The Best Beaches in San Diego
Beach time never goes out of season in Southern California—and you’ll find some of the state’s best beaches in San Diego. It’s got perfect temperatures throughout most of the year, which means a sun- and- sea-filled trip doesn’t have to wait until summer. And with 70 miles of coastline, San Diego has many beach options that range in size, accessibility, and offerings, which means there’s a stretch of sand to suit all personalities and types of travelers. You can head up north to find wide sand beaches in Oceanside and less-crowded spots with wilder waves in Carlsbad and Encinitas, or venture south to Mission Beach or Coronado to enjoy calm waters with a festive amusement park or a historic hotel as a backdrop.
Pack up whatever you need for the perfect beach day–whether it’s a surfboard, volleyball, snorkel, or just a lounge chair and a good book–and find out why we think that these are the best beaches in San Diego.
Click the link to read our complete San Diego city guide.
Shreyas Kulkarni/GettyLa Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, and it’s easy to see why: the coastline here is dotted with sea caves and attracts California sea lions and pelicans that bask in the sun on the rock outcroppings nearby. The cove itself is small and isn’t an ideal spot for spending a day on the sand, but it’s worth a stop to take some photos. From here, you can start a breezy coastal walk that offers scenic views. Visit the nearby Children’s Pool beach, a 10-minute walk south of La Jolla Cove, to see the Pacific Harbor seals that flock there to rest on the sand. The cove is right near the heart of La Jolla and by landmarks such as the historic La Valencia Hotel and recently renovated Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Peter Schaefer/GettyPier View North Beach
The city of Oceanside lies a 45-minute drive north of San Diego and is a growing resort town. The beaches here are wide with soft sand and not as crowded as others in more tourist-centric parts of San Diego, and affordable paid lots offer parking within walking distance. Pier View North Beach is north of the Oceanside Municipal Pier, which is nearly 2,000 feet long and the longest wooden pier in the western US, and lined by the picturesque Roberts Cottages, a row of charming beach cottages dating back to the 1920s. Pier View North is close to Mission Avenue and the city’s downtown, which has seen a recent revival with new boutique hotels, shops, and the opening of restaurants such as Valle, one of five Michelin-starred restaurants in San Diego County. While you’re here, you can see the Top Gun house, the landmark Victorian-era cottage that was featured in the iconic film, or visit the California Surf Museum.
AlamyactivityFletcher Cove Beach Park
Fletcher Cove’s crescent-shaped beach is protected by bordering cliffs on both sides, with a groomed park that offers many public facilities. Paved paths down to the beach make Fletcher Cove much more accessible than other small beaches in the area. Families with kids will love the basketball courts, playground, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.
AlamyactivityCardiff State Beach
This state beach is known for some of the best surfing in San Diego, and the laid-back crowd that comes with it. On the north end, Cardiff Reef is where pro surfer Rob Machado and other locals catch their waves. A few steps away, Pacific Coast Grill offers two levels of ocean views and tasty fish tacos. Visit the tide pools at low tide to see hermit crabs, sea snails, and other sea creatures.
Courtesy Lisa FieldactivityTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego, this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. (See our favorite San Diego area hikes here.) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from 7:15 a.m. to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. The Visitor Center and Museum offers guided hikes at 10 a.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on holidays–follow the road to the park’s upper level from the South Beach parking lot to get to the center.
MCCAIG/GettySan Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is at the very northern end of San Diego County and is one of the most visited state parks in California—roughly 2.5 million people come every year for the famous surf breaks, camping and trails. It’s out in the wilderness straddling San Diego and Orange County, and interestingly near a military base and a decommissioned nuclear power plant which can easily be seen from the freeway. There’s over 3 miles of sandy beaches within the park which can be accessed with a day use fee for those who don’t plan on camping.
joseph s giacalone / AlamyactivityMoonlight State Beach
This beach will keep you occupied, with facilities and rentals for everything from fishing to volleyball. Parking can be hard to come by, but once you arrive, you'll see that the trouble was well worth it. Of all the San Diego beaches, this feels the most family-oriented. It's not a quick in-and-out destination, but worth it for a beach day with the kids.
