Beaches in San Diego, CA

• What is Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
  • Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a small community situated just north of San Diego, California. The community features 2 miles of walkable beach and the 900-acre Elijo Lagoon.
• Where can surfers go in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
  • Surfers will love the Cardiff Reef, the area's most popular surf spot.
• What can sightseers enjoy in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
  • Sightseers can stop along historic Highway 101 to watch the surfers or take in the breathtaking views of the lagoon.
• What camping options are available?
  • The San Elijo Park and Campground offers 171 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
• Where can visitors find great dining options?
  • Along the beach is an area known as Restaurant Row, which offers some of the best cuisine on the West Coast and plenty of casual dining opportunities in town.
• Is Cardiff-by-the-Sea considered a top beach destination?
  • Yes, this is one of the best San Diego beaches, attracting visitors with its beautiful coastline and laid-back atmosphere.

124 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007, Phone: 760-436-0431

• What makes up Coronado Municipal Beach?
  • The four beach areas of Coronado City Beach, Centennial Park, Glorietta Bay Park, and Tidelands Park make up the Coronado Municipal Beach.
• Why does the sand at Coronado Beach sparkle?
  • Mica particles in the sand make the beach sparkle, adding an extra glint of gold for travelers to enjoy.
• What activities are popular at Coronado Beach?
  • Due to the flat profile of the beach, the area is very popular for skimboarding and kite flying.
• Is there a dog-friendly area at the beach?
  • Yes, the northern part of the beach is open to dogs, who are allowed to roam off their leashes and enjoy the sand and surf.
• What historic landmark is located at Coronado Beach?
  • The beach is also home to the Hotel Del Coronado, built in 1888, which has been a popular destination for celebrities and royalty ever since.

Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-552-7300

• Where is the first leash-free beach in the US?
  • Dog lovers will want to check out the first leash-free beach in the US, located at Ocean Beach. The area is at the end of the San Diego River and allows beach lovers, pet lovers, and surfers to enjoy the charm of a classic beach town.
• What is special about the Ocean Beach Pier?
  • Standing for 50 years, the Ocean Beach Pier is one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego.
• What can visitors explore south of the Ocean Beach Pier?
  • Just south of the pier is Sunset Cliffs National Park, a 68-acre park for those wanting to enjoy the cliff views or the pounding surf.
• Is there a historic walking tour in Ocean Beach?
  • Visitors wanting a leisurely stroll should take the Ocean Beach Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour through the area’s historic district, featuring buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

1868 Bacon St., #A, San Diego, CA 92107, Phone: 619-224-4906

• What is special about La Jolla Cove?
  • The small area of La Jolla Cove is often cited as the most photographed beach in San Diego. The cove is hidden among the cliffs and caves of the area and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
• Where can visitors relax near La Jolla Cove?
  • Nearby Ellen Browning Scripps Park offers room for spreading out, perfect for visitors who wish to picnic and let their children enjoy the soft grass.
• Why is La Jolla Cove popular for water activities?
  • La Jolla Cove is San Diego’s most popular area for diving, kayaking, and snorkeling due to its calm waters.
• What marine life can be seen in La Jolla Cove?
  • Beautiful orange garibaldi, yellowfin tuna, and rays fill the waters for divers and snorkelers to enjoy, and the occasional leopard shark may even join the party.

1162 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037,Phone: 858-454-5718

Quick weekend itinerary:

• What is unique about this Boardwalk town in San Diego?
  • Located on a sandbar between Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, San Diego offers its own take on a classic Boardwalk town.
• What is Belmont Park known for?
  • Visitors can’t help stopping at Belmont Park, which is home to the Giant Dipper, the second oldest wooden roller coaster in the US.
• What is the nightlife like in the area?
  • Popular with the 20-something crowd, the area offers a variety of nightlife bars and restaurants.
• What unique experience does the Bahia Belle paddleboat offer?
  • The Bahia Belle paddleboat provides visitors with an unforgettable night, featuring live music and beautiful sunset views.
• Are there diving opportunities in the area?
  • A handful of shipwrecks off the coast offer a great place for divers to explore.
• What major attraction is located in Mission Bay?
  • Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego.

