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    Silver Strand State Beach

    3.4 (259 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    beach view looking north
    Monty D.

    We visited here the day before the Fourth of July on a late afternoon, and you can see from my pics the solitude that had. The cool beach air and open spacing made us feel like we had a private beach. We enjoyed our slow paced, leisurely stroll along the low surf. There are public restrooms and rinsing stations by the parking lot, and on your way out. The solitude maybe partly due to the occasional beach closure due to pollution, so check before you start your trip. There aren't any vendors so make sure to bring your sunscreen and goodies with you.

    Laurie H.

    Silver Strand State Beach, and San Diego was extremely peaceful. Where we were there was hardly anybody there at the end of our beach. We went at high tide, saw the shell search, was not as profitable as it would have been during low tide. There is a $7 fee if you want to stay for a couple of hours, and a $15 fee if you want to stay for the day. My sister and I just walked to the beach and listened to the waves and rejuvenated our souls.

    On the beach
    Jared F.

    Beach and surrounding area is very clean. Beautiful waves and not many people in the winter time.

    Closed sign
    Shanna P.

    I have been coming here for around 50 years. First time they've had to close the beach due to contamination so disappointing. The snack bar is not even open and we're just entering the summer season. Tijuana is ruining our beach if you plan to camp here make sure you understand that the beach is closed and they will not let you go in the water, you can go on the Bayside, can't believe this is been going on so long ! for such a wonderful beach with many families here trying to enjoy it!

    Dulce R.

    Unfortunately Chula Vista Marina is being redone and there is almost no beach access from the street. So we decided to come here and check out silver strand. I have been in San Diego for 5 years now I had never been to this beach. Having been here twice now with the 1st time being July 4th holiday... we figured since the drawback is paid parking, $20 on the 4th of July and $15 this past weekend with no holiday that it would draw a different crowd. We do like this beach as it is cleaner than some of the other beaches we have been to and can drive up and unload as well as pack up & load the car being right there. The downfall as mentioned earlier is the paid parking. They do have a sign up right now for stingray, as well as contamination. It is not that bad of a drive from San Diego or even if you live in Imperial Beach it's a hop, skip and jump away. The road is rarely busy and if you are coming by walking or bike there is a pedestrian tunnel that can be used. The cool part is the kids can ride the boogie boards without going to far out... careful as the waves are vicious lately!

    Carlos A.

    We stayed at the RV park two nights. It was pretty nice, though a bit crowded and expensive. That's pretty much what you get in San Diego however. The camp hosts were awesome and helpful. There is no sewer at each site, and it's $10 to dump on top of the $65/night. Each pedetal has a 20/30/50a power connection and water. There is a large sand berm right by the "beachfront" spaces, so you really can't even see the beach at all. Bathrooms are large and clean. Make careful note of the fact that they lock the gates--both in and out--very early in the evening. So we had to have our guests move their car A MILE AWAY so they could leave later that night. I guess this might help slow down traffic and maybe petty crime? Overall, in San Diego everything is overpriced and small, so this is a decent choice. The helpfulness of the people was good.

    Anne C.

    This is the beach i like to go to. Even during busy summer days, it is not quite as packed as the other beach areas north and south of silver strand. Especially in the off season, it's calm and relaxing. Lot's of parking with a small fee. Limited amenities, but there are restrooms and showers to rinse off at. Pretty clean, I have nevef noticed any big issues with littering. We were never really a beach going family.. but during this frightening pandemic, it has been a great place to go.

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    Not welcoming for pets. No real place for dogs to potty. No pet waste bags. Staff was just so so.

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    Silver Strand State Beach Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Silver Strand State Beach

    Are there fire rings there right now?

    No. There are ember cans but no rings. There was a sign that said "No open fires"

    Planning on Driving from PHX on 29OCT Can you have a Small Portable Fire place for (burning Wood Only) making S'mores on Beach?…

    As of July 2023, as long as the portable fire pit you bring is 6" off the ground, you can use your own pit on the beach. No permit is necessary.

    For enclosed grey tank req't, does an enclosed portable one count? Meaning sink is built in on aframe, empties into enclosed wheeled unit underneath and is taken with when…

    if the unit is self contained and you leave no trace..should be fine

    Are there fire pits on the beach near the campground?

    My friend says yes

    Can we tent camp on this area for at least a night? And is bbq allowed?

    Asphalt only --- No tent camping. Camping is available for self-contained recreational vehicles, motorhomes, or trailers only, per Coastal Commission regulations. Minimum requirement is a built in sink with an enclosed drain system, and a portable… 

    Do they take credit cards for parking?

    Yes, they accept credit cards.

    Are handicap drivers, those with a placard, required to pay the day fee?

