14 Best Beaches in San Diego – Recommended by a Local

San Diego has over 70 miles of coastline, which makes it one of the top beach destinations in Southern California, maybe even on the whole West Coast. But which beaches in San Diego are the best ones? Of course, that depends on your preferences. Here are our recommendations for the best beaches in San Diego – recommended by a San Diego local.

14 Best Beaches in San Diego

Whether you are searching for the best family-friendly beach in San Diego, the best dog beaches in San Diego, tide pools, a fun spot to hang out with friends, or the best location to catch some waves, San Diego beaches make everyone happy. Here are some of our local favorite beaches in San Diego county.

Mission Beach

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Mission Beach is one of my favorite Beaches in San Diego. There is so much to do here, whether you want to learn how to surf, rent a bike to cruise along the boardwalk, relax in the sand, or watch the world go by with a cocktail in your hand at one of the beach bars.

If you are going to the beach with kids, you might want to add Belmont Park – the old-school amusement park – to your beach day itinerary. Riding the Giant Dipper and looking out over the Pacific makes for some fun memories.

>>Also read our List of Free Things to do in San Diego with Kids

Mission Beach is one of the longest beaches in San Diego, stretching all the way to Pacific Beach. This makes it perfect for long walks or runs on the beach. There are also some volleyball courts that you can play or join a team. You’ll find some stunning beach rentals in Mission Beach that will make your

Great for: Families, Sports-Lovers, large Groups

Amenities: Boardwalk – Volleyball Nets – Toilets – Showers – Amusement Park – Restaurants and Bars – Pier

Parking: Free

Coronado Beach

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Coronado Beach is not technically a San Diego beach since Coronado is an independent city, but it is definitely worth a mention. Coronado is an upscale beach town on a peninsula right by San Diego. You can take the ferry from downtown to Coronado to get there.

If you are looking for a luxurious getaway in style, there is nothing better than staying at the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the best beach resorts in San Diego. But even if you don’t stay there, I highly recommend a cocktail on their beautiful pool bar and patio overlooking Coronado Beach. And here are some other great (and more budget-friendly) Coronado Hotels to check out.

On the northern tip of Coronado Beach, just before the Navy Base, there is also a dog beach in Coronado. So if you are looking for some fun times on the beach with your four-legged friend, this is a great spot.

Great for: Families, Groups, Upscale, Dog Beach

Amenities: Toilets – Showers – Restaurants and Bars – Dog Beach

Parking: Free, but limited

Silver Strand State Beach

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Silver Strand State Beach – the southern part of Coronado Beach connects the Coronado peninsula to the mainland and you can enjoy miles and miles of endless beaches.

The southern part of Coronado Beach is a State Park with limited amenities and no restaurants and bars nearby. This spot is great if you want a quiet beach with not a lot of hustle and bustle going on or if you want to camp near the beach.

Great for: Families, Groups, Camping & RVs

Amenities: Toilets – Showers – Campgrounds – RVs

Parking: State Park Entrance Fee

La Jolla Shores

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La Jolla Shores is the perfect Family Beach in San Diego. There is plenty of space to spread out on this mile-long beach, the amenities are great and there are a few family-friendly restaurants nearby.

If you like kayaking, this is a great spot to explore the caves along the La Jolla shoreline. You can either rent a kayak or go on a guided tour from there as well. If you are coming from out of town, take a look at these stunning La Jolla Hotels and La Jolla Vacation Rentals that will make your trip extra special.

Great for: Families, Groups, Sports-Lovers

Amenities: Toilets – Showers – Restaurants and Bars nearby

Parking: Free

Pacific Beach

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Pacific Beach is where the college kids hang out. Along Grant and Garnet Street, you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs, cheap eateries, and fun coffee shops. The beach in Pacific beach also has more of a party atmosphere and it definitely becomes a party city during spring break.

Tourmaline Surf Park in North Pacific Beach is a surf-only beach, which is great especially for beginner surfers.

Great for: Party, Groups, Surfers

Amenities: Toilets – Showers – Restaurants and Bars nearby – Pier

Parking: Free, but limited

Torrey Pines State Beach

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Torrey Pines State Beach is located between La Jolla and Del Mar and one of the most scenic beaches in San Diego. Towering above the sandstone cliff is the Torrey Pines Reserve with some great hiking trails. Torrey Pines State Beach is long and wide you can walk all the way to Del Mar from here.

If you feel like a hike, you can actually hike up to the preserve from the beach and enjoy not only a beautiful hike but a gorgeous view from the top over the Pacific ocean. If you are lucky, you might even spot a pod of whales.

