The sand, the sparkling salt water, the smell of sunscreen, the sound of laughter — it’s safe to say that one of the things people love most about San Diego is the beaches. Whether you want to learn how to surf, build epic sand castles, or find kid-friendly hotels nearby, my list of the best beaches in San Diego for families will help you out.
Our San Diego beaches are spread across a stunning 70 miles of coastline. As a local who’s raised a child here, I’ve spent years exploring them, and I’ve listed my favorite family-friendly spots right at the top. Since I also help families plan vacations to San Diego, I know what parents with kids of all ages are looking for and which beaches offer the best amenities.
See also: Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
1. La Jolla Shores Beach
- Best for: Families with kids of all ages including young children and beginner surfers
- Free parking: A large public lot adjacent to Kellogg Park (it can fill up quickly during peak season)
- Key features: Calm waves, clean amenities, permanent lifeguards
La Jolla Shores Beach is my favorite beach in San Diego and one of the best beaches in California for families. It is also home to many of the La Jolla tide pools.
Sure, I may be biased as a La Jolla local, but this gorgeous sandy beach truly has it all. It offers access to water sports, a small playground, relatively clean (for a beach) bathrooms and showers, as well as designated areas for surfing and swimming. A permanent lifeguard station monitors the beach during the day, and it’s a great place to learn how to surf.
The waves break gently near the southern end, so kayak, snorkeling, and scuba tours launch from here. The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, out in the water between La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove, is extraordinarily rich in marine life for California. Leopard sharks aggregate in the warmer water near the shore in the late summer to give birth. They’re harmless and swim around you, making it fun for all ages.
Two casual yet family-friendly beachfront hotels (La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and La Jolla Shores Hotel) are located here. A few blocks away, the La Jolla Shores business district has several shops and restaurants. A huge grassy area and playground outside Kellogg Park offer families additional seaside fun.
2. Coronado Central Beach
- Best for: All ages and general beachgoing
- Free parking: Ocean Boulevard
- Key features: Seaside activities and lessons, beach boardwalk, permanent lifeguards
Previously chosen as a top 10 beach in America by Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach), it’s arguably the best beach San Diego has to offer for families. It’s surrounded by 1.5 miles of majestic shoreline, with plenty of sand to lie your towel on or build sandcastles. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking Hotel del Coronado, famed for its Victorian architecture and kid-friendly amenities.
Deposits of mica over time have left the sands with an iconic gold shine, perfect for your next sandcastle-building contest. You can also take surfing lessons, visit tide pools during winter’s daylight low tides, and have all you need to enjoy a classic Southern California beach day.
People book into Coronado Island hotels to access this Coronado beach. Even if you’re not staying at Hotel del Coronado, you can take advantage of beach rentals at Del Beach, subject to availability.
Tip: Look out for sandcastle creations by the famous Sandcastle Man near Hotel del Coronado that appear almost daily.
Coronado Beach Tips & Alerts
3. Moonlight State Beach, Encinitas
- Best for: Families with younger kids, tweens, and teens
- Free Parking: Moonlight State Beach parking lot
- Key features: Volleyball and tennis courts, fire pits, gear rentals, clean bathrooms, and a playground
Whether you’ve got your sights set on the ocean or want to take the kids to the grassy park and play area, Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is one of the best beaches for kids in San Diego. It’s a favorite of North County San Diego hotel concierges, and the beach is staffed with year-round lifeguards.
The beach’s natural slope is very gradual, making it easier for kids to play at the shoreline (under supervision, of course). The swimming-only zone helps keep everyone safer near the shore, while the rest of the ocean is open to surfers and other water sports.
Enjoy family-friendly amenities, including a seasonal, delicious on-site snack bar, bathrooms and showers, picnic areas, beach volleyball, and convenient gear rentals. There’s also a fun little playground.
4. Silver Strand State Beach
- Best for: Families that enjoy water sports and activities
- Free Parking: Coronado Cays Boulevard (Plan to pay for parking in one of the state lots, however)
- Key features: Shower facilities, picnic areas, beach volleyball, RV campground
With beaches on both the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and four huge paid parking lots, Silver Strand State Beach is another one in the running for best beach for kids in San Diego, and it’s also the beach used by guests of Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
Loews operates a seasonal concessions stand here with chairs, umbrellas, and other beach rentals. Resort guests don’t pay for these basic rentals, which makes the setup especially convenient. Families come from all over for the broad, open shoreline and the mix of activities, including swimming, surfing, boating, water skiing, volleyball, fishing (with a license), and picnicking, all of which are fun to do here.
