San Diego’s beach towns truly have world-class attributes. The beaches alone are renowned for their natural beauty and diversity, qualities that led to the formation of equally eclectic and lovely towns developed around them.
As a local of San Diego, I want to disclose the top beach towns in San Diego. Whether you`re searching for places to explore after relaxing on San Diego’s beaches or are planning a longer term relocation, I hope my viewpoint as a resident can assist you. If you like this article, bookmark my guide to what you can do in San Diego next.
Let`s explore the top beach communities in San Diego.
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
15 Best Beach Towns in San Diego
Oceanside
San Diego’s northern coastal town boasts expansive sandy beaches and a iconic pier.
📍 Online map | City website | 👉 View lodgings in Oceanside on hotel booking site
As the northernmost coastal town in San Diego County, Oceanside doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. In addition to long stretches of flat sandy beaches, there are many activities available in Oceanside.
Oceanside features charming lodging facilities, numerous local bars and dining spots, an appealing downtown region that continues broadening and houses destinations like the California Surf Museum.
Be certain to visit the focal point of the town, the Oceanside Pier. It’s the longest wooden pier on the west coast of the U.S., and it has Ruby’s Diner positioned on the end.
🍽️ Must Try Restaurant: Wrench and Rodent, one of my favorite sushi restaurants in San Diego, is located in Oceanside. In addition to conventional rolls and outstanding special rolls, they also create wonderful vegan rolls. For more details, see my list of favorite restaurants in Oceanside.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad contains small-town charm and some of the area’s loveliest beaches.
For an enjoyable girl’s night or perhaps a sentimental date along with your partner, think about this champagne cruise. The two-hour sightseeing tour takes you through New York Harbor on the Schooner America 2.0, an 1800s-style sailboat. You’ll depart from Chelsea Piers just before sunset, so you can delight in the warm breeze as you peacefully glide along the Hudson River.
Situated in North County San Diego, Carlsbad has a laid-back, family-oriented environment. There are many notable activities in Carlsbad, and the charming downtown region features adorable specialized shops along with both upscale dining and casual restaurants.
Carlsbad is the kind of town where more people will be seen walking around in bathing suits and barefoot rather than fully clothed.
The beach town also hosts Legoland and Carlsbad State Beach, known for its scenic clifftop camping overlooking the ocean.
🍽️ Restaurant: Pizza Port is Carlsbad’s most beloved brewery (one that is among San Diego’s many craft breweries) and has a very welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Leucadia
The charming town of Leucadia has plenty of local eateries and a beachy atmosphere.
📍 area on Google Maps | 👉 Look up Lodging in Leucadia
Leucadia is one of the more low-key of San Diego’s beach towns. In fact, it resembles a small, surf-oriented neighborhood more so than an actual town.
The downtown area boasts some relaxed yet excellent locally-owned stores and eateries along the Pacific Coast Highway. If seeking an ambiance near the coast where most companies are within short travelling distance, Leucadia is a preferable choice.
Beacon’s Beach is situated in Leucadia and is one of San Diego’s most beautiful and less busy beaches due to its steep beach access.
Encinitas
Encinitas is a laidback, trendy town perched on some of San Diego’s most cherished beaches.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 View Hotels in Encinitas on Booking
Encinitas welcomes many to its scenic beaches such as Moonlight State Beach and Swami’s Beach, making it one of the most visited areas in the neighborhoods of San Diego.
In addition to the scenic coastlines, Encinitas offers many enjoyable activities. It has a trendy downtown area whose blocks contain excellent restaurants, from upscale eateries to taco stands and shopping boutiques.
If you love a blend of beachy, southern Californian charm and trendy urban culture, then Encinitas is the town for you. See our guide to where to stay in Encinitas to get planning.
Cardiff-By-The-Sea
Though Cardiff is a small town, it overflows with natural scenery.
- .
