We can always count on the OB Boardwalk for an eclectic mix of people. Tourists, locals, homeless (not aggressive in our experience), buskers, craft vendors, surfers...you name it! The views, the ocean breeze, the sun. Soak it all in. Take a walk on the pier. Put your feet in the water. If the kettle corn guy is there, by all means treat yourself to some. It's really good. If you're fortunate enough to visit during the craft fair, stroll through for some treasures. We love OB. read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - A view of the pier from the Boardwalk. - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

This walkway stretches along the beach, offering stunning ocean views, picturesque pier sights, and a lively atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a fun-filled day out. I love walking along the boardwalk, taking in the salty air, and stopping at the various shops, eateries, and surf spots along the way. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the OB Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for its classic beach town vibes and unforgettable sunsets. read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This place has tons of locals selling their hand-wrapped stones and crystals, another woman selling her paintings, and sometimes people doing yoga here on the sidewalk and grass. It is a little sketchy of an area full of homeless people asking for money, along with some dr*g deals I've seen go down. Not my favorite area, but it's definitely a sight to see. read more

Worth the price of admission. A great place to enjoy the free vitamin d on a beautiful sunny day. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and pier are soothing enough to make a baby fall asleep... mine did. He enjoyed seeing the seagulls flying by. I enjoyed watching the locals playing hackie sack and vendors selling their goods or even a snake oils lol. Once in a while you'll find a tarot card reader too! Parking is limited so park on the streets. Be aware of the street signs to avoid the possibility of getting a parking violation ticket. There are many hobos around that are peaceful but do tend to make people feel uneasy. The smell of mermaid "seaweed" is pretty strong but not enough to get a contact high... With tons of things to do and see, OB is a great spot to come relax, see and be seen. I'll be back for sure as my wife loves shopping the boutiques. read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Not really - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

On the boardwalk...that's where I'll be... I adore Ocean Beach as a small town, and the boardwalk is reflective of the town. It's simple, beautiful, and not overrun with stores etc. it's actually a very romantic walk during sunrise or sunset. You'll feel the cool breeze from the waves, the salt smell of the water, and occasionally you'll spot large mammals migrating. I love that the "main drag" runs close to the sand, which allows beach goers to enjoy the surf, and then on to the boardwalk. It's a lovely walk, good exercise, and breathtaking views. read more

See all

The boardwalk is nothing special. There are a few vendors selling knick knacks, and ends by the pier where you will find the start of many restaurants. It does get a little dirty and there are a few harmless homeless folks. Walking the pier once is enough. However, past the pier you can scramble on the rocks for a different perspective. read more

See all

The beach itself and boardwalk were ok in my book but the neighborhood had a great feel to it. The pier was long and a nice walk, plenty of people fishing and just walking around. The beach was a decent size and plenty to do other then laying out or swimming, at one end there were about 8 volleyball courts. The people in Ocean Beach were nice. There were shops and restaurants all around the area and it was a great day trip to get away from major cities. When I look around Ocean Beach, this is what visiting California looks like to me. Thanks Ocean Beach it was a great visit read more

See all

I really enjoyed coming out to this beach boardwalk. It wasn't too crowded and just had a calm, casual vibe. Lots of people but not tons to the point of making it stressful. Found parking easily and it was free! Granted I did come in the late afternoon on a weekday, but it was summertime! It could be a little cleaner but most beaches can lol read more

We enjoyed walking around and doing the sightseeing. Lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and people watching. We are thinking of staying in this area next time as we really thought it was cute. Nice beach too. read more

See all

I came to check out this beach. It's not as great as PB but a little better. I'm a beach gal and grew up in a small beach community. This is fairly large but I still prefer Coronado or Imperial Beach. As I was walking around, there were some local crazy people, tourists, and locals enjoying this beach. The boardwalk spans out for miles and is a definite workout. It's cool to people watch. There's street parking all around and some parking lots that cost money to park. Be aware of the meter maids as they drive around giving tickets. It's best to come here early. If you come here late, parking is more difficult to find. A descent beach to come visit if your a tourist or a local. read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Nice view - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

Oh the great boardwalk, it has been here forever. I have seen books into photos from before my time, and to see it all now is crazy. There's a lot of fun to be had here from amazing food to great retail stores to surf shops and everything in between. Of course they're always is the beautiful beach that is only footsteps away so my suggestion is to find something cold to drink followed up by an amazing meal and go get your feet wet in the beautiful ocean, all of that deserves a full day or at least a half day experience depending on how much time you have. Newcomers to San Diego this is definitely a must try place that you should not avoid before your departure. Yes you will find some difficulty with parking but overall it's definitely worth it so of my favorite foods are right there on the strip !! read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

