San Diego is a good looking metropolis in southern California, and in case you are in search of sandy seashores, you might be in for a severe deal with. The complete San Diego County area is blessed with beautiful seashore selections, that are in full swing all 12 months spherical, due to the nice and cozy local weather. Visiting any of the San Diego seashores is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in the town. While it’s undoubtedly filled with tradition, with tons of fabulous museums and historic sights, San Diego’s seashore scene is what makes it so spectacular and considered one of California’s high cities. Choosing between the most effective seashores in San Diego is a particular problem – whether or not you decide Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores Beach we will assure you gained’t be dissatisfied.
Best Beaches in San Diego
This information will introduce you to the most effective seashores in San Diego – the true showstoppers. Whether you need to tread the hallowed floor outdoors Hotel Coronado or head to extra distant state parks for a quiet seashore expertise, a San Diego seashore will swimsuit you. Let’s sift by means of your high choices and discover you a sandy seashore that’s proper up your alley.
1. Ski Beach Park
Ski Beach Park is a good looking spot with an island vibe that’s arduous to withstand for a quiet seashore day. The seashore is in a spacious park with beautiful views of the Mission Bay space and lengthy white sands. The complete ‘island’ the Ski Beach Park sits on is linked to the mainland by bridges, and one of the best ways to achieve Ski Beach Park is by automobile or public transport. It is massively widespread amongst San Diego locals and a hotspot for joggers and households seeking to benefit from the playground and picnic tables. With shallow waters and calm waves, additionally it is the right spot for a quiet swim.
Ski Beach Park is close to the amusement park SeaWorld San Diego. Since it’s only a quick drive away, it’s a nice attraction to mix with a seashore day. We love Ski Beach Park’s laidback vibe; it’s the very best spot for healthful household time, a quiet jog, or sunbathing with a ebook.
Where to Stay: Paradise Point Resort & Spa
2. Bermuda Beach
Bermuda Beach is someplace to move at low tide – its Bermuda identify is kind of ironic because it virtually totally disappears at excessive tide. When you catch it at low tide, this little seashore is the final word spot for a fast sunbathing and native environment. Bermuda Beach doesn’t have the clamor of main seashores like Coronado Beach. Instead, it affords a quiet place to recuperate earlier than returning to busy San Diego.
The best option to attain Bermuda Beach from central San Diego is to drive, which takes simply quarter-hour. Otherwise, you may catch the bus in 45 minutes. It is situated in a suburban and residential space close to Sunset Cliffs and the Ocean Beach neighborhoods.
Where to Stay: Samesun Ocean Beach
3. Kellogg Beach
Kellogg Beach completely suits that cliché phrase ‘hidden gem’. This small seashore is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in San Diego if you need a extra off-the-beaten-track seashore day, and if you happen to go to at low tide, you’ll nonetheless discover loads of room to your seashore towel. Kellogg Beach is a dreamy spot to observe the close by sailboats. While there are cleaner seashore waters to swim in, Kellogg Beach is extra a spot to take a scenic and peaceable stroll. Kellogg Beach is good for a quiet seashore to discover whereas having non-public conversations with fellow vacationers.
Street parking round Kellogg Beach can get busy, so visiting outdoors peak occasions is greatest. You also can entry the seashore by kayak or paddleboard, which is one thing to contemplate in case you are already in watersports in San Diego. Otherwise, it’s only a 20-minute drive from San Diego’s metropolis middle.
Where to Stay: Seaside Point Loma Home
4. Border Field State Park Beach
Border Field State Park Beach is a good looking seashore to go to but additionally an important seashore for endangered chicken conservation. The seashore is a hotspot for picnickers and hikers who discover the dunes and maintain sharp eyes out for resident and visiting birds. Alternatively, you may ebook a seashore horseback driving expertise with native stables close by. Border Field State Park Beach is a spot for immersing your self in nature, wildlife, and conservation. We love the choice for horseback driving, too, which is only a serene option to high off a visit to an already memorable seashore.
