I love Pacific Beach!! When we're in San Diego, our place is actually off of Mission Beach. When we go for our morning/evening walks, we also walk over here since it's so close together. They seem to really keep the beaches, very clean. When we're out walking early enough, we see the guy who drives through raking the sand. We enjoy our morning coffee watching him and the surfers out catching the waves!!! I also appreciate the public bathrooms. I've been lucky that the few times I've had to use it that it was surprisingly CLEAN!! They also have these outdoor showers to rinse off the sand!! I appreciate this feature!! I also love walking out onto the pier. Watching the waves is so relaxing. Sometimes, I'll catch a volleyball game! Pretty fun to watch. There's also a lot of runners, bicyclists, roller blading, skate boarder, and so on. A whole lot of eateries and shopping!!! Lots of people watching!!! I always look forward to the next trip for another adventure !!! read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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This beach should be called millennial beach. Bunch of mid 20- mid 30's seem to hang out here and party. Even though drinking and smoking is prohibited, they still do it. Not very many families. Idk if it's because it's the weekend, but this place is packed! Still a very nice beach, just more packed than normal read more

Pacific Beach - Packed beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here to spend the day by the beach with my girl. We rented some birds and we're able to walk the boardwalk, eat some tacos, walk the pier, and enjoyed the day by the water. Fun place to spend the day for a date and lots of good food options in the area. Also a lot of bars that were busy on the weekend. Will be returning. read more

I mean, it's gorgeous. I'm new to the PB area, and I've found out that it's another location that's chill and sweet. I think there's a tad more homeless folk wandering around, but I can't tell the difference between them and just old beach bums. No offense. The beach is easy to access, the folks are nice, and it's just pretty. So relaxing. I also enjoy the plethora of places to eat and drink along the main road. read more

This cool path is located on Ocean Blvd in PB, near beach at diamond street. I highly recommend walking this path if you're around the area. Not too many dogs, walkers or bikers. It was such a beautiful view. read more

Pacific Beach - Path - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Where I come to relieve all my anxiety and depression. So peaceful and breathtaking I visit every 3 months ! read more

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It's really a 3 star beach if I compare it against the rest of San Diego beaches, but I have to give it an extra star just for the people watching alone. The freaks come out in daylight in PB and I kinda like it. It's like a carnival side show here, only with a lot less clothing. Even more so than Santa Monica. The upside is that there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the immediate area and a nice pier. The downside is that this is a major tourist trap with large crowds. So much so that the police frequently patrol the beach on ATVs to crack down on alcohol consumption. This is also the beach where crime is frequent. Make sure to not leave your belongings unattended while swimming! read more

While known as the (college) 'Party Town' of San Diego, Pacific Beach offers visitors and residence plenty of options and activities. In the heart of PB, both sides of Garnet Avenue are fully lined with bars and restaurants. There are also a variety of different shops and businesses on both Garnet and sections of Grand Avenue. When it comes to wanting to spend the day at the beach, both the bay and ocean have long stretches of sand and shops to enjoy. In addition to beaches, Pacific Beach Park and Kate O. Sessions Neighborhood Park provide hours of fun in the sun. Just outside PB, Mission Beach has many shops, restaurants, and an amusement park offering nearby and affordable family fun! read more

Came to this beach for a few days to visit friends and it has quickly become one of my favorites. This beach is super clean, well located (so close to bars and restaurants), and boasts some of the most beautiful seashells I've ever seen. I loved taking strolls in the water and exploring the crevices of the pier as well. At night, they don't allow bonfires but they sell fun light rockets to play with. There is a nice walking/biking path on this beach, which makes for easy access and great people watching. The sunsets are spectacular too! It can get crowded during the day (even weekends) and parking is a bit hard to find. Be patient though, worth it! read more

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I love this place! The beach, the boardwalk and the town all have that amazing California beach town vibe! Weather you like to jog, stroll, skate, or bike the boardwalk or the city streets. Tanning, volleyball, surfing, sandcastle building or whatever beach activities float your boat there's something for everyone here! My favorite thing about Pacific Beach is that the boardwalk and park at the northern end are situated on a bluff so you have a nice birds eye view of the entire beach. Out of all the beaches in San Diego this is my favorite that I've been to so far! I highly recommend this beach... read more

