Entertainer’s Favorite Beaches in San Diego

Before you know it, the rain will pass and our sunny skies will return, which means it’s time to go back to the beach. With so many beaches to choose from, we thought we’d help you out by giving you our top picks for best beaches in San Diego.

Ocean Beach

For: Dog owners and hippies

Bring your dogs to run and play along the shore of Ocean Beach. The only 24-hour dog beach in San Diego, a sandy portion of the beach is made exclusively for dogs to run leash-free. In addition to its features for dogs, the boardwalk is typically lined with people selling their art, offering hula hoop lessons, and surfing the waves. The pier is one of the longest cement piers in the country, and hosts a small cafe and lines of fishermen. Volleyball and fire pits are also options at this beach, making it a great fit for those ready to hang out for a bit.

La Jolla Shores
For: Families

A small stretch of beach, at just about 1 mile, La Jolla Shores is great for families to bring their shovels and splash around. Their waves are gentle, making it inviting for children who need a more controlled environment. If you have visitors in town, the La Jolla Shores Hotel backs right up to the shore, allowing for easy access to the beach and surrounding restaurants. Additionally, the marine life preservation of La Jolla Underwater Park is a great place to take your kids to educate them on underwater life and let their imaginations soar.

Mission Bay Beaches
For: Active Families

Mission Bay Beaches offer a variety of opportunities for your family to go out and play. On a typical day you can find people splashing around on jet skis, launching sail boats, or practicing their rowing in the waters of the Bay. Bikers tend to ride their beach cruisers around the Bay going from Sea World to Mission Beach or beyond. There are equal portions of land and sea, leaving plenty of room for kids to run around and play on the shore while parents take turns doing 360’s in the water.

Photo Credit: Phil Roeder, Creative Commons

Coronado
For: The Suntanning Crowd

If you love easy parking, grabbing a book and a towel, and getting a tan, Coronado might be your beach. This island across the water from Downtown San Diego has a charming neighborhood to walk around, and stretches of beach to layout and relax. One of the cleanest beaches in San Diego, Coronado tends to be a high tourist spot because of its iconic visitor stay, Hotel Del, and its feature in the 1958 classic Some Like It Hot. Fire rings and fishing are available in some spots too, making it a favorite for all of those who like to chill in the sun.

Black’s Beach
For: Surfers

Gliders fly off the edge of the cliffs of Torrey Pines with one of the most incredible views San Diego has to offer. Black’s Beach, at the south end of  Torrey Pines State Beach, spans 2 miles and sits at the base of these magnificent cliffs. Although the hike down is a bit extreme, the waves that this beach has to offer are some of the most incredible. Don’t be alarmed if you see some bare bottoms, this beach has a reputation for attracting nudes.
So find the one that fits your beach-going needs, pack up that sunscreen, and enjoy!