San Diego beaches stretch over 70 miles, but the best beach for your visit depends on what you’re looking for. Some are ideal for families with kids, others for surfing, sunset walks, or oceanfront hotels. From La Jolla’s dramatic coves to the wide, sandy shores of Coronado and the local surf scene in Encinitas, each beach has its own character.
As a longtime San Diego local and travel advisor, I’ve explored this entire coastline. I also know which beaches hotel concierges consistently recommend to their guests and why our clients like certain spots more than others. Whether you want calm water, great food nearby, or that classic SoCal experience, this guide will point you to the right stretch of sand.
I’ll break down the best beaches in San Diego by neighborhood, activity, and atmosphere—so you can spend less time searching and more time soaking it all in. If you’re looking for detailed guides on a specific beach area or interest, you’ll find links throughout this page to help you dive deeper.
| Beach Name | Area | Best For | Parking | Restrooms/ Showers | Lifeguard |
| La Jolla Shores | La Jolla | Family Fun, Beginner Surfing, Kayaking | Large Paid Lot | Yes | Year-Round |
| Coronado Central Beach | Coronado | Family Fun, Gentle Waves, Iconic Views | Street (Challenging) | Yes | Year-Round |
| Moonlight State Beach | Encinitas | Families, Bonfires, Volleyball | Large Paid Lot | Yes | Year-Round |
| Ocean Beach Dog Beach | Ocean Beach | Dog-Friendly (24/7 Off-Leash) | Lot & Street | Yes | Seasonal |
| Black’s Beach | La Jolla | Expert Surfing, Seclusion (Nude Beach) | Street & Steep Trail | No | Year-Round |
| Mission Beach | Mission Beach | Lively Boardwalk, Volleyball, Swimming | Lot & Street (Challenging) | Yes | Year-Round |
| Cabrillo Tide Pools | Point Loma | Tide Pooling (Best at Low Tide) | Paid Lot (NPS Pass) | Yes | None |
| Sunset Cliffs | Point Loma | Romantic Sunsets, Scenic Views | Street (Easy) | No | None |
| Del Mar City Beach | Del Mar | Swimming, Dog-Friendly (Seasonal) | Street & Paid Lots | Yes | Seasonal |
| Silver Strand State Beach | Coronado | Fewer Crowds, RV Camping, Bay and Beach | Large Paid Lot | Yes | Seasonal |
| Tourmaline Surf Park | Pacific Beach | Beginner & Longboard Surfing | Paved Lot | Yes | Year-Round |
| La Jolla Cove | La Jolla | Swimming, Snorkeling, Seal Watching | Street (Challenging) | Yes | Year-Round |
For Families & Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Sandy Toes and Safe Splashing
After years of exploring the coastline with my daughter and advising other families, these are the beaches I trust most for a stress-free day by the water. This is thanks to their typically gentle waves, lifeguard coverage, clean restrooms, and easy access to playgrounds or grassy areas.
La Jolla Shores: The Ultimate Family Playground
La Jolla Shores is my favorite beach in all of San Diego County. It has wide sand, gentle waves, year-round lifeguards, and Kellogg Park with a playground steps from the shore. In summer, you can spot harmless leopard sharks, and lots of local kids attend fun surf camps here in the summer.
Coronado Central Beach: Iconic, Sparkling Sands
With its stunning Hotel del Coronado backdrop, this beach is famous for its wide, shimmering gold flecks in the sand which is perfect for sandcastles. The waves are usually gentle, and the beach is regularly patrolled by lifeguards. Public restrooms and showers are conveniently located nearby, making it easy to spend the whole day here.
Moonlight State Beach: The All-in-One Destination
Located in Encinitas, Moonlight Beach is a North County concierge desk favorite due to its abundance of amenities. It has everything from a shaded playground and grassy picnic areas to volleyball courts and a seasonal snack stand. The restrooms are clean and close to the sand.
Tamarack State Beach: Carlsbad’s Family Hub
This wide, sandy beach in Carlsbad has easy-to-access stairways, lifeguard services, and restrooms. A four-mile paved walking path along the coast, known as the Carlsbad Seawall, is fun for a family stroll or bike ride.
Mission Bay: Calm Waters and Grassy Parks
For toddlers and cautious swimmers, Mission Bay offers a safe, surf-free alternative to the ocean. The calm, shallow water is ideal for wading and water play. You should also check out some of the newer bay playgrounds as they’re pretty awesome.