If you’re feeling adventurous, bring your RV and spend a night listening to the waves and gazing at the stars (fees, reservations, and restrictions apply). The bay area waters are warm and calm, making it a great venue for people of all ages.
The ocean in front of Silver Strand State Beach intermittently closes due to high bacterial levels. The beach remains open during these times.
5. Del Mar City Beach
- Best for: Families and dog owners looking for outdoor fun
- Free Parking: Del Mar Civic Center (it’s a bit of a walk) and street parking (scarce)
- Key features: Volleyball, lifeguard tower, restrooms, and shower facilities
Powerhouse Park and its playground overlook this shimmering stretch of the shore, along with restaurants, shops, and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. You can find public restrooms in the towering lifeguard building, and other public services are available near the park.
The sunrise and sunset are equally magical at this family-favorite San Diego haven, so come early and stick around to enjoy nature’s show. Parking is challenging on warm-weather days, so arrive early.
You can walk a few blocks from the heart of the Del Mar Village, where some of the best shops and restaurants are located, to reach the beach at the end of 15th Street.
Guests of L’Auberge Del Mar have a private path that leads across the street to this beach. If you’re using the beach valet at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, it will be set up with chairs, umbrellas, and bottled water at 18th Street.
Tip: You can read more in my guide to Del Mar beaches.
6. Torrey Pines State Beach
- Best for: Families that love hiking, surfing, and swimming
- Free Parking: Limited spots along Coast Highway 101/North Torrey Pines Road
- Key features: Seasonal lifeguards, bathroom and shower facilities, free docent-led tours in the park
Lose yourself in the rich red hues of the bluffs as you take a stroll along the shores of Torrey Pines State Beach. It’s adjacent to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a popular place we love for family hikes, and it’s located between Del Mar and La Jolla.
Enjoy building sandcastles on the shore or having a beachside picnic with the whole family.
Come at sunrise, stay for sunset, and don’t forget to get an Annual Pass for boatloads of fun throughout the year. Otherwise, you’ll need a day pass to park.
Tip: If you have extra time, consider taking the free docent-led tours in the nature reserve for an additional educational treat for the kids. Please note that, due to ongoing restoration work, the park is currently open with restrictions. Check availability.
7. La Jolla Cove Beach (For the Sea Lions)
- Best for: All ages, especially families with small children
- Free Parking: Limited street parking on Coast Boulevard and nearby streets
- Key features: Tide pools, year-round lifeguards, guided tour, sea lion viewing
La Jolla Cove is a hot spot for sunbathing La Jolla sea lions. You can spot them lounging in the sand just a few feet from the stairway or on the bluffs near the boardwalk.
While they are very fun to see, it is essential to respect their personal space. Stay 50 feet away and enjoy this natural splendor from a distance. Next, walk south down the boardwalk to Children’s Pool Beach to look at the harbor seals who live over there.
You can also go to the beach at La Jolla Cove, but I hesitate to recommend that people drive out of their way specifically for a beach day here. The patch of sand is not huge and does get crowded in the summer.
If you can snag a spot for your towel, it is one of the best family beaches in San Diego because there are often no waves here, and it’s staffed with lifeguards year-round. Just remember that floatation devices like boogie boards and kayaks are not allowed because the beach is part of a protected ecological reserve.
8. South Ponto Beach
- Best for: Families who enjoy surfing, bodysurfing, and beach camping
- Free Parking: Southbound lanes of Coast Highway / Carlsbad Blvd (limited)
- Key features: Beach volleyball, public restrooms, and showers
A beautiful beach in a what feels like a relatively undeveloped area, South Ponto Beach is a Carlsbad beach home to some dunes that make parts of the beach feel secluded.
The sunset over South Ponto is one you won’t want to miss, so grab a free parking spot by the southern edge of the beach and experience a natural work of art over the shoreline.
The extra-wide stretch of sand is perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a little sunbathing, so it’s popular for beachgoers of all ages. It’s one of the many family beaches that also allows volleyball, just bring your own net to play.
It’s one of the only San Diego family-friendly beaches in the area with public restrooms and showers to rinse off any sandy toes and hands.
