I absolutely adore Pacific Beach. It is absolutely stunning. I have been fortunate enough to get to see dolphins here in the winter. I am always amazed and in awe at the beauty of this beach. There is also incredible food along the pier and it is spacious which allows many people to walk, run, bike, skate, roller skate or do whatever you want! PB is a super active community and is a beautiful part of San Diego. It is one of my favorite beaches I have ever been to. If you are in San Diego, you should definitely check out Pacific Beach! read more

See all

PB is one of my favorite beaches! It's always clean - no trash anywhere. There are really good restaurants nearby after a day in the sun. The sand is soft, sun is warm, and water is cold. What more could you ask for from a beach? read more

Pacific Beach - Under the pier - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I thought I already reviewed Pacific Beach! That tells me I've been taking one of my favorite beaches in San Diego for granted for far too long! To get to the beach, first enter the Town of Pacific Beach by taking the I-5 Freeway and then exit at Garnet Street. You'll find this to be one of the liveliest beach towns there is along the Pacific Ocean. It's incredibly breathtaking, but it's also busy, loud, and always crowded. If you've arrived early morning, be sure to have a most affordable and delicious breakfast at the iconic 'Konos', located adjacent to Crystal Pier. If the surf is up, take your board across Grand Avenue and Mission Boulevard, located close to the Fire House for the greatest waves ever. Drop your blanket on the sand, prop up an umbrella, set out your cooler, and just relax. Ahhhhhh...feel that? Serenity NOW. Some places to eat that I highly recommend are 'Rubicon Deli' (actually located about a mile down the shore in Mission Beach. It's within walking distance if you're in shape :) ). Their interesting sandwiches are affordable and huge! Great smoothies, sandwiches and açaí bowls are fantastic at 'Rum Jungle'! 'Duck Dive', famous for their duck fries, has wonderful fish offerings. Of course, there are literally hundreds of other great restaurants in Pacific Beach, so just consult with Yelp! This is a town whose beach has all the beautiful people coming back again and again. The locals who live here are lucky to have this tremendously unique vibe. I know, because this was once my town. I must note that even though Pacific Beach is a great destination, always be careful to watch out for hidden dangers. There are a lot of scammers out there, too. read more

See all

AMAZING! Planned a last-minute trip to San Diego, not knowing anything. Happen to come across this little beach community and WOW! I would go there over and again. Small crowds, beautiful beach, and in the center of mission beach, and La Jolla, with only about 15 minutes from the airport. read more

See all

Pacific Beach is very clean, and well staffed. There are plenty of parking options all in walking distance from the beach, and the walk path is large enough to easily bypass others. Great beach to visit, I highly recommend! read more

Love Pacific Beach! it's always such a place with amazing sand, great water, and of course the best food ever! Stop by Prince's pizza if you haven't yet. The beach itself is pretty clean compared to most others, and I highly recommend walking to get food somewhere and then bringing it for sunset. Parking can be a hassle and can they pricey, but i'd recommend finding street parking that is free. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Best beach by far it's literally by all the food, bars and has a great community. Super easy to meet new people

I was hesitant to visit Pacific Beach on July 4... I thought for sure there would be no parking and it would be complete chaos on the sand. We got there at about 4 PM and were pleasantly surprised! No free parking available, but I wasn't expecting that. But definitely several pay for spots at the Chase bank. We must have had the beach at the sweet spot because when we got down there, a lot of people were starting to leave. We got a great spot on the sand. The vibe was totally chill. The beach is in really great shape right now and I appreciate that there was a very heavy lifeguard presence to keep everyone safe. read more

Close to shopping and breakfast spots we love going to get breakfast then to the beach. Parking can be tricky but we just splurge and pay the daily fee. Best beach in San Diego we love going here! read more

Nice beach near San Diego. Visited earlier this week while in the area for a conference. We had dinner reservations at World Famous California Coastal Cuisine restaurant and arrived early, so we wandered around. There was still standing water from storms that had flooded the area the weekend before, but the area was returning to normal and the beach fairly crowded. Lifeguards were on full alert to rescue foolish tourists who underestimated the ocean. The sun was setting on one side and an almost full moon rising on the other. It was a perfect Southern California scene. I could have stayed a lot longer, but we had to head to our restaurant as it was time for dinner. Will be back for sure! read more