GettyactivityWindansea Beach
A well-known, yet tucked-away surf spot with strong waves in La Jolla. Strong waves, big rocks, and a required climb to access make for an untamed gem of a beach. After your day at the beach, follow surfers to The Shack Bar & Grill—named after the Windansea surf shack—for fish tacos and a pint. This isn't a laid back beach and swimming here is not advised because of the big wave breaks. There are no public restrooms or other facilities and those in the water are skilled surfers only. Be aware that Windansea is a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and photos, particularly because of its historic palm-covered surf shack that can be used as an arch or canopy.
Courtesy SanDiego.orgactivityLa Jolla Shores
The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve at the La Jolla Shores draws adventurers who come to explore sea caves on kayak tours, and scuba divers who make their way toward the two underwater canyons. Harmless leopard sharks are known to congregate in the area during summertime, and can be easily spotted by divers or snorkelers. The beach is most appreciated on two ends of the spectrum: by travelers looking for an active day in the water, and by parents of smaller children who will enjoy the parks, playground, and gentle waves.
Courtesy Joanne DiBona/SanDiego.orgactivityCoronado Beach
Coronado is one of San Diego's most popular beaches with soft white sand, many watersports, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado as the backdrop. You can hit happy hour with your toes in the sand at the hotel’s Beach and Taco Shack or make reservations for a sustainable seafood dinner at Serẽa. Keep an eye out during low tide for the SS Monte Carlo, an old shipwreck that peeks out of the water, on the shore south of the hotel. At the north end of the island, Coronado’s Dog Beach is a favorite with those who wish to let their pup run off-leash.
AlamyactivitySouth Ponto Beach
This untamed shoreline is one of San Diego’s wildest beaches. Secluded by sand dunes, the vast stretch of sand provides a perfect canvas for countless water sports and activities. Just know that there are no businesses within sight of the beach—part of the appeal—so pack in whatever you'll need for the day. For post-beach nourishment, make the short drive south to the Alila Marea Beach Resort for oceanview dining and drinks, or Valentina Restaurant, a neighborhood bistro on Highway 101.
AlamyactivityBeacon's Beach
Winding down the sandy path to Beacon's Beach, visitors are greeted by a patchwork of greenery on the sloping hills, and long surf breaks crashing in the sea below. With a neighborhood feel on the sand—and plenty of it for sunbathers—this beach is a local favorite. That walk though, tends to keep crowds away, so once you get down to the water you'll have plenty of space to yourself. Because of the effort involved in getting down to the water, this isn't typically a beach frequented by families. Some of San Diego's beaches can have a universally appealing, vanilla feel to them. Beacon's Beach is not one of them, lacking the masses of tourists, yet just as picturesque as San Diego's most popular beaches.
AlamyactivityGrandview Beach
This popular surf spot is aptly named for its view of the water as you descend the wooden stairs, with palm trees framing you on both sides. At the bottom, a narrow, yet seemingly infinite stretch of beach is backed by iceplant-laced cliffs. Onlookers congregate on the stairs to watch a cluster of surfers dotting the horizon. Once you’ve made the climb back up and worked up an appetite, head over to Fish 101 restaurant and try the day's fresh catch. If you finished your surf session in the morning, check out Atelier Manna, a new restaurant in the neighborhood that offers globally-inspired healthy brunch dishes. Grandview stretches on far as the eye can see in both directions, though sunbathers should come during low tide. The lack of restrooms and any other facilities means most visitors don't stay too long, instead taking in the view from the stairs or going for a quick beach walk before moving on elsewhere. All of this means less-crowded waters that surfers will love.
GettyactivityMission Beach
Mission Beach has all the makings of a Beach Boys album cover: a bustling boardwalk, a colorful amusement park, and buzzing mix of locals and tourists. The most popular Mission Beach attraction is Belmont Park, an amusement park that houses the longstanding Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1925, bumper cars, and other classic carnival rides. The intersection of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard, near Belmont Park, is considered the main drag in Mission Beach. Several businesses are within walking distance, including bike and surfboard rental shops, Draft restaurant on the boardwalk, the newest location of Pizza Port Brewing Co., and Miss B’s Coconut Club tiki bar. Mission Beach never misses a beat: if you want to be where all the people are—especially the 20-somethings—this is a spot to hit in San Diego. If you're trying to “just get away from it all,” you might prefer other beaches that aren't as built up.
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