All San Diego Travel Guide

Of all the natural attractions that San Diego offers, the beaches that line the shores of San Diego are by far the most popular. You'll most likely find them to be booming with tourists and locals, but some beaches are a little less popular and make for a romantic moonlit walk. Spend a day at the beach and just relax or catch a game of volleyball or toss the Frisbee around. There are many activities available at most of the beaches in San Diego, so you'll never get bored. See below for a list of beaches through-out the San Diego Metropolitan area.

Border Field State Beach - Located just minutes north of the Mexican border, this beach is popular to hikers and horseback riders. Swimming is not allowed at any time during the year and definitely in the winter due to sewage contamination from Tijuana, Mexico. The beach is open Thursday - Sunday in the summer and it's closed in the winter. - South Bay, San Diego

Imperial Beach - Recently named "Classic Southern California" community pride in Imperial Beach is at an all time high. A new grand plaza leads to the I.B. pier and wide sandy beach. A public art installation called Surfhenge features colorful surfboard shapes and ocean-themed mosaics that flow around split-level grass and rock seating. Actual surfboard designs are transformed into rad benches and create a functional, wonderful recreation space. Newly expanded Dunes park offers picnic areas, a basketball court and beach volleyball court. The clean beaches are open all year and are protected by the International Boundary Wastewater Treatment Plant. Imperial Beach is known for world-class waves and it's natural surroundings. The Tijuana Estuary is a international favorite for birdwatchers. - South Bay, San Diego

Coronado Beach - As you head even further north you'll come across Coronado Beach, which is a very popular spot for just sun bathing and relaxing. Though it may get a little busy with locals and tourists. - Coronado, San Diego

Sunset Cliffs - A popular spot with surfers, and couples who just want to be alone. Sunset Cliffs are located on the west side of Point Loma peninsula below the jagged cliffs. There is a staircase that leads down to the shore, making it very easy to access. One of the more secluded getaways. - Point Loma, San Diego

Mission Beach - Climbing further north on San Diego shoreline we come to the some of the more popular beaches, Mission Beach being one of them. Mission Beach is popular with roller bladers, swimmers, surfers, and volleyball players consuming mostly the south end of the beach. On the north end of the beach the waters are a little rougher, so you'll sea less beachers however the north end of the beach is home to the Belmont Park roller coaster. - Mission Bay, San Diego

Pacific Beach - Located just to the north of Mission Beach. Another popular spot for a variety of beachers. There are designated surfing spots and fire rings available. Rather than a boardwalk along the beach front like Mission Beach there are sidewalks, but bike paths and picnic tables are still plentiful. - San Diego

Ocean Beach - The mile long Ocean Beach is popular spot for just about everyone (surfers, sunbathers, swimmers etc.). The Municipal Pier is located on the south end of the beach. The pier is open to the public for walking and fishing, the pier also has an excellent restaurant with a great views. On the south end of the beach by the pier you will find more surfers and transients, and sunbathers and swimmers toward the northern areas. Fire rings and food vendors are plentiful along the entire beach, so you'll never freeze or go hungry. Parking is hard to find on a sunny day, so be prepared to arrive early. - San Diego

Tourmaline Surfing Park - The name says it all. A very popular surfing and sailboarding beach for the locals year round. - La Jolla, San Diego

Children's Pool - A great place to take the kids because of the circular seawall which preserves the shallow lagoon. There are very small waves and not much of a riptide so it is very safe for the children, however it does get crowded. The pool is also a popular spot for scuba diving and seal/sealion watching. - La Jolla, San Diego

La Jolla Cove - A palm tree lined park sits on top of cliffs just above the ocean waters. At low tide Divers and snorkelers enjoy exploring the Underwater Ecological Reserve at La Jolla. - La Jolla, San Diego

La Jolla Shores - It's the people's choice among San Diego beaches.

Black's Beach - One of the northern most beaches in the San Diego area and it's said to be a beach for experienced swimmers because of its rough waters. Surfers love Black's beach and it also attracts many nudists even though public nudity is illegal. Lifeguards are not on duty, so be careful. - La Jolla, San Diego

Del Mar Beach - Most of the beach is very crowded on nice days, so parking is sometimes a problem. Del Mar Beach is very popular for sun bathers, volleyball players and surfers. Parts of the beach are not as crowded as others. Usually these parts are near the cliffs. All in all it's a nice beach to bring the whole family. Just remember to start your day early to get a good parking spot. - La Jolla, San Diego