4475 Mission Blvd, Suite 212 Pacific Beach, CA 92109, Phone: 858-274-5439

• Where is Pacific Beach located?
  • Located between La Jolla and Mission Beach, the Pacific Beach area offers a wonderful nightlife scene for the younger crowd visiting the area.
• What bars and restaurants can be found in Pacific Beach?
  • The beach is home to numerous bars and restaurants, including the popular JRDN Lounge and Raw Bar.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on the Pacific Beach Ocean Front Walk?
  • The Pacific Beach Ocean Front Walk is filled with people enjoying a jog, getting in some inline skating, or simply cruising the numerous shops.
• What can visitors find on Garnet Avenue?
  • Garnet Avenue, the area’s spot for trendy boutique shops, also hosts a farmers market on Tuesdays.
• Is Pacific Beach family-friendly?
  • The numerous beachfront hotels and beach houses attract families who wish to enjoy the sun and sand and maybe even try some surfing.

Grand and Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, Phone: 619-221-8899

• What is Silver Strand Park?
  • Located on San Diego Bay, Silver Strand Park is one of the city’s finest camping and recreation areas.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The calm waters make the area perfect for sail boating and swimming, especially for those who want to avoid the rougher waves of the open ocean.
• Is Silver Strand Park a good spot for shell collecting?
  • Yes! Due to the calm waters, the beach is a great spot for shell collectors.
• Can visitors fish at Silver Strand Park?
  • Anglers and those wishing to fish off their boats can enjoy catching a variety of fish, from perch to yellow-fin croaker.
• Are there fire rings available?
  • During summertime, there are fire rings available for visitors wanting to enjoy a cookout.
• Are cars allowed on the bay side of the park?
  • No, cars are not allowed on the bay side of the park to help keep the beaches clean and protected.

G5000 Highway 75, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-5184

• What is Solana Beach known for?
  • Solana Beach is renowned in the area for its art and music venues, offering a vibrant cultural scene.
• What family-friendly activities are available?
  • Families can enjoy waterfront parks and let the little ones splash in the tide pools.
• What activities are available for couples?
  • Couples may wish to take a trip to the local craft brewery or visit the local winery for a relaxing experience.
• Is Fletcher Cove worth visiting?
  • While the beach is secluded and more difficult to access, visiting Fletcher Cove is well worth it. Visitors can explore the secluded beaches and numerous caves carved into the cliffs by ocean waves.
• Where can surfers find the best waves in Solana Beach?
  • The northern area of Seaside, home to the Table Tops, is the perfect surfing spot for those wanting larger waves.
• Where can visitors enjoy shopping and dining?
  • Those wishing to enjoy shopping and good food should visit the Cedros Design District, home to 85 unique boutiques and restaurants.

210 West Plaza Street, Solana Beach, CA 92075, Phone: 858-755-4775

• Where is Imperial Beach located?
  • Located just five miles northwest of Tijuana, Mexico, Imperial Beach is the southernmost beach in California.
• Why is Imperial Beach popular for bird watching?
  • The beach is home to more than 300 species of birds, making it one of the most popular bird-watching areas in Southern California.
• What famous event takes place at Imperial Beach?
  • For the last thirty-one years, the beach has hosted the US Open Sandcastle Building Contest, attracting participants and spectators from around the country.
• What can visitors do at the Imperial Beach Pier?
  • The pier at Imperial Beach is one of the area's most popular fishing spots and offers beautiful views of the Los Coronados Islands.
• Is Imperial Beach a good spot for surfing?
  • Yes! The area is very popular with surfers and is also home to the Surfboard Museum, along with numerous surfboard shapers and designers.

Elder Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, Phone: 619-423-0704

• What makes Windansea Beach unique?
  • Visitors wanting to enjoy the sound of crashing waves and who don’t mind the lack of soft sand will love Windansea Beach.
• Is Windansea Beach suitable for swimming?
  • Due to the rocky cliffs and rough surf, the area is more popular with experienced surfers, and swimmers and divers are cautioned to be wary of the heavy shore-break.
• Are there good views at Windansea Beach?
  • The cliffs offer wonderful views for those taking a stroll and provide a romantic backdrop for photos.
• What is the Windansea Surf Shack?
  • The Windansea Surf Shack is a handmade, palm-covered structure that is now a protected historical landmark due to its connection to the area's surfing history.

1162 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037, Phone: 858-454-5718