What can I say that hasn't already been said about this beach? 5 stars and beyond…read more.. After the SD Writers Festival and then grabbing a slice and a beer on the main strip, I strolled over here to enjoy the last rays of the day. It is just gorgeous and breathtaking. I sat far back today, sitting on some rocks, ear buds in listening to my favorite playlist and just meditating while Mother Nature put on her beautiful sunset show for us. Come out here and enjoy the fun shops and restaurants nearby and spend some time with nature. Your heart and mind will thank you later.

Coronado is a nice place, and with spots like the beaches and the Hotel Del Coronado, it is…read morefantastic for a visit. Especially at sunrise or sunset. Enjoy my photos. There are spots all along the strand with paid parking, but you can find some free parking too, and it is not that far of a walk. The beaches are pristine and the views are second to none. Great spot to take visiting family and friends who want to get a taste of San Diego. They also get to experience the Coronado Bridge if you are driving over there. Highly recommend visiting if you get a chance.

Sunset Cliffs is a San Diego institution! I frequently go for walks in this area. A lot of of it…read moreis parallel to the street but at the end there is a nice open park with a few trails that butt up to Point Loma Nazarene university. It is especially beautiful right now in the spring... All the flowers are starting to come out and everything is green. This is also a great area to come out with a picnic and watch the sunset. And if you don't bring a picnic, there are lots of great taco and brunch spots in Ocean Beach for after your walk!

I love Sunset Cliffs! It's one of my favorite spots for photoshoots. Parking has never really been…read morean issue for me, and the area is so big that you can walk around, explore, and take photos without feeling crowded. The views are absolutely gorgeous--especially around sunset--and there are so many beautiful backdrops. I've had so much fun running around with friends here capturing photos. Overall, it's such a peaceful, scenic spot and definitely one of my go-to locations!

Gotta love Mission Bay Park. I have been here a few times after hanging out at the beach. Park is…read morestill near the ocean, but it is still a short break to get away from everything. Nice running and biking trails we have indulged inside before. Great scenery of the ocean and city here. I just love it.

Great spot for a relaxing weekend outing! We come here all the time with friends for BBQ since it's…read morea convenient location for families with kids. Plenty of space for the kids to play, at the sand area or the playground. It can get crowded so parking can be tricky but we always manage to find a spot so no complains. Piece of advice...stay away from the public restrooms there!

I spotted this tree that spoke to me while riding on the way to breakfast at Hash House. After…read moreleaving breakfast, we came back to Balboa Park it was a peaceful and grounding experience before heading to the airport to return home. That moment honestly made me decide the park was a must-visit. I ended up stopping by afterward just to walk around, release some stress, and enjoy the calm energy. I even found myself just sitting in a tree, hugging two or a few, and taking in the quiet; especially in the Trees for Health Garden, which felt fitting for the whole experience. It was a simple but meaningful stop that added a peaceful pause to the end of the trip before heading back to the airport. I even met a squirrel that I chat with; I named him James. While I was chatting with him, he even place his paw on his chest as if he was asking me "are you speaking to me?" It felt great speaking to my own little grandma Willow tree moment.

Yes - park and museums are lovely, but for me, I just didn't love Balboa Park…read more Didn't hate it but if you are someone with just a weekend in town, I think there are better options for afternoon activities in the zillions of things there are to do in SD. All I'm saying is don't get fooled making this a top of your list, must do-thing. Go if you REALLY want to, but don't feel like you missed out if you made a different selection.

La Jolla Cove is one of the best spots in San Diego. The water is super clear, the views are…read moreunreal, and seeing the sea lions up close makes it even better. Great place to relax, walk around, or just catch a sunset.

A SAN DIEGO GEM This was my 'go-to' beach in the late 80s…read moreand 90s as a teenager for sun-worshipping and beach bonfires. Now in my 50s, I go less now -- maybe once a year, but on a recent visit we enjoyed a nice long walk from end-to-end and back and were lucky enough to catch some spectacular marine life in the tide pools near the pier. LOTS TO EXPLORE On one end of the beach, you will find the Marine Room restaurant and La Jolla Beach and Tennis club, along with mansions on the cliff edge, while kayakers from nearby tour and rental shops get safety briefings and enter the water. At the other end, you'll find Scripps Pier, Scripps Institute of Oceanography and if you're there at the right time, numerous tide pools with bright orange starfish and sea anemone. In between, you'll find grassy Kellogg Park, a tot lot, showers and restrooms, sinks and hand dryers. LOCALS AND TOURISTS The beach is about a mile long and comfortably deep in low tide. It attracts an international crowd, families, couples, surfers, teenagers, lovers, sun-worshipers, surfers, joggers, strollers, you name it. WHAT WOULD MAKE IT 5 STARS? There's a limited parking lot immediately adjacent to the beachfront, but I usually have to find parking on the street, not an easy task in peak season. As with all beaches in San Diego, it lacks vendors along the beach, so if you need a shop or get hungry or thirsty, either bring your own or seek out one of the clothing stores, restaurants or cafes along nearby Avenida de la Playa. La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego's nicest beaches in my opinion. Helpful?

