Our curated collection of the top 10 best beaches in San Diego
San Diego is a sun-soaked mix of cultures, year-round perfect weather, and that laid-back coastal vibe that’s hard to beat. But what truly sets it apart? The beaches. With over 70 miles of coastline stretching from the southern edge of the city up through North County along Highway 101, there's a perfect spot for everyone—whether you're chasing the best waves, soaking up the sun in La Jolla, or letting your pup run free in Del Mar. From iconic surf breaks to tucked-away stretches of sand, we’re diving into ten of the best beaches in San Diego to help you find your perfect slice of paradise.
A perfect family-friendly beach featuring stunning sea caves and hidden underwater canyons waiting to be explored.
La Jolla Shores has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to stretch out and soak up the sun or dive into adventure, this beach delivers. The wide shoreline offers plenty of space to lay down a towel and enjoy the views, but fair warning—summer crowds roll in fast, so getting there early is your best bet to claim a good spot.
The waves here are mellow, making it an ideal spot for families, beginner surfers, and anyone who just wants to wade in without a battle. If you're feeling adventurous, La Jolla Shores is the perfect launch point for renting a kayak or paddleboard, with guided tours that take you through the famous La Jolla Caves and offer up-close views of the vibrant marine life.
Prefer to stay on land? Take a stroll along the shoreline to explore the tide pools, or head over to Children’s Pool Beach, where seals and sea lions lounge on the rocks (just remember to admire them from a respectful distance). After a day in the sun, a short walk into downtown La Jolla offers plenty of charming cafes, oceanfront dining, and boutique shopping to round out your perfect beach day. La Jolla Shores has it all, whether you're here for relaxation or a little thrill.
A perfect family-friendly beach featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of amenities for a fun-filled day by the ocean.
Moonlight State Beach is a North County favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Located right off Encinitas Boulevard, this stretch of white sand offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to relax or stay active. Families love it here, thanks to the calm, kid-friendly waters and the abundance of amenities that make a beach day effortless.
Beyond the sand and surf, Moonlight Beach comes packed with options to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and plenty of picnic tables, making it a great spot for an all-day hangout. Fire pits dot the beach, perfect for winding down with a sunset bonfire after a long day in the sun.
Whether you're a local looking for an easy escape or a visitor wanting to experience one of Encinitas’ best, Moonlight delivers with a laid-back vibe and just the right mix of relaxation and recreation.
A stunning natural reserve with scenic landscapes, ideal for a leisurely hike or an extended outdoor adventure.
There’s a lot to love about Torrey Pines State Beach, and it starts well before you even set foot on the sand. The drive along Highway 101 alone is worth the trip, with sweeping coastal views that set the tone for the day. Once you’re there, you’ve got options—hitting the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, watching hang-gliders soar off the cliffs at the iconic Gliderport, or just posting up on the sand and taking it all in.
But the real kicker? The Grill at Torrey Pines. Whether you're fueling up before a hike or winding down after a long beach day, this spot is a must. Their legendary drugstore burger—arguably one of the best in town—pairs perfectly with a cold drink and a side of unbeatable views. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, soaking in that effortless Torrey Pines vibe.
A hotspot for some of the best surfing in the region.
Cardiff State Beach is a quintessential slice of North County, offering a laid-back coastal vibe with plenty to do both on and off the sand. No trip here is complete without a quick wave to the iconic “Cardiff Kook” statue along Highway 101—whether you admire it or laugh at the latest outfit locals have dressed it in, it’s all part of the charm.
This stretch of coastline is a go-to spot for surfers and paddleboarders, with consistently good waves and plenty of room to spread out. The calm waters also make it a great choice for swimming and sunbathing. Tucked right next to the San Elijo State Beach campground, Cardiff is a prime spot to park an RV, pitch a tent, and wake up to ocean views that are hard to beat.
And when hunger hits, you don’t have to go far. Across the street, Pipes Café serves up one of the best breakfast burritos in town—perfect after an early morning surf session. If you've got a sweet tooth, VG Donuts is a must for a classic, no-frills treat. And, of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Seaside Market, home of the legendary "Cardiff Crack" tri-tip, a local obsession that's earned its cult status for good reason.
Whether you're here for the waves, the food, or just a leisurely beach day, Cardiff State Beach delivers the perfect blend of coastal charm and local flavor.
Windansea Beach
Powerful waves and strong currents make Windansea's surf best suited for experienced surfers.
Windansea Beach has a laid-back, nostalgic charm deeply rooted in San Diego’s surf culture. Named after a once-popular La Jolla hotel that tragically burned down, this beach has since become known for its legendary surf break and stunning coastal scenery. Just south of La Jolla Shores, Windansea draws a steady stream of seasoned surfers looking to take on its powerful waves, while visitors and locals alike come to take in the views and soak up the unique vibe.
Unlike the wide, sandy stretches of other nearby beaches, Windansea’s rocky shoreline offers minimal space for sunbathing, making it more of a spot to watch the surf and enjoy the moment rather than a full-day beach lounge. But what it lacks in sand, it makes up for in scenery. Watching the sunset here, with the waves crashing against the rocks and the sky turning shades of orange and pink, is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old.
No visit to Windansea is complete without a stop at the iconic palm-covered surf shack, a local landmark that’s been standing since 1947 and is now officially recognized as a historical site. And before you head out, grab some fish tacos and a cold beer at The Shack Bar and Grill, a classic post-surf pit stop that perfectly rounds out the Windansea experience.