9. Mission Beach
- Best for: Families with kids of all ages — toddlers, tweens, or teens
- Free Parking: Mission Beach Parking Lot and El Carmel Parking Lot
- Key features: Boardwalk, beach volleyball, public bathrooms, Belmont Park, and accessible showers
If you’re wondering where to go in Mission Beach, there are two options: Mission Beach and South Mission Beach.
South Mission Beach is the most family-friendly area, as it is located in front of single-family and condominium homes that are mostly vacation rentals. It’s also where the beach volleyball courts, bathrooms, and permanent lifeguard station are all located.
The scene at Mission Beach, a bit further north, can be party-like, but the kids will want to go there to see Belmont Park. It’s our seaside amusement park with a historic roller coaster, bumper cars, an arcade, mini-golf, and more, which is free to walk around (buy a wristband for rides).
You can rent bikes or pack roller skates to cruise down the Ocean Front Walk, the lively beach boardwalk. You can also learn how to surf at Mission Beach.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at Mission Rentals in Belmont Park.
10. Mission Bay
- Best for: Families with young and older kids who enjoy water activities
- Free Parking: Lots all around the bay
- Key features: Aquatic park, boardwalk, water activities, clean amenities, seasonal lifeguards, no waves
The ultimate aquatic wonderland for kids and grownups, Mission Bay, is one beach you don’t want to miss. This manufactured park spans 4,600 acres and is surrounded by 27 miles of glistening shoreline, where islets, inlets, and waterways await exploration.
You can jump right into jet skiing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, and more. Lay down a few towels for a family party on Ski Beach, win a volleyball game at Crown Point, or enjoy nightly live music at Sail Bay. There are now many cool playgrounds around Mission Bay.
Many family resorts, like San Diego Mission Bay Resort and The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, are located on Mission Bay beaches and offer their own watersports rentals.
11. Pier View North/South in Oceanside
- Best for: Families that enjoy surfing and bodyboarding
- Free Parking: Very limited on surface streets like Cleveland Street lots, several blocks from the pier—arrive early or plan to pay
- Key features: Playgrounds, lifeguard tower, volleyball courts, bike rentals, accessible restrooms, and a pier
The best of both worlds can be found at Pier View North and Pier View South Beaches in Oceanside. Think a quieter atmosphere, plenty of sand and space, and fun activities at the Oceanside Beach Community Center. Pier View North is more relaxed and ideal for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy nature’s serenity.
On the other side, the Pier Amphitheater makes Pier View South the most popular and exciting beach in Oceanside. Guests of The Seabird Resort (family-friendly) and Mission Pacific Hotel (more adult-centric) enjoy this beach as it’s in front of these sister hotels.
You can rent bikes and grab concessions right next to the pier. But south of the dock, closer to the hotels, is another little beachfront playground that kids love.
Both beaches are close to shops and facilities, so both sides of Pier View are great family-friendly choices. Essentially, head to the Oceanside Pier and choose either beach.
12. Tamarack Beach
- Best for: Families with kids of all ages and surfers
- Free Parking: Street parking along Carlsbad Boulevard
- Key features: Year-round lifeguards, restrooms, and rinsing fountains
You can find Tamarack Beach between the jetties south of Tamarack Avenue and Frazee Beach. It’s part of Carlsbad State Beach and is popular with families.
The Carlsbad Seawall separates the beach from the highway and is a great 4-mile walkway for getting in a jog or a tandem bike ride, while the gleaming blue waters are a playground for kayakers, surfers, sunbathers, and swimmers of all ages.
The top of the seawall is considered one of the most romantic places to catch a view of a sunset, and there’s never a shortage of friends to be made with the many locals and tourists who frequent the beach. Restrooms and rinsing fountains are available by the parking lot for your convenience.
13. Cardiff State Beach
- Best for: Families with adventurous kids
- Free Parking: Street parking along South Coast Highway 101
- Key features: Picnic facilities, restrooms, dog-friendly
Enjoy easy-access parking and join the locals in searching for sea cucumbers and starfish at the sparkling tide pools in winter. You can also take a stroll around the corner to check out the gorgeous San Elijo Lagoon.
You can get to Cardiff Beach right from Highway 101, so it’s easy to load up the family for a day on the sand, swimming, and surfing. If you want to extend your visit, you can camp at the adjacent San Elijo State Beach.
14. Ocean Beach Dog Beach
- Best for: Families with pets
- Free Parking: Street parking nearby
- Key features: Dog-friendly, showers, bathrooms, dog wash, dog play area
Dog Beach in Ocean Beach was one of the first beaches in the country to do away with leash regulations. Beachgoers and dogs from all walks of life are welcome here 24/7.
