Amazing San Diego Beaches You Must See

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches and amenities that you have to see.

Fortunately for you, we've done all of the hard work and put together a list of the best beaches going from north to south in San Diego. So, have a look at the list below, get your hands on some beach towels, slap on the sun screen, and venture out to some of the best beaches in the world located in San Diego, California.

Here's a quick list of the San Diego beaches we're going to highlight. Be sure to check out the virtual tours of select locations below!

Moonlight Beach
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Solana Beach
Del Mar City Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach and Park
Black's Beach
La Jolla Shores
Windandsea Beach
Tourmaline Surfing Park
Pacific Beach
Mission Beach
Ocean Beach
Coronado Beach
Silver Strand
Imperial Beach

Now, let's move on with the tour!

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach is a family-friendly beach that provides a meal spot and a snack bar along with a few restrooms. You can even find very well groomed spots for football and volleyball. Adults really like this area simply because they are able to take it easy while their children are securely playing near the ocean. Above the shore, you can find paid parking facilities areas but you will also find that there is adequate street parking offered.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Positioned merely north of San Diego, Cardiff-by-the Sea is a little neighborhood that includes the nine hundred acre Elijo Lagoon and two miles of shoreline. Take a look at the well-known Cardiff Reef that is probably one of the most sought after surf destinations near the area. You can also stop along the Highway 101 and observe the amazing surfers ride the huge waves. There are also approximately 170 campsites at San Elijo Park which provide campfire rings and picnic benches.

Solana Beach

Situated in San Diego’s North Country, Solana Beach has a lot of tucked away coves as well as surfing hot areas. You will discover five hot locations in total here. Del Mar Shores is often frequented by the residents, whereas the seaside is fantastic for surfing and also bears an outer reef. Tide Beach is well known for the breathtaking white sand while Fletcher Cove is yet another surfing favorite. Seascape Beach draws in both visitors and residents who again, really like surfing. Anticipate showers to wash off as well as bathroom amenities and lifeguards can be found throughout the summer months.

Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar City Beach is a great beach destination for individuals with kids. The north section of the beach is dog-friendly and extends from the 15th Street to the Rivermouth. There are basically two recreational areas on the 15th Street, Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park. Both of them are great locations for picnics, wedding ceremonies, as well as other public events.

Torrey Pines State Beach and Park

Torrey Pines State Beach and Park is split up into two areas. A hiking area with eight miles of paths includes the distinct Torrey pine tree and is truly one of the most beautiful areas in the state. The other part is the beach itself, that is situated about three hundred feet below the hiking area. It is really well-liked by locals and also includes fine white sand, restroom facilities and lifeguards. The children really like the far northern lagoon area of the beach where they are able to spend a lot of time splashing and discovering. There are no places to eat here, so if you would like to experience some time on the beach, bring snacks and rejuvenating beverages. You will find that there is a fair amount of parking areas along the approach street.

Black’s Beach

Black’s Beach is a clothes optional beach which is ideal for surfing and also provides spectacular surroundings. It might appear as a shock to many people, however there are several families with children who arrive here to take pleasure in the serenity and peacefulness. This lovely beach is located underneath the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and provides breathtaking views of San Diego’s coastal areas to the north and La Jolla to the south. The sights are not the main explanation for Black’s Beach’s attractiveness, surfers are likewise crazy about the spot due to its popular surf break. The ideal place to park is near the Torrey Pines Gliderport, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail is the most suitable path to obtain access to the beach.

La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is an ideal friends and family beach that appeals to substantial crowds of both visitors and residents. It’s one of the better beaches in the area for surfing, paddle boarding, and also scuba diving training due to the sandy bottom and quick access to the water. Take a quick walk throughout the beautiful nearby Kellogg Park that is suitable for picnics or check out the nearby Steven Birch Aquarium. Fishing is illegal at La Jolla Shores, however certain parts are designated for surfers. There is additionally a sizable lawn area near the beach in which individuals come from all over San Diego to practice yoga.

