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Ocean Beach, CA 92107 Back to top
The beachfront neighborhood of Ocean Beach is a thriving area. The main business area of Newport Avenue is still dominated by local independent businesses and has restaurants, coffee houses, bars, bike and surf shops, and an international youth hostel, to name but a few attractions. There's also a fascinating antique district and famous local events include the Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chilli Cook-off in late June and a jazz festival in late September.
Driving Directions
Take the 8 FWY west to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and turn right on West Point Loma Blvd.
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La Jolla Beaches > La Jolla Reefs, CA 92037 Back to top
The beaches of La Jolla have it all, alternating rugged and sandy coast line, surfing spots, even wild seal congregations. Considering the natural beauty of the place it's no surprise that La Jolla was one of the first parts of San Diego to have permanent settlers.
Driving
Directions
From the northbound 5 FWY exit La Jolla Parkway west to La Jolla Shores Drive. From the southbound 5 FWY exit La Jolla Village Drive west, then left on Torrey Pines Road to La Jolla Shores Drive. Turn left at Avenida De La Playa, right on Camino Del Oro two blocks to Kellogg Park.
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Torrey Pines State Beach and Park, CA 92037 Back to top
This beach is everything a Californian beach should be, picturesque and great for surfing. In fact, the beach is a local favorite with surfers and boasts waves ranging from low 3-footer's to the high 6-8 footer's.
Driving Directions
From the 5 FWY exit Carmel Valley Road west to Torrey Pines Road south (aka Pacific Coast Highway). There are four parking options. The first is the large-capacity lot on the left side of Carmel Valley just before reaching the coast. Option two is the roadside parking along the southbound shoulder of PCH. Options three and four are both within the State Park at the south end of the beach. An entrance fee ($4.00 per vehicle) is collected at the gate which is open from 8am until sunset daily. The lower, beach level lot is directly beyond the gate, with additional parking around the park headquarters and trailheads at the top end of the road.
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Pacific Beach, CA 92109 Back to top
Pacific beach is a fun neighborhood just south of La Jolla. Pacific Beach is popular with surfers and college students though more professional and affluent residents are moving in slowly due to rising housing costs. Perhaps predictably, considering the residents, the area has a thriving nightlife with numerous bars caf�s and eateries. The beaches and boardwalks are also thriving with activity.
Driving
Directions
From the 5 FWY take Garnet Avenue west all the way to Mission Blvd.
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Coronado Municipal Beach, CA 92118 Back to top
Coronado truly is one of America's finest beaches. Like many beaches in San Diego it's wide clean and family-friendly, though what really sets it apart from its competitors is the idyllic community of Coronado itself. The town boasts numerous parks, all of which are impeccably maintained and the whole beach is patrolled by lifeguards. Once you're done on the beach there's plenty to do, whether you're into skate parks or fine dining.
Driving
Directions
From FWY 5 just south of downtown San Diego, take the Coronado Bridge over the bay to Coronado Island (now toll-free). The bridge lets out onto to 3rd Street. Turn left on Orange Avenue and follow it down toward the Hotel Del Coronado. Heading right off Orange onto virtually any street will get you to the beach.
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Mission Bay Beach, CA 92109 Back to top
Mission Bay is the largest man made aquatic park in the United States. The park offers energetic activities like wakeboarding, jet-skiing and sailing though, If dry land is more your thing, the park also offers ample opportunity for jogging, cycling, fishing camping or simply relaxing somewhere along the 19 miles of sandy beach. Other attractions include, SeaWorld, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Belmont Park, which features the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Driving Directions
To reach Mission Bay from the north or south, take Interstate 5 to the exit for East Mission Bay Drive, Grand Avenue, Clairemont Drive, or Sea World Drive.
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Point Loma Beaches, CA 92107 Back to top
Point Loma is a lovely beach neighborhood just west of San Diego Bay. The area boasts hostel accommodation for those on a budget as well as more salubrious accommodation for the comfort conscious. The area is the only thing separating San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean and, though there are actually no real beaches or safe swimming opportunities, the scenery is spectacular. Point Loma is one of the only parts of San Diego where you can see water crashing against cliffs.
Driving Directions
Take the 8 FWY west, left on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Parking can be found in small unpaved turnouts on the seaward side of Sunset Cliffs, with curbside parking all along the inland side.
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Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Back to top
The city of Imperial beach is home to about 27,000 people, many of whom surf. Surfing culture is a big part of life in Imperial Beach and activities are generally concentrated north and south of the Imperial Beach Pier and in front of the Tijuana Estuary at the famed Boca Rio beach break. In addition to surfing the city holds the annual Sand Castles event, a bigger deal than it sounds, drawing around 400,000 people over three days.
Driving Directions
From the 5 FWY exit Palm Avenue west, left on Seacoast Drive. The Pier is a few blocks south at the foot of Evergreen Avenue.
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Silver Strand State Beach, CA 92118 Back to top
The Silver Strand is an isthmus (a narrow strip of land jutting out to sea) about seven miles long, with sandy beaches on either side. The beaches offer all the usual attractions swimming, body boarding, jet skiing etc. though they are a bit further off the beaten track than the bigger beaches and so are popular with people looking to escape the traditional beach scene. The name Silver Strand comes from the silver shells that trim the 2.5 miles of coastline on the Pacific Ocean side.