See all

Simple, peaceful, beautiful, not crowded on a Monday around noon time, metered street parking easy to find a block away on Garnet Ave at Mission Blvd, convenient access to the sandy shore, with several sets of stairs near the pier. I was able to enjoy a good nap lying on the beach while my bf took a swim in calm waters. It was just what we needed after a long weekend. read more

See all

Lovely beach! The right kind of crowd comes here. Best is that you can get food enjoy a sunny picnic or rent surfboards, go surfing! Loved the visit to this beach. read more

Pacific Beach or PB is obviously located in Pacific Beach San Diego, offering beautiful beach views and entertainment for the whole family. Pacific Beach has beautiful sand along with luscious blue water and waves crashing to the shore second by second. They have a nice boardwalk with many bars and restaurants for everyone's needs. There are many shopping centers around the beach for your daily shopping needs as well. They have a great nightlife experience with many bars and restaurants opening late and especially on the weekends. There are always surfers and swimmers on site from the early mornings to late evenings, and they also host a lot of events here as well. They also have a half marathon and 5k here yearly, which offers a scenic view while running, and the after-party is usually a great place to stay to enjoy the rest of the day. This beach is clearly an award winning beach off the coast of San Diego and is one of my favorites to go to with the exemption of parking and homeless but other than that this is definitely a beach worthwhile to check out when visiting! read more

Pacific Beach - Pacific Beach half-marathon October 7 2023 - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

In my opinion, the best beach in San Diego. I am biased as I came here during the summers pre high school, and it just has a calming effect on me. read more

Pacific Beach boasts a long coastline with clear water and fine sand, making it ideal for barefoot walks. It is particularly famous for its magnificent Pacific sunset. In the evening, the setting sun colors the sea red, and the lingering sunlight combined with live band performances is truly enjoyable. Also, due to the gentle water flow, it is an excellent place for water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. It is also suitable for family vacations. If you prefer tranquility or a deep natural experience, you can avoid the central area or choose La Jolla. read more

See all

Pacific Beach from the Crystal Pier to Pacific Beach Drive offers public bathrooms and pockets of dedicated parking at Grand Avenue and P.B. Drive. Along other streets, there is paid parking using meters or phone apps. Many of the lots we saw charged $10-12/hour depending on the day of the week. You can find anything from bicycle rentals to biker bars along the coast here, and more of the same as you head inland up Garnet Avenue for many blocks. There are many restaurants, bars and shops along the pathway that runs along the beach, so pick what you like and enjoy the sun and sand. It's fun to see people biking, jogging, playing beach volleyball, etc....all along this beautiful beach. read more

See all

Pacific Beach - So Beautiful, So Sunny, It's Basically the Mar-a-Lago of the West Coast Let me tell you folks, I've been to a lot of beaches--tremendous beaches--but Pacific Beach? Wow. Just wow. You step onto that sand and it's like the red carpet, but better, because it doesn't have any fake celebrities on it. Just real Americans, enjoying freedom, sunshine, and some of the greatest waves you've ever seen. The ocean? Sparkling. So blue, it makes Twitter jealous. The sun? Always shining. It's like the weather there personally voted for Trump--perfect every time. I looked up and said, "Is this heaven?" No--it's San Diego. And folks, it's winning. The boardwalk is legendary. You've got joggers, skateboarders, people rollerblading like it's still 1987 in the best way. Beautiful people everywhere. And the energy? Electric. I could feel the support--I even got a high-five from a guy in a tank top that said "Make Burgers Great Again." That's a movement, folks. Taco stands, smoothie shops, people riding beach cruisers like they're on a campaign trail of joy--incredible vibe. The bars? Buzzing. The restaurants? Delicious. There's one spot that serves fish tacos so fresh, I'm convinced they skip the ocean entirely and just hand them to you from a cloud. And the sunsets--don't even get me started. I've seen sunsets all over the world, and this one? It's like the sky said, "Let's give Trump something nice." Gorgeous. Presidential, even. Final thoughts: Pacific Beach is classy, it's fun, it's tan, and it never shuts down early. It's the Florida of California, but with better waves and less humidity. If I were to build a wall, it would be to keep people in, because trust me, once you go--you never want to leave. Would I return? I'm already looking into beachfront real estate. And maybe a lifeguard tower shaped like a gold T. Who knows. Could happen. -- Donald J. Beach President ‍ read more