Silver Strand State Beach: A Quieter Escape (with a Caution)
This long, narrow strip of sand connects Coronado to Imperial Beach and offers beaches on both the calm San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. With huge parking lots and camping opportunities, it’s one of the best places to spread out and enjoy a peaceful day on the sand.
Important Local’s Tip: It is critical for visitors to know that Silver Strand, along with other South Bay beaches, is frequently subject to water quality advisories and closures due to cross-border pollution.
Read More: Our Complete Guide to San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Beaches (there are many more in Cardiff, Carlsbad, and Oceanside)
For Your Four-Legged Friends: Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Diego
Bringing your dog to the beach in San Diego requires knowing specific rules, which vary by location and season. Some beaches offer all-day, year-round off-leash access, while others allow dogs only during specific hours or require leashes. Either way, I love taking my dog to the beach here and honestly don’t do it enough.
Ocean Beach Dog Beach: 24/7 Off-Leash Freedom
Located at the north end of Ocean Beach, this is San Diego’s original and most famous dog beach. It’s one of the first leash-free beaches in the country. Dogs can run and swim here any time, year-round, with no leash required.
Coronado Dog Beach: Scenic and Spacious
At the far end of Coronado Central Beach near the naval base, this off-leash area offers views of the Point Loma headland and Hotel del Coronado. It’s open year-round.
Fiesta Island: A Bayfront Dog Haven
Most of this large island in Mission Bay is leash-free and uncrowded, offering wide open spaces and calm bay waters ideal for swimming.
Del Mar North Beach: Seasonally Leash-Free
Locals call it “Dog Beach.” From the day after Labor Day through June 15, dogs can roam off-leash. During the summer peak (June 16–Labor Day), leashes are required.
Read More: Our Complete Guide to San Diego’s Best Dog Beaches
For Catching a Wave: A Surfer’s Guide to San Diego Beaches
San Diego is a world-class surf destination with breaks for every level, from gentle beginner waves to powerful, fast-moving barrels. Whether you’re booking your first lesson or paddling out at sunrise with a shortboard, there’s a beach that fits.
Best for Beginners
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is the best beginner surf beach in San Diego, and arguably one of the best in California. The waves here break slowly and predictably thanks to the offshore ecological reserve, which naturally tempers incoming swell.
The sandy bottom and wide beach add to the forgiving conditions, making it an ideal place to learn. Several of the county’s most respected surf schools operate here year-round with permits (this is important), providing instruction right on the sand before entering the water. I recommend Surf Diva and Everyday California.
Law Street (North Pacific Beach)
Just north of Crystal Pier, Law Street offers mellow, slower-breaking waves ideal for first-timers. It’s a common site for surf lessons, with a sandy bottom and a more relaxed family-friendly crowd than you’ll sometimes find closer to the pier.
Best for Longboarding
Tourmaline Surf Park (Pacific Beach)
Where Pacific Beach meets La Jolla, Tourmaline is beloved by longboarders for its smooth, rolling waves and friendly atmosphere. The wave here isn’t fast or steep, which makes it ideal for practicing balance, turns, and style. It’s a favorite among intermediate surfers and locals who prefer a slower pace.
For Experienced Surfers
Black’s Beach
Beneath the Torrey Pines cliffs, Black’s is San Diego’s premier high-performance wave. It breaks fast and hollow over deep water thanks to an offshore canyon. The hike down keeps crowds modest, but it’s a serious wave for advanced surfers only (and a nudist hangout).
Swami’s
Swami’s in Encinitas is one of Southern California’s most iconic right-hand point breaks. It offers long, clean rides on a good swell and attracts skilled surfers from across the region. The lineup is often crowded, but people love it anyway.
San Onofre State Beach
Located in northern San Diego County, San Onofre—often called “San O”—is a longboarder’s paradise. The mellow, cobblestone-bottom waves break slowly and cleanly, making it ideal for cruisy sessions and classic logging that my dad’s Huntington Beach surf crowd was known for.
For a Perfect Swim & Sunbathing
If your ideal beach day involves soaking up the sun, reading a book, taking a refreshing dip, or swimming for exercise, San Diego delivers. The best beaches for swimming and sunbathing (usually) have calm water, clean sand, and some space to stretch out.
Del Mar City Beach: Relaxed and Refreshing
This beach, especially south of 15th Street, is known for gentle waves and scenic coastal charm. Seasonal lifeguards and a gradual ocean entry make it a popular place for swimming. The atmosphere is low-key and upscale—perfect for a laid-back beach day.