Windansea Beach

Located within La Jolla, Windansea Beach offers remarkable surf breaks and also amazing panoramas. This location appeals to experienced surfers and sunbathers that are searching for a bit of seclusion. The waves collide right at the shoreline, therefore swimmers really should be very cautious when getting into the ocean. Windansea Beach and its rugged cliffs can be an excellent place for whale-watching in the course of their migration. While going down to the shore by means of these cliffs, remember that pathways are steep in areas, which makes it challenging for seniors and individuals with mobility issues .

Tourmaline Surfing Park

A treasure located in North Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Surfing Park is a popular location for surfing or sailboarding. Surrounded by cliffs which are seventy-five feet high, this phenomenal beach is divided into two individual parts. The first one is for surfing, whereas the other is perfect for swimming. You will notice lifeguards on the beach most of the time. There are actually very few tourists here, therefore Tourmaline Surfing Park is a superb location for visitors who would like to find a bit of peacefulness and silence. You can find a parking lot near the area, along with bathing facilities and restrooms. However be cautious when proceeding to the beach over the rocks, it can also be slightly dangerous!

Pacific Beach

Positioned right between Mission Beach and La Jolla, Pacific Beach is a two-mile-long beach which is suitable for lengthy strolls and family fun-based activities. It is actually probably one of the most popular beaches in the San Diego region and draws in significant crowds of people. You will discover rental stores on the beach where one can obtain equipment for scuba diving, in addition to several pubs and dining places. Take into account that surfing is permitted only in specified spots and lifeguards are on duty every day. The younger generation will be thrilled to know that this beach area offers an energetic bar scene. Visitors may also check out the 90-year old Crystal Pier or even go and visit the 3.5-mile long boardwalk.

Mission Beach

Providing breathtaking ocean views, Mission Beach is among the most populated beaches in the San Diego due to its location. The notable Belmont Park is very close by and Ocean Front Walk is moments away. You will discover nice amenities and services on the beach such as showers, restrooms, fire pits, together with adequate lifeguards on duty. You will also find a no cost public parking lot close to Belmont Park and in case you would like to pick up a bite to eat, choose one of the dining places in addition to pubs on the Ocean Front Walk.

Ocean Beach

If you happen to own a canine, then Ocean Beach is the pet-friendly beach available for you. There’s actually a unique dog spot in which your furry friend is permitted to run around without a leash. On the other end of Ocean Beach is the well-known Ocean Beach Pier, that is an ideal place for fishing. Find out how to obtain a fishing license. You will also discover a lot of restaurants and drinking establishments on the beach where one can relax with a cocktail and a good meal. However, visitors are encouraged to stay around the Ocean Beach lifeguard sites while swimming on account of the powerful rip currents. Surfing is also permitted in certain parts of the beach.

Coronado Beach

The incredible Coronado Beach is made up of four distinct beach parts: Glorietta Bay Park, Coronado City Beach, Tidelands Park, as well as Centennial Park. The island is readily accessible by a public bus, vehicle, personal shuttle, or even an Uber by means of San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. This family beach can also be ideal for kite flying on account of its flat profile. For those who own a family pet, the northern area of the beach is pet-friendly. Coronado Beach is additionally in close proximity to the famous Hotel Del Coronado that dates back to the 19th century. This hotel is a well known desired destination for royalty and even famous people.

Silver Strand

Composed of beaches that line the San Diego Bay along with the Pacific Ocean, Silver Strand is a fantastic location for several fun-based activities such as boating, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, surfing and also beach volleyball. There are many pedestrian tunnels under the fast-moving road that connects all of the beaches. It’s an excellent location for oceanfront RV camping and you will discover grilling pits, fire rings and also picnic benches readily available for use. Bring your canine friend, however they are not permitted on the beach itself, solely at the public camping space.

Imperial Beach

Located merely a brief commute from Tijuana in Mexico, Imperial Beach is legendary for hosting the U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition during the summer time. This is certainly the southernmost beach in California and also includes in excess of three hundred types of birds, making it the ideal spot for bird-watching. You can either swim or surf on Imperial Beach or even take a nature walk by way of various paths. There’s a pier on the beach which is also among the most preferred fishing locations in the area and it also provides remarkable views of the Los Coronados Islands. Surfers enjoy this beach and also let’s not overlook the popular Surfboard Museum which is merely a quick walk away.