With an endless array of breathtaking beaches along 70 miles of stunning coastline, close-to-perfect weather nearly all year round, delicious local eateries, and charming hotels to boot, this laidback SoCal city is a sun worshipper’s dream.
Not sure which San Diego beach is best for your needs? Look no further. Our comprehensive surf-and-sand guide breaks down the best beaches for any number of outdoor activities and unique interests. Whether you’re looking to hit the waves to surf, snorkel, or paddle board; or simply want to relax and soak up some rays in total solitude, we’ve got you covered – with a few insider tips along the way.
From the mesmerizing white sandy shores of Coronado Beach to the steep rocky cliffs of Torrey Pines State Park in La Jolla, San Diego’s breathtaking beach scene is vast and varied – and very, very beautiful.
Leucadia and Encinitas
Best beaches for catching waves
Fun fact: This North County area inspired the Beach Boys’ hit song “Surfin’ USA,” so it goes without saying that if you’re a serious surfer, you’ll feel right at home here. Grandview, Beacon’s, and Stone Steps are the popular surf spots where you’ll find big waves, narrow cobblestone-strewn shores, and an enchanting underwater preserve that attracts adventurous snorkelers, too. However, skip this beach if you’re toting along little ones or anyone with mobility issues, as there is a sizable staircase leading to the narrow strip of sand below.
Instead, cruise over to Moonlight State Beach, a charming coastal park near downtown Encinitas that’s perfectly suited for sunning and picnicking, featuring inviting beach volleyball courts, too.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Best beach for all-day activities
Cardiff State Beach is the long sandy strip along the west side of San Elijo Lagoon, a large wetlands and ecological reserve. Cardiff sits between the more well-known neighboring areas of Solana Beach and Del Mar, offering fairly strong rip currents, overnight camping areas, and a handful of casual restaurants (don’t miss VG Donuts or Pipes Cafe for solid breakfast burritos) in the charming neighborhood, all within walking distance to the beach.
This area is ideal for various ocean activities like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and kitesurfing. It’s also easily accessible and family-friendly too. At low tide, the reef reveals itself with impressive tide pools, where plants and sea creatures await exploration.
Don’t forget to snap a photo next to Cardiff Kook – a quirky surfer statue that amusingly pokes fun at California’s iconic sport, often adorned with props or costumes when locals feel mischievous.
Coronado Beach
Best beach for long walks in the sand
With a dazzling backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, this prime getaway spot is picturesque, utterly romantic, and grandiose in an Old World way. The long sandy beaches sparkle thanks to the mineral mica in its glittering white sand, which is one of the reasons Coronado Beach is consistently voted one of America’s finest beaches year after year.
Swimming, boogie boarding, and sunbathing are inviting here, thanks to gentle waves, soft warm sand, and pretty rocks that create the perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop. Kites are often flown on the southern end of the beach, while the area behind the lifeguard station is reserved for friendly bouts of beach volleyball. In summary, it doesn’t get more idyllic than this.
Pacific and Mission Beaches
Best beach for living it up
Popular among the 20-something sun-kissed crowd, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are connected by a groovy three-mile oceanfront boardwalk, filled with inline skaters, skateboarders, runners, bikers, and energetic beachgoers. Fishing is permitted along the Mission Bay jetty, and swimming is allowed in designated areas during the summer months. Both beaches boast wide sandy stretches, easy access from the street at every block, and spectacular sunsets, creating a notably young social scene and all-day beach volleyball games.
Adjacent to Mission Beach is Belmont Park, where you can enjoy its vintage “Giant Dipper” roller coaster and other amusement fun including carnival games, bike rentals, bumper cars, and more.
La Jolla Shores
Best beach for families
Known as “the jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla is famous for many reasons, including its dramatic sea cliffs, rocky reefs, enchanting coves, resident seals and sea lions, and soft sandy shores. Clearly, no visit to San Diego is complete without a jaunt to La Jolla, where families can sprawl out on grassy areas for leisurely picnics and games before or after enjoying the beach.
La Jolla Cove is a small deep water bay, flanked by sea caves accessible to explorers in kayaks or on foot, depending on the tides. The beach itself is small, but with typically calm waters, it offers a treasure trove for swimmers and snorkelers hoping to glimpse local marine life. The magical sunsets here are arguably some of the best you’ll ever see in Southern California.
Point Loma and Shelter Island
Best beach for daredevil surfers and sunsets
If you’re a daring surfer with considerable experience, try your hand at Sunset Cliffs in beautiful Point Loma. With jagged cliffs and a rocky bottom, the scene here isn’t exactly a walk in the park, certainly not recommended for beginner surfers; yet it is undoubtedly rewarding for those willing to take the risk.
For everyone else, this unique area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean (you may even spot a whale if you’re lucky!) and the bay, alongside some eye-catching rock formations. This is not the spot for sunbathing or swimming, but definitely worth a visit for those looking to embrace nature and feel far removed from city life. Connect with your zen for an awe-inspiring moment that surpasses any indoor space.
Imperial Beach
Best beach for groups
Just five miles north of the Mexico border, Imperial Beach is often overlooked yet remains a valuable destination among San Diego beaches. The iconic neon signage is perfect for a quick selfie, while the wide stretches of sand and minimal crowds make it a hidden gem. This beach is quiet and spacious, making it ideal for spreading out and staking your claim. Nearby lies the estuary, one of the top birding sites in San Diego, home to many endangered species.
Don’t miss the daily donation-based yoga classes on the grassy spaces, casual eateries surrounding the area, and friendly fishermen along the pier. Imperial Beach provides impressively quick access from street to sand with minimal hassle, along with a wide and cushy landing strip for beachgoers to walk on, minimizing any difficulty of walking in the sand.
