Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is a small and colorful community which is blended with a mix of surfers, college students, local beach bums, professionals and families. A few blocks west of Pacific Beach, you’ll find many craft galleries, taco stands, surf shops and smoke shops. There are some 30s-style beachfront cottages next to large, upscale, earth-toned condos. For a less crowded scene of ultra casual and zero attitude, try Mission Bay.

Pacific Beach offers a number of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts and families: surfing, swimming, bodyboarding, bicycling, walkers, skaters and joggers. The paved paths offer spectacular views and offer a slice of the local area, including family picnics, Frisbee, kite activities, outdoor barbecues and neighborhood basketball games. Sunbathing opportunities can be found on the bay, near the ocean or a quiet grassy knoll.

The Family

Kids should not feel bored at Pacific Beach. It offers many activities that kids love, like building sand castles, playing or splashing in the water.

Shopping

Shoppers will find many eclectic surf shops, smoke shops, craft galleries and clothing stores along Mission Boulevard and Garnet Avenues.

Parking

Near Crystal Pier, you can rent body boards, bicycles, rollerblades and surfboards. Lifeguards are stationed year-round and pets are permitted from 6 am to 9 pm on a leash. Parking is easy to find during the weekdays during the winter. It is more challenging on weekends and weekdays during the summer. Arrive early for the best selection. Unmetered street parking is available, but will fill up quickly.

Directions

Take the I-5 North or South and exit Grand-Garnet and Head West to the ocean.