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This is probably my favorite of the beaches I have been to thus far. The area is teeming with delicious places to grab a bite, a beer, or a nice coffee. Lots of little touristy shops as well and let's not forget the pier that is stunning during sunset. My personal favorite is getting Pho to go and eating it on the beach. There is never a short supply of bubble blowers, musical performers, or other interesting characters. Crime doesn't seem to be huge here either, which I can appreciate. Parking can be a royal pain however and you might just want to save your sanity and find a parking lot to pay to park in. PRO TIP: the farther you walk the cheaper it tends to be. There is an easily accessible bathroom, although might be a good idea to bring TP and learn to squat because it can get gross on the weekend. Plenty of areas to spray off the sand and in general the beach isn't super crowded so it's nice to relax. Bring a date here, eat good food, walk hand in hand, and watch the sunset. How could it get better? read more

Amazing, Beautiful & Fun beach to visit. Life guards are great at keeping an eye on things and running smooth. They have several facilities available. Although there's quite a bit of parking areas for pay, it's still not nearly enough for the swarms of people that flock here. Very popular beach, but for good reason. read more

Absolutely beautiful. The beach was clean and not very busy on our visit. There was plenty of parking. We saw several people cooking and hanging out. During our visit the weather was amazing. We walked the beach and enjoyed the sunshine. read more

I'm not gonna lie, I like PB. It's where all the sluts and dbags hang out, but may I add, good looking, energetic sluts and dbags, especially along the beach bars. They are what actually got PB cleaned with their shenanigan years ago that caused a riot with the police and then alcohol was banned on the beaches. So now PB is much cleaner and less rowdy at the beach. Super busy though on weekends and popular holidays. Definitely where all the beautiful people hang out. Beach is always packed and parking is hard. I don't go to PB often, but when I do... beaches and bitches are fun to be a part of! =P read more

Pacific Beach - Hanging out - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Another beautiful San Diego beach! This one has a pier with cottages where you can walk out over the ocean. You can rent fishing supplies or bring your own. Beginner surfers come here. Parking can be problematic, but the ocean vibes are well worth the hassle. Baked bear is here, City tacos is opening up and bars line the main streets. It's not the cleanest but it's perfect for a quick beach nap. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Beautiful beach and boardwalk! If you are at nearby Mission Beach/Belmont Park and you walk 2 miles, you will run into Pacific Beach at the other end of the boardwalk. It's a beautiful walk and it's fun to look at the stunning oceanfront houses as you pass them. While at this beach you can do so much! Walk or rollerblade on the boardwalk, build sandcastles, have a quick bite to eat, play volleyball, work on your sun tan, or simply take in the amazing views. In my opinion, there is a better selection of restaurants and bars by Pacific Beach compared to Mission Beach. This beach does get very popular in the summer and is quite crowded. If you want easy parking on Memorial Day or July 4th weekends, plan to arrive early. There are many shops and eateries by and not far from the beach. You will find some great spots just a short walk from the beach. I recommend Baked Bear for ice cream and Mr. Moto if you are looking for good NY style pizza. IMO the parking is better at nearby Mission Beach, there are not the large lots down here. However, I did visit Pacific Beach mid-week during the off season and parking was not too bad! read more

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7/18/20 was the first time I came to this beach. I have a friend that lives close to the beach. When I came here for the first time, I said to myself "This is a beach" I even said to my friend that this beach is definitely 10 times better than the beach in Atlantic City, NJ. This beach is pretty big and really nice. Since the beach is on the Pacific Ocean, the water was really cold. I did come here during this crazy ass pandemic but it was definitely crowded on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn't a holiday. I know it was during the pandemic when I came here but that wasn't gonna anyone from coming here. read more

It's hard to compare when you've been to beautiful clean, smooth beaches of Hawaii and beaches overseas. First and foremost parking was a pain in the butt, but the parking gods were eventually on our side when we spotted a prime spot in the lot! Otherwise, I don't really know where you park. Ocean Beach had a huge and obvious dedicated parking lot. This beach is definitely busy and has a narrow walkway stretch which is annoying because it's only one lane for each direction and then you have inconsiderate cyclists and roller skaters. On the walkway there's some small restaurants and shops. On a nice day, I could see the charm but it was a foggy cold day and I'm probably just being hater. With that being said I just stuck to walking along it and not on the beach. San Diego beaches why you gotta hate me during my trip? read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

