Pacific Beach has always been a calming place for me. My first touch of West coast water was here, and although I was shocked to find it so cold I thought it fit the mood of this beach, which is so often covered by clouds that never seem to make their way inland. Even though I didn't grow up on this beach I feel strangely attached to it, even outside of my love for San Diego as a whole. It's strangely outdated aesthetically (once you leave the actual beach part), and most of the bar scene caters to a crowd that is just frankly not me, and yet I never feel out of place here because the mentality is so laid back. Even as I sit and type this, my hearts longs to be back here again, and I get that feeling that comes when you watch Parenthood and see that Jasmine forgives Crosby for cheating on her and doesn't care he's a perpetual loser because she loves him and still wants to get married anyway. (OK, maybe you didn't feel that way, but forgive me for being a drama lover.) This is just one of those strange reviews where it's more personal than it is a recommendation. You might not even like Pacific Beach, oh well. It certainly doesn't have the beautiful men and women that places like South Beach and Venice Beach have, hell most of them here are covered up with sweaters. The surf is just decent, nothing to get too excited about, but it's always very active. It's a younger crowd, for sure, but don't let that deter you. Come, spend a day, see if the charm hits you. If not, well, there's a dozen other beaches up and down the highway, and if so, then, you're welcome. read more

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Another beautiful San Diego beach. IMO San Diego has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world and no matter which one you go to they are all breathtaking. This one is great for biking, family strolls, very clean and spread out. It also seems to be one of the fullest beaches with the most traffic. You can never go wrong with a trip to the beach. read more

PB gets a bad rap for a lot of reasons. Obvious ones: 1. Lots of college kids live here... college kids party a lot. And can be obnoxious. 2. It attracts people. It's super easy to get here off the highway, versus other beach communities in San Diego. Straight shot off the 5. Plenty of parking, paid and free. 3. There are a lot of bars. See point 1. Here's what the haters aren't getting: 1. A lot of the "trouble" come from out of towners and our easy to access location (see point 2 from the previous list). 2. Most bars in PB have a time and a place for everyone. I wouldn't be caught dead at Moon Doggies on a Friday after 9, but Sunday come 3 PM and I'm throwing high-5's with Andre. I'm sure there are a lot of people who think Sundays there are lame, and that's their call. Time and a place. 3. No one is telling you to come here. I tend to despise the Gas Lamp, which I see as way worse than PB most of the time I'm there. If you don't like PB, say out. 4. If you live here, you don't have to drive on the weekends. GREAT restaurants and bars (see point 2 from this list) if you know where to go. But if all you know is West of Cass or the Garnet strip, well, you're missing out. Does PB have its faults? For sure. If it's not your thing though, just don't come! read more

Super pretty. More lively crowd! So many bars and restaurants. Didn't notice as much shopping but definitely food!

So beautiful and fun to watch the surfers! Cute little shop on the pier with such a sweet worker.

PB is my hometown, like I was born and raised here... not one of these yahoos that move out here from Boston and calls themselves a "local" after three years. For all the people with negative reviews I would just like to say, stay in Santee and El Cajon if you don't like it. We have plenty of people already here! I love my hometown because there is always so much to do. Whether you like to surf, bike, run or just sit on the boardwalk and people watch, PB is the place to be. With countless great restaurants and fun bars its a good time, day or night, winter or summer! Keep your bad attitudes at home and come hang out with nothing but positive vibes! read more

Pacific Beach - The view of Mission Bay on your way into PB! - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

I love the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. Yes it is very touristy but what boardwalk isn't?! I will admit on weekends and holidays it can be a little overwhelming. That just means you need to prepare and arrive early to account for the extra time needed for parking or take an uber. There is street parking but it is shared with all of the residential parking. The boardwalk is great for people watching. Plenty of great bars along the way to pop in and grab a drink or a bite to eat. Some of my favorites are PB shore club, world famous, Lahaina's, PB Alehlouse, the wood, the local, and woody's. If you want to buy a souvenir there are plenty of shops that sell towels, hoodies, t shirts etc. You can even roller skate down the board walk or rent a board and surf the beach. I really like the PB Pier as well. They have cute little cottages that are on the pier. One of these days I am renting one out! Nighttime in PB is a whole different ball game! Be prepared to be surrounded by lots of drunks so if that isn't your scene I would say start heading out around 8pm or so. I'm not sure if I would recommend this Boardwalk for families since there is so much drinking going on but I seem to always see kids when I am here. read more

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PB is so relaxing & casual. I love all the shops near by -- walking distance to the beach. Brought back so many night time memories at PB Bar & Grill when I was 21. You can walk the strip of Grand & Garnet where you can shop, get pierced, tattooed or enjoy a nice meal. Depending on the time or day -- good parking sucks or you can get lucky in the residential area. read more

