There are many San Diego beaches, each with their own personality and vibe. From the best surfing beaches in San Diego to the top beaches for families, here is the ultimate SD beach guide.

Pacific Beach

Being based in PB ourselves, we may be a bit biased, but Pacific Beach, San Diego, is a great spot. With a thriving nightlife and a young, spirited vibe, it’s the best San Diego beach for an energized, yet laid back experience. For example:

• It offers great beach side nightlife with a variety of bars and clubs.
• Alongside the boardwalk and near the main street of Pacific Beach, Garnet, there’s a wide variety of shopping, cafes and restaurants, as well as places to rent equipment like bicycles.
• The cliff overlooking the ocean at the end of Law Street? Breathtaking.

Mission Beach

Just south of Pacific Beach, PB runs into Mission. Imagine the ultimate chill, Southern California beach that you’d see in a movie, the one with residents who have been there for decades and are regulars at their regular beach bar…that’s Mission Beach. Plus, it has the boardwalk theme park – roller coasters, cotton candy, the works.

South Mission Beach

At the very end of Mission Beach, South Mission Beach is the go-to place for San Diego beach bonfire pits and beach volleyball in San Diego. There are an ample number of nets and, even if you don’t know anyone, people are quite cool about letting others join in.

La Jolla Shores

La Jolla, California, is San Diego’s north coastal village. European-inspired and known for its classy and eloquent, yet relaxed, vibe. It has several beaches worth visiting. One is La Jolla Shores, which:

• Has a large parking lot for easier parking (it gets full fast on weekends, but is quite good on non-summer weekdays)  
• Offers great water for kayaking, swimming, boogie boarding, etc.
• Is near several shops & companies that offer tours and rent equipment for activities such as snorkeling and kayaking

(Learn about other great San Diego beaches here.)

Ocean Beach

This beach is known for its ultra chill vibe of surfing, smoke shops and eclectic spots. The Bay Area is to Berkeley as Ocean Beach is to San Diego. Best of all, it has the beautiful Sunset Cliffs – the perfect romantic date in San Diego.

Imperial Beach

This hidden gem is not visited often by those North of Mission Valley, however, it has a lot to offer. For example, it has a dog surfing contest each year. Yes, dog surfing.

Coronado Beach

Enjoy an island escape without going to Hawaii. A stone’s throw away from downtown San Diego is Coronado Island. Our favorite spot is the Coronado Beach at the Hotel Del Coronado, a classic venue that’s hosted celebrities from around the world.