This beach is wonderful. The best part of it is that there are so many nice spots to eat, to drink, such as DL joints and bars, tat parlors, clothing stirs to get souvenirs...a few steps and BANG! You are at the beach. There is a bridge that many people take pictures under, and with the sunset in the background it's a perfect picture. People are ao nice around there. It gets crowed mostly at sunset Fridays and Saturdays but it's totally worth going read more

Ocean Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Ocean Beach is another must stop for anyone visiting San Diego - it's just a completely different experience than the other beaches you'll visit. It's not as touristy since parking is limited to one lot and some residential streets. You can also bring your dogs to this beach and the vibe is just very relaxed. The beach also isn't swept, so there's a bunch of seaweed lying around. But with that - you won't find better views especially at sunset. There's a reason Ocean Beach is the home of Sunset Cliffs! You can spend the day watching surfers, or just relaxing on the beach. There are small shops and restaurants all within walking distance of wherever you manage to find parking. We found a great little bar that had upstairs seating that overlooked the ocean during the sunset. What's better than watching a beautiful sunset while enjoying a beer and visiting with great friends? read more

Ocean Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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My first beach stop while visiting San Diego! My cousin was having her birthday party on the beach, so we trekked down here my first evening in town. Despite the time difference kicking my butt, I was floored when I arrived at the Pacific that evening! I hadn't been to the Pacific Ocean in years and it was absolutely beautiful. I stopped walking to take it all in! Finally we found a open fire pit and relaxed on Ocean Beach that night. It was quieter but there were a fair amount of people out and about. The groups were all spread out well enough that I could not hear them over the sound of the waves. read more

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I didn't fancy Ocean Beach like the other beaches in San Diego that we went too. To be fair, we didn't spend alot of time here. Trying to squeeze in all things San Diego is a little impossible in a week! Haha. We pretty much fished on the pier and got our feet in the water. Ocean Beach is home to Sunset Cliffs so I am a fan. However, I thought OB to be more on the dirty side than the rest of the beaches. It's seaweed central. Not that I have any against the homeless, but there was quite a few hanging around especially on the pier. The vibe was just different here. We were probably on the wrong side of OB since we didn't stray far from the pier. I'd come back, but it wouldn't be my first choice. Again, probably need to go down further to enjoy it. read more

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The beach has a lot of people around, but it doesn't feel too crowded once you're having fun. Parking can be a challenge, but once you find one you won the jackpot cause it's free. There's a large life guard tower close to the pier. We got to see them do a practice drill that day. You can hear airplanes flying over from time to time. You can see the sail boats in the distance which is nice. Lots of families there on my visit. There's a dog park along the beach more towards the hotel. People were nice and every one was friendly on our visit. No one bothered us and we were able to just relax. We got to also see people practicing their surfing skills. I plan to go back when I'm in that part of town again. read more

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Come to the beaches of happy people acrobats fire flow artists, creators, innovators, exercise junkies, The happiest homeless people you'd ever meet! The breathtaking scenery and positive vibes are contagious and make you want to stay and live here which I did ! Definitely go on a Wednesday night to see acrobatic performances by their pier and the amazing OB market ! read more

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Is it weird to review a neighborhood/ beach? Well, I am.. because I loved this beach and this neighborhood so much. Ocean Beach was the chillest, hippest and most dog friendly spot in San Diego that my boyfriend and I could find during our trip. The main street, Newport Avenue, has so many awesome places! Culture brewing is amazing- great beer and they are pup friendly. Speakeasy is by far, one of the BEST clothing stores I have ever been to. I highlyyyyyyy recommend stopping there... we did about 5 times during the week we were there (not kidding). Mike's taco club and Hodad's were the two spots we ate at. Both were incredible. There's a hostel that's painted completely rainbow, with a huge peace sign on it and every shop you look in has some type of hippie vibe. The two coffee spots we enjoyed in this area was The Lazy Hummingbird and Jungle Java- both were awesome. Now, the beach. The beach is on the small side, but it's very nice. They didn't have chairs or umbrellas to rent (during the time we visited at least). There are cliffs nearby and a small pier as well. There is also a DOG FRIENDLY BEACH. It was a sight to see- pup heaven. Parking can be a pain at times if you are looking for a space on the street, you might have to circle around a couple times during the weekend. They do have parking lots that cost a flat rate as well. Ocean Beach is wonderful and my boyfriend and I agree that it was our favorite place in San Diego. read more

So even though parking sucks, we know why. Its cause everyone wants to be here. Including us. It was one of the deciding factors when deciding to relocate to the area, and continues to be our go to beach. Surfers hours are great cause it allows me to watch them from the shore. read more