It is simply half-hour from San Diego by automobile to achieve Border Field State Beach. It isn’t fairly accessible by public transport except you get an Uber or Lyft for the final a part of the way in which, so this is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in San Diego for these with entry to vehicles throughout their keep.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Imperial Beach
5. Central Beach
Central Beach is a compact 1.5-mile adjoining seashore subsequent to the well-known Coronado Beach. It is equally busy and ‘alive’ as Coronado Beach, with a barely much less well-known attraction. Central Beach is the place to go for a preferred seashore day expertise with all of the services you can ask for, together with lifeguard supervision, fireplace rings, and out of doors showers. People head to Central Beach to swim, surf, and sunbathe, and it offers a closely supervised all-rounder seashore day. It is the type of seashore that will get urged when planning a seashore hangout. We discovered its sociable environment and regular reputation spectacular, bagging it a spot on this record. There’s free and virtually limitless road parking – an enormous win. Central Beach can also be simply half-hour away by bus from central San Diego.
Where to Stay: Cherokee Lodge
6. Mission Beach Park
This information covers two ‘Mission Beach’ selections: South Mission Beach and Mission Beach Park. Mission Beach Park is the north seashore choice and one of many prettiest San Diego seashores, providing exclusive-looking vacation properties alongside its shores and cute unbiased memento outlets. Mission Beach Park is good if you need a stylish seashore day expertise from San Diego and easy accessibility to Mission Bay.
Mission Beach Park is a Pacific seashore opening onto the attractive Pacific Ocean. However, you may as well detour from Mission Beach Park to the water sports activities actions on Mission Bay. Mission Bay is an actual journey hub, and you may rent boats or jet skis to discover this inland space. By selecting the north finish of Mission Beach, you will have very easy entry to those Mission Bay watersports. Plus, it’s simply quarter-hour away from the town middle and has an actual seashore city vibe.
Where to Stay: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
7. Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach is without doubt one of the most spacious San Diego seashores, so that is your spot if you need a quiet expertise in San Diego County. It can also be one of many few San Diego seashores that gives RV tenting, which is a pleasant contact for anybody wanting an in a single day seashore expertise. Keep your eyes peeled for sand {dollars} and stingrays, too, which frequent the shores.
Silver Strand State Beach is simply 25 minutes from San Diego’s metropolis middle by automobile or 50 minutes by bus. It is our high suggestion if you wish to check out RV tenting or go attempting to find sand {dollars}.
Where to Stay: Loews Coronado Bay Resort
8. Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is without doubt one of the most spacious seashore locations you may decide close to San Diego. Pacific Beach is lined with seashore bars and eating places, and regardless of its lengthy sands, it seems like an actual hub in its group. There’s at all times a little bit of buzz at Pacific Beach. The Ocean Front Walk promenade is at all times busy with joggers, canine walkers, and the odd straying sightseer that managed to stumble out of San Diego. Pacific Beach is spacious and enjoyable. And there’s Crystal Pier to take pleasure in as nicely, which is massively widespread amongst fishing lovers.
To attain Pacific Beach, it’s only a 20-minute drive from the middle of San Diego, or round 50 minutes by public transport. Pacific Beach is a superb spot to expertise life outdoors Downtown San Diego and immerse your self in suburban life in southern California. If you want browsing, Pacific Beach can also be a best choice, and you could find loads of surf rental outlets to seize some gear for a day. There are additionally volleyball courts on the south finish of the seashore – Pacific Beach is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in San Diego if you happen to love seashore sports activities and actions.
Where to Stay: Tower 23 Hotel
9. South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach is a surprising gray seashore, and regardless of being one of many furthest seashores away from San Diego’s metropolis middle, it’s nicely price the additional effort and 30-minute drive. South Carlsbad State Beach is accessed by way of a flight of aesthetic picket stairs and is steadily voted as one of many cleanest seashores to go to in San Diego. This San Diego seashore can also be widespread amongst surfers and robust swimmers who really feel snug tackling semi-challenging waves. It is a laidback and pleasant spot, with loads of road parking and house to calm down and revel in your self.
