San Diego Beach Guide
70 miles of coastline, 30+ beaches, and 266 sunny days a year. From the golden sand of Coronado to the hidden coves of La Jolla — every beach ranked with honest reviews and local tips.
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After 25 years in San Diego, I've sunburned on every stretch of sand from Oceanside to the border. Here's what I've learned: every beach in this city has a personality, and matching the right beach to your mood is the key to a perfect day. Coronado for the postcard shot. OB for the dog and a fish taco. Windansea for a sunset that makes you forget you have a phone. La Jolla Shores when the kids need gentle waves. Blacks when you need to feel like the last person on earth. The best beach in San Diego is whichever one fits what you need that day.
— Scott
We've organized San Diego's best beaches into three categories — Iconic Beaches everyone should see at least once, Hidden Gems & Quiet Beaches for when you want space, and North County Coast for the surf towns north of downtown. Each beach includes parking info, vibe, and what to expect.
Iconic San Diego Beaches
The beaches that define the city — world-famous sand, surf, and sunset
5 beachesCoronado Beach
Coronado
Consistently ranked among the top beaches in America. Mile-wide stretch of fine golden sand with the Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop. Calm water, gentle waves, and mica-flecked sand that glitters in the sun. Perfect for families, walks, and sunset. The beach is so wide you can always find space, even on holidays.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla
A tiny jewel of a beach tucked into sandstone cliffs. The water is crystal-clear and part of an ecological reserve — the snorkeling and kayaking here are the best in the county. Sea lions haul out on the rocks year-round. Arrive early for parking and space. Not a sunbathing beach — it's about the views and the water.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
Three miles of boardwalk connecting Pacific Beach to Mission Beach. The quintessential SoCal beach scene — surfing, volleyball, rollerblading, and bars steps from the sand. Crystal Pier is the centerpiece. The vibe skews 20s and 30s, especially on summer weekends. Best for people who want action, not solitude.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach
Belmont Park's roller coaster towers over this narrow strip of sand between the ocean and Mission Bay. Boardwalk connects to Pacific Beach. Great for families during the day, lively at night. The south end near the jetty has better surf. Parking is brutal in summer — arrive before 10 AM or take a rideshare.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach
San Diego's most authentically bohemian beach. Dog Beach at the north end is one of the few leash-free beaches in the county. The pier is the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. The vibe is tie-dye and fish tacos, not bottle service and influencers. OB is where locals go to escape the tourist beaches.
Hidden Gems & Quiet Beaches
Uncrowded stretches, tide pools, and the beaches most visitors never find
5 beachesWindansea Beach
La Jolla
A surfer's beach with dramatic rock formations and some of the best waves in San Diego. The iconic palm-thatched surf shack on the rocks is a landmark. Not great for swimming (rocks and strong currents), but the sunset views are unmatched. A local favorite that tourists rarely find.
Blacks Beach
Torrey Pines / La Jolla
San Diego's famous clothing-optional beach, accessible via a steep, eroding trail from the Torrey Pines gliderport (or a long walk from La Jolla Shores at low tide). The cliffs are dramatic, the waves are powerful, and the isolation is real. Not for casual beachgoers — the hike back up is no joke.
Sunset Cliffs
Point Loma
Not a traditional beach — it's a mile of dramatic sea cliffs with small pocket beaches accessible at low tide. The tide pools are spectacular. The sunset views are the best in all of San Diego, bar none. No guardrails on crumbling edges — be careful. Come for the cliffs and sunset, not for laying out.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla
The best beginner surf beach in San Diego — gentle, rolling waves on a wide sandy bottom. Kayak and paddleboard rentals launch from here. In summer, leopard sharks congregate in the shallows (harmless and incredible to see). The Scripps Pier adds drama to the north end. Calmer and more family-friendly than Pacific Beach.
Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines
The beach below Torrey Pines State Reserve — sandstone cliffs rise directly from the sand. No development, no boardwalk, no vendors — just two miles of pristine coastline. Combine with a hike through the reserve for one of the best outdoor experiences in the county. At low tide, walk south to Blacks Beach.
North County Coast
Surf towns, family beaches, and coastal charm north of downtown
5 beachesMoonlight State Beach
Encinitas
Encinitas' main beach and one of the best community beaches in the county. Fire pits, volleyball courts, a snack bar, and easy access from the 101. Swami's surf break is just south. The vibe is local and family-oriented — less touristy than the San Diego city beaches. Free parking lot usually has space.
