San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood is adjacent to La Jolla, so my family spends a lot of time there. It’s known for its beachfront casual vibe and for being a location loved by college students and young professionals.
PB, as it’s affectionately called by locals, still has a bar scene, but it’s more family-friendly than it used to be.
I’ll start this family guide to Pacific Beach with fun things to do with kids. And I’ll wrap with places we like to eat and family-friendly places to stay.
1. Cruise the Ocean Front Boardwalk
The three-mile Ocean Front Walk is the vibrant, beating heart of Pacific Beach and a must-do for any family. The best way to experience it is on wheels. It starts at the family-friendly Law Street Beach and ends basically at the South Mission Beach volleyball courts.
Local shops, such as Boardwalk Beach Rides and Ray’s Rentals, offer a wide range of products, including beach cruisers, kids’ bikes, roller skates, and skateboards. For families with little ones, bike trailers and tagalongs are readily available. My daughter has sold many Girl Scout cookies over the years, pulling a wagon down the boardwalk here. My husband and I walk it in the mornings, too.
2. Learn to Surf at Law Street Beach
No trip to a SoCal beach town is complete without trying to catch a wave. Law Street Beach, at the northern end of PB, is a well-known beginner’s break with gentler, more forgiving waves.
It is also the best beach for kids in Pacific Beach, located away from the pier and beach bars, yet offering amenities such as bathrooms and outdoor showers. Many La Jolla families like mine go to the beach here.
Numerous professional surf schools, such as PB Surf School, San Diego Surf School, and Pacific Surf School, offer lessons for all ages, with some accepting children as young as five.
Lessons are tailored to your skill level and include all necessary gear, like soft-top surfboards and wetsuits. If you’re visiting the area in the summer, consider one of their half or full-day camps. They will get kids up and standing on a foam board within a session.
See also: Guide to San Diego Surfing Schools
3. Paddle Calm Waters at Mission Bay
Just inland from the ocean beach, Mission Bay offers a gentler alternative to the ocean—ideal for younger kids or first-time paddlers. The calm, protected water feels more like a lake, making it a low-stress place for family-friendly water activities.
Local rental shops, such as Action Sport Rentals and Adventure Water Sports, offer easy-to-use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and even pedal boats that kids will find fun to use, helping them “drive.” It’s a nice way to get out on the water without worrying about surf conditions.
4. Bowl a Strike at Break Point
For a break from the sun, head to Break Point, PB’s only bowling alley. This slightly upscale spot is great for some friendly family competition and serves food and drinks. Be aware of the age policy: minors are welcome before 8 p.m. but must be accompanied by an adult. After 8 p.m., the venue is strictly 21 and over.
Lanes are rented by the hour, making it a perfect pre-dinner or early evening activity.
5. Explore the Mission Bay Bike Path
While the Ocean Front Boardwalk is a little more crowded high-energy people-watching, the bike paths around Mission Bay offer a completely different, more serene experience.
These flat, paved trails generally offer more space and fewer people, making them ideal for a leisurely family bike ride, especially with younger children. The path is conveniently located right at the doorstep for guests of the Catamaran Resort.
6. Shop for Teen Fashion and Vintage Finds
Pacific Beach is a retail paradise for teenagers, with a walkable shopping loop that covers trendy new styles and secondhand treasures.
Mission Boulevard: Just a block from the beach, this is the epicenter for popular brands.
- Urban Outfitters: A cultural hub for teens offering trendy apparel, unique home goods, and a popular vinyl record section.
- Brandy Melville: A must-visit for many teen girls, known for its California-inspired, coastal-chic aesthetic.
Tip: These two stores are next door to each other and also in the same complex as Baked Bear and Board and Brew.
Garnet Avenue: This street is focused on secondhand, vintage, and artisan goods for treasure hunters. It’s nice to walk up one side and down the other as the shopping area isn’t too long. Start at the beach.
- Buffalo Exchange: A popular buy-sell-trade store where teens can trade in their own clothes for new-to-them finds.
- Goodwill: A classic thrift stop perfect for hunting for denim, graphic tees, and quirky accessories at unbeatable prices.
- Pangaea Outpost: An artisan marketplace and co-op featuring dozens of vendors selling vintage-inspired clothing, handmade jewelry, and unique gifts.
7. Eat an Iconic Breakfast Burrito at Kono’s Cafe
Starting a day in Pacific Beach with a breakfast burrito from Kono’s Cafe is a local rite of passage. This legendary walk-up window, located next to Crystal Pier, is famous for its delicious, generously sized, and incredibly affordable breakfast plates. I recommend burrito #1 with eggs, sausage, avocado and cheese.
Don’t be deterred by the perpetually long line; it moves quickly and is part of the authentic experience. For under $10, you can get a massive breakfast burrito or a full breakfast plate. If you’re up closer to the PB Vons shopping area, there’s an offshoot called Konito’s that has seating and shorter lines.
8. Indulge in a Classic or Custom Dessert
Pacific Beach offers two iconic dessert experiences that capture the neighborhood’s blend of old and new. A lot of places come and go, even ones you think will succeed, but these are the go-tos for the locals.