For us, South Carlsbad State Beach is definitely the most effective San Diego seashores. If you don’t have a rental automobile, you may go to simply utilizing public transport. It takes round an hour and quarter-hour.
Where to Stay: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa
10. Moonlight State Beach
Moonlight State Beach is stuffed with services. This San Diego seashore has its personal volleyball courts and tennis courts, out of doors showers, a snack bar, and leisure gear leases. If you might be a type of beachgoers who likes actions at hand, Moonlight State Beach is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in San Diego. Most of San Diego’s seashores have some services and leisure, however what’s distinctive about Moonlight State Beach is how every little thing is collectively. The compact seashore scene is all about enjoyable and easygoing leisure – exactly what it is advisable let your hair down after extra severe sightseeing.
Moonlight State Beach is simply an hour from San Diego metropolis middle by public transport, so it’s possible if you happen to don’t hire a automobile. This happy-go-lucky sandy seashore is a perfect spot for a enjoyable time out, and it’s glorious for anybody who desires an energetic seashore day.
Where to Stay: Inn at Moonlight Beach
11. San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre Beach is located in a good looking 3,000-acre state park, that means you may instantly entry miles upon miles of scenic climbing trails, and the seashore has an remoted appeal. It is absolutely widespread amongst walkers, sunbathers, and surfers. Be ready for a brief hike to achieve San Onofre Beach, however while you get there, you’ll be rewarded tenfold by towering cliffs that create a very dramatic seashore scene. Surfers ought to observe that that is usually extra of a longboard fashion of seashore, and everybody ought to look into the browsing historical past of San Onofre Beach to grasp the seashore’s tradition earlier than visiting. Make certain to remain for sundown, too, which is notoriously lovely.
Reaching San Onofre Beach is a prolonged hour-long drive from central San Diego. It takes manner too lengthy for the common traveler to deal with on public transport, so we’d suggest it for these with entry to vehicles solely. The drive is scenic, although, and also you’ll be hugging the northern shoreline with loads of alternatives to cease at oceanfront cities and cities. You can simply mix it with a detour to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center. If you take pleasure in street journeys, bookmark San Onofre Beach to your San Diego itinerary. For a extra adventurous expertise, keep in a single day at San Mateo Campground. Who wants a seashore city when you will have a coastal campsite to name residence in a single day?
Where to Stay: San Clemente Inn
12. Law Street Beach
Law Street Beach is a beautiful seashore north of San Diego, scenically backed by grassy parkland and an space of cliffs. It is a group seashore and very widespread amongst joggers and teams doing yoga at dawn and sundown. Law Street Beach has that steadiness between serenity and buzz that appeals to vacationers wanting a extra genuine seashore day expertise. There can also be lifeguard supervision, which makes browsing and swimming right here a lot safer than at different unsupervised seashores. And there’s even a ramp for extra accessible seashore entry.
Law Street Beach is a pleasant place to decide on for a seashore day from San Diego. You can absorb the group vibes or get entangled. There are a great deal of free yoga lessons that you may be part of, so verify what’s on. Law Street Beach is simply 20 minutes away from central San Diego by automobile or 50 minutes by public transport, so you may simply attain this seashore spot regardless.
Where to Stay: Pacific Terrace Hotel
13. Black’s Beach
Black’s Beach is well-known amongst locals, a lot of whom giggle concerning the truth it’s a nude seashore – that means beachgoers abide by a clothing-optional coverage. The seashore is secluded in Torrey Pines State Park and is simply accessible by a climbing path, so it has an remoted really feel. Black’s Beach is good if you happen to fancy embracing a extra pure manner of sunbathing and beachgoing. It can also be stunningly backed by some awe-inspiring cliffs and ridges. While not family-friendly, it’s very best for adults who need to expertise a nude seashore and revel in a hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. There’s additionally paragliding overhead, which is entertaining to observe.
The designated parking space close to Black’s Beach is 25 minutes from the town middle or an hour by public transport. It is a reasonably simple journey. Just come ready for parking and state park entry charges.