It's always a perfect time to come to this beach. Good weather year round. Solid energy. Etc. And at the same time, there's never a perfect time to come here because it's always packed. I try and come here Monday to Thursday only and during the day. Not only can you get parking which is usually atrocious but it's also not bombarded with people who are drunk and partying. After 7pm it will tune into a jungle with people bar hopping. If you don't mind being packed into clubs or bars like sardines and paying a lot of money for drinks then PB ain't bad. There are a ton of bars lined up next to the beach and plenty in a short walking distance. The beach itself is probably the best SD has to offer. It's clean. It's safe. The water always feels amazing. More times than not, people are respectful of the shoreline and natural habitat and surroundings. There are boardwalks you can walk or bike or skate on. It's truly a good time. Sometimes Pacific Beach can be more about the sight and sounds more than the sand and water but you can find a good balance. It's also really white here. For as diverse as San Diego is, my culture and people are definitely not reflected here. I give it a 3.5 stars because I've learned when I should go to PB to get what I crave and that's just to chill and soak up the sun. read more

See all

I really enjoy running on this beach. A lot to see, do and eat The beach is fairly quiet and clean on weekdays but during the weekends and holidays obviously it can be busy. I live close by so the parking isn't an issue for me. A nice beach to go if you want to spend the whole day because you can leave the beach and walk around without needing to move your car or drive. Will be coming back. Ps Rip tide here often read more

What a beautiful beach! Location top notch. Board walk is great with local shops and restaurants. The beach itself is fantastic and ocean water is great. Families and friends can easily hang out with plenty of room to relax and enjoy beach time. One of my fav beaches in San Diego and well worth checking out. read more

See all

Dropped by Pacific Beach today. We were recommend by a few family friends to visit this beach. Parking was very easy to find especially for a Tuesday. We parked right in front of Crystal Pier. Parking is free for 2 hours between certain hours of the day. The beach was decent. The beach itself looked clean and the waves look great for surfing and other water activities. There was plenty of walkway along the beach to enjoy the ocean air and scenery. There were plenty of food offerings and souvenir shops as well. We like that the beach is very pet friendly. We saw dogs everywhere. The vibes are reminiscent of Venice Beach which is not our favorite beach. We weren't huge fans of the crowd. There was a guy who was preaching about conspiracy theories. One man approached me and pointed at my mask telling me those "don't work" which made me feel uncomfortable. It was fun to check it out, but we'd much prefer Laguna, Newport, Malibu, etc. Definitely a one and done kind of trip for us! read more

Pacific Beach - Private Pier - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

I love the ambiance great weather it was clean and met great people. Seen a couple of dolphins and a starfish. read more

See all

wao a very peaceful and pretty beach... really reminded me to slow down and relax while i walking along the coast and waves. pretty windy and cold so i bundled up. caught the sunset and it was insaneee read more

See all

Wide, sandy beach lined with a lively boardwalk, shops, bars, and restaurants. Lifeguarded swimming, bike/rollerblade-friendly Ocean Front Walk, and nearby parking at Grand Ave and PB Drive. Surf-happy and energetic - expect crowds, especially near the pier. Great for people-watching and beach vibes. read more

This beach has soooo much things to do and places to eat. The beach wasn't busy the few times we went and plenty of boardwalk to get a walk/run in. There are tons of restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Crystal Pier was a beautiful walk and we definitely want to stay there our next trip. Cannot wait to come back! read more

See all

Great beach with a lot of shops around. Access was easy and clean. I can imagine the beach being very crowded on popular days but we came by on a perfect Monday where we had plenty of space to spread out. As my favorite beach bunny napped I dove in for some splish splash. Water temp was like room temp and the waves were perfect for my friend Barry to rip it up at 79 years old on a body board. read more