(529)”” “
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Lodging in Cardiff on Booking
Cardiff is one of the smaller beach communities in San Diego, but it more than compensates for its size with local charm. In Cardiff, you can camp at San Elijo State Beach, stroll along a gorgeous stretch of wide shoreline, and hike around the wetland habitat of San Elijo Lagoon. This town offers diverse outdoor activities.
Additionally, Cardiff is home to the renowned San Diego statue, commonly called the `Cardiff Kook` but formally named The Magic Carpet Ride. The statue is consistently dressed in bizarre outfits, so it’s always unexpected seeing its current attire.
Solana Beach
The coastal community of Solana Beach is ideal for appreciating art and coastal scenery.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Seek Lodgings in Solana Beach on Booking
If you enjoy appreciating both the shoreline and browsing art galleries, then Solana Beach could be for you. The town is known for its cheerful and walkable downtown region and family-friendly beaches, like Fletcher`s Cove and Tide Beach Park, both of which are favorites among surfers and little children alike.
After enjoying Solana`s coastal scenery, you can head to Cedros Avenue to immerse yourself in the beauty of design and art. The quiet street features inviting art galleries, decor shops, eateries, and my preferred winery, Carruth Cellars.
Del Mar
The upscale town of Del Mar offers gorgeous beaches as well as fine dining and shopping.
📍 Online Map | Town Website | 👉 Browse Lodging in Del Mar
While most of San Diego’s beach towns are renowned for their beautiful coastlines, Del Mar’s most iconic attribute is the Del Mar Fairground. The sprawling grounds host many of San Diego’s largest events, like the Del Mar horse races, the San Diego Fair, the Summer concert series, and more.
Naturally, the municipality possesses quite a few lovely beaches, such as the Del Mar Dog Beach, a preferred attraction among both local people and their four-legged companions. The downtown region invites individuals to stroll around, explore the many shops and dining establishments, and unwind in the multiple shoreline parks.
Torrey Pines
Explore the stunningly rugged and undeveloped coast of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
📍 Map of Location | 👉 Browse Accommodations in Torrey Pines
For those whose top priority is exploring the natural beauty of Southern California, Torrey Pines is the ideal location to do so. The State Reserve boasts San Diego’s only stretch of pristine coastal region whose seaside cliffs display what the California coast must have appeared like before development.
• Hotel website • Check prices for On The Rocks
La Jolla
The charming city of La Jolla contains historical sites and luxury accommodations, dining, and browsing.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Accommodations in La Jolla on Booking
🍽️ French | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +33 (0)1 44 95 15 01
Renowned for its soft, powdery white sand and gentle surf, La Jolla Shores is the most visited sandy beach in San Diego. Other iconic La Jolla beaches with abundant natural beauty include the stunning, wildlife-rich La Jolla Cove and the historically significant La Jolla Children’s Pool.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach in San Diego is known as the party town where beachgoers can enjoy both the shore and bars within a short distance.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Review Lodging in Pacific Beach on Booking
Pacific Beach, locally known as PB, is one of San Diego’s most lively neighborhoods. Many young professionals and college students visit and live in the beach town, drawn by the lively atmosphere and numerous bars and restaurants in a small area.
PB is also among the more popular destinations for tourists drawn by the expansive sandy coastlines, superb surfing conditions, and lively nightlife all within an easy walk.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach offers access to the Pacific Ocean coast as well as Mission Bay.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Examine Hotels Options in Mission Beach via Booking
Mission Beach includes a thin stretch of land that isolates Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The 2.5 miles are brimming with extraordinary San Diego character and include tiki bars, taco stands, and the historic Belmont enjoyment park.
Beachgoers and tourists alike share the picturesque boardwalk winding along the white sandy shore, watching surfers and volleyball from its stretch extending into the ocean.
Just a few blocks farther east you can also appreciate the lovely Mission Bay where activities like paddle boarding, swimming and sailing are available.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach embraces bohemian quirkiness welcoming anyone to relish its relaxed environment.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Accommodations in Ocean Beach on Booking
Ocean Beach is San Diego’s quirkiest of beach towns, known for its eclectic, bohemian personality. OB and its inhabitants thrive on individuality and colorful, often impromptu celebrations, one of which is the weekly OB Farmer’s Market.