That said, owners should ensure that their pets are compliant with the beach rules. This means all dogs brought to the beach are vaccinated and that their collars have a current license. Also, remember to always pick up after your pets to keep the shore fresh and clear for other beachgoers.
Bring your furry best friend and enjoy playing fetch or meandering along the coast with other pet owners. There’s a lush, grassy area on the other side of the parking lot that’s a great place for picnicking, and some excellent local bites are only a few blocks away.
If you’re looking for even more options for Fido, check my list of dog-friendly beaches in San Diego.
15. Tide Beach Park
- Best for: Families with young children interested in marine life and a more locals-only feel
- Free Parking: Nearby street parking
- Key features: Tide pools, public showers, seasonal lifeguards
Tucked away in a cove below gorgeous, towering bluffs, Tide Beach Park is a hidden gem in Solana Beach, about a half mile north of Fletcher Cove. Free street parking is located right near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Solana Vista Drive, where you can access this family-friendly San Diego beach. It’s a good San Diego tide pooling option for people staying in Del Mar hotels or Encinitas hotels.
The tide pools at the north end of the cove are some of the best in the city, especially for starfish hunting during the winter months when low tide happens during daylight. The sights, glistening sand, and ocean breeze make this spot an excellent beach for kids in San Diego. Beware, though, lifeguards are on duty only during the summer months, and there are no restrooms.
Tip: Don’t forget your beach games and beach accessories to make your day in the sun even more fun!
16. Pacific Beach (Law Street Beach Only)
- Best for: Families with kids who want to learn how to surf & general beachgoing
- Free Parking: Residential street parking
- Key features: Volleyball, bicycle rentals, year-round lifeguards, bathrooms, and shower facilities
Pacific Beach, in downtown San Diego, is one of the city’s most popular beaches, often filled with students and young professionals. Yes, it can have a party scene thanks to a myriad of beach bars, and you’ll occasionally see people experiencing homelessness in the area.
While the parts of the beach close to the pier are perfectly fine for local families familiar with the area, I am legitimately conflicted when tourists ask me about it. I would say it’s fine for visiting families with teens who will like the adjacent fast-casual dining, dessert spots, and shops—but we have better beaches for younger kids.
However, there is a very family-friendly part of the beach, located in the northern area near Law Street. We locals call it Law Street Beach. Since it’s so close to La Jolla, I frequently visit here with my family and friends. It’s a great beach. One of the popular surfing schools among local kids operates surf camps here that I highly recommend.
Tip: Read more about what to do here in my guide on visiting Pacific Beach with kids.
FAQs About the Best Beaches for Kids in San Diego
These are the questions parents ask most often when planning a beach day on the San Diego coast.
Which San Diego Beach Has the Cleanest Water?
Several San Diego beaches consistently earn A or A+ grades from Heal the Bay’s Annual Beach Report Card, which looks at bacterial levels based on county testing. North County beaches, including Cardiff State Beach, Carlsbad, and Encinitas, often score highest in those year-round ratings.
That said, water quality can change with weather, surf conditions, and runoff (especially after it rains). For the most accurate, up-to-date information, San Diego now uses real-time water-quality tracking at sdbeachinfo.com, where you can see current conditions and any advisories before you head out.
What Time of Year Are Sharks More Active in San Diego?
Shark activity is naturally higher in the summer, primarily in July and August, and mostly in the early mornings. During warm months, you may see harmless leopard sharks in the shallows or hear about young white sharks cruising well offshore.
San Diego’s busiest family beaches remain very safe. Lifeguards monitor conditions year-round, and sightings rarely impact normal swimming hours. Most parents never encounter anything more than a few fish in the surf.
How Can I Track the Tides for San Diego Beaches?
San Diego has two high and two low tides most days, and they can affect how much usable sand you’ll have. For the best beach time with kids, check a local tide chart before you go. NOAA’s tide predictions (La Jolla or San Diego stations) or common surf apps like Surfline make it easy. This is the chart I use.
For families, here’s the practical rule of thumb:
Low tide: roughly 0–2 feet
Mid tide: roughly 2–4 feet
High tide: 4-5 feet and above
On most charts, these heights are shown as peaks and valleys on a simple line graph. Look for the downward slope heading toward the day’s lowest point that’s your mid-to-low window, and it’s when beaches backed by cliffs usually have the most sand exposed.
Katie Dillon
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