exquisite beach which does not have very large crowds. But this beach offers excellent diving spots, very good water for surfing and so on. The beach has plenty of adventure activities to offer and you can even set up your tent and stay overnight on the Southern side of the beach.

Moonlight Beach

Onto the North of Cardiff, Moonlight beach is about half an hour drive from San Diego. The waters are so calm and warm and it has all the right elements for a fun family day, including picnic tables, playgrounds and very good bathroom facilities as well. Kids will have a busy day running around and playing in the sand and water. Due to its popularity among families, on a sunny day, the beach tends to get filled real quick, make sure you reach early and pick a nice spot.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is your best pet-friendly beach in all of San Diego. You can take your furry friends to have a great day at this long white sand beach. Head over to the Ocean Pier and enjoy the picturesque view of the ocean, make sure to grab a bite from the numerous taco stands and other street foods. Also, make sure you follow the lifeguard instructions while going for a swim, as the beach has dangerous currents.

Can’t wait to see the Golden State and its amazing beaches? Visit San Diego for the best beaches in the state of California where you will be spoilt for choice and yes don’t forget to pack your beachwear too. Check out Packages to the USA. Did you know that you can customize your USA vacation?? Head over to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning. Also, download the Pickyourtrail app and get your travel queries answered by the Customer Happiness Team. You can also Whatsapp our travel experts, we are at your service.