Where to Stay: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
14. Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach is a southern seashore located just below San Diego Bay and nearer to the Tijuana border. It has a traditional seashore attraction, with Imperial Beach Pier reducing an aesthetic architectural look and offering a superb, much-used place for fishing. This is a relaxing spot with many native seashore bars and eating places to hop alongside while you tire of laying on the seashore. The most pleasure at Imperial Beach is the occasional army helicopter flying over to land on the close by base. It is a minimal-effort choice to chill and benefit from the south coast of San Diego.
Imperial Beach is simply 25 minutes south of the town middle by automobile, or you may take the tram and bus in a 50-minute journey on public transport. For us, it epitomizes that laidback seashore city tradition, and it’s a stress-free place to spend a couple of hours outdoors of busy central San Diego. It can also be near the Tijuana River National Estuary reserve, which is a fairly attraction to mix with a go to to Imperial Beach. The protect is a distinction to San Diego’s extensive sandy seashores and offers you with an perception into protected marshlands and wildlife with particular trails.
Where to Stay: Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection
15. Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff State Beach is a protected seashore, and it’s simple to see why. This San Diego seashore is serene, with extensive sands and fairly calm waters. Its spaciousness is ideal for these wanting a seashore day to take pleasure in their very own firm and ideas. Equally, it’s very best for the extra energetic beachgoer and has the size to draw these wanting an extended seashore stroll. If you time your go to with low tide, you may see some spectacular tide swimming pools whereas strolling Cardiff State Beach. Make certain to totally recognize San Elijo State Marine Conservation Area earlier than returning to San Diego.
Cardiff State Beach’s protected standing is nice to see. Its peaceable high quality can also be sensible for guests wanting a distinction from the hectic nature of inner-city San Diego. It is simply half-hour away from the town middle by automobile or an hour by public transport.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Encinitas Cardiff Beach Area
16. Solana Beach
Solana Beach Country Park is unproblematic and spacious, with clear sands and walkable environment. Solana Beach is a dependable alternative if you happen to fancy a leisurely time out. You can entry many seashore trails if you wish to stroll, tide swimming pools to peek at with young children, and plenty of outlets and eating places alongside its shoreline. Solana Beach is a beautiful seashore and has a superb space for retail remedy while you’ve stuffed your seashore day bucket.
Solana Beach wins our suggestion as some of the stress-free seashores in San Diego. Its unshakable environment is an actual plus for anybody desirous to unplug. It is a bit of farther from the town middle if you happen to drive, taking half-hour by automobile. But you may take the direct prepare to the seashore in simply 50 minutes. Solana Beach Country Park is a wonderful concept for a seashore day you may journey to by prepare.
Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach, Solana Beach
17. Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is that seashore in San Diego. Chances are you’ve already heard of this well-known spot, which is greatest identified due to Hotel del Coronado. This lodge was opened in 1888 and has hosted many celebrities, together with Marilyn Monroe. It has additionally been used as a filming location in many motion pictures, which is probably going why you acknowledge its terracotta-colored turrets. On Coronado Beach, you will have beautiful views of the well-known lodge and an actual buzz. The seashore is widespread for sunbathers, swimmers, and sunbathers. If you get fortunate, you may as well spot dolphins, and it isn’t exceptional for swimmers to search out themselves by chance swimming with these lovely marine animals.
The seashore is only a 15-minute drive from San Diego’s metropolis middle however equally a 35-minute breeze by bus. We suggest utilizing public transport, as road parking might be difficult.
Where to Stay: Hotel Marisol Coronado
18. Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach is without doubt one of the prettiest seashores in San Diego and is backed by a serene pine forest nature reserve. For a peaceable seashore day amidst nature, you may’t beat Torrey Pines State Beach, and if you happen to love climbing in nature greater than a promenade of seashore bars, that is the seashore for you. The seashore cliffs are equally spectacular, and safety-wise, the lifeguard presence is a plus for solo vacationers nonetheless desirous to take pleasure in extra distant seashores. There are additionally restrooms and out of doors showers – at all times a superb comfort.