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Pros: Picturesque views. Long pier to take a walk on. Free street parking. Cons: Shady people hanging around. There was some altercation between someone who lived on the hill overlooking the ocean and some skate punks down below. Obscenities were shouted and rocks were starting to be thrown. I got out of there pretty quick. read more

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Love the beautiful views at OB. Great Beach for people watching, running and just enjoying the beach read more

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OB. One of the least classiest spots in San Diego... On the bright side however, it has so much to offer... from food and entertainment to thrifty shopping and of course, an endless sea of people to people watch. This place is one of the many reasons San Diego is so unique. The beach is decent and provides for daily and nightly entertainment, (Antique shops/bars / bonfires). And the eats are quite scrumdiddlyumpcious .... If I were to recommend one MUST HIT place for visitors of the area, (including "locals") i'd say LightHouse Ice Cream and Yogurt. (see my review) Overall, if you are looking for some truly relaxed and extraordinary things to do in San Diego, Ocean Beach is the place for you. Just be prepared to see / deal with an extensive homeless population. read more

I love ocean beach. I'm probably biased because it's currently less than 10 minutes away..walking. It's laid back and chill. You can catch some rays, people watch, surfer watch. And there are so many food/drink options if you feel so inclined to stay hydrated and feel famished after basking in the amazing San Diego sunshine. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a beach towel. read more

The weather was a bit gloomy but I walked over with a friend of mine. We sat on a bench and watched the kids play and catch up. It was nice. It seemed to be a very nice beach. I really didn't get to explore. I meant to take pictures but we were so busy talking and enjoying the weather. It was in the high 60's.. I did get to walk around the area a bit and it seemed very nice. read more

This beach the one pretty close to me! We used to surf on the big waves in Ocean beach... Pretty clean, good waves, water is amazing! I love this beach! read more

Ocean Beach - playing soccer in Ocean Beach! - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

I love this beach. Not a hippie but love the beach! Dog beach is great for walking your dog as there is lots of space, especially at low tide. read more

I lived in San Diego about 11 years ago and honestly, I never made it to the beach (during the day while the sun was shining) because I drank too often and too much. The sun was my enemy and the rays my nemesis. I made it back to SD for Memorial Day weekend and went to the beach 4 times in 3 days. Amazing what is possible when you give up booze and the boozer lifestyle. The beach is kinda dirty, but it's still a great place to kick it. People watching is my hobby and the people watching here was really snazzy. Lots of chicas, dressed is next to nothing. Lots of kids building sand castles, playing catch with their folks and goofing around in the freezing cold water. Amazing how when you are a kid you are immune to the temperature when there is fun to have. Definitely a good place to walk around and check out the cool shops, grab an ice cream, an Italian ice or bring your own picnic to kick it. read more

While I have to question the logic behind a beach named "Ocean Beach," (Desert Desert? Ocean Ocean?) I enjoyed my time here. A little crowded for my little hippie heart, but not overly so, like Malibu. Everyone was pretty respectful of each other's space, and the walk down to the beach was littered with interesting little stores. I didn't go to the cliffs, although I wanted to, because face it--I'm a clumsy cripple, and those two things don't go well with heights. Got quite the tan here, and a few memories. Lots of pictures, too, because I have to document everything. But really. What a nice place. I was also really happy to see all the plus size girls in bikinis out here. Rock on. read more

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Very relaxing but honestly not a very beautiful beach. Especially for Southern California beaches. People were very friendly yet we also saw a few homelss people right under the Pier (at the stairs towards the beach). Also a few of the "Lime" electric bikes were not working. We tried 2 and both were under maintenance, or not working. We had a short walk along the beach and the shops. No shop was special enough for us to sit down for desserts and coffee. Just a normal local beach town. read more

Nice walk and view along the rocks to and from Santa Cruz Ave. and the OB Pier, photos, selfies, and... *Buddy: I took a girl on that rock and under that tree oh yeah and the sand. *Me, myself, and I: sounds like one heck of a view *Buddy: it was calm, slight breeze that let the ocean mist fly... *Me: must of loved the moment read more

Ocean Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Thought wow what a cute town! They had these tacky signs in some but not all of the parking spots. Looked like someone printed them out of their home laser printer. I was careful not to park in a spot with a sign. Turns out the signs apparently apply to all the spots on the whole block! Do not park in Ocean. Beach on Wednesday afternoon! They tow you for their Farmers Market which sets up at 2:30. And you get a ticket! So $400 and an Uber ride plus a half hour on the phone trying to find which lot they took my car to. Disgusting way to treat tourists. Palm Springs has metal city signs with the green print that we are trained to notice and read carefully. They also have a police officer drive the block a couple times with a megaphone warning shoppers and diners. They also start at 6 so most people can shop normally during the day. I also noticed that most of the businesses closed for this event. If I were them I'd be darned irritated that four days a month vendors get to use their parking spots to make money off the real estate they are paying top dollar for. Never made it to the beach. Will not return. And yes lots of vape shots give this place a seedy feel. Too bad. read more

