10 Best Beaches In San Diego

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San Diego, California is the 8th most populous city in the United States for a reason.

Over 1.3 million people live there, in part because of its great reputation.

The people are known for being friendly and there’s a family atmosphere.

It’s ranked the 2nd cleanest city in the country, there are gorgeous beaches (more on that later), and it boasts one of the best climates in the world, with the average temperature hovering around 70 degrees.

The city borders Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

While the suburban neighborhoods are cool oases for families, you are just steps from a vibrant downtown that has everything you need and more.

The various sections of San Diego’s downtown include its very own Little Italy and East Village, which mirror New York City‘s versions.

There’s the Seaport village, the Asian Diego Zoo, tons of museums, and historic buildings.

Upscale boutiques and affordable shops happily co-exist among the many restaurants and bars, to make it a great place to spend the day.

Let’s not forget Balboa Park and the Padres baseball team.

The largest employer in the port city is the US Navy.

The base itself is the 2nd largest in the United States.

There’s also Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base that calls San Diego home.

With all the military personnel stationed here, it’s hard not to feel safe.

Honestly, you should.

San Diego is the safest city of its size.

While it’s a big city, San Diego also has the largest number of farms in the country with 7,000.

They are the nation’s largest producer of avocados as well.

Now, what about those gorgeous beaches?

Read on to learn more about what may be the best places to visit in San Diego.

10 Best Beaches In San Diego

10. Pacific Beach – San Diego, California

Pacific Beach is an uncrowded, clean, family beach.

It offers beautiful views of the coast and amazing sunsets.

Walk out on the pier to whale watch or do some fishing.

The water is warm and great for paddle boarding, swimming, and windsurfing.

Bathrooms and showers are available, along with an abundance of eateries and shops on the boardwalk that is just behind the sand.

9. Oceanside Beach – San Diego, California

Another family favorite, Oceanside, is particularly popular with military families as the Marine base is nearby.

The water is clean and clear, and the sand is just right for building castles.

A historic pier juts out into the Pacific and houses an amphitheater and cottages for rent.

Amenities include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, and fire rings.

Rocky jetties allow for climbing, lying out in the sun, or searching for marine life.

Be sure to visit Grave’s house, the mansion featured in the classic film Top Gun.

8. Ocean Beach – San Diego, California

Known as “Hippie beach”, this very laidback stretch of sand is excellent for college students or anyone who enjoys a quirky, bohemian beach experience.

The beach and surrounding area are strewn with artists selling their wares, and the grassy area behind the beach often serves as an impromptu stage for amateur acrobats, musicians, and more.

It’s a great place for a dip in the ocean. Surfers even have their area by the pier, where you can fish as well.

There’s a section for dogs to run and play in the water.

Restrooms and showers are available.

Right off the beach, you’ll find burger and taco places, a local brewery, and a farmer’s market.

7. Mission Beach – San Diego, California

If you’re looking for a great beach, coupled with an exciting boardwalk, look no further than Mission Beach.

The sand is soft and the crashing waves are stunning.

The water is fabulous for frolicking, boogie boarding, and surfing.

On the boardwalk, you’ll find joggers and skateboarders doing their thing.

There’s a bunch of food choices, shops, and entertainment.

The Belmont Amusement Park is at the end of the boardwalk and is a must-visit for kids of all ages.

There’s free parking in the park, and the beach is easy to access from there.

6. La Jolla Beach – San Diego, California

When we envision the classic California beach, with sloping dunes, jetties, and gentle waves, we’re picturing La Jolla.

This postcard-worthy beach is great for everyone.

Visitors and locals alike can learn to surf and kayak.

The clear blue water is perfect for a swim or for kids to play at the water’s edge.

There is a grassy area for picnics, there is a playground for the kids, water sports, and tons of bars and restaurants right off the beach.

The Scripps pier welcomes fishermen, people looking for a stroll, or anyone wanting to watch the sunset.

Restrooms and showers are available.

5. Imperial Beach – San Diego, California

Bring the kids and their beach toys to this family-friendly spot.

The water quality is fantastic here and everyone can enjoy the waves throughout the day.

The historic wooden pier is a great place to fish, hang out, or take a short walk. Just off the beach, you’ll find your choice of eateries, from upscale to fast food.

It’s the perfect place to put up an umbrella and relax the day away.

4. Moonlight Beach – San Diego, California

Looking for a beach that has pretty much everything for everyone, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is for you.

Besides the beautiful surf and soft, white sand, you’ll enjoy many amenities.

There are restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, picnic areas, concession stands, chair rentals, a playground, and free parking.

Tots and teens alike will be entertained, while you can relax and enjoy a book or just watch the waves.

3. Del Mar Beach – San Diego, California

Del Mar means “from the sea“, and it’s a sight worth seeing.

It’s one of the best-kept secrets of the San Diego coastline.

Mingle with friendly locals, their dogs (it’s the only official dog beach), and surfers.

Restrooms, snack shacks, and showers are available.

Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season.

Be sure to visit the Scripps Bluff Preserve that overlooks the beach.

It offers breathtaking views and gorgeous, lush foliage.

2. Torrey Pines Beach – San Diego, California

Torrey Pines Beach is part of the state park system, so the beach is well-maintained and pristine.

It’s a great place to spend the day and use the beach as a base camp.

Go for a dip in the water and soak up some sun for a while.

Then go for a hike along the trails to view the rare Torrey pine trees.

Watch as hang gliders take off from the amazing cliffs at the back of the beach, or take a guided tour.

Bathrooms and showers are available, but you’ll need to bring your food and water.

There’s even a lovely lagoon that’s great for younger children to swim in.

1. Carlsbad Beach – San Diego, California

For the best California beach experience in San Diego, a visit to Carlsbad Beach is in order.

Visitors can sunbathe, surf, do yoga on the beach, swim, kayak, play volleyball, bike on the trail, or just hang around on the sand.

The atmosphere is laid back and friendly.

It’s the perfect getaway for everyone.

There’s a small lot where parking is free, otherwise, you’ll need to find a side street and walk a bit, but the scenery and serenity are well worth a few extra steps.

Just a short stroll away from the beach is Carlsbad village, where there are very nice boutiques, delicious restaurants, and bars.

San Diego Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: San Diego Safety Review

Safety Index:

67

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
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• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW