Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach is south of Coronado, which encompasses both the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean sides of the strand. It offers much solitude for those who want to avoid beach crowds. Families and campers enjoy the beach. The remoteness of the beach is where the Navy SEALS trains and also offer many recreational activities including swimming, surfing, camping, jet skiing, sailing, water skiing, body boarding, fishing and beach volleyball. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists and skaters have 10 miles of bike path. The ocean side of the strand features 2.5 miles of coastline trimmed with silver shells (hence the name “Silver Strand”). The bay side can be reached via three underground pedestrian tunnels from the ocean side and has a nature preserve.

Parking

Paid parking is available inside the park entrance and free street parking is available on Coronado Cays Boulevard. Cars are prohibited on the bay side of the strand. Campers will find 100 or so RV spaces at the strand, barbecue pits, lifeguards, fire rings, picnic areas, public showers and restrooms. No dogs are allowed on the beach.

Directions

Silver Strand State Beach is 4.5 miles south of Coronado on Highway 75. Drive south from San Diego on I-5 and exit at Palm Avenue/Highway 75 and go west.

Tips

The camp host distributes numbered tickets on a daily basis to prospective campers. It’s the only beach in San Diego that doesn’t require advanced reservations and the numbers are randomly drawn to see who gets in that day. It’s best to arrive on Sunday or Monday when campers are leaving. Large parking lots accommodate motor homes for day use.

There is a small snack bar near the lifeguard tower with candy, drinks, hot dogs and more. This is the only food service near the beach unless you drive to Coronado or Imperial Beach (about 15 minutes away).