My type of beach! OB!!!! Lots going on...from surfing, to people watching to bike riding, etc.... If you are looking for a nice , quiet place to chill with your loved one or your kids- THIS AIN'T THE PLACE! This is the local hangout! You have your typical beach bums, surfers, druggies, foodies, drunks, musicians etc...everything you could possibly ask for! The shops around are old, but cool and you can find some cute souvenirs. i love hitting up all of the restaurants around there! They have the best FISH TACOS along this beach! TOTAL HIPSTER BEACH! i like that on the opposite of the peer- the water is lower for some reason and it's perfect for newbie surfers or water babies like me! Oh yea- the PEER! It's cool- you can fish off of it, or you can just walk it---- all the way to the end- which puts you in the middle of the ocean! So cool! read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - One view - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

Ocean beach... is beautiful all around! Everywhere you look is something or someone pretty. I love this community of San Diego such a laid back place hipster central. My husband usually is not a fan of the beach sadly due to he is a San Diegan but he loves OB. I'm coming back next weekend to play with the sand crabs and the sea urcheants while getting a beautiful sun tan ! Heeyyyyy read more

See all

If you come visit San Diego you must visit this beach...has a long amazing board walk, stores good food and if you are a winter bird spend your winter here you wont regret read more

I love SD! definitely relaxing and beautiful. Very clean and convenient to all the shops and restaurants. read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

You are probably wondering: there is a Boardwalk in Ocean Beach? Well, yes-it's about 2 blocks long, but could easily be extended and probably should. Mission Beach Boardwalk may have it's roller-bladers and hot SDSU coeds and Pacific Beach-the drunks and the frat boys (same thing) but we got the priceless OB vibe! Though nothing to make the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach Boardwalks worry about, our little OB path is pretty cool and certainly colorful! Lounging on the perimeter along the way can be found assorted drug-dealers, Rasta's with dreadlocks, misguided musicians with guitars, drug-dealers, barefoot hippie females, drug-dealers, tourists, and the ever-present homeless! Did I already mention drug-dealers? Once in a while, there will pass a hapless homie such as myself-on bike or foot. Then there are always the surfers. Start at the foot of the Ocean Beach Pier-in the parking lot below Niagara Avenue. That is where the Boardwalk runs along the Beach heading north and past the foot of Newport Avenue. I was there today admiring the somewhat shabby (but chic) OB Christmas Tree-decorated with hanging beach balls! Wishing I had my camera, I got to thinking: there absolutely needs to be a straight path line from this vantage point-all the way down to Dog Beach-which is the official hook-up entrance to the San Diego River Bike Path. This would assure a safe pedestrian continuity -from Mission Valley and points east and also from the beach communities to the north-into Ocean Beach proper. Along Abbott Street, and past the dead end of Newport Avenue, the "Boardwalk" stops in the Santa Monica Ave. Lifeguard Station parking lot. It simply dead ends at the showers and parking lot. There is a dirt alley that runs along Saratoga Avenue Park-that could technically be made into a continuation of the OB Boardwalk and that dirt path runs along the beach and in front of some cottages. It ends up at the Brighton Avenue entrance to North OB parking lot. It is my wish that somehow, someday, and in some way, the city could acquire or condemn-excuse me, set-aside an Empowerment Zone of beach frontage running from the Santa Monica Ave. parking lot north to North OB parking lot where a Boardwalk could continue along North Ocean Beach onto the entrance of Dog Beach. This would also be an official bike trial that would link the San Diego River Bike Path to Ocean Beach proper, and further on to Sunset Cliffs and beyond. Perhaps this is just another one of my pipe dreams, but the 2 block OB Boardwalk will just have to suffice for now. Don't forget to go check out the Christmas Tree mounted in the sand with the awesome beach ball ornaments! Who said you need snow to get into the spirit of the season? read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

So, OB's boardwalk may not be as elaborate and long as PB's, but it's home and I find it wonderful. If you do any kind of running or walking in the area, definitely include it as a leg of your trip. On the main grassy area, there are often small events that are held with booths for food, drinks, and other goodies/freebies--this often extends into the parking lot adjacent to the pier. On a regular day, there are people juggling or doing couples yoga on the grass which is fun to watch. I've even seen many people getting Day 1 of their surf lessons here. With your dogs, be wary that they are only allowed during certain times of the day/year. If you're not much into that, go grab a table at Wonderland or Shades and soak in the great views of this boardwalk along with the pier and water. As I understand it, the Boardwalk begins at the staircase up to the pier on the south goes all the way up the beach to Cape May Pl. Some people even consider the fire pits as a part of the boardwalk, but that may be up for debate. The heart of the boardwalk is the small patch of grass between the flags/paved area and the lifeguard station. We've found hermit crabs climbing in the rocks before! read more

