The 10 Best Beaches In San Diego

La Jolla Shores offers a little something for everyone. There’s no shortage of shoreline to stretch out and sunbathe, although word to the wise, it does tend to pack up in the summertime, so be sure to get there early to claim your spot. The waves here are gentle, making this a popular spot for kids of all ages. This is a great place to come and rent a kayak, paddleboard, or join a tour that will take you through La Jolla Coves. You can also take a stroll along the tide pools or spot the seals and sea lions at Children’s Pool Beach (just don’t bother them please) or enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming downtown La Jolla area, there’s plenty of ways to stay busy in this beautiful pocket of Southern California.

There’s so much to love about Torrey Pines State Beach. The beautiful coastline and idyllic views along the 101 to get there, the fact that you can hit the trails at Torrey Pines State Park, watch the hang-gliders take flight from the Gliderport, and of course, just the beach itself. And then there’s The Grill at Torrey Pines which is the best place to grab a pre-or-post beach or hike drink and drugstore burger (easily one of the best burgers in town).

One of the best and most beloved local beaches in North County, Moonlight Beach is located right off Encinitas Boulevard and offers beachgoers miles of white sand. Ideal for families with kids of all ages thanks to the calm water here, locals flock to Moonlight because of the array of recreational activities to choose from including beach volleyball, tennis courts, fire pits, and plenty of picnic tables.

Waving hello to the “Cardiff Kook” statue along the Highway 101 is a must for anyone visiting this beach town. Another popular surf spot in North Country, Cardiff State Beach is also ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming. Connected to San Elijo State Beach campground, a popular spot to come and park your RV and trailer, head across the street to Pipes Cafe for one of their legendary breakfast burritos, VG’s for the best donuts in town, or Seaside Market to try their legendary tri-tip aka “Cardiff Crack.”

Named for a once popular hotel in La Jolla that has since burned down, Windansea is a popular surf break just south of La Jolla Shores. With a rocky shoreline, and minimal spots for laying out and sunbathing, Winsansea is ideal for experienced surfers and catching a beautiful sunset. Don’t pass on visiting the iconic palm-covered surf shack which has been around since 1947 and has since been designated a historical landmark. Fish tacos and beers at The Shack Bar and Grill are a requisite before you go.

Between 29th Street and Solana Beach in Del Mar, North Beach, most commonly known by locals as Dog Beach, is not only one of San Diego’s most scenic stretches of shoreline but is a paradise for responsible pet owners. During the peak summer months between June 16th through Labor Day weekend in September, dogs are permitted to run and play off-leash from dawn to 8 am. Otherwise, from September to June, dogs are free to run and play off-leash at all hours. Grab a drink and sandwich nearby on the dog-friendly patio at Board & Brew, or check out Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon every fall. Don’t miss a chance to walk or stop in dog-friendly Powerhouse Park for a picnic before you go.

One of North County San Diego’s most popular local surf breaks, Swami’s is located in hands down one of California’s coolest beach towns, Encinitas. Taking its name from the Self-Realization Fellowship on the bluffs overlooking Swami’s Reef, make your way down the wooden flights of stairs to one of San Diego’s best surf breaks. For those who just want to watch the surfers in action, especially during the winter months when the swells roll in, the parking lot and overlook can’t be beat. After your session, head across the street to Swami’s Cafe, a local favorite for all things date-nut smoothies, salads, and sandwiches.

Pacific Beach or P.B. as locals call it has long served as San Diego’s party destination. By day, Pacific Beach and its famous three-mile-long boardwalk which connects to Mission Beach is brimming with activity. By night, P.B. comes alive and is especially popular amongst university students. There’s a vibrant beach bar and nightlife scene in P.B. lining Garnet Avenue, along with plenty of cafes, quirky boutiques, and thrift shops. Head south along the boardwalk and you’ll find yourself in Mission Beach. Be sure to check out Belmont Park which is home to a small beachfront amusement park that includes San Diego’s Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, along with a wonderful family-friendly swimming pool and facility called The Plunge.

A super secluded and very local surf spot, Black’s Beach is a two-mile stretch of shoreline at the southern end of Torry Pines State Beach. Perhaps best known as San Diego’s nude beach due to its hard-to-reach locale, it’s a bit of a hike to get to Black’s and the trek is not for the faint of heart. If you’re committed to the cause, the best starting point is by walking along the shoreline from one of the beaches to the north like Torrey Pines, or the south Like La Jolla Shores. Otherwise, you can park at or around The Torrey Pines Gliderport, and from there, you can wind your way through the bluffs. Just proceed with caution, especially as you make your way along the bluffs.

Ocean Beach, or O.B. has a little something for everybody. While the beach itself is only about a mile long, it’s divided accordingly, so you’ll know where the designated swimming, surfing area, and even dog-friendly beach areas are. To get your Ocean Beach bearings, head to Newport Avenue, which is a great jumping-off point in the middle of the action. From there, you can make your way to the OB Pier, explore the tide pools, or find a sunny spot in the sand.