Driving Directions
From FWY 5 southbound just beyond downtown San Diego, take the Coronado Bridge over the bay to Coronado Island, and head left on Orange Avenue HWY 75 south. From 5 FWY northbound, exit Palm Avenue west to HWY 75 north. You can't miss Silver Strand as you drive down the narrow sand isthmus dividing beach and bay
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Mission Beach, CA 92109 Back to top
Mission beach spans nearly two miles of ocean. The beach offers all the usual fun of the coast including sunbathing, surfing and volleyball. Many of the beachgoers are local college and university students which gives the beach a vibrant atmosphere though consumption of alcohol is illegal as of this year.
Driving Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue. Follow it west to Mission Boulevard. Take Mission Boulevard south the roller coaster at West Mission Bay Drive.
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San Onofre State Beach, CA 92672 Back to top
3 miles south of San Clemente you'll find the picturesque coastal state beach of San Onofre. This three mile stretch of beach attracts 2.5 million visitors a year and with its excellent facilities for swimmers, campers, kayakers, birders, fishermen, off-duty Marines, bicyclists, sunbathers and surfers, it's not hard to see why. The beach is particularly suited to those looking to surf and has been a second home to California's surfers since the 1CA 920s.
Driving Directions
Exit Freeway I-5 at Basilone Rd (San Onofre State Park).
Turn southwest (toward the ocean) and go approx. 3 miles on the access road, until you come to the park entrance kiosk in the middle of the road. (This is AFTER the nuclear power station).
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Oceanside City Beach and Environs, CA 92054 Back to top
Oceanside is the third largest city in San Diego County and its beach more than reflects the city's stature. It's got all the charms of somewhere like Mission Beach with a fraction of the overcrowding. If you're looking for a fun and relaxed day at the beach free of hassles with parking and finding a good spot to sun yourself, then this beach could be for you. If you like your beaches a little bustling try the Mission Boulevard end, if you want a secluded day head towards Buccaneer Beach at the south end.
Driving Directions
Exit Freeway I-5 at Mission Boulevard and Head west.
Mission BLVD leads straight to the Oceanside pier.
Turn north on Pacific Street to head up to the Harbor or south toward Buccaneer Beach.
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Carlsbad State Beach, CA 92008 Back to top
Carlsbad State Beach is a protected due to its striking natural beauty. It has scenic bluffs and it is ideal for camping, swimming, surfing, fishing, and many other activities. There is camping available on the cliffs above with all the amenities of home including showers, electricity and even WiFi.
Driving Directions
The beach is located 3 miles south of Carlsbad on CARLSBAD BLVD.
Take INTERSTATE 5, exit PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD.
Go west to CARLSBAD BLVD - SOUTH.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto ramp CARLSBAD BLVD. � SOUTH.
Merge onto CARLSBAD BLVD. � SOUTH, continue 1.6 miles to campground entrance.
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Leucadia, CA 92024 Back to top
Leucadia State beach, or �beacons' to the locals, is a scenic, protected beach north of San Diego. It's a small rocky spot popular for swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicking.
Driving Directions
Leucadia is located off I-5. Take the Leucadia Boulevard or La Costa Avenue exits and head west. Parking is available along residential streets west of 101 or in small lots off Neptune Ave.
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Encinitas, CA 92024 Back to top
Encinitas is one of North County's favorite beach communities. The three most popular beaches are Leucadia State Beach, Moonlight State Beach, and the beaches at Cardiff by the Sea. Encinitas itself is known as a charming rural community, it's main business being flower farms and plant nurseries. The community is mostly residential though it has a wonderful selection of restaurants shops and galleries - perfect for visitors looking for a less tourist-orientated destination.
Driving Directions
From San Diego, head north on I-5 and take one of the following exits: Birmingham Drive, Santa Fe Drive, or Encinitas Boulevard.
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Solana Beach, CA 92075 Back to top
Solana beach is home to around 13,000 residents and is more of an adventurous experience to visit than many other San Diego beach destinations since the cliffs encroach right to the water's edge at many points along the beach. Fortunately, staircases descend the cliffs at practically every street corner, so every part of the beach is accessible.
Driving Directions
From 5 FWY exit Lomas Santa Fe Drive west to Pacific Coast Highway. Continue straight through the intersection to Fletcher Cove or head north or south on Sierra Avenue to explore other the options. Seaside lies directly at the bottom of the hill as you drive north on PCH toward Cardiff.
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Cardiff Beaches, CA 92007 Back to top
A variety of factors have kept this section of beach relatively wild. The most popular spots are the pipes and San Ejilo, the beach just in front of the campground. The most built up is Cardiff State Beach, which is referred to, for obvious reasons, as restaurant row.
Driving Directions
From the 5 FWY exit Manchester Avenue west until it becomes San Elijo Avenue, then turn left at Chesterfield Drive, go over the railroad tracks and onto Pacific Coast Highway. Head south for Cardiff Reef and George's, or park along the roadside and use the campground to access San Elijo Beach and Pipes.
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Del Mar Beaches, CA 92014 Back to top
Even though Del Mar gets more than its fair share of visitors it manages to retain a charming rural yet sophisticated feel. The three beaches are wide, long and keep the visitors coming back year after year. You may even see trainers from the famous Del Mar racetrack exercising their horses.
Driving Directions
From the 5 FWY exit Del Mar Heights Road or Via De La Valle and head west. Del Mar Heights leads to the south end of Del Mar at PCH and 4th Street; Via De La Valle meets PCH on the extreme north end of Del Mar at the Rivermouth. To find the main beach area, follow the Coast Highway to the intersection of 15th Street and Coast Boulevard, midway between these two points.
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