I would give 20 stars if I could. I love Pacific Beach. The water and waves are perfect for boogie boards. Life guards are present and seem to be on top of things. So many restaurants and shops that you can spend days here and still feel the need for more. We stayed in a condo in the beach and the weather was perfect during our stay.Pacific Beach is our go to beach when visiting San Diego read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Pacific Beach boardwalkin bike ridin no place like it jump on at the rollercoaster and coast down the boardwalk slow fast walking biking its an obstacle course with many distractions a good test of on-point-ness dodging and swerving avoiding the zombies that walk or is it stroll the shirtless dudes bikini rockin girls other bikers dogs soccer balls and skaters slow traffic right passing on the left poppin wheelies ringin bells all the way down to the pier i post up people watch for a few make a call or two soak it all in think about doing it again i could go on and on but the place im writing about ya gotta experience it yourself im talking about Pacific Beach. read more

Pacific Beach - sunset on the PB Boardwalk - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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Nice boardwalk. A nice beach to watch the sunset. So many things happening to keep you entertained! We saw a bubble artist, weird people, musicians, different kinds of dogs! There's so many places to eat also. Tip: Watch out for the fast cyclists and scooters! read more

I dont know how anyone cannot love the beach. I know I do! I have been here before, but not since my last trip a few years ago. The parking here stinks! Good luck trying to find a spot. Seems to be near impossible to find a decent place to leave the car. I was lucky to get a spot, but it was $5 an hour. There are plenty of places to eat and drink. Georgous place to enjoy just about anything. Lots of sand and beachfront to spread out and enjoy yourself without feeling cramped. I was here in June, and the water was freezing!! Yikes. But, it was so beautiful to walk the pier, put my feet in the sand, and just hang out, that it really didnt matter. Loved every minute of this place. Georgeous views! read more

Pacific Beach is my favorite beach that I have been to in Cali. It's clean, well groomed, people are friendly, the water is warm, there aren't people harassing you like other beaches (Venice Beach I am speaking of you) and unlike NJ, it's free. There are decent places to stop by when you want to grab a quick bite. Beautiful people all over as well. I fit in perfectly. :-) read more

I say the same thing....I love PB! A visit to SD would mean staying here. Been coming here every summer to enjoy the sun, relax and have fun. People are just friendlier and courteous than LAians. Agree? read more

I love this beach! Came here again recently with the Mr. and our dog Chief. The beach itself is a long stretch with so many bars and restaurant options. I read some of the other reviews just now about no dogs?!?! Hmmm...don't worry were rebels! lol So many free street parking options unlike alot of other beaches in the area. read more

I love PB! I am only reviewing the actually beach, not the town or the fun board walk. . This beach is clean and the waves are great for surfing and boogie boarding. I like going to the right of the pier personally. Parking can be tough, just be patient and go early. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a pretty beach filled with a mixture of family, tanorexics, Abercrombie surf models with comb overs-i love the vibe at this beach. Southern coastal beaches with the blazing weather & 3rd degree feet burning sand truly shows you how beaches are supposed to feel like with the contrasting cooler ocean, the strong scent of sea salt mist & lifeguards on duty. The Saturday afternoon was spent walking a couple of hours exploring the beach amongst the bike riding, rollerblading pedestrians & walking the pier lined with stay cottages. This beach town had a Brandy Melville store a couple of blocks away. Stopped by a resteraunt down the way & noticed that SD specialty drinks are always infused with 'ginger beer' (stay away!) LOL We came back at night when the sun had set & the temperature was cooler to enjoy the last few hours to end the weekend we were in SD. LAX is the reoccurring theme in San Diego-i enjoyed my time here. read more

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I like to take a stroll around the boardwalk. Versus the boardwalk in Oceanside, I do like PB better. Super cute restaurants, shops, hotels, all that stuff you see along with the EXTREMELY beautiful coast gave me goosebumps! I already mapped out my next vacay to San Diego, but it will not get as far as the city of San Diego, it will be in Pacific Beach! read more

Pacific Beach - Sunset at Pacific Beach. 12/27/12 - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

What can I say about Pacific Beach? ***YOU CAN DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH FROM NOON - 8PM*** I used to live there & that was quiet interesting. I was in the military and living with other members of the military right off of Garnet (basically right behind Plum Crazy). I am a non-drinker but my friends are drinkers. They had every dollar drink night locked down from Moon doggies to the Silver Fox including Moose McGillicuddy's. Avalon Tattoo is located in PB and a friend worked there as a Tattoo artist for a bit. I do not miss the traffic. I do not miss how crazy it gets in the summer (i.e. The 4th of July Block Party). I have not been back in years and I go to San Diego from time to time. I guess there is nothing for me there anymore. I think the last time I was in PB I was getting the windows tinted on my VW and that was like 5-6 cars ago.....LOL If you are into Bars, Coffee Shops, Nightclubs, Tattoo parlors & thrift stores PB is a place for you. It tends to be a trendy crowd these days and quite young/college. You do get your rift/raft hanging around begging for money. I do not want to come off sounding like I am trashing PB. I enjoyed my time there but I am not as young as I used to be and it is no longer my scene. read more