    "For persons with permanent disabilities, this pass entitles the bearer to a 50% discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees at California State Park operated units"

    Are dogs allowed?

    On leashes yes but not on the beach or on the bay side.

    Is there tent camping allowed?

    Tent camping and sleeping outside of RV are not allowed. Only self contained camping vehicles are allowed. The camping vehicle must contain at least a portable chemical toilet and a built-in sink with an enclosed grey water system.

    How's the camping?

    We went camping at the Silver Strand State Beach campground and our thousands of dollars mountain bike and other campers' electric bikes were stolen. There is no security at all at this campground from thieves. When the lights are out, the thieves… 

    View All 12 Questions

    Review Highlights - Silver Strand State Beach

    After my divorce, I was lucky enough to find a cool pad right on the beach in Imperial Beach.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Point Loma Tide Pools

    Point Loma Tide Pools

    4.7
    (141 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    Anything about nature has to be 5 stars. The ocean, the waves, the tide coming in and out, the…read moreocean spray. This visit to the tide pools was more of a walk along the trails. The views and trails are spectacular. Portions of the trail can be steep with large steps, take your time while you're trekking along. You will need to visit during low tide if you will explore the actual tide pools rather than traveling on the trails. Tide pools are best accessed from the 1st / main parking lot. I opted to park at the farther north parking lot and explore the trails heading south. If you review the map you can see the first parking lot with restrooms marked, then if you take the fork to the right, there are 2 more smaller parking lots. The walk from the farther north parking lots, to the mail parking lot is a distance so best to decide before you get there if you need to use the restroom. The entrance road is Cabrillo Road, and it makes a sharp turn towards the farther parking lots. To get to the Point Loma Tide Pools and the trails you are entering the Cabrillo National Monument and there is a fee for admission; I opted to purchase an annual pass for a small amount more than the daily fee. There are several different National Park Passes; if you like to visit many, consider the America the Beautiful pass and you can save a lot. I do recommend the Point Loma Tide Pools and trails, you can visit the Tide Pools and Cabrillo National Monument with your 1 admission price and there are so many things to see. Use caution and review the signage at the tide pools/trails, keep kids close and don't stand at the edge for photos and turn your back to the ocean. You'll be able to set up a great shot even if you're not near the edge. There are plenty of plants and squirrels around, remember you're in a National Park so nothing should be disturbed while you're there. Keep it nice for years to come. Add this to your places to see when you are in San Diego. Even has a local, I hadn't been here (that I can remember) and I've been back a few times since my first visit in March 2025. fthathteoi ncntehthe ht ajdhtgthae ihatie hait he inghggti nadh

    Yes, you should absolutely visit the Point Loma Tide Pools but know before you go:…read more 1. Only come during low tide. There are two low tides and two high tides a day. The information is available online. I believe the tide pools are closed during high tide and for very good reason. 2. The tide pools are located within the Cabrillo National Monument park which means you will have to pay to visit them. This isn't like going to the beach for free. We paid $20 and you can visit both the tide pools and the monument/lighthouse, if you like. 3. Yes, parking is tough but the lot is fairly large and the spots turn over regularly. Apparently, there are two lots. I completely ignored the "LOT FULL" sign and found an open spot in seconds. 4. Wear shoes appropriate for climbing on and over rocks. This isn't like going to the beach and dipping your tootsies in the water. If you have decent balance, even better. You don't want to fall on these rocks. This ain't "a day at the beach." This is straggling over rocks to find sea life in tide pools. This is a spectacular location for tide pooling. You will probably see crabs, including lots of hermit crabs, anemones, small fish, and maybe even medium-sized fish. We even saw an absolutely enormous sea hare (or sea slug). It was black as night and easily half the size of a small cat. We also saw a brittle star, which is a type of small, squiggly star fish. You could spend an hour to two hours here and this is a must-do attraction if you live in San Diego or are visiting. You cannot find this kind of tide pooling just anywhere.

    Photos
    Gorgeous views.
    Gorgeous views.
    Paved path
    Paved path
    Point Loma Tide Pools

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    Balboa Park

    Balboa Park

    4.8
    (2.9k reviews)
    6.7 mi

    Balboa Park is easily one of my favorite outdoor spots in San Diego and, in my opinion, one of the…read morebest urban parks in the country. There is SO much to do here, and the park is absolutely stunning and very well maintained. When living downtown, I was here pretty much every weekend. I love walking through the park, running the trails, and bringing my dog. The dog park is huge and gives them plenty of room to run around, which is a major plus. You could easily spend hours just walking and exploring everything Balboa Park has to offer. Between the trails, architecture, museums, gardens, recreational areas, and incredible history, there is always something to see or do. Even after coming here so often, I still enjoy simply walking around and taking it all in. The history and architecture are really what make Balboa Park special. It's beautiful, full of character, and such an incredible part of San Diego. Whether you want to exercise, walk your dog, explore, have a picnic, visit a museum, or just enjoy being outside, this park has something for everyone. An easy 5/5 for me. One of the places that makes me love San Diego!