Like the rest of the town, the market breaks with convention and begins in the evening often evolving into beach bonfires and streetside celebrations after the official event.
Residents of the neighborhood exude friendliness and warmth towards all, and it is commonly the locale that persuades visitors to prolong their occupation in San Diego indefinitely. Many individuals living in OB have resided there for over fifty years and have never considered life potentially elsewhere.
The OB dog beach is one of the prime dog-friendly, leash-free parks in the county.
👉 Read Next: Explore the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
Point Loma
Point Loma is home to the premier vantage point for watching the sunset in San Diego.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Reference Accommodations in Point Loma through Booking
Point Loma consists of a rugged promontory jutting into the ocean, creating a protective barrier around Coronado Island. The picturesque community is best known for Sunset Cliffs, famous as the best spot to watch the sunset in San Diego.
At the tip of the peninsula lies Cabrillo National Monument, which pays tribute to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot in California. While visiting the monument you can also explore the spectacular tide pools.
👉 Pro Tip: Point Loma is also home to Liberty Station, an historical Naval training center transformed into a cultural destination. The lovely buildings contain many restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Coronado
The upscale island town of Coronado epitomizes class and charm, plus some gorgeous beaches.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Locate Accommodations in Coronado via Booking
- How to Reach It: Mykonos Blanc provides free and private transport for all guests upon arrival and departure; this makes it the most straightforward means to get to the hotel. The hotel is situated in Ornos Bay on the eastern edge of Ornos Beach, so it`s also simple to get there by vehicle or taxi, and bus. It is approximately 7 km from the ferry terminal in Mykonos in Tourlos and 4 km from the Mykonos Airport.
The island is accessed via the instantly recognizable Coronado bridge (one of San Diego’s many historic landmarks) or by the Silver Strand state beach, a slim strip of land that connects to Imperial Beach.
Imperial Beach
The southernmost beach community in San Diego celebrates the beach, culture, and local community.
“📍 Google Maps | .”Imperial Beach is the southernmost town on the West Coast USA, divided from Mexico exclusively by the stunning wetlands of the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge (one of the finest spots for bird-watching in San Diego). Due to its proximity to the border, the community is flavored literally by Mexico and contains some of the top burritos and tacos you can find.
IB also annually hosts a sand castle competition and dog surfing competition in the beautiful white sand beaches which attract crowds of people.
FAQs About San Diego Beach Towns
What’s the nicest beach in San Diego?
“📍 - Zrce Beach Spring Break Festival – Happening annually on the Island of Pag over 3 days starting in late May, this festival brings parties and live music to Zrc Beach.
Is San Diego a beach town?
San Diego is a large city most celebrated for its beautiful coastline. While Downtown San Diego is not on the beach, most of San Diego’s most renowned towns have beachfront locations.
Which San Diego beach town is best for families?
The city located in Carlsbad offers a charming downtown that is pleasant and walkable with many family-oriented eating and shopping establishments. The beaches have broad sandy areas, ideal for setting up umbrellas and playing in the sand. In addition, Carlsbad serves as the home to Legoland, which is among the top activities for children around the city, as well as the Flower Fields, creating an incredible spot for family portraits.
Which San Diego beach town has the most things to do?
Depending on your interests in certain kinds of activities, either Carlsbad or Pacific Beach has many opportunities. Carlsbad has a lot of family-friendly things to do and see, such as tranquil beaches, Legoland, and the Flower Fields. If you are hoping for more youth-oriented activities centered around nightlife, dining out, and enjoying the beach and Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is for you.
***
Each of the San Diego beach towns offers its unique character and special appeal. And although a wide variety exists, one certainty remains – you’re guaranteed enjoyment of the San Diego beaches.