Torrey Pines State Beach will get some severe brownie factors for its pine forest and cliff views. It is half-hour away from San Diego’s metropolis middle, and if you happen to get fortunate, you could spot dolphins or bobcats inside the state park boundaries.
Where to Stay: San Diego Marriott del Mar
19. Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach City Beach is the place to be in the stylish suburb of Ocean Beach. You head down Newport Avenue and entry the seashore off Orchard Avenue. It is a particular browsing seashore with tough seas unsuitable for swimmers. The lifeguards are at all times readily available for surfers who get into problem, however non-surfers ought to as an alternative take pleasure in sunbathing in tide swimming pools and seashore walks. This sandy seashore is a peaceable little sunbathing spot very best for these wanting a handy suburban seashore day. And at sundown, Ocean Beach City Beach is simply dreamy.
Ocean Beach City Beach is simply quarter-hour away from central San Diego by automobile. However, public transport is the best option to attain this seashore when contemplating site visitors congestion and parking points. It is simply 45 minutes by bus while you take the 923 from the town middle – no parking dramas essential. Ocean Beach City Beach stands out for its suburban surfer attraction, and we additionally actually just like the tide pooling alternatives, which assist maintain non-surfers entertained.
Where to Stay: Blue Heron Cottages
20. La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores Beach is simply a mile lengthy, but that is simply the most effective seashores in San Diego. La Jolla Shores Beach is legendary for its lovable resident sea lions and unbelievable water sports activities actions. This sandy seashore has a everlasting lifeguard tower and is famend for scuba diving classes and kayaking experiences. You can sunbathe on the shores, meet and greet sea lions (from a good distance), kayak to La Jolla Cove, or scuba dive in the La Jolla Underwater Park. La Jolla Shores Beach ticks many containers and is thrilling to visit- particularly if you wish to be taught scuba diving or see sea lions.
La Jolla Shores is simply half-hour to drive from San Diego to La Jolla Shores Beach or 1 hour and 20 minutes by public transport. It is straightforward to see why individuals love this seashore. And whichever of La Jolla’s actions you select, you’ll have a memorable seashore day expertise.
Where to Stay: Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton
21. South Mission Beach
South Mission Beach is a well-liked choice amongst the most effective seashores in San Diego. It is your typical seashore vacation spot, with outlets, eating places, and bike paths lining its shores. South Mission Beach is the type of place you head for a packed day of seashore actions and sunbathing earlier than a night meal out. The boardwalk can also be a surprising place to walk alongside, and also you profit from lifeguard supervision safety-wise. South Mission Beach is a good looking spot, and if you happen to like a resort-style vacation environment, it actually has that traditional seashore vacation spot attract. And you must recognize the beautiful views of the Entrance Channel and Mariners Basin. Mission Beach is straightforward to take pleasure in, which is a giant a part of why we had so as to add it to this record.
South Mission Beach is situated close to Belmont Park and Mission Bay Park, so there are many inexperienced house areas that you may escape to for some shade. It can also be only a 20-minute drive from San Diego metropolis middle or an hour by public transport.
Where to Stay: Bahia Resort Hotel
22. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is the place San Diego channels Algarve inspiration. There’s even a sea cave, very like the Benagil Cave, with lovely arches and stacks alongside the cliffs. You can stroll the beautiful clifftop path, climb stairs to achieve the seashores at alternating factors, and revel in Pacific Ocean views. You can spot cliff jumpers tackling leaps into the ocean beneath if you happen to’re fortunate. The park obtained its identify from its lovely views at sundown, and it’s a massively widespread place to take pleasure in a night stroll. It is hardly a secret, however we couldn’t go away it out of this information as it’s a widespread pure attraction in San Diego.
The greatest option to attain Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is by automobile, simply 20 minutes from the town middle. You also can attain Sunset Cliffs Natural Park by public transport in underneath 1.5 hours. You’ll possible discover it extra handy to journey there by automobile, particularly if you happen to goal for sundown.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
23. Tourmaline Beach
Tourmaline Beach is a good looking seashore far too usually neglected in San Diego. Backed by cliffs, it creates a remote-feeling environment regardless of being situated in the busy suburbs and residential areas round Bird Rock. Tourmaline Beach is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in San Diego if you happen to like browsing, and it additionally has out of doors showers and restroom services. Just bear in mind that road parking might be restricted and that Tourmaline Beach will get fairly widespread – learn: packed – in peak occasions. It is the native place to go, so anticipate crowds at occasions like sizzling weekends.