    Balboa Park is always such a great place to get away and enjoy a relaxing walk. There's just…read moresomething so calming about being here. The park is beautifully maintained, and everything feels clean and well cared for. The newly renovated botanical garden is especially peaceful and definitely worth visiting. It's also a great place to bring kids they'll love seeing the turtles, fish, and ducks around the park. There are plenty of vendor stands to check out as well, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring. Whether you're looking to unwind, enjoy nature, or spend quality time with family, Balboa Park is always a wonderful destination.

    Photos
    Wedding at Balboa Park
    Wedding at Balboa Park
    Nativity Display
    Nativity Display
    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

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    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)
    La Jolla Cove

    La Jolla Cove

    4.6
    (1.6k reviews)
    16.7 mi

    La Jolla Cove is San Diego's most famous beach, where you can see a vast number of seals and sea…read morelions. You can hear constant barking sounds at La Jolla Cove, and the source of this noise is the California sea lion. To distinguish between a seal and a sea lion, look at the ears: seals have only ear holes, whereas sea lions have visible, protruding ears. You will find far more seals and sea lions on land than swimming in the water, as they need to spend at least seven to eight hours a day out of the water to rest and regulate their body temperature. What makes La Jolla Cove special is that humans and animals share the beach; people, seals, and sea lions all swim in the same waters. Wildflowers bloom around the beach, and the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including cormorants and seagulls, alongside the seals and sea lions.

    This was such a cool place to stop. You're able to be close with the sea lions and seals and get a…read moregreat view of the wildlife. It's a bit crowded with people, but with it being a free stop with no charge for parking and plentiful with animals it makes it all worth it. We've made the drive down from Oregon and stopped at sea lion caves, where we were charged to view them, and this out did those stops by far. Highly recommend. An added bonus is the birds flying by so close, it almost makes you feel like you're in a Jurassic Park filming.

    Photos
    "I always feel like somebody is watching me" -- Brown Pelicans | IG @moniquedao
    "I always feel like somebody is watching me" -- Brown Pelicans | IG @moniquedao
    7.3.25 Experiencing the sea lions live with our family
    7.3.25 Experiencing the sea lions live with our family
    Walking down the sidewalk near the cove.

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    Walking down the sidewalk near the cove.
    La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores

    4.4
    (571 reviews)
    16.6 mi

    This beach along with the adjacent Kellogg Park made for a lovely stop during our recent visit to…read moreSan Diego and La Jolla. The parking lot did not have space available on a Monday afternoon, but we found free street parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks away. Restrooms and wash stations were located near the playground and grassy field, and lifeguards were on duty with the beach crowd stretching for miles on this warm summer afternoon. We walked toward the sand castle house and settled where it was a little more secluded from all the loud families with kids near the main park. And the water was nice and warm with gentle waves as we swam and waded along the shore to cool off from the humidity and heat of the sun. We also relaxed and napped on our beach mat while picnicking in the sand under the shade of an umbrella we brought, a life saver with the sunshine beaming from above. The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve are cool features to this beach area as well, though snorkeling gear is helpful for exploring in more depth. They seem to offer kayak rentals on site too, with plenty of visitors enjoying watersports while we were there. The place was more congested than we had hoped on a weekday, but all in all, we still had a good time.

    Had to squeeze one last beach trip in before heading to the airport! I was visiting early August…read moreand read that this time of year friendly leopard sharks come up to shallow water for breeding season so I had to check it out! I heard a good spot was near the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club near The Marine Room and this turned out to be true! Took my snorkel gear and saw a ton of leopard sharks and stingrays so close to the beach! There was plenty of people around and lots of groups trying to catch a glimpse of the leopard sharks as well. The beach had a ton of people but it was very safe. There was a long wall where people were leaving some belongings while they were in the water so I also left my towel, shoes, etc there and I had no issues with my stuff even though I was by myself so I didn't have anyone to watch it. I also lucked out and got a parking spot right in front of the beach even though cars were circling quite a bit to find spots. I actually was going straight from the beach to the airport so I had my suitcase and all my belongings in the trunk of my car and it was safe while I was at the beach all day (a miracle for someone coming from the Bay Area LOL). The beach also had lots of rinse of stations so I was able to rinse off, get dry, change, and head to the airport!

    Photos
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores
    La Jolla Shores

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    La Jolla Shores

    Silver Strand State Beach - beaches - Updated August 2026

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