La Jolla Cove: A Protected Open Water Swimmer’s Paradise
Best known for open-water swimming and snorkeling, La Jolla Cove sits inside a protected marine reserve where flotation devices and surfboards are prohibited. Lifeguards monitor a series of marked buoys that measure distances and create a reliable route for serious open water swimmers. The beach itself is small.
La Jolla Shores: The LJ Beachgoing Beach
With its wide, flat stretch of sand and all-day sun exposure, La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in San Diego for your typical SoCal beach experience. The gentle waves, adjacent playground, and year-round lifeguards also make it a popular spot for every day swimming and boogie boarding. Restrooms, showers, and casual food spots are all within walking distance, making it easy to stay for hours.
Read More: Why I Love La Jolla Shores Beach
Coronado Beach: Expansive and Gentle
The vast, wide shoreline at Coronado means there is always plenty of space to find a spot, even on crowded days. The waves are typically gentle, and the clean, soft sand makes it a luxurious place for sunbathing and a casual dip in the ocean.
For Exploring Marine Life
San Diego’s coastline is home to some of the richest marine ecosystems in California. From tide pools full of color to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring underwater gatherings, these beaches offer unforgettable ways to connect with the ocean—no swimwear required.
Where to Find the Best Tide Pools in San Diego
Our natural tide pools act as miniature marine habitats filled with sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and more. The best time to visit is during low tide during daylight hours, especially the negative tides in fall and winter.
Cabrillo National Monument: The Best Protected Tide Pools
This is the most protected and ecologically rich tide pool site in San Diego. Located at the base of the cliffs at Cabrillo National Monument, the intertidal zone is full of life and part of our only National Park. Visitors are not allowed to touch or remove marine life, and the area is monitored by rangers.
La Jolla Cove Area & Shell Beach: Multiple Spots with Easy Access
I personally think my hometown is a spectacular place to be during low tide with the backdrop of green seagrass, rocky zones, and the ocean. I have a guide for the best tide pooling in La Jolla. But you can start at La Jolla Cove and keep walking south to see multiple spots to explore.
Dike Rock: A Local La Jolla Gem
Less crowded and favored by locals, Dike Rock is a volcanic reef exposed at low tide north of La Jolla Shores Beach. I recommend Birch Aquarium’s tide pooling tours, and this is where mine took place. This is a great place to spot sea anemones, small crabs, chitons, and even the occasional juvenile octopus, all within the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Read More: Full Guide to San Diego’s Best Tide Pools
For Spotting Seals and Sea Lions
La Jolla is the most well-known place in San Diego County to observe seals and sea lions, but you can see them year-round in a few other key spots, especially where they haul out to rest in the sun.
La Jolla Cove (California Sea Lions)
The rocky bluffs around La Jolla Cove are prime territory for our chatty California sea lions. You’ll often spot them sunbathing on the ledges or hear their barking from across the cove. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity, but PLEASE maintain a safe distance—they’re wild animals and protected by federal law.
Read More: My Full Guide to La Jolla Cove
Children’s Pool Beach (Harbor Seals)
Just south of La Jolla Cove, this small, protected beach is home to a large population of harbor seals. It’s one of the only urban seal rookeries in the country. The beach here is closed during pupping season from about December through May. Trust me, you can see plenty from the sidewalk.
Read More: My Full Guide to the La Jolla Seals and Sea Lions
Oceanside Harbor (California Sea Lions)
Near the boat slips and along the floating docks in Oceanside Harbor, sea lions are commonly seen basking in the sun or lounging near moored vessels. It’s a reliable spot to view them in North County, especially if you’re already dining nearby or booking a harbor cruise.
Where to Swim with Leopard Sharks in San Diego
From late June through December, La Jolla Shores becomes home to one of the largest aggregations of leopard sharks in the world. These harmless sharks gather in shallow, warm water to incubate their young—offering a rare chance to see them up close.
La Jolla Shores
The best (and only) place to view this annual event is just offshore from The Marine Room restaurant. Snorkeling (don’t kick) is the best way to get a clear, respectful view without disturbing them, but you can simply wade out into the water here to see them.
Read More: Full Guide to La Jolla Leopard Sharks
Bonus: Grunion Runs on the Beach at Night
From March through August, you can head to sandy beaches all up and down the county to see grunion runs—a rare natural event where thousands of small, silver fish surf the waves onto shore to spawn in the sand. These runs happen late at night during high tides around the full and new moons.
For Romance & Solitude: Secluded Beaches and Sunset Spots
San Diego has beaches where the setting sun, rugged cliffs, and ocean breezes take center stage. These scenic spots are perfect for romantic evenings, quiet walks, or simply taking in the peaceful views.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: The Name Says It All
True to its name, Sunset Cliffs offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets and ocean views in San Diego, from the rugged sandstone cliffs that overlook the Pacific. While access to the rocky beaches below requires a steep descent, the views from the coastal trails above are unforgettable.