To attain Tourmaline Beach, it’s simply 20 minutes by automobile from central San Diego or an hour on public transport, utilizing the bus and tram. It earned a spot on this record due to its glorious browsing, particularly for longboarders. It can also be one of many extra handy seashores in San Diego to go to, only a quick distance away and with loads of services.
Where to Stay: Opal Oasia
24. Dog Beach
Dog Beach’s identify is extra simple than you assume. This San Diego seashore is dog-friendly and a chosen off-leash space for canine walkers to unleash their pups. If you might be touring to San Diego with a canine, Dog Beach is considered one of your solely seashore choices – so, fortunately, it’s a lovely setting and simply accessible from the town middle. But even if you happen to aren’t, canine lovers will love the environment at Dog Beach. Throw down a seashore towel you aren’t too treasured about and prepare to fulfill a lot of excitable canine. Dog Beach has a superb environment. It is without doubt one of the solely San Diego seashores to embrace a dog-friendly seashore house absolutely. Everything from the pawprint signal on the seashore entry level to all of the wagging tails makes this an important addition to our widespread seashores. Dog Beach is dreamy if you happen to like lengthy sandy seashores.
To attain Dog Beach, it’s quarter-hour from central San Diego by automobile or 50 minutes by bus, with a 10-minute stroll afterward. The seashore is in the Ocean Beach neighborhood, proper subsequent to the beautiful Entrance Channel, so prepare for scenic views.
Where to Stay: Ocean Villa Inn
Best Beaches in San Diego: FAQs
So, there’s little doubt that you’re as much as scratch on the most effective seashores in San Diego. Hopefully, you now have a handful of seashore day concepts that swimsuit you as a person. All of those San Diego seashores are nicely price a go to – it’s only a case of attempting to squeeze probably the most appropriate right into a restricted itinerary. If you haven’t selected the size of your journey to San Diego already, take into account staying no less than three to 4 days so you may see a couple of totally different seashores. Before you do get planning, although, let’s break down the most typical FAQs.
Where is the prettiest seashore in San Diego?
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has the prettiest seashores in San Diego. You can discover seashores undersea caves – very like the Algarve’s Benagil Cave – and numerous sundown and dawn viewpoints.
What seashore in San Diego has the cleanest water?
Carlsbad State Beach could be a 30-minute drive north of San Diego, however the journey is worth it because it has some of the clean-rated waters in the area.
What is the most well-liked seashore in San Diego?
Coronado Beach is the most well-liked seashore alternative in San Diego. The well-known Hotel Coronado attracts crowds of vacationers, and the seashore has widespread volleyball courts and browsing situations.
What is probably the most walkable seashore in San Diego?
Bermuda Beach is without doubt one of the smallest seashores in San Diego and is, subsequently, extremely walkable. In phrases of boardwalks, Mission Beach has some of the lovely boardwalks for seashore walks.
You can see why so many individuals flock from LA to San Diego on a day journey; these greatest seashores in San Diego are heavenly. You might spot sea lions or ebook a scuba diving lesson at Jolla Shores. Alternatively, you can surf at Imperial Beach or go for a sundown fishing session off Imperial Beach Pier. That’s to not point out all of the seashore bars at the most effective San Diego Beaches. This metropolis is spoiled for alternative in the case of seashore day choices. And to spend a day alongside the Pacific Ocean shoreline; it is a lovely spot in southern California.
Are you planning to go to San Diego for longer than only a day? Perfect. The metropolis is good for a 3 to four-day break, and we’ve obtained a whole information on the greatest locations to remain in phrases of neighborhoods and lodges. Maximize your journey with the right base in San Diego and have an exquisite time experiencing its lovely seashore scene.