San Diego Beach Guide
By Erin Chambers, San Diego Editor
Spend the day at one of San Diego's many public beaches or find a scenic beachside restaurant or hotel.
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Ocean Beach
Newport Ave at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CA
With smoke shops, beach cruisers, dive bars and die-hard local residents, OB is a time capsule of 1960s surf culture. -
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA
The 68-acre city-owned parcel stretches across the bluffs at the tip of Point Loma, south of the OB pier. -
Catalina Lounge
4202 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA
Cheap, friendly neighborhood pool joint anchors the OB bar scene. -
Pacific Shores
4927 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA
Newport Avenue dive attracts a familiar OB crowd with funky digs and cheap drinks. -
Thee Bungalow
4996 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA
One of San Diego's culinary institutions endures with famous roast duck, award-winning wine list and classic fine dining ambiance. -
The 3rd Corner
2265 Bacon St, San Diego, CA
Ocean Beach wine shop also houses a comfortable, casual-chic restaurant and wine bar backed by bigtime San Diego foodies. -
The Vine Wine Bar & Cafe
1851 Bacon St, San Diego, CA
A sophisticated yet casual wine bar and cafe, located in the heart of Ocean Beach. -
Olive Tree Marketplace
4805 Narragansett Ave, San Diego, CA
Corner market in OB has huge selection of gourmet cheese, olive oil, wine, snacks and other groceries and sundries. -
Hodad's
5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA
Laid-back Ocean Beach institution serves one of San Diego's best burgers. -
South Coast Surf Shop
5023 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA
Legendary surf shop remains the one-stop shop for local surfers, with boards, clothes, shoes, more.
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Mission Beach
Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
Two mile stretch of sand known as The Strand to many locals, which is also home to Belmont Park, surf spots and large summertime crowds. -
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
Oceanfront entertainment complex offers historic, wooden roller coaster and indoor swimming pool plus dining, shopping and amusement park rides. -
Canes Bar and Grill
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA
Mission Beach bar & grill with a punk-rock-meets-beach-boys feel draws all-ages crowds for live local music. -
The Beachcomber
2901 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
A stones throw from the beach, this South Mission dive comes complete with surfers and sand on the floor. -
Wave House
3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA
Awesome views, casual outdoor dining and a summertime party atmosphere all-year-round. -
Gone Bananas Beachwear
3785 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
From mix-and-match separates to teeny tiny bikinis, Mission Beach's famous swimsuit shop has covered stylish beachgoers for over 10 years.
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Bar West
959 Hornblend St, San Diego, CA
The beach scene gets chic off Garnet with a stylish new restaurant and lounge that caters to the downtown crowd. -
Green Flash
710 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA
Shrimp, fish and king crab legs reign at this waterfront bar and grill on North Pacific Beach. -
Turquoise Cafe Bar Europa
873 Turquoise St, Pacific Beach, CA
European-style neighborhood cafe in North PB offers a low-key hangout with cheap, good wine and simple tapas. -
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA
The lines are long at this local, beachfront favorite, but boardwalk people-watching makes waiting for a table very entertaining. -
Belgian Frie
4614 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
Don't call 'em French at PB's sohpisticated Belgian snack featuring famous twice-fried fries, dozens of dippers and a breakfast menu. -
Cafe 976
976 Felspar St, San Diego, CA
Beachy cottage with lush garden and patio seating happily stands as the quiet, neighborhood breakfast spot for north PBers. -
Typhoon Saloon
1165 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA
Just consider this place the biggest drink and dance emporium in all of Pacific Beach. -
710 Beach Club
710 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA
Former Blind Melons still features live, local music and a pool table, but now draws a younger, hispter crowd.
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Black's Beach
Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, San Diego, CA
Secluded, notorious nude beach is a prime surfing spot just south of Torrey Pines State Beach. -
Windansea Surfboards
3780 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
Providing surfers with quality boards and equipment since 1959. Complete surf needs from wetsuits to men's and women's beach apparel. -
Birdrock Bikini
5651 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA
Upscale bastion for sun bathers carries designer swimsuit labels like Vitamin A, Aaron Change, Red Carter and more. -
Windansea Pilates
504 Nautilus St, LA Jolla, CA
Personalized instruction is the specialty at this seaside Pilates studio where expert professionals tailor workouts to your needs.
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Torry Pines State Reserve and Beach
16500 North Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA
In addition to a pristine sandy beach, this wilderness reserve also boats hiking trails, guided nature tours and bird watching. -
Marine Room Restaurant
2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA
If money is no object, this La Jolla waterfront jewel is the ultimate elegant indulgence in both cuisine and decor. -
Cendio
909 Prospect Ave, Ste 290, La Jolla, CA
Latin American and Caribbean-inspired plates and cocktails on La Jolla's Prospect Street please the young professional crowd. -
The Cottage
7202 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA
Cozy restaurant, known for California-style breakfasts, also serves lunch in the heart of La Jolla's village. -
Cheese Shop
2165 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA
Gourmet cheese shop in La Jolla Shores also houses a fresh deli and offers private catering.