My kids and I always love a day at Pacific beach. It's clean and family friendly. Enjoy our time watching the waves and the locals enjoying the day. read more

Pacific Beach - Sunny afternoon - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Spending a day here will make you understand why it's so expensive to live here. Beautiful, so many healthy food options around, dog friendly community. Clean and for the most part safe. Bever any issues here after 9 years. read more

I've been going to Pacific Beach since 1991 and you know what? It really hasn't changed that much. If you are coming here for the 1st time, you have not missed much except an increase in real estate prices. Back then, you could buy a condo in a high-rise on the beach for 50K. Not anymore. Tons of places to rent bikes for 15 for the day--check Yelp. You can bike from PB to Mission Beach and then around Mission Bay--it's great--bikes can go over many of the bridges too on the sidewalk. Do a loop around the bay and tell your friends. Stop and rent a Kayak on the Bay for an hour. Lot's of inexpensive places to eat and drink if you stay away from the fancy hotels. Of course, drink and food prices are much less the further away you get from the beach. I usually bring my bike so I park a few blocks away from the beach easily and ride it back. You have a death wish if you are going to try to get parking within a block of the ocean on weekends after 9 AM. On weekdays--sure--you may do it any time. Weekends--No. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Beach is always great...but crowds of 20 somethings is just not my scene any more. If you focus on the beautiful location and amenity of restaurants, then you'll have a great time. Try to look past the drunk kids and homeless people. read more

Pacific Beach - Boardwalk - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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Our fave place! Clean, safe, everything is near! Accessible to the best restaurants, bars, and the most beautiful sunsets ever! Ride bikes on the ocean front walk and relax! read more

Glad I got to experience Pacific Beach during my visit to San Diego, but totally not for me. Way too crowded. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

Beautiful, clean stretch of beach. It's lined the many restaurants, bars and hotels. Considered the hip/happing part of San Diego. Several surf schools teach daily on the beach. Great place to eat, stay, swim and surf. read more

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My new Yelpie friend, Yen (from East Bay), and I had some time after lunch, so we asked some friends if they could take us for a quick trip to the beach so we could stick our feet in the water. Jay from San Diego was so helpful in recommending a beach with sand because other beaches are very rocky and not as picturesque. Great suggestion, Jay! Parking was free and relatively easy. There were wooden stairs for us to climb down to the sand. I was so excited to see a seagull, but he was too quick for me and flew away before I could get his picture. The other interesting thing for me was the pier... we don't have those in Hawaii - cool! Usually, the sand at home is almost white, scorching hot and would burn my bare feet. However, in San Diego, it was an overcast day with a temperature of 62... yeah! The sand was cool, gray colored, and soft with a few rocks, shells, and seaweed scattered here and there. As for the water... LOL! Painfully, icy cold! Yen and I "powered through it" and waded in the water! Mission accomplished! After my toes defrosted, I was able to regain some sense of function...hahaha! We saw a bunch of surfers in wet suits and people sitting on towels, enjoying the scenery... Maybe I'd have a picnic here if the wind was calmer and warmer. ..until then, it's a beautiful place to visit and get some fresh air and make a happy memory with a friend! Thanks, Yen! read more

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Beautiful Beach! Wonderful view, nice pier and awesome cute little shops to walk around the streets! Abundant amounts of restaurants around the area! Love this area! Super cute and cozy feel! Nice vibe and environment! Parking is limited: street or valet parking. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

The Pacific Beach Boardwalk is clean, picturesque, and teeming with locals and tourists alike. There are runners, skateboarders, casual strollers, rollerbladers, dog walkers and bicyclists who frequent the boardwalk. Shops and restaurants dot the landscape - I bought a Mexican blanket for $10 at one shop! The limited parking spots nearby fill up quickly, so it's better to arrive early. Strolling along the PB Boardwalk overall was great, especially since it was relatively uncrowded. :) YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2016: #40 read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

