With our 70 miles of gorgeous Pacific shoreline and endless options for fun in the sun, San Diego promises to make your summer visit unforgettable. And with help from the handy lists and tips below, you’ll be savoring a San Diego summer like a seasoned local. Read on to learn all the best San Diego insider tips:
Top San Diego Beaches for Families
San Diego is known around the world for its awesome array of surf spots. But sometimes you’re not looking for a world-class wave but a kid-class patch of calm waters for young family members to frolic in. We’ve got you covered with our list of seven pleasingly serene swimming spots around San Diego. Plus, check out our roundup of perfect San Diego beaches for teens and the whole family — offering all the info you need to plan a summer adventure here!
Best San Diego Beaches for Young Adults
Besides being a great family beach destination, San Diego offers stretches of sandy perfection that are ideal for young adults, too. With its multitude of bars and clubs, Pacific Beach is a prime summer spot for the college and 20-something set, and takes in such must-see features as Crystal Pier and the beach boardwalk. Speaking of which: Just down that 3.5-mile paved pathway is Mission Beach, home to its own collection of restaurants, bars and cafes as well as always-fun Belmont Park, the nearly 100-year-old classic beachside amusement park. And for sun and fun in a gorgeous setting, you can’t beat La Jolla Shores — particularly with its proximity to great shopping and much more in La Jolla Village.
Mission Bay, San Diego’s Aquatic Wonderland
Ever seen a playground you can swim in? You will if you visit San Diego’s one-of-a-kind Mission Bay, the largest aquatic park of its kind in the world. Covering some 4,600 acres, Mission Bay Park offers just about everything under the bright San Diego sun, from sailing to paddleboarding to perfect picnic spots. Insider tip: Mission Bay is so big that different zones host their own sets of activities, including kite-flying at Tecolote Shores, volleyball at Crown Point and canine romps on dog-friendly Fiesta Island. And of course Mission Bay is home to SeaWorld San Diego, the world-renowned family attraction.
Tips on Bringing Dogs to San Diego’s Beaches
Did someone mention dogs? San Diego boasts plenty of places to treat your pooch to a summertime beach visit. As mentioned, dogs are allowed around most parts of Mission Bay’s sprawling Fiesta Island, and there are also dedicated dog beaches at nearby Ocean Beach and up the coast in the beautiful community of Del Mar. Click here to check out the full range of dog-friendly beaches (plus rules and regulations).
Where to Bonfire on San Diego’s Beaches
An evening beach bonfire is a summertime rite of passage, and San Diego offers some ideal shoreside spots to toast up s’mores and talk story under the stars. Check out our roundup of seven great places to spark up a party around the fire ring.
Top San Diego Beachside Spots to Grab a Bite
Not only does San Diego boast mile upon mile of beautiful Pacific shoreline and sparkling bayfront, but many of our best beaches offer multiple options for grabbing a bite and a beverage nearby. Read up on some favorites in our list of Top Summertime Favorites to Grab a Bite by the Water. (One handy insider tip: The seagulls here are hungry, too, so don’t walk away and leave your eats in plain view!)
Tips for Enjoying San Diego’s Beaches Safely
We want you to have the time of your life on San Diego’s beaches — but we want you to do it safely, too. So, before hitting the sand and surf, consult our primer on enjoying San Diego’s watery wonders while observing a few smart guidelines. Insider tip: Remember to practice the “stingray shuffle” while wading into the ocean shallows — it’ll alert any rays that you’re on the way and help avoid a potentially painful run-in.