- Mr. Frostie (The Classic): A PB institution since 1949, this walk-up stand serves timeless soft-serve ice cream. The classic dipped cone is a simple, affordable, and delightfully old-school treat.
- The Baked Bear (The Modern Masterpiece): Born in PB, this shop lets you build the ultimate custom ice cream sandwich. Choose any two fresh-baked cookies or brownies (or glazed donut), pick an ice cream flavor, add toppings, and even get it hot-pressed. They’re huge, so we often share one.
9. Browse the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market
For a true taste of local life, visit the PB Tuesday Farmers’ Market, held every Tuesday from 2–7 p.m. on Bayard Street. This outdoor market is where families can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and flowers from regional farms.
You’ll also find gourmet prepared foods and handcrafted goods from local artisans. I recommend beef empanadas with chimichurri sauce from Parana and the Filipino chicken on rice from Juan Bachi. However, there are many other delicious prepared foods available that don’t always break the bank.
10. Visit Two Parks with Views: Kate Sessions and Fanuel Park
We take morning walks with the dog at Kate Sessions Park, which has a beautiful view over Mission Bay. Walkers and joggers exercise along the park’s walking loop, while dogs play in the grass and kids enjoy the playground.
It’s so peaceful that people park in the lot, stay in their cars, and gaze out over the bay while passing the time in the neighborhood or during lunch breaks.
Fanuel Park, right on Mission Bay, is a great beach for kids, as there is no surf. People launch kayaks, sail, and stand-up paddleboard on the calm waters here, too. Bring a picnic and beach gear.
Volleyball players can use the nets here while young kids will enjoy the simple playground (most of the equipment was recently removed).
11. Get Active at the Pacific Beach Recreation Center
For a free and easy way to burn off some energy, the Pacific Beach Recreation Center is a fantastic local resource. The center offers a sand tot lot for younger children, lighted outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and a large multi-purpose athletic field.
Inside, you’ll find a game room and gymnasiums, providing great options for a cloudy day or a break from the sun. You can take classes there, but it’s good to check their schedule before you go.
12. Watch the Sunset from Crystal Pier
A classic, free, and quintessentially Pacific Beach activity is taking a stroll out onto the historic Crystal Pier. This iconic wooden structure offers a unique perspective, allowing you to look back at the coastline activity and watch the surfers catch waves. It’s a perfect spot for family photos as the sun sets over the Pacific.
More Family-Friendly Dining in Pacific Beach
The dining scene overall in Pacific Beach has drastically improved over the past few years. Most family-friendly options are fast-casual, but excellent.
- Crack Shack: A local favorite for gourmet fried chicken sandwiches and biscuits
- Prince Street Pizza: The New York favorite has a location in PB!
- Board and Brew: Gourmet sandwiches that are popular with locals
- Kono’s: As already mentioned, it’s a must-try for cheap and awesome breakfast burritos on the beach
- Oscar’s Mexican Seafood: Fish tacos
- World Famous: Oceanfront casual sit-down dining with great fish tacos and hearty breakfasts
Where to Stay in Pacific Beach with Family
There are really only two hotels that I consistently recommend for families in Pacific Beach.
The Catamaran Resort & Spa: A Tropical Oasis on Mission Bay
For families with younger children or those seeking a full resort experience, the Catamaran is the only choice in Pacific Beach. This Polynesian-themed hideaway offers the best of both beach types.
It’s located on the calm shores of Mission Bay with a water sports center onsite for kayak and paddleboard rentals. And you can walk to the ocean beach a few blocks away.
It feels like a self-contained tropical paradise with lush gardens, koi ponds, and exotic talking birds. It is not fancy, but we and other families like it.
Pacific Terrace Hotel: Oceanfront Energy and Boardwalk Fun
Pacific Terrace is north of the pier area, so a little further removed from the bar scene. It’s a more affordable way to stay on the ocean beach in San Diego with good service.
I like working with this hotel, and the staff are nice. It receives great reviews despite not having a wide range of amenities. There’s no onsite restaurant, but there are several good, casual ones within a short walk.
They do have complimentary access to beach cruisers, chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards, saving families money and hassle. The hotel offers a Family Suite featuring two queen beds and a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, providing extra space.
Final Thoughts
Pacific Beach can be family-friendly if you know what to do and where to go. We love it, but I don’t recommend it to travelers looking for a luxury experience or who prefer to avoid a beach bar culture.
Keep Exploring San Diego with Kids
If you’re planning more adventures, don’t miss our local guides to other kid-friendly neighborhoods:
- All of San Diego with Kids – Find fun activities across all neighborhoods and theme parks
- Coronado Island with Kids – Beaches, bikes, and Hotel del Coronado tips.
- La Jolla with Kids – Seals, tide pools, and stroller-friendly walks.
- Carlsbad with Kids – LEGOLAND, beach playgrounds, and walkable village charm.
- Oceanside with Kids – Surf vibes, playgrounds, and waterfront fun.
Katie Dillon
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