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The beach is beautiful and there are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars. I found the number of scooters and bikes to be really bothersome. Walking on the boardwalk should be peaceful but you're constantly looking out for bikes and scooters ready to run you over. It's like the whole area is overrun by those scooters and people leave them anywhere. The beach sand is really pretty and it's a great place for sunsets. Lots of bars and restaurants and little shops to explore. read more

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I'm a globetrotter n have been to the best beaches in the world. I left my heart in pattaya n Phuket but because of the 20 hours flight I'm excluding them. Waikiki beach is beautiful but it cost an arm and a leg so I'm not using it for comparison here. Côte d'Azur was nice but the beaches were full of rocks n forget about it when the mistral could blow you off the ground. Basically this is the best California beach, La Jolla is impersonal n full of strange looking people, Pacific Beach is so vibrant so exciting just like south beach wo the noise n chaos, it's full of revelers strolling on the boardwalk n college kids rollerblading till midnight. The only other beaches with boardwalks are on the jersey shore. I slept to the sound of the ocean waves, I woke up seeing the ocean from the balcony. The ocean breeze brought the fragrant air to my lungs, the last time I smelled the salty air w iodine was in vung tau n pattaya, Huntington Beach ocean breeze doesn't have that, it has no real scent that I missed from my childhood. It's funny my sister lives in SD, she has never been there if not for Covid19 cancelling all my trips to Europe I never would have known this gem. I walked 1 block to mission Blvd n there were so many restaurants I loved it, a beach like La Jolla had nothing like this cozy ambiance. I'll be back to do more staycations as the day of flying 20 hours are over for me, my husband has medical issues n anywhere on earth you'll die before you get health care n the inferior single payer care will kill you, my eldest sister died of a heart attack unattended while all the doctors were out having siesta or lunch on the Paris trottoirs. read more

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Definitely a tourist spot.. But coming here on a hot late September afternoon, without the crowds, it's an awesome place to go.. Lots of restaurants and Cool shops within walking distance.. A decent Boardwalk.. A relatively clean beach.. the laid back vibe of PB definitely broke me away from everyday life and reminded me that I'm actually living in a pretty cool city. read more

Pacific Beach - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

If there were ever a place for lots to do and some great people watching, this place is it or at least on the list. First of all, the view from the northern end of the board walk is fantastic (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pacific-beach-boardwalk-san-diego?select=iZIoc3f5dv-J4QczUG4fyQ#iZIoc3f5dv-J4QczUG4fyQ). When I come for a walk, I start at the southern end a few miles away, and stop here to relax and read for a while before I head back. It's all very relaxing you know. Along the board walk, you will run into all sorts of characters and beautiful people, but what I like most about this area, is not only the beach and great vistas (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pacific-beach-boardwalk-san-diego?select=iZIoc3f5dv-J4QczUG4fyQ#z3nj1oqlQ6OgbPq7XDLO4g), but the melee of place to shop and most importantly, all the great places to find some great eats. Such treat indeed. San Diego being my hometown, this is one of my favorite boardwalks to spend time at during the summer. The only gripe I would be that I wish the City would spend more effort keeping it cleaner and better kept. read more

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PROS: + beautiful sunset views + easy access to the pier + clean beach + place to surf + friendly people running around + next to to various bars/lounges + BAKED BEAR within walking distance CONS: - parking Came here for a walk to kill time during traffic hour, and it was great :) definitely recommend this for others! read more

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Spectacular views made be seen from PB. Parking was never a challenge for us the four times we went but I think we had parking karma going cuz there weren't a lot of close-up places. Several restaurants lay close by the beach, which offered outdoor showers to rinse off sand before heading to breakfast, lunch or dinner. The beach was clean, provided life guards and was good for surfer watching. Less crowded than OB too. read more

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This is actually a pretty sweet board walk. Here, you will find the Crystal Pier Hotel. These are cottages were built atop the boardwalk. Yup. Right on the boardwalk. You pass the cottages leading out to the end of the boardwalk, where the public is invited to roam and fish. It's a great spot for watching the skilled surfers below. And it's a wonderful, semi-quiet reprieve from the very busy Pacific Beach. Crystal Pier Bait and Tackle is set righ on the pier. You can rent poles and buy your bait and other supplies for fishing. I hear you can catch halibut, mussels, shrimp and guitarfish here. Didn't see any fishers out during my trip, but I hear this is a top thing to do. The shop also sells trinkets and snacks, including ice cream. read more