Pacific Beach - 4th of July. - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

What is not to love about this boardwalk, nothing! I have spent hours here during my last few visits to SD. This is definitely a perfect spot for cycling, jogging, people watching etc. The crowd is always diverse here right from locals, tourists, local surfers and families. Walk around in the small alleys close to the boardwalk to experience restaurants, surf shops and whole lot of interesting stuff! read more

The first 5 minutes I lived in San Diego, I liked PB. After that I was over it. Since moving out of the area 4 years ago, I went back for the first time to PB last weekend to see if I was just being a jaded old fuddy duddy. Well maybe I am but sorry this area is just gross. The stores all seem to sell the same shoddy, ill made beach and club wear, the side walks are dirty and smell like pee, the stench from the bars finds it's way out in to the streets and most of the places on Garnet to eat look just plain skanky from the outside. As for the beach itself, it's one of the least picturesque and overcrowded to boot. Most people there are 21 or still trying to act like it. Overall it seems every exaggerated stereotype of Southern California congregates here. If you want a pleasant coastal experience with nice shops, a pretty beach and a laid back vibe, definitely skip PB. Overrated and lame... read more

Heaven on Earth. Where else can you see an old guy roller blading in slow motion *SlowMo*? Or run into friends you met the night before? Watch big men walk miniature dogs proudly? This was the one and only sunset I saw in PB while visiting. We walked to the end of the boardwalk up on a grassy hill where we could see the sea of surfers. Once the sun got to the last tid bit of shining for the day, I'd say for a good 5-7 minutes everyone and I mean everyone. Surfers, joggers, hippies, elderly folk ..... stopped what they were doing. It was so surreal. Together we all watched the sun slowly disappear into the ocean. Completely beautiful and a great way to end our week long stay. Something that I need to do/view more when I'm out there again. I LOVE YOU PB! read more

Pacific Beach - Love. It. - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Slo Mo, the crazy dude who just dances around, plus the blend of homeless, locals, and tourists are what make this boardwalk never a dull place to be. read more

Pacific Beach - never a dull moment in PB - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Absolutely beautiful beach with lots of perks. The area can be difficult to park in, but after you find parking (hopefully not 2 hour parking) you're set. This area has so much to do; walking the pier, up and down the beach, or just grabbing a drink and watching the surfers. The beach is HUGE so I can always find a spot to sit. I consider this beach a "back up" surf spot to Tourmaline, not as amazing of a surf spot for beginners but still a great surfing beach. They both have showers and restrooms, which is a huge perk not all beaches are providing during the drought. The lifeguards were patrolling while I was there, which I think made everyone feel safer. Thanks guys! Will definitely be back to this beautiful spot. read more

Really good environment. It really gets crowded on the weekend so it's good to get their early and get a spot. Make sure to take an umbrella to feel comfortable. And for the fellas you will be happy with certain views, there are many ladies who showing off their goodies ;) read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Very nice place to come look around beach fest today it was nice I don't go to sleep but I did find a electronic bike shop today that I've been looking for it. Go back and try this one then I spent a nice day in Pacific Beach nice and warm the fast was okay enjoyed myself read more

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Always something to see and do. Beautiful views, Great place to run, but beware of tourist season.

Pacific Beach is by far my favorite beach in SD! I love walking along taking pictures. There is always something to do and somewhere to eat. The waves are great for surfing most days. I would suggest this place for anyone wanting to enjoy a day in the sun and surf. read more

Pacific Beach - Pacific Beach is by far my favorite beach in SD! - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

One of my favorite spots in Southern California! Plenty of things to do, eat and see with endless views!