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Americana Restaurant
1454 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA
Quaint Del Mar breakfast spot also serves up tasty lunches, exotic cocktails and gourmet dinners -
Sbicca
215 15th St, Del Mar, CA
The world's best flavors are showcased at this seaside bistro which features some of California's top views and wine selections. -
Cafe Del Mar
1247 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA
European-style bistro serves California cuisine, including everything from ahi sashimi to specialty pizzas as well as an extensive wine list.
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Moonlight Beach Motel
233 2nd St, Encinitas, CA
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Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
315 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Plentiful pasta, creative pizza combinations and crisp salads satiate guests looking to relax in-house or enjoy via delivery service. -
D Street Bar and Grill
485 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Encinitas sports bar welcomes families before sunset but turns strictly adults-only after hours with live music and cocktail lounge appeal. -
Meritage Restaurant & Bar
897 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Contemporary American cuisine served in a casually elegant setting that's just so North County. -
St Tropez Bakery & Bistro
947 S Coast Highway 101 Ste 103D, Encinitas, CA
Fresh, bustling lunch spot is a cross between civilized French bistro and East Coast American deli. -
Daley Double (The Saloon)
546 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
Pull up a stool for a shot of whiskey and a cheap beer at Encinitas' local watering hole since 1957. -
Gaffney's Wine Bar
897 S Coast Hwy 101 Ste F102, Encinitas, CA
A chance to experience reasonably-priced, worldly wine offerings and delectable hors d'oeuvres in an unpretentious, cozy wine bar atmosphere. -
Ricos Taco Shop
165 S El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA
Beachy taco stand serves "street meat" tacos, plus guacamole, burritos and more authentic Mexican favorites. -
Longboard Grotto Surf Shop
978 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
Beachside store in Encinitas offers everything longboards, from videos and books to boards, accessories and memorabilia.
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Pizza Port-Solana Beach Brwry
135 N Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA
Since 1987, Solana Beach brewery packs in locals after work and on weekends for pizza and locally-brewed ales. -
Belly Up Tavern
143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA
Legendary North County pub where diverse local and indy music acts perfrom to packed crowds every night of the week. -
Naked Cafe
106 S Sierra Ave, Solana Beach, CA
Charmingly small snack shack with an outdoor deck keeps beach bodies in shape with healthy burritos, scrambles, sandwiches and smoothies. -
Brigantine Seafood Restaurant
3263 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA
Nautical-themed restaurant chain with an upscale atmosphere and award-winning menu of fresh, local seafood. -
The Beach House
2530 S Coast Hwy, Cardiff, CA
Contemporary seafood restaurant offers upscale ambience and a spectacular ocean view. -
Cardiff Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff By The Sea, CA
Solana Beach market carries gourmet items and hard-to-find sauces and produce, plus a deli counter, fresh salads, wine and more. -
Cedros Soles
143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA
Funky, fun shoe and accessory boutique in the Cedros Design District carries local and national designers, plus organic and vegan designs.
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Longboarder Cafe
228 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA
Beach side cafe draws the surfer crowd looking to satiate hunger with hearty breakfasts and killer lunches. -
West Steak Seafood & Spirits
4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA
Modern seafood and steakhouse blends basic offerings with accommodating service and high prices in a moody bar-like atmosphere. -
Ruby's Diner
1 Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA
1940s-style diner chain serves comfort food classics to patrons with a craving for nostalgia. -
Rockin Baja Lobster
258 Harbor Dr S, Oceanside, CA
Taste Baja north of the border in a rousing, family-friendly restaurant famous for serving overflowing metal buckets of lobster and seafood. -
Ocean House at Carlsbad Village
300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA
Restaurant, bar, banquet and entertainment space all in one; set in a historic Victorian mansion in the center of Carlsbad Village.
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Coronado Beach
Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA
Famous southern-facing beach lined with million dollar homes and sand dunes and the Hotel Del Coronado in the distance. -
Coronado Farmer's Market
First at B St, Coronado, CA
Fresh, locally grown produce and flowers are worth a weekly drive over the bridge. -
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA
Coronado's landmark hotel offers a spectacular beachfront setting combined with contemporary luxury, elegant dining and abundant recreational activities.
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Tartine
1106 1st St, Coronado, CA
European-style cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a tempting array of fresh pastries and breads to take home. -
Mc P's Irish Pub & Grill
1107 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA
Coronado's hidden Irish pub caters to locals with imported beer, boiled potatoes and more classic Irish kitsch. -
Peohe's
1201 1st St Ste 3, Coronado, CA
Outstanding city skyline views define this Coronado seafood stunner. -
Il Fornaio
1333 1st St, Coronado, CA
The menu is straight from Italy, but the waterfront views of San Diego's skyline are as California as they come. -
Clayton's Coffee Shop
979 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA
Authentic '50s diner serves breakfast, sandwiches, home-style lunch and dinner favorites, Mexican food and hand-scooped shakes in a family atmosphere.