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Absolutely beautiful such a sweeeeeeT beach! Beautiful views happy people yummy food and great shops. So so much to do and enjoy. read more

Living in PB is the best when you just enjoy the beach! It's been almost 10 years since I've lived in PB. In 1998, I moved here from Canada to go to Graduate School. Coming from where it rains 10 months out of the year, it was like dying and going to heaven, at first... The previous tenant in my unit had ended their lease early because the neighbor above was too noisy. Every night at 4am on the dot I was awakened by a thumping noise, every night for an entire year. It was the sound of a bed moving around on the hardwood floor. The neighbor was an older lady who was always in a bathrobe. When I first moved in, she had asked me if her and her boyfriend were too noisy; at the time, I didn't know what she was talking about. When the neighbors across the street had parties in the day she would yell obscenities at them from her balcony. Another night I was awakened by a drunken couple on the grass in front of our bedroom. I realized then that I could not live in such a noisy area and when our lease ended we moved away. My Holiday in the Sun had ended. When we left the Coastal area we came up with excuses as to why it sucked to live there; it was party central, it was too cloudy with June Gloom, the rent was too expensive, too much traffic, all of which was true. After moving several times, even out of State and back, it took almost an entire decade to get back to PB. I had forgotten about the almost perfect weather. I had moved to extremely cold and hot areas, and when I came back to visit, I remembered exactly why I had left Canada to begin with. Now that I am back, I try to workout almost everyday to get fit. The last time I was fit I lived in PB. I live in a 400 sq ft studio (the size of my last master bedroom), with my husband and cat, no parking spot (I used to have a four car garage), no central heat or air, and crazy loud noise coming at me all day and night from neighbors, trucks, and the bars behind me, crazy smells from the greasy restaurants and strange smoke from tobacco and wood fires, but when I walk over to the beach everyday and I look out at the water, I forget about everything. I have never been a beach bum or party animal, but there is something about the cold coastal breeze, the sound of the surf, and the sparkling water that is simply mesmerizing and intoxicating. PB is unlike any other place. Time seems to stand still; days seem to go by slower and last longer here. Nobody cares what you do with your hair, what you do for a living, or how much you make. PB "feels" young, with all of the students that live here. Immediately upon moving back here I felt like I picked up where I left off, 10 years younger. Long gray haired people, suntan, bike, and dress like they are 18 here. The dress code is flip-flops, shorts and bikinis. Mohawks, tattoos, and custom beach cruisers are the norm. PB has many businesses, shops and restaurants, but it still has a laid-back attitude, with its half naked people, cozy hangouts, and traveling musicians. PB has not changed that much in the last 10 years, and it probably won't change much in years to come either. PB is where I'll be able to retire happily, walking around with my long gray hair. In a poll people state that the most desireable place to live is where they have access to the beach which is why CA is No.1! Just focus on the beaches not the bars and you will understand what I mean. read more

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Tons of reasons to love this place: 1. Restaurants 2. Cute shops 3. Tons of people being active (which I love seeing)... But my favorite reason is the eye candy- ALL OVER THE PLACE! Keep up the great work, guys! read more

Pacific Beach - Beach and the pier - Beaches Near Me - San Diego, California

No car needed to get around. Hard to park. Hotels will charge to park. Rent bikes or walk. You can get to all restaurants and stores easily. Nice active beach. Great people watching. Also lots of like any beach town, can be rough around the edges in certain areas. Great for college kids. read more

Pacific Beach was my favorite of the beaches visited this past trip to SD. I accompanied a friend looking to relocate, trying to find the area that best fit her personality. PB was hands-down the best one we visited, cleaner and with a more casual family-friendly vibe than other areas. There's free parking available, but it goes quick so you may have to park and pay at a lot. Public restrooms are also available, and the ones by the lifeguard station were especially clean. Dogs are only permitted in certain areas, and leashed, and there are designated surf and swim areas. I wouldn't say this beach has the best views, but sunset was really nice. I most liked how the area is surrounded by neighborhood and a few local businesses rather than choked with bars and overpriced beach gear shops, really lends itself to a strong community feel. read more