How could anyone give PB less than four stars? I am a resident and love it almost more than life itself. It's a lifestyle, and you can either embrace it or jeer at it, but don't come here if you hate it. That being said, I'm 24 and love it here, especially on the weekdays when there are few tourists-- and by tourists I mean those who do not live in PB-- around. They do get annoying, but when you live in a little sub-community as great as this one, you're bound to get an excess of visitors. I love the themed happy hours, the cute little mom-and-pop shops, being able to ride my bike all around town, getting to know the other townies... Love it. Of course parking is a bitch, but ehhhh, I'd pick PB over downtown any day! read more

Pacific Beach - Mission Bay, 4th of July - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Gotta go for 5 stars...it's my current town and I love it here! They have great bars, the best taco tuesdays, and I love the beach better than Mission Beach. read more

Many people told me not to come here with kids and that it's not for families. It's wild with parties and college kids. Where? I didn't see no parties or crazy college kids. So, I was expecting wildness 24/7. We were there in the mornings, afternoon, and evenings, so didn't see nothing too wild going on... unfortunately ;). So this party of 4 spent most of our beach time at PB. Come on man, Santa was at Pacific beach! The worst.. okay..not the worst, but in someone's eyes I'm sure, was... -girls playing ball in their thong bikini bottoms with their gluteus maximus exposed -I smelled the good stuff when the sun was going down. The atmosphere slightly changed once the sun went down, but if you have kids then you don't really need to stay past that. My only gripe about this beach is their Pier. Put some screws in them damn boards! read more

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Uber here or get here earrrllllyyy. Parking is a beach. Not much to say here, it's a boardwalk in San Diego on the first day of summer. You really can't complain. read more

Really liked this place! Pretty as far as beaches go, younger "hipper" crowd (which is meaningful when you compare to beaches like those in La Jolla or Del Mar!) though also quite a few families with little kids, good for bodyboarding and surfing alike (though not as good for regular swimming cus of the waves). Water was a bit cold at first but perfectly fine once you get in it, sand was pretty clean (I loooved that there were no ants! Such a relief). Lots of people were building sand sculptures and the like. Friendly people too - met some guys from Zimbabwe and a surfer dude. ^^ read more

I really enjoy coming here really... really early in the morning . It's briskly and the only sounds are the waves crashing into each other. It is very nice for people watching. We saw this one couple with two dogs, one blsck rog thst just stayed by tgeir side and a little white dog that was enjoying the chase with seagullls and pipers. I decided to review this today. Hubbs, Sashabelle, and me...walked along the boardwalk, it wad refreshing. On the sidewalk were these drawings and word art, itook pics becuse it wad bringing me cheer. Plus I agree with them. It was such a pleasure to have the time of walk and chat at the beach. Hope you all walk here soon...free and relaxing fun. read more

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THIS BEACH DOES DOUBLE DUTY THE BOARDWALK Love that there is ACTION SOUTH OF THE PIER (restaurants, bars, coffee shops, ice cream)... And a PEACEFUL, FLORAL-COVERED CLIFFSIDE BEACH NORTH OF THE PIER. HOTELS Stayed in the Surfer hotel, which is right on the boardwalk (south of pier in the action), but the exhaust fan sounds and deep fryer smells of the World Famous restaurant directly below the hotel make for a sad experience. Next time I would stay north of the pier and walk to the action. The Pacific Terrace hotel looks nice. As does the Diamond head Inn (though only a couple of rooms there face the water). And the pier has hotel cabins directly upon it, which look amazing. OTHER There is a resort with a NICE SPA ON THE BAY if you want a massage. The Catamaran. Saw the MOST AMAZING SUNSET. PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, even though many reviews say it draws a younger party crowd. I did stay on a Monday, though. THE OCEAN TEMP WAS DELIGHTFUL in mid July. CON: BIKES and ELECTRIC SCOOTERS are allowed on the boardwalk at all hours, making things feel crowded and a bit dangerous-- there is not much room for passing. read more

This is a fantastic beach for just having a good time. Everything from sand dollars to wind surfing can be found here. Also it is very interesting to walk up and down the boardwalk, there are great hang out spots for food, drinks, and relaxing on the cliff side. It's a fun time, I will say it's a little more wild then La Jolla or some places up the coast, but so what :) read more

Pretty chill spot for hanging out at the beach, walking around and food options. Always have a good time when I come to PB. read more

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This boardwalk is beautiful, scenic, and perfect for people watching---you'll see everyone from runners to bikers, skateboarders, locals and tourists. There's a pier at the end, where you can watch the surfers. There's, shops, restaurants and bars along the way, and you can also walk down towards Mission Beach. Even though there's a sign saying that dogs are allowed only certain times of the day, you'll still see dogs all over the place. I love it here! read more

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Pros: Lots of young people, surfy-vibe, amazing sunsets, warm water (well, half the year anyways) Cons: No good/cheap eats unless you want to walk a super-long distance up garnet, rabid police checking for alcohol in your cooler Two things I learned at this beach... 1. Bring your own picnic, don't buy food down there 2. Don't make wine/beer part of your picnic Luckily, I didn't learn the second one the hard way! Seriously though, I love this beach... come equipped with loads of sunscreen, shades, and some cold drinks. I could stay here all day, and have done so on several occasions. read more