Windansea Beach: Dramatic and Picturesque
With its striking rock formations and iconic palm-covered surf shack, Windansea is one of San Diego’s most visually romantic beaches. It’s popular with residents and a favorite for sunset watchers and couples. The waves can be intense, but the scenery is worth the visit.
Black’s Beach: Ultimate Seclusion
The effort required to reach Black’s Beach—a long, steep trail down the Torrey Pines cliffs—naturally limits the crowds, making it one of the most secluded beaches in the city. Again, I warn that part of it is an unofficial nude beach.
For Evening Gatherings: San Diego Beaches with Fire Pits
Several beaches around the county offer public fire pits—large, concrete rings provided by the city—available on a first-come, first-served basis. They’re perfect for evening hangouts, s’mores, and watching the sunset with friends or family.
However, due to budget cuts, some of these may be under planned removal so you will need to check availability before you go. This involves a little digging around on city websites including City of San Diego.
Moonlight Beach: Family-Friendly Bonfires
This Encinitas beach is one of the few in North County with designated fire pits, making it a popular spot for families to extend their beach day into the evening.
Mission Beach & Ocean Beach: Classic Beach Bonfires
These classic city beaches have multiple fire rings right on the sand. They’re especially popular with teens and college-aged groups as well as vacationers, and can fill up early. Some rings here are only available during the summer months.
Mission Bay Park
Bayside spots like Crown Point Shores, Ski Beach, and Fiesta Island offer dozens of fire pits. These areas are popular with locals for birthday parties and low-key gatherings.
For the Ultimate Beach Vacation
Waking up steps from the sand is a dream for many visitors—and San Diego makes it possible. A handful of beachfront hotels across the county offer true toes-in-the-sand access, making it easy to swim, sunbathe, or watch the sunset without ever getting in a car.
Some of the most popular options include:
- Hotel del Coronado is an iconic oceanfront resort on one of the widest, most walkable beaches in Southern California.
- La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers rare access to a private stretch of La Jolla Shores.
- The Seabird Resort in Oceanside is a newer coastal property just steps from the pier and surf.
Read More: My Favorite San Diego Beach Hotels and Resorts
The Best San Diego Beaches by Neighborhood
Each beach in San Diego reflects the personality of the neighborhood it belongs to. We locals and visitors alike tend to plan beach days around these distinct coastal communities.
La Jolla: The Jewel by the Sea
La Jolla’s coastline is among the most scenic in California, with a mix of sandy beaches, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs. It’s home to several iconic beaches, including La Jolla Shores (great for families and beginner surfers), La Jolla Cove (for snorkeling and swimming), Windansea Beach (for dramatic sunsets and advanced surf), and Black’s Beach (for seclusion and serious waves). The main Village neighborhood itself is walkable and sophisticated, with high-end shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This is why we live here.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in La Jolla
Coronado: Iconic Sands and Resort Relaxation
Coronado offers soft, wide beaches with gentle surf—perfect for swimming, walking, and sunbathing. The main draw is Central Beach, located in front of the historic Hotel del Coronado. North Beach is dog-friendly, while Silver Strand offers a quieter escape. The island-town atmosphere feels upscale yet family-friendly, with charming shops and waterfront parks.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Coronado Island
Mission Beach & Mission Bay: Action-Packed and Family-Friendly
This peninsula has ocean surf on one side and calm bay waters on the other. It’s home to Mission Beach (with its boardwalk, rental shops, and Belmont Park), South Mission (quieter, with volleyball courts and fire pits), and a network of bayside parks like Bonita Cove. I think it’s great for families, active travelers, and those looking for classic SoCal energy.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Mission Beach
Pacific Beach & Ocean Beach: Youthful Energy and Local Color
Pacific Beach is lively and social, with a busy boardwalk, beachfront bars, and popular surf spots like Law Street and Tourmaline. Ocean Beach (OB), just south, offers a more eclectic, bohemian vibe with a famous pier, dog beach, and vintage charm.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Pacific Beach
Del Mar: Scenic Bluffs and Refined Coastal Living
Del Mar combines scenic beauty with a relaxed, upscale feel. The main beach south of 15th Street is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, while North Beach is known for its dog-friendly vibe. The village has great restaurants, shops, and seasonal events, making it a full-day destination.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Del Mar
Encinitas: Surf Town with Laid-Back Spirit
Encinitas is known for its strong surf culture and spiritual, artsy edge. Swami’s is one of California’s top surf breaks, while Moonlight Beach offers a family-friendly experience with playgrounds and concessions. Cardiff State Beach and Beacon’s add variety to this stretch of North County coastline.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Encinitas
Carlsbad: Relaxed, Family-Oriented, and Accessible
Carlsbad’s long, walkable beaches are ideal for families. Tamarack State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach are great for sunbathing, walking, and playing in the sand. The area feels more residential and slower-paced than its southern neighbors, but still offers beach rentals in some spots, casual dining, and parking lots.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Carlsbad
Oceanside: Wide Beaches and Local Energy
Oceanside offers a wide, sandy shoreline and an authentic, casual coastal vibe. Its historic pier is the longest in Southern California and a great place to fish or watch surfers. Harbor Beach is popular for families, while breaks near Wisconsin Street attract surfers. The downtown area is an upcoming destination with restaurants, markets, and beachfront hotels.