Ocean beach is fabulous! It reminds me of Venice Beach, just not quite as "out there" There are nicer beaches close by, but this one is funky and different. Newport Ave is worth a stroll, tons of beach stuff, bars and stoner shops. Ocean Beach has one of the longest Piers (1 Mile!) and shortest boardwalks. Not worth spending a whole day here, but we had a great time at Hodad's and browsing Newport Ave before checking out the beach. read more

Ocean Beach was easy to get to and there was also plenty of parking. The beach itself was okay but it was my least favorite beach while in San Diego. The surrounding area gave me a small town, and very chill vibe. Lots of little shops and a super laid back crowd of people. After dark it seemed moderately sketchy. It didn't seem like the cleanest beach we visited either which is why I knocked off a star. The adjacent dog beach made for great entertainment! Loved watching all of the dogs chasing each other (and people!) around on the beach. read more

Ocean Beach - Ocean Beach, sunset - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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OB isn't for everyone, but I love it. It's chill, peaceful, diverse, and awesome. The nearby cliffs and the tide pools are just beautiful. read more

I haven't been to OB in a while, but things really haven't changed. Stopped in for a lunch break picnic on the beach and was surrounded by homeless, intoxicated and a variety of intoxicated people. Our lunch was quite distracting and little worrisome with our surroundings. The beach itself was clean and the parking lot near by was too, but I don't think OB will be a destination for me anytime soon. read more

When we go to the beach, we usually go with my inlaws, and they usually go to OB, hence I usually go to OB. Are there more people hanging around smoking on the beach than at La Jolla? (Hmm I've never seen anyone smoke at LJ, is it illegal there?) Yes. So if smoke bothers you, you probably shouldn't go here. It also means that cigarette butts are abundant in the sand. However, there is a lot of parking, and the beach is more accessible than LJ. If you go at the end of the day, it's easy to find a spot. There's usually a riptide, but beyond it is a little shelf where you can stand up. My boogieboarding son is always getting asked by the lifeguard if he needs help paddling out of it. There is also Dog Beach right next door. read more

It was extremely hard to find parking, and once we did, I just didn't feel exactly safe here.

It's a beach - what more to say! Usually not crazy busy. Fun little pop up tents every now and then. Can have bonfires in the designated area(s). read more

Round 2: Leaving to run some evening errands at about 9pm I headed out to my car where there was guy lying sprawled out behind my car so I couldn't back out of my parking space without running him over. He was wearing one shoe, and there was a beach cruiser crashed into a fence about 10 feet from where he was laying. After slighty poking him with my foot a few times he awoke abruptly darting up like one would if they were late for work. Danny: You ok man? Hobo/Hippy: hmph uh uh nah mmmgonna go back to there Danny: (laughing) Alright man, well I gotta go and your blocking me in ....you need some help or something. Hobo/Hippy: (Shaking head) Nahmm gon go He then gets up, searches for his shoe for a few moments, waves his hand in the "ahhh f*** it" motion, grabs the beach cruiser and starts walking it away falling over two times before I lost sight of him. I ask you again Yelp SD: Hobo or Wasted Hippy? read more

I like it here so does that make me a no future having pot head? The motto should read 'OB where everyone's too high to give a fu*k' Call me what you but I love OB & the chill vibe it has to offer Why am I never offered any weed out there? I would gladly except I have never felt like I was going to get robbed or shanked by crackhead/hippies seems like their too buzzed to even lift their heads out of the sand The only think I don't like about the beach or any beach for that matter is the bathrooms My god their horrible & why are the stall doors so low that a little kid can look over it & see you on the toilet Does everyone else just pee in the ocean or what because no one complains about the bathrooms ever YUCK I can picture a crime scene there since its no door to get in the bathrooms & sucky stalls Love the pier Love OB read more