I absolutely adore Pacific Beach. It is absolutely stunning. I have been fortunate enough to get to…read moresee dolphins here in the winter. I am always amazed and in awe at the beauty of this beach. There is also incredible food along the pier and it is spacious which allows many people to walk, run, bike, skate, roller skate or do whatever you want! PB is a super active community and is a beautiful part of San Diego. It is one of my favorite beaches I have ever been to. If you are in San Diego, you should definitely check out Pacific Beach!

PB is one of my favorite beaches! It's always clean - no trash anywhere. There are really good…read morerestaurants nearby after a day in the sun. The sand is soft, sun is warm, and water is cold. What more could you ask for from a beach?

A great place to be on a sunny day. The hike down the cliff is a bit of a hike but well worth it…read moreand actually its a fantastic leg workout. The beach is really clean with most beach goers carrying there picnic trash back up. Volley ball games usually take place in the summer. The views are not to be missed. The sun reflecting on the water in the late afternoons is mesmerizing so bring your best sun glasses & suntan lotions. For the shy person the RIGHT side as you climb down the cliff facing the water is for those who prefer bathing suits, Speedos & bikinis. To the LEFT side of the beach facing the water is clothing optional. Usually its a bit farther. Great that nobody bothers you & its a safe space for that all over tan. Sometimes beverages are sold on the beach discreetly, however, I'd recommend bringing your own & lots of water. Its a good idea toto bring food, snacks, fruit and sandwiches... insect repellant if needed. *True, sometimes it is a bit overcast so its best to check the weather report before leaving. *Free parking is available above the beach. Please be considerate while parking in an organized fashion in consideration of others. Thanks. Enjoy the beach & surf!!

If you know me, I like a nice challenge of a hike and usually enjoy some elevation gain or…read moresomething a bit strenuous. I wanted to be in this area but knew that the parking down by Torrey Pines Beach can sometimes be a hit or miss so I looked on the map and found Black's Beach trailhead and took a gamble. I had about 2 hours before it was going to rain, so this trail seemed doable in the time I had. I parked at the farther end of the gravel lot, not many cars parked here. And where I saw the danger sign, I started my hike down. It was a little steep going down, and if it was a wet day, I wouldn't venture down this path. Wear sturdy shoes, but I can tell you the views are so worth doing this short, steep hike down and back up. Once you get down to the beach, its just endless sand and beach and just gorgeous. I wish I had had more time to spend here, Ill definitely come back on a summer's day. I really enjoyed randomly discovering this trail, its about 45min down and up, definitely worth it for the views!

Chill, spontaneous, and a place with good food…read more I love coming here to people watch, and when I do come here there's always something new happening. Sometimes the events here are huge and fun! Come on down!

I love watching the sunset from OB. It never fails to be absolutely gorgeous!…read more When the tide is out, you can go tide pooling to the left of the pier, and it is always so much fun to discover sea life in the crevasses of the rocks and in the little pools. (The pier is currently closed.) The beach itself is great as well, for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a walk. There are also plenty of places nearby to grab some food. On Wednesday evenings, come by for the OB Farmers Market! At times, the area can be a little rough, but in ten years of living here, I have never had an issue. Lots of free street parking and paid lots as well. Peace.

Torrey Pines is a gorgeous park just north of La Jolla. For a small parking fee, they offer…read morebeautiful cliff views, beach-side walking and hiking trails, and seasonal blooms. The views are great. Personally, I prefer La Jolla, but this is very suitable for someone looking for a casual walk/hike without the crowds. They have many benches and are far more intimate than surrounding beaches. I'd love to enjoy a sunset here, but unfortunately, cars must be out of the top lot by 7pm. They do, however, have an abundance of port-a-pottys in the lot. Well-preserved and very walkable, Torrey Pines is worth at least one visit.

3/30/26 update: We…read morepaid $15 for the entrance fee on a Monday. I believe it would cost more on a holiday or weekend. You have the option to park in the lower parking lot or the upper. We parked in the upper because it's closer to the hiking trails. I would park in the lower parking lot if you wanted to spend more time at the beach. We went on the Razor Point Trail, Beach Trail, and Yucca Point. The Beach Trail has more than 100 stairs that go down to the beach. We spent about 2 hrs in total there. We took pictures and videos. Make sure you wear sneakers, a hat, sunglasses, bring water, and sun tan lotion.

I stumbled upon this little park while visiting Coronado Island for the first time and I am so glad…read moreI did. It was so serene and peaceful- the perfect spot to rest if you need some peace and quiet. We went on a weekday afternoon and there was only one other person there. The views are absolutely stunning. They have a few benches to sit down, but I would say bring a small blanket to lie down on the grass next to the water. We parked right across the street in the residential area. I would assume this place gets really busy on the weekends and parking might be tough. It's super worth a visit, even if you can only stop by for a minute to take in the views!

Such a great little park. Perfectly quiet in the morning and a superb place to pray and do…read moredevotions. Lovely benches and unobstructed views of the city. All types of waterfowl to enjoy. Easy parking and a joy to bike to. Bike paths all across Coronado make this a must see spot.