📍 Explore: The Best Beaches in Oceanside
The Essential San Diego Beachgoer’s Handbook (FAQs)
Learn even more about where to go to the beach in San Diego and why they make my list of top things to do in San Diego.
How do I check for beach closures or water quality advisories?
The County of San Diego has a sensitive ocean water testing system that monitors bacteria levels. Advisories or closures can occur, especially after rainfall, and most frequently impact the coastline from the U.S.-Mexico border north to Coronado. Before heading to a beach, we recommended checking the current status on the official San Diego Beach Info website.
However, even if the water is closed, the beach is still open for sunbathing and sand activities.
What are the top beaches near downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego does not have beaches, as it is on San Diego Bay. If you’re staying in a downtown San Diego hotel or have a quick airport layover, the best choice is to hop on the Coronado Ferry and head over to the Coronado beaches. Or, take a quick Uber to Newport Avenue Beach in Ocean Beach.
Are San Diego beaches free?
Yes. San Diego beaches are free to enjoy. State beaches, such as Silver Strand in Coronado and Carlsbad State Beach, charge fees to park in their lots. However, you may need to park in a public, paid lot near the beach during peak season, as free lots and street parking often fill up.
Can you drink alcohol on San Diego beaches?
No. Alcohol is prohibited on all public beaches and in many shoreline parks. Exceptions include Del Beach, part of the Hotel del Coronado, and the private beach in front of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
How is the parking at San Diego beaches?
Parking at San Diego beaches is challenging during summer, school breaks, and sunny weekend days from late spring to early fall. Either arrive early or late or take an Uber. If you drive, be sure to bring shoes or sandals because the walk from your car to the beach may be significant.
What beach is best for whale watching?
Unfortunately, our best places for whale watching in San Diego are not on the beaches. It’s possible, but somewhat difficult, to spot whales from the cliffs above some beaches early in the gray whale migration season when whales swim closer to shore.
You can try Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Cabrillo National Monument — at the very least, you’ll be treated to ocean views and great hiking trails. Otherwise, it’s best to take a boat tour out into the Pacific Ocean.
What is the “Stingray Shuffle” and is it necessary?
The “Stingray Shuffle” is the technique of shuffling one’s feet along the sandy bottom in shallow water instead of taking regular steps. This alerts any stingrays resting on the seafloor to your presence, giving them a chance to swim away.
I believe it’s necessary because you don’t want to get stung. And while rare, it happens.
Are San Diego beaches accessible for people with disabilities?
Accessibility varies. Some beaches are exceptionally accommodating. Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is known for its ADA accessibility. Certain parks in Mission Bay, such as Vacation Isle Park and Sunset Point Park, offer grassy areas right up to the water with no sand to cross, making them easier to access. And Coronado Main Beach lifeguard tower keeps beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many major beaches like La Jolla Shores have accessible pathways and restrooms, but navigating the sand itself can still be a challenge.
When is the best time of year to visit San Diego beaches?
Each season offers a different experience.
Summer (June-August) has the warmest water and air temperatures but also the largest crowds. June Gloom coastal fog blocks the sun until late afternoon on many June days.
Fall (September-November) is often considered the best time by locals; the weather is still warm and sunny, the water is at its warmest, and the summer crowds have dissipated.
Winter (December-February) brings the biggest waves for surfing and the lowest tides for tide pooling, but the water is cold.
Spring (March-May) can be beautiful but is often subject to “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” a marine layer of clouds that can linger over the coast for much of the day.
Which do you think are the best San Diego beaches?
Katie Dillon
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