I cannot put into words how undeniably OB changed me as a person (good & bad) How much it means to me and how much I have learned from it. I can't imagine what my life would be like now if I never got to know this place that I hold so dear in my heart. read more

sure, its not the most glamorous of beach choices out there in sd. i might call it "little venice beach," minus the rollerblading and freak shows (its been a while, is the dude with no limbs still dancing on the boardwalk over there?). you dont come to OB to view the beautiful people or the most beautiful of san diego (i mean, depending on your definition i suppose). its kinda dirty and the ratio of paying residents to cardboard box dwellers is rather equal. its far from charming. but its real and i love it. if you want to live as a beach bum but not pay top dollar...ocean beach is your best bet in central SD. you can live walking distance and not pay and arm and a leg - oh snap, is that why the limbless dancer exists?! and if you're a social being, the plethora of courtyard apt. complexes is available to you. i never lived in OB, but several friends have and i was always envious of the socializing with neighbors for lazy BBQ's and hangin out. the thing about OB that sets it apart from the other beach communities is the definitive culture and continued traditions. ive come for the chili cookoff street fairs, 4th of july marshmallow fights, oktoberfests, farmer's markets...ive come in the gorgeous sunshine and (accidentally) the gloomy rain. ive enjoyed drinks with friends for probably the cheapest you can find in this town (most places are cash only btw). in recent years, everyone has moved away from my beloved OB to the hoods of north park, normal heights, etc =( but i still come to get my beach fix without the pretentiousness. and though ive never had a difficult time finding parking, my new favorite thing is to walk from my place to OB - roughly 8 miles each way. on my most recent walking adventure to OB: i ate delicious pizza port and consumed a delicious amber lager i walked past a pile of shaved human hair on the sidewalk grass i counted buddha statues on doorsteps i breathed more pot in the air than oxygen ...and finished with a walk along the OB pier and yes, thats my idea of a delightful saturday. FYI, 16 miles later...yes, my feet hurt and i woke up barely able to move the next day. success :P read more

Sure, Ocean Beach is synonymous to a haven of homelessness and hippies, but beyond the obvious, this beach-side community is a petri dish bustling in culture. Notwithstanding the barrage of negativity that enshrouds this city, I find it refreshing that the people residing within this spec of a town take a pretense-free pride in their community. I'm not talking about the stink-of-hipster North Park/Kensington vibe or the unyielding sense-of-entitlement La Jolla vibe or the too-cool-for-school Downtown vibe. OB is an all-encompassing type of spot. It's the "mi casa, su casa and please help yourself to another beer" type of city that doesn't mind if you overstay your welcome (as long as you aren't a Starbucks), that doesn't hassle you for any differences you may possess (but will most likely hassle you for your spare change), that doesn't regard you as yet another number in the multitude. A friend and I attended the OB Kite Festival this past weekend and although there were breeders abound (as a precaution, he wore steal-toe boots to "ward off" the children), we were pleasantly surprised by the willingness of strangers to strike up chitchat. I met a photographer that was stoked on my kite, an Australia expatriate who didn't sound like a kangaroo, a few stoners from planet Half Baked and a couple of ankle biters whose self-made kites crossed paths with my store-bought kite (please be advised: a sky battle of Eastside/Westside proportions did not ensue). What did ensue, however, was an enjoyable afternoon and a taste of the delicious [in a "could use a shower" sort of way] slice of life that OB has to offer. As an added bonus, a hippy scholar inadvertently bestowed upon my friend and I (we overheard) a profound and oddly telling adage that I will now impart upon the Yelp community: "All I wanna do is spread peace and love, but all they wanna do is rip my face off." What is it they say of the correlation between life and art? read more

OB is fantastic. You get your share of the pain in the butt homeless peeps, but it's not like OB is loaded with them like the people on Yelp are making it out to be. Rude drunk people are all over California. What's the difference between a rude a-hole driving a BMW from La Jolla (which there are MANY of) or a rude stoner from OB? Nothing. An a-hole is an a-hole. People in OB get judged by the way the choose to live their life. The bottom line is this (and this goes for a man or women): If you are high maintenance, love 5 star restaurants, love super fancy food and drinks, feel the need to dress in Prada, Gucci, Etc at all times, look down on people who walk the streets barefooted, shirtless and have some tattoos...it's not for you. And the people in OB don't want you in their town either. read more

Tired of California ruining your day? Go to OB. Check the beach and have a drink in this awesome hippy-esque beach town. Don't forget to check local spots like The Black (OB's original head shop), The Harp, and O'Bistro. Hit Newport Farms or Liticker's for party goods depending on what side of town you're on. Fish Tacos: South Beach Burger: Arizona Cafe (just skip past that line for paper thin patties at Hodad's) Pizza: Newport Pizza, Surfrider Finer Foods: O'Bistro, BO-beau, Shades, 3rd Corner, Kaiserhof No BS Bars: The Harp, Arizona Cafe, Mother's Saloon Bro Spots(PB crowd): Sunshine Company, Gallagher's, OB Noodle House Divey: Pacific Shores, Lucy's read more