Great for: Family, Groups, Nature-Lovers

Amenities: Toilets – Showers – Restaurants and Bars nearby

Parking: State Park Entrance Fee or Street Parking (paid)

Del Mar North Beach

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This small beach is simply gorgeous and one of my favorite dog beaches in the winter. Why in the winter? Because in the summer, dogs have to be on leash during the day, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a dog beach.

However, there are some beautiful rock formations and cliffs that make it a really pretty beach. We actually had our family photos taken there (see the pic above).

Be careful of rip currents on this beach. They are quite common there because of the inlet.

Great for: Groups, Photo Shoots, Dog Beach

Amenities: None

Parking: Street Parking (paid)

Ocean Beach

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Ocean Beach is the Hippie Beach town in San Diego. The vibe is really chill and relaxed, which makes it perfect for groups and families. Near the pier, you can catch some awesome waves, if you are a surfer. In the center part of OB, you can swim and play in the water, or relax in the sand.

On the northern end of Ocean Beach, right by the parking lot, there is a huge dog beach. Our dog loves this beach and we love taking him here because it is so convenient. After the beach, we walk him over to the showers and rinse him off, then take him for a walk along the walk/bike path along the inlet until he is dried off.

I love how Ocean Beach has distinct sections for surfers, swimmers, and dogs. That way, you can enjoy the beach, but don’t get into each others way.

Great for: Groups, Families, Dog Beach, Surfers

Amenities: Showers – Toilets – Boardwalk – Restaurants & Bars nearby – Pier

Parking: Free (limited during peak season)

Shell Beach La Jolla

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Shell Beach in La Jolla is one of the cutest little beaches in La Jolla. It is right in the heart of the city, so it is very small, but gorgeous. When the tide is out, you can explore the tide pools for crabs and critters.

This beach is not really for sunbathing or swimming though, but perfect, if you want to dip your toes in the sand or water as you are exploring the cute little beach town.

Great for: Groups, Solo, Photo Shoots

Amenities: Showers – Toilets – Boardwalk – Restaurants & Bars nearby

Parking: Free (limited during peak season)

Mission Bay

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Mission Bay is perfect for families with small children. There are practically no waves, the water is shallow and warm. There are also plenty of shady areas on the grass to cool down during the heat of the day.

Mission Bay is also great if you are into water sports like standup paddleboarding, kayaking, or wind-surfing and don’t want high waves.

At night, the fire pits along the bay are very popular among locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect spot for a little get together, enjoying a beach bonfire and eating s’mores.

Great for: Groups, Families, Parties, Water Sports

Amenities: Showers – Toilets – Fire Pits – BBQ Pits

Parking: Free (limited during peak season)

La Jolla Cove

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La Jolla Cove is probably the smallest beach on this list. Located right in the heart of La Jolla, this beach is not great for laying on the beach and relaxing. It is always super busy and because it is so tiny, super crowded.

However, if you are into snorkeling or diving, La Jolla Cove is your spot. You’ll see stunning rock formations and plenty of wildlife just a few strokes from shore.

Great for: Snorkeling & Diving

Amenities: Showers – Toilets (not nearby)

Parking: Street Parking (limited during peak season)

Windansea Beach

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Windansea Beach is a little hidden gem on this list of best beaches in San Diego. A mix of sand and rocky boulders, this beach is simply stunning. If you are into photography and want some stunning beach photos, head there, especially during sunset and golden hour.

The waves hit just right on this beach, so it makes it very popular with surfers.

Great for: Surfing, Photo Shoots

Amenities: Showers – Toilets (not nearby) – Palm Covered Hut

Parking: Street Parking (limited during peak season)

Solana Beach

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Solana Beach is also not a San Diego beach, but we let it slide because it’s so nice. It is also very easy to get there from San Diego, either by car or even with the coaster. I love the beautiful sandstone cliffs in the background of Solana Beach and the view from up top.

Just one block up, you will find Solana’s many restaurants, bars, shops and cafés, if you choose to take a break from the sun and surf.

Great for: Families, Groups

Amenities: Showers – Toilets – Restaurants & Bars nearby

Parking: Street Parking (limited during peak season)

Black’s Beach San Diego

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Black’s Beach is the only nudist beach in San Diego. Yes, you read that right – Black’s Beach is clothing optional. You don’t HAVE to go naked, but you can. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Located just below the Hangglider port in Torry Pines, this beach is not easy to get to. The shortest way (but steep) is via the Gliderport trail. You can also walk from Torrey Pines State Park or La Jolla Shores.

Great for: Solo, Couples, Groups, Nudists, Surfers

Amenities: None

Parking: Street Parking (limited during peak season)

I hope you liked our little list of the best beaches in San Diego and found one to try on your next beach day. What is your favorite beach in San Diego?

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Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Maria Haase