Swami's
Encinitas
One of the most famous surf breaks in California, directly below the Self-Realization Fellowship gardens. A steep staircase leads to a rocky reef break that produces perfect right-hand waves. Not a swimming beach — this is for experienced surfers and spectators. The view from the overlook above is worth the stop even if you don't surf.
Del Mar City Beach
Del Mar
The stretch of sand below Del Mar's coastal bluffs. Dogs allowed off-leash September through June (one of the county's best dog beaches). The Amtrak Surfliner runs directly along the cliffs — a unique SoCal sight. The Powerhouse Park area has excellent beach access and grassy picnic space. Calmer vibe than the city beaches.
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad
South Carlsbad has a campground perched right on the bluffs above the beach — one of the best oceanfront camping spots in California. The beach itself is wide, sandy, and less crowded than anything south of Del Mar. The coastal walk along the bluffs is beautiful. In spring, combine with a visit to the Flower Fields.
Oceanside Pier Beach
Oceanside
The longest wooden pier on the West Coast anchors a beach with a working-class surf town soul. Good breaks for intermediate surfers. The Strand area south of the pier is quieter. Oceanside is less polished than Del Mar or Encinitas but has more character and significantly cheaper restaurants and parking.
Pro Tips for San Diego Beaches
Practical advice on parking, weather, water, and making the most of your beach days.
June Gloom is Real
May and June bring a persistent marine layer that can keep beaches foggy and cool until noon. Locals call it "June Gloom" and it catches visitors off guard. The best beach weather is actually July through November.
Arrive Before 10 AM in Summer
Beach parking in La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach fills up by mid-morning on summer weekends. Arrive before 10 AM or use a rideshare. Free parking gets competitive fast.
Water Temperature
San Diego ocean water ranges from 58°F in winter to 72°F in late summer. Most people want a wetsuit October through June. July through September is the only comfortable barefoot-in-the-water season.
Rip Currents
San Diego beaches have strong rip currents, especially near jetties and piers. Swim near a lifeguard tower — San Diego has year-round lifeguard coverage on major beaches. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
La Jolla Cove and the ecological reserve require reef-safe sunscreen. Even where it's not required, it's the right call — San Diego's kelp forests and marine life are worth protecting. SPF 50+ reef-safe is available at every surf shop.
Beach Fire Rules
Beach fire pits are available at Moonlight Beach, La Jolla Shores, and a few other spots — first-come, first-served. You can NOT build fires directly on the sand. Bring your own wood. Fire rings fill up fast on summer evenings — claim one by 4 PM.
Plan Your Beach Trip
Tell our AI planner which beaches you want to visit and it will build a day-by-day itinerary — with parking tips, nearby restaurants, and the best time to arrive.
Start Planning →Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what you want. Coronado Beach is the most beautiful overall — wide golden sand, gentle waves, and the Hotel del Coronado backdrop. La Jolla Cove has the best snorkeling and most dramatic scenery. Pacific Beach has the best boardwalk energy. Ocean Beach is the most authentically local. Windansea has the best sunset. For families with small kids, La Jolla Shores wins with its gentle waves and wide sandy bottom.
Yes — every beach in San Diego is free to access. There is no entrance fee for any public beach. You will pay for parking at some locations: metered street parking ($1.50–5/hour), paid lots ($10–25/day at popular spots), or state beach parking ($15–20/day at Torrey Pines). Many beaches have free parking options if you're willing to walk a few blocks.
San Diego ocean water ranges from about 58°F in winter to 72°F in late summer. Most visitors find the water comfortable for swimming from July through October without a wetsuit. Outside those months, a wetsuit is recommended for extended time in the water. Surfers wear wetsuits year-round except in the warmest weeks of summer and early fall.
Swami's in Encinitas and Windansea in La Jolla are world-class surf breaks for experienced surfers. For beginners, La Jolla Shores has the gentlest waves and widest sandy bottom — every surf school in the city teaches there. Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach have consistent, intermediate-friendly waves. Blacks Beach has the most powerful surf in the county and is not for beginners.
Only in designated fire pits — you cannot build fires directly on the sand. Fire rings are available at Moonlight Beach (Encinitas), La Jolla Shores, and a few other locations on a first-come, first-served basis. They fill up fast on summer evenings — claim one by 4 PM. Bring your own wood (sold at grocery stores and gas stations nearby). No alcohol on any San Diego beach.