North Beach (aka Dog Beach)
North Beach, better known as Dog Beach by locals, is where San Diego’s laid-back beach culture meets four-legged fun. Stretching between 29th Street and Solana Beach in Del Mar, this scenic spot isn’t just a paradise for dogs—it’s one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the county. Whether you’re here to let your pup run free or simply take in the ocean views, Dog Beach delivers on both fronts.
Timing is key, though. From June 16th through Labor Day, dogs can roam off-leash from dawn to 8 AM, while the rest of the day requires leashes. But once September rolls around, it’s open season, with off-leash access all day long until the summer rules kick back in. The vibe here is effortless, with friendly dog owners, happy pups splashing in the surf, and plenty of room to stretch your legs or toss a frisbee.
After beach time, head to Board & Brew, where the dog-friendly patio is the perfect spot to kick back with a sandwich and a cold drink. If you're around in the fall, the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is a must-see—think competitive pups riding waves like pros. Before you leave, take a stroll through dog-friendly Powerhouse Park, an ideal spot for a picnic with unbeatable coastal views. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Dog Beach is a must for anyone who loves the idea of a beach day with their best friend.
Swamis Beach
Swami’s Beach is more than just a surf spot—it’s a piece of Encinitas culture. One of North County San Diego’s most iconic surf breaks, Swami’s sits below the towering bluffs of the Self-Realization Fellowship, a landmark as distinctive as the waves themselves. Whether you're paddling out or just soaking it all in from above, Swami’s captures the essence of what makes Encinitas one of California’s coolest beach towns.
Getting down to the beach means navigating a few wooden staircases, but once you’re there, you’ll find one of the most consistent and celebrated surf breaks in the area. The winter months bring the biggest swells, drawing a crowd of both seasoned surfers and onlookers who gather at the clifftop overlook or the parking lot to watch the show. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the waves take center stage.
After a surf session—or just a long morning of watching the pros carve through the waves—cross the street to Swami’s Café, a local institution serving up hearty breakfasts, fresh salads, and their famous date-nut smoothie. Whether you’re in the water or on the shore, Swami’s is one of those spots that always delivers.
Mission Beach/Pacific Beach
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach—or P.B., as the locals call it—offer a little bit of everything, whether you're here for the laid-back coastal vibe or the buzzing nightlife scene. By day, the three-mile boardwalk, stretching from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach, is packed with joggers, cyclists, and beachgoers soaking up the sun. By night, P.B. transforms into one of San Diego’s go-to party spots, drawing a lively crowd—especially among university students—who flock to the bars and clubs lining Garnet Avenue.
Beyond the nightlife, Pacific Beach has plenty of daytime charm with its quirky boutiques, thrift shops, and casual cafes perfect for grabbing a post-surf bite. The beach itself is a prime spot for everything from volleyball and sunbathing to surfing the mellow waves. If you're looking for a more relaxed scene, just head south along the boardwalk, where Mission Beach offers a slightly slower pace with wide stretches of sand and classic beach-town vibes.
No trip to Mission Beach is complete without a stop at Belmont Park, home to the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, which has been thrilling visitors since 1925. For a more low-key experience, The Plunge, a beachfront swimming facility, offers a great spot to cool off with the family. Whether you're in the mood to kick back or keep moving, Mission Beach and P.B. have something for everyone.
Black's Beach
Black’s Beach is one of San Diego’s most secluded and legendary coastal spots, tucked away at the southern edge of Torrey Pines State Beach. Known for its powerful surf, rugged cliffs, and status as the city’s unofficial nude beach, Black’s is a destination that requires a little effort—but for those willing to make the trek, it’s well worth it.
Getting there isn't exactly a walk in the park. The most accessible route is a long shoreline walk from either Torrey Pines to the north or La Jolla Shores to the south, offering a scenic but time-consuming way to reach the beach. For a more direct (and challenging) approach, parking at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and navigating the steep, winding trails down the bluff is an option—but it's not for the faint of heart. Loose terrain and steep inclines mean you'll want to take it slow and steady.
Once you arrive, the reward is a stunning, wide-open beach with dramatic cliffs, great waves, and a laid-back, anything-goes atmosphere. Whether you're here for the surf, the solitude, or just to check out one of San Diego’s most iconic hidden spots, Black’s Beach offers a unique slice of the coastline that feels worlds away from the busier beaches nearby. Just remember—what happens at Black’s stays at Black’s.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach, or O.B. as the locals call it, is a beach town with character—and plenty of it. Though the main stretch of sand is only about a mile long, it’s thoughtfully divided into areas for swimming, surfing, and even an off-leash dog beach, making it a welcoming spot for just about everyone (and their four-legged friends).
To get a feel for O.B.’s unique vibe, start at Newport Avenue, the bustling heart of the neighborhood. Lined with eclectic shops, local cafes, and some of the best taco joints in town, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite or do some people-watching. From there, it’s an easy walk to the OB Pier, one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast. Whether you’re there for fishing, taking in the ocean views, or snapping photos, it’s a must-visit landmark.
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the nearby tide pools at low tide, where marine life is on full display. For a slower pace, find a sunny spot on the sand and soak up the laid-back energy that makes O.B. so loved. Equal parts quirky and classic, Ocean Beach is the kind of place where you can spend a whole day and still leave wanting more.
Comments