Best San Diego Beaches

San Diego visitors like to know what the best local beach is.  My usual reply is "to do what?"  Any number of beaches can be perfect depending on what activity you enjoy most.

All the beaches are great for laying out on the sand where you can enjoy a good book, listen to music or simply watch the surf.  If that is your idea of a great day at the beach then consider which one is easiest to drive to and park.   No point in getting stressed out before "unwinding" for the day.  On summer weekends always arrive early---say before 10:00 a.m.---even earlier for popular beaches like Mission, Pacific, Coronado and La Jolla.  Or you can do like me and go late afternoon when visitors start going home.  If you like seclusion try Torrey Pines State Beach or Black's Beach.

All beaches can be popular for surfing depending on wave conditions and swell direction.  Surfrider Foundation provides my favorite daily report in an easy to read format.  For more in-depth wave analysis try some of the cool links at "San Diego's Ocean" website.  Beginners enjoy Pacific Beach and Mission Beach for the calm surf and tolerant attitude.  On any given day surfing lessons are offered through local surf shops.  You can walk into a shop and arrange a lesson or sometimes they set up tents on the beach.

For activities like cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding and other "in-motion" activities, nothing compares to the boardwalk that runs from south Mission Beach to north Pacific Beach.  The paved walkways of Mission Bay are also easily accessed from Mission Beach. 

Beach Volleyball, originated at beaches like Santa Monica and Hermosa near Los Angeles, is becoming more popular in San Diego. South Mission Beach has a number of courts near the parking lot at the end of the boardwalk.  There are several courts on Pacific Beach and I've seen courts at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas and also in Carlsbad.  There seem to be more and more every summer so don't be surprised to see them at your favorite beach.

Kids love all beaches but some local favorites are La Jolla Shores and Moonlight State Beach. The surf is almost always calm at La Jolla Shores and there is a nice grassy area and playground adjacent to the beach.  Moonlight State Beach also has a nice playground nearby and a snack bar that has ice cream and other treats. Other favorites are Del Mar at Powerhouse Park, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.

If a great day at the beach means a casual stroll followed by a seafood lunch or dinner then La Jolla is for you.  Start your walk at La Jolla Children's Pool and continue north along the bluff walkway to La Jolla Cove. There are many opportunities to take pictures or just sit and enjoy the ocean.  La Jolla village, with tons of great restaurants and upscale shopping is just a couple blocks away.

Again, all of San Diego's beaches are wonderful but choosing the best one for your interests will make your day at the beach even more fun. 

San Diego visitors like to know what the best local beach is.  My usual reply is "to do what?"  Any number of beaches can be perfect depending on what activity you enjoy most.

All the beaches are great for laying out on the sand where you can enjoy a good book, listen to music or simply watch the surf.  If that is your idea of a great day at the beach then consider which one is easiest to drive to and park.   No point in getting stressed out before "unwinding" for the day.  On summer weekends always arrive early---say before 10:00 a.m.---even earlier for popular beaches like Mission, Pacific, Coronado and La Jolla.  Or you can do like me and go late afternoon when visitors start going home.  If you like seclusion try Torrey Pines State Beach or Black's Beach.

All beaches can be popular for surfing depending on wave conditions and swell direction.  Surfrider Foundation provides my favorite daily report in an easy to read format.  For more in-depth wave analysis try some of the cool links at "San Diego's Ocean" website.  Beginners enjoy Pacific Beach and Mission Beach for the calm surf and tolerant attitude.  On any given day surfing lessons are offered through local surf shops.  You can walk into a shop and arrange a lesson or sometimes they set up tents on the beach.

For activities like cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding and other "in-motion" activities, nothing compares to the boardwalk that runs from south Mission Beach to north Pacific Beach.  The paved walkways of Mission Bay are also easily accessed from Mission Beach. 

Beach Volleyball, originated at beaches like Santa Monica and Hermosa near Los Angeles, is becoming more popular in San Diego. South Mission Beach has a number of courts near the parking lot at the end of the boardwalk.  There are several courts on Pacific Beach and I've seen courts at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas and also in Carlsbad.  There seem to be more and more every summer so don't be surprised to see them at your favorite beach.

Kids love all beaches but some local favorites are La Jolla Shores and Moonlight State Beach. The surf is almost always calm at La Jolla Shores and there is a nice grassy area and playground adjacent to the beach.  Moonlight State Beach also has a nice playground nearby and a snack bar that has ice cream and other treats. Other favorites are Del Mar at Powerhouse Park, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.

If a great day at the beach means a casual stroll followed by a seafood lunch or dinner then La Jolla is for you.  Start your walk at La Jolla Children's Pool and continue north along the bluff walkway to La Jolla Cove. There are many opportunities to take pictures or just sit and enjoy the ocean.  La Jolla village, with tons of great restaurants and upscale shopping is just a couple blocks away.

Again, all of San Diego's beaches are wonderful but choosing the best one for your interests will make your day at the beach even more fun. 

Comments

[Kathleen]

You've recommended some great beaches. I have a few more to recommend on my list of the best beaches in San Diego and North San Diego County for:

1. The Beach Experience (top 10 large popular beaches)

2. Best San Diego Beaches for Surfing

3. Best San Diego Beaches for Walking, Jogging, or Running

4. Best San Diego Beaches for Dogs and Dog Lovers