Ocean Beach Boardwalk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Ocean Beach Boardwalk The boardwalk starts off at Newport Ave and is conveniently located by the great Hodad's. I'll be honest. OB's boardwalk is not my favorite in San Diego. There's really not much to this boardwalk other than it's located in beautiful San Diego. There's a lot more entertainment, restaurants, and parking at Mission Beach's boardwalk. But here's the good news...this boardwalk isn't as busy and it's located near Hodad's. TIP: Watch your step. Dog poop everywhere. read more

This has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Living in San Diego blinds you of the true beauty. Other than being well maintained, the pier offers a view into the ocean bird world. There are pelicans that fly in complete formation. The colorful black iridescent Cormorant aquatic birds with blue eyes diving in and out of the water. The fearless seagulls that scream "mine, mine, mine" over any thing editable left un-manned. Let's not forget our furry seals that will steal any bait casted out by the barrage of our local fishers. The delicious Cafe food. This is a place where magic happens. You will see the beauty as you walk looking down because there are surprise gems glued into the concrete. Watching the surfers doing what they do out there no matter what the weather is. You might even meet some of the locals who make the most amazing sand art. Treat them nicely. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Go out there again and see it for the first time again. Interesting Facts... Originally Named the San Diego Fishing Pier. The original plaque is still there. Over 500,000 Visitors Per Year. At 1971 Feet It Is the Longest Concrete Pier on the West Coast. The Pier at Santa Cruz is 2745 Feet, Making it the Longest in the State. The 1st Fish Caught on the Pier was an 8-inch Perch. The 2nd and 3rd Fish Caught were a Gray Shark and a Crab. Often Called the "Queen Fish", Herring is the Most Common Fish Caught on the Pier. There is NO LIMIT! Then CA Governor Edmund G. Brown Made the First Cast Off the OB Pier and Reportedly Fished for 5 minutes. Brown caught nothing and was defeated in November. (Coincidence?) Currently No Fishing License is Required on the Pier. In 1991 over $2 Million was Spent on the Pier to Repair Damages Caused by Winter Storms. read more

I have to admit, PB has the best boardwalk if youre looking to people watch and actually get some exercise at the same time. Ob's boardwalk...well. its short and not very exciting. Night and day from the PB boardwalk actually. You will see your fair amount of homeless folks, skaters, surfers and locals though. Sometimes even punk rock types. Lately hipsters seem to be coming to OB. Yes, I notice. Not too many tourist flock here and for me that is golden. They can stay in PB or La Jolla. read more

So beautiful I want to go back...so much peace I could live off the land my final resting place?? read more

See all

I have love for all beaches and boardwalks, though this one really is "where IS the boardwalk?" Very short, walking down Newport Ave is actually more exciting. It's still a nice beach with a whole different crowd than any of the other places and worth checking out at least once while in San Diego. read more

I love OB even though my sixth grade teacher who is a friend of mine on Facebook tells me that I need to be careful because of the crime rate. I think OB has a certain charm. It's eclectic and fun and people are friendly, homeless or not. The boardwalk area has lots of cool little places to check out. And it's the beach. In California. Can it be that bad? Nope. Arm yourself with pepper spray if you're scared. But you won't need it. My friends and I sometimes bring a bottle of wine and pour it into to-go coffee cups and watch the sunset. We fit right it. Life is short folks. Enjoy the moments. read more

See all

Came here on memorial day! And surprisingly it wasn't too packed! There's plenty of parking all around! Tons of shops and food spots all over! The pier/ boardwalk is super long! But such a gorgeous view! read more

ummm....wheres the OB boardwalk? you mean the wall where all those "people" hang out at? yea, i been there, i think.... there are better spots in OB for sure though....meet me at the boardwalk, i will gladly show you the better spots---if youre cool. read more

Liked going here. It's a little more calm then Pacific beach, but similar In the sense that there's an ocean and a lot of stores. There's many little bars, tobacco shops, ice cream shops. I didn't see any surf shops to rent boards, but it may still be around. Definitely worth exploring if your in the area. read more