San Diego's TOP 6 beaches to visit

1. CORONADO BEACH

It's technically in Coronado; the small city located just across the San Diego Bay; but Coronado Central Beach is one stretch of silvery white sand you can't miss while in San Diego. Named one of the Travel Channel's Top 10 US Beaches, this 1.5-mile strip stretches alongside a palm tree-lined street of mansions. Do some coastal cooking of your own while breathing in ocean air with eight fire rings available. They're always in demand, so get there by 9 a.m. if you're planning on hosting an evening family cookout. Bring your own coals and lighter; extinguish the fire and dispose of the coals in the provided hot coal receptacle when you're done.

2. BLACK'S BEACH

Want some more sand to yourself? Located in the affluent community of La Jolla, Black’s Beach can be challenging to get to, which is why it's usually less crowded than San Diego's other sandy stretches.

If you decide to go there, it's advisable to:

• Find an app on your phone that monitors the tides and/or tracks the tides throughout the day and aim to reach this beach at low tide by walking two miles south from Torrey Pines State Beach or three miles north from the La Jolla Shores Beach. 

Paragliding & Hang Gliding | Torrey Pines Gliderport

• When those routes are blocked during high tide, just do what us locals do and park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and follow the signs for Black's Beach. There are currently 3 different trails that take you to Black's Beach and ALL require you to traverse down some steep rock formations. 
• It's also advisable to "pack lightly" and to pick the trail that has some man made steps in it (they will prove to be quite useful both on the way down AND on the way back up).  This is a beach where half the fun is just getting there! 😃

One of three trails going down to the beach

Bring binoculars to scan the waves for dolphins, but be careful where you aim them.  Black's beach is well known for being a gay beach and attracting nudists.

3. LA JOLLA SHORES

La Jolla Shores is perhaps the best example of a beach that has something for everyone. You'll appreciate the expansive and flat white sand, and your kids will love the playground at the adjoining Kellogg Park. 

Kellogg Park, La Jolla Shores

And while this beach is lovely for kicking back with a book, it's most popular with the active set. Just a few blocks off the beach, on Avenida de la Playa, you'll find a cluster of businesses that rent equipment and run tours for those who want to kayak, surf and snorkel. The clear water and nearby La Jolla Underwater Park; an ecological preservation zone featuring artificial reefs that help attract marine life—make La Jolla Shores a popular destination for scuba divers too.

4. PACIFIC BEACH

Catching some waves in PB

With a name like Pacific Beach, you can easily picture the sweeping views of the deep blue sea and white-capped waves lapping at the golden sand. This is the quintessential Southern California beach, which is why it's a popular spot for beachgoers of all kinds. 

As you'd expect, that means Pacific Beach, which is just south of La Jolla, tends to be crowded during the hot summer months. Things are quieter north of the Crystal Pier. Stretch your legs by walking along the boardwalk, which runs the entire length of the beach. 

Crystal Pier sunset

NOTE: Parking can be challenging, so look carefully for street parking or take a taxi or car service to eliminate the hassle.

Belmont Park at Mission Beach

5.MISSION BEACH

Mission Beach is a community that's built on a sandbar
between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay.

Walk south down Pacific Beach and you may not even realize when you've crossed over onto Mission Beach. Like its northern neighbor, Mission Beach is characterized by beautiful ocean views and big crowds in summer. 

This beach has something the others don’t and that’s location - location - location! 

It’s near Belmont Park, an oceanside amusement park. To go on the rides, you can either buy day passes or purchase individual ride tickets. So when the kids have had their fill of castle building, take them to Belmont for a quick spin on the bumper cars. The boardwalk that runs along Pacific Beach continues the length of Mission Beach as well. There are free public parking lots on either side of Belmont Park; get there by 10 a.m. on hot days to have your choice of parking spots.

6. OCEAN BEACH

Ocean Beach is the place to go if you're looking to wander, take in the sights or enjoy a bit of fishing. The beach is located in the vibrant beach community of Ocean Beach. At the northern end of the shoreline, which sits just south of the channel where the Pacific meets Mission Bay, is a dog beach where canines are allowed to romp off the leash. 

The Original Dog Beach in San Diego, CA (1972) is nationally famous and
one of the 1st official leash-free beaches in the United States. 

At the other end of the beach is the Ocean Beach Pier, which extends half a mile into the ocean. Unlike many fishing spots on this pier, you're not required to have a California fishing license—making this the perfect place to cast off.

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