My trip to Pacific Beach (PB) in San Diego was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I had stepped into the quintessential Southern California lifestyle, complete with endless sunshine, a laid-back vibe, and stunning ocean views that stretched as far as the eye could see. The Beach Experience: The beach was the first thing that drew me in. As I walked onto the soft, golden sands, I immediately felt the warmth under my feet and the salty breeze on my face. I spent hours just lying on the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The water was a beautiful shade of blue, and I couldn't resist taking a dip. It was refreshing, and I found myself floating for what felt like forever, just watching the horizon and feeling completely at peace. Surfing and the Ocean: One of the highlights of my visit was trying my hand at surfing. I'd never surfed before, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity in a place so synonymous with surf culture. I rented a board from one of the local surf shops and signed up for a beginner's lesson. The instructor was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, guiding me through the basics before we paddled out to catch some waves. I'll never forget the thrill of standing up on the board for the first time, even if it was just for a few seconds. The sense of accomplishment and the sheer fun of riding the waves was exhilarating. Exploring the Boardwalk: After my surf session, I spent time exploring the famous PB boardwalk, a lively 3.2-mile path that runs parallel to the beach. It was buzzing with activity--joggers, cyclists, and families all enjoying the oceanfront views. I rented a bike and joined in, riding along the path and stopping at various spots along the way. The boardwalk is lined with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and beachfront bars, so there was always something interesting to see or do. I loved the energy here; it was contagious, and I found myself smiling the entire time. Crystal Pier Adventure: No trip to Pacific Beach would be complete without a visit to Crystal Pier. This wooden pier juts out into the ocean, offering stunning views of the coastline. I walked all the way to the end, where I found people fishing and couples enjoying the romantic sunset views. The sight of the sun sinking into the ocean, casting a golden glow over everything, was simply breathtaking. I also had the unique experience of staying in one of the Crystal Pier Cottages, which are perched right above the water. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves beneath me was an experience I'll never forget. Dining and Nightlife: Pacific Beach is a food lover's paradise, and I took full advantage of that. One evening, I had dinner at an oceanfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while watching the waves roll in. The fish tacos were to die for, and the local craft beer selection was impressive. But what really stood out to me was the nightlife. Garnet Avenue, in particular, was alive with energy. I hopped from bar to bar, enjoying live music, dancing, and some seriously creative cocktails. The crowd was friendly and diverse, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people. The night seemed to fly by in a blur of laughter and good vibes. Outdoor Activities: For someone who loves the outdoors, Pacific Beach is a dream come true. On another day, I rented a paddleboard and explored the calm waters of Mission Bay. It was so peaceful gliding across the water, surrounded by the beauty of the bay. I even tried paddleboarding at sunset, which was a surreal experience as the sky turned pink and orange, reflecting off the water. I also spent a morning at Kate Sessions Park, which offers some of the best views of the city and the bay. It was the perfect spot for a picnic, and I ended up lounging there for hours, just enjoying the scenery. Shopping and Local Culture: I couldn't leave Pacific Beach without indulging in a bit of shopping. The area is filled with charming boutiques and surf shops, where I picked up some unique souvenirs and beachwear. The PB Farmers Market was another highlight, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music. It had such a great community feel, and I loved interacting with the local vendors. I also stumbled upon some amazing street art and murals that added to the neighborhood's vibrant character. Final Thoughts: Looking back, my time at Pacific Beach felt like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The combination of stunning natural beauty, a vibrant local culture, and a welcoming community made it an unforgettable experience. Whether I was surfing the waves, biking along the boardwalk, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on the beach, I felt completely immersed in the laid-back, sun-soaked vibe that makes PB so special. It's a place I know I'll return to again and again, each visit offering something new and wonderful to discover. read more