Everytime some stuffy, unfriendly polo-shirted jerk mentions in passing that OB is some superlative form of "dirty", "ghetto", "trashy", or "hippie," a rage not unlike that of a hurricane brews inside of me. While my humble opinion can of course do nothing to battle your obviously much classier tastes, I CAN fight back by creating blanket labels for the beaches you love so much more: Mission Beach: Tourist Fly Trap Pacific Beach: Cesspool of Frat Boys Coronado: Bougie and Entitled Island These beaches will never have the personality, culture, and loving atmosphere of OB. Not unlike the kid in high school who was picked on for being different, Ocean Beach is secretly far and beyond cooler any other beach. P.S- There is a reason they didn't film Almost Famous on Garnet. [Edit: in an effort to make this more a review and less a rant, here are some great things about OB that you need to check out: Sunshine Company, the Pier, the Black, the Black Bead, the BBQ House, Apogee Piercing, Shades, Dreamgirls boutique, Ortega's, OB Dog Beach, THE OB FARMERS MARKET, South Beach Bar and Grille, and ALL of Newport Avenue. FIN.] read more

This beach was awesome! Went there on Christmas Day and it was great! There were some issues with the bathrooms but that wasn't the beeches fault. There were some decent waves and people flying kites. Over all this was a great place next to the pier! A great place to enjoy both swimming and surfing just be aware of the designated places. read more

Ocean Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

I love OB. The problem with those who are complaining about the homeless population there is that YOU ALL HAVE HOMES. Get a grip and you spend a night out there and tell me if you're not scared. The homeless population in OB are very well behaved. Go downtown and see how "nice and friendly" they are there. Stepping down. read more

Should you be barefoot and desire a dime bag and a brew, head to the Village of OB. This seemingly seven-blocks-square of animal dwellings lends itself to textbook nefarious characters: the biker, the punker, the inked-up mommy, the hapless hippie. Ocean Beach has a tenacious hold on things a little old school and unshowered. For instance half the businesses are cash only and there is always a drum circle at the edge of the pier. If you support small business, this is a great place to to make it so. Shades will provide you a great beach view while drinking a brew, Hodad's will fill your gut with the greazziest burger west of In 'N' Out, Newbreak will make you great smoothies and omelets, Thai Time get's Pad Thai just right and the bars on Newport Ave are some of the best to get you good and twisted (Tony's, PacShores, and Harp are where I wind up most...but don't forget don't forget Voltaire Street for Lucy's, Tilted Stick, and the Cat Lounge), and get yourself some new ink at Ocean Beach tattoo. This is my old hood. I wanted a place a little more hip, than hippie, so I wound up moving. I have to say though, I miss it. I never feel out of place in my no-showers-on-sundays hat and hoodie. I do like the fact that it's the bf's current hood...I kind of get to staking my claim to this last-beacon-of-true-beach-towns through the sex I regularly have there. (OB locals may bitch slap me for that one...but in the OB-fukkit spirit, I fly in the face of those fanatics). And you will never find better bbqs and house parties than the ones in OB. I don't think I've been to one without live music and a kickass keg of some sort of non-bud-light brew. In short in OB: bring a hoodie, show off your tramp stamp, spark it up , and leave all snobbery at Sunset Cliffs. read more

I like the following about Ocean Beach, or "OB" as the cool kids say: A) I can bring my dog here. B) My dog can take a crap without being judged. C) My dog can be off leash AND take a crap on the beach, without being looked at like I'm an irresponsible caveman with his unruly pet wolf. D) It's a very relaxed atmosphere, for my dog to crap in peace. E) Bum haters and beach elitists... ya'll can go elsewhere because we don't want you at OB anyway. I think this is a wonderful place for bums to go. Beats the hell out of some inner city. Not like you were gonna be charitable to them anyway, you circumstantial, heartless piece of crap. *All craps mentioned were responsibly bagged and thrown away in their proper trash receptacles. read more

This is defiantly my favorite beach/beach town in SD. I always bring my dogs with me on vacation and OB is definitely pet friendly. The dogs have their own beach to play on and a lot of the eateries are pet friendly. So many different places to eat or to have a drink, alcoholic or non, OB has something for everyone. Here are some of my must visit places. Hodad's for Burgers Nico's for their breakfast burritos South Beach for their fish tacos Newport Pizza and Ale House- Pizza and a beer Sunshine Saloon, Winstons for a drink Ocean Villa Inn- Located on dog beach and take all size and breeds read more