I've been coming to PB for years. It is one of my favorite beaches. There is so much to do here and there is something for everyone of all ages. Back in college, it was always a party coming here. There are lots of great bars and restaurants up and down the coast. The boardwalk is my favorite. I love grabbing my longboard and skating down it. Lots of people ride bikes on it too. You can rent bikes at many of the local rental shops in the area if you don't have your own to bring. Pacific Beach is part of San Diego with La Jolla to the north and Mission Beach and Mission Bay to the south. There are plenty of restrooms and wash stations around the pier area. Crystal Pier itself has been around awhile and was built in the 20's. The boardwalk is about 3 miles long. Sometimes there are people selling crafts and merchandise on the boardwalk. It's a great place to people watch as there are all sorts of characters that walk up and down it. Parking at Pacific Beach can be a pain at times. I usually find myself driving up and down Garnet Ave waiting for someone to pull out so I can take their spot. Your best option is to get there early and plan on staying for the day. There are just too many restaurants around PB to make a list. Kono's Cafe is my favorite for breakfast and coffee. They have bomb breakfast burritos. PB Alehouse and Shore Club are long time bars. You can find anything from fish tacos to ice cream to fine dining at Pacific Beach. There are also a bunch of beach front hotels that you can reserve (book early!). Definitely hit up one of the local surf shops in the area to grab some cool surf apparel or a board. PB gets super crowded during peak seasons. Lots of young people hang out here. But it is a part of the culture and expected when you come here. It's a great place to surf, boogie board, go for walk or just chill on the beach. Stay till evening because the sunsets are amazing. Enjoy! read more

See all

Pacific Beach was always known to me as a party city/beach/area for San Diego. My recent visit look more family oriented and couple oriented. Although liqour is no longer allowed on California beaches (with a few minor exceptions), it has changed. There are beautiful views and a long boardwalk to get your exercise on and bask in the beautiful scenery. It was quite busy for a beautiful weekend. Again as mentioned for Crystal Pier, parking is quite pricey!!! $12 an hour!!! Yes not a typo AN HOUR! maybe PB is hurting some? You can always head to the local bar and then take a stroll to the beach, that is, if you can find that free/cheap parking. Otherwise expect to pay that high parking fee at any parking lot. read more

See all

Beautiful! Crowded walking path but it's not crowded going in the direction towards Bird Rock, which is a completely paved walking path. The views are drop dead gorgeous read more

See all

I love all the beautiful art and the clubs and restraints as you walk around pacific beach everyone is having magnificent energy and seem to all be super happy and always looking for a good spot to hang out or eat and also to shop it is very animal friendly and many buses available and a lot of bicycle racks available and parking available at a hourly or daily rate whichever you choose but know that if you do park illegally at any time you may good a ticket they do patrol the parking and enforce it read more

The beach itself is stunning, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. From breakfast burritos to beach bars, there's always something delicious to eat or drink. And when the sun goes down, the party's just getting started. read more

See all

Beach has seaweed all over the place. Sand is dirty and bugs all over the place. Don't go to this beach. Try Encinitas it's clean.

I would pay to experience a sunset here. It was lovely. I imagine it's not as peaceful when the weather is warmer. I'm coming back tomorrow! read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

One of the most amazing places. Talk about stress relief. Waves were waving, surf was surfing, and we were taking it all in and storing it away for the journey home read more

Great beach with plenty of walkable eats, coffee and more. There are multiple volleyball nets i you want some game time and beautiful views all around. Definitely one of our favorites. read more

See all

I think it's safe to say that PB is one of the top 5 beaches in the San Diego area. A once iconic neighborhood that has now been overrun by vacation rentals means it can get pretty busy on the weekend. You'll fund tons of bars and restaraunts right on the beach. Nice beach to enjoy the day or sit by the fire at night. read more

See all

Don't get a bui on the boardwalk! Walk & drink, do not bicycle in Pacific Beach. Stay close to Garnet & Grand you'll be find.Check out Crystal pier.Certain hours apply to walk on Pier. read more

Came here for short walk after grabbing boba at Presotea. Has boardwalk with bars, food, shops, vacation lodges along it. Saw folks surfing, playing volleyball, just chilling. A section of beach was full of small seashells. Was cloudy when went but I imagine sunsets here should be amazing! read more

See all

Love this beach. Super pretty and very clean. Lots of surfers to watch. Life guards were on duty and very verbal when people were not following direction. Plenty of places to eat very close as well read more

Pacific Beach - Sunset - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

See all