San Diego Is Renowned for Its Beaches—And Here Are the Absolute Best

It's challenging to find a subpar beach in San Diego. With 70 miles of stunning coastline, the county boasts 31 incredible beaches that cater to every surfer, sun lover, and saltwater enthusiast. Whether you're seeking a relaxing spot for the kids or a bustling area for seaside shopping and dining, San Diego has it all. Here are 12 of the top beaches to explore on your next Southern California adventure.

La Jolla Cove

• Ideal for: Gently watching the sea lions

Indeed, La Jolla Cove has gained a reputation as somewhat of a tourist hotspot, and rightly so. Both visitors and locals flock to this charming inlet to enjoy the scenery and observe the sea lions living their best lives. While they bask on the southern side, their well-known neighbors, the Pacific harbor seals (often referred to as La Jolla seals), frolic nearby at the Children’s Pool. Both species are adorable and vocal but definitely not for cuddling, so capture their playful moments from a safe distance.

La Jolla Shores

• Ideal for: Snorkeling, diving, and exploring the underwater world

While La Jolla Cove is famous for its above-water wildlife, La Jolla Shores offers numerous opportunities to discover the underwater realm during snorkeling or diving adventures. La Jolla Kayak provides fully guided snorkel tours throughout the area’s ecological reserve, enabling participants of all skill levels to encounter everything from vibrant orange garibaldi fish to leopard sharks. The region also features shallow reefs and a deep submarine canyon—both accessible with scuba guides like the experts at Waterhorse Charters.

Coronado Beach

• Ideal for: Enjoying bonfires in the evening

Coronado Beach stands out as one of San Diego’s top spots for hosting bonfires, featuring several firepits available on a first-come, first-served basis at the northern end of the beach. If you'd rather not host, you can always visit the historic Hotel del Coronado any evening from 6 to 8 p.m. This Victorian beach resort has welcomed celebrities, presidents, and royals since its inception in 1888. Book a one-hour time slot for a group bonfire, and the hotel will supply everything you need to make perfect s’mores.

South Ponto Beach, Carlsbad

• Ideal for: Riding consistently excellent waves

While San Diego is widely regarded as one of California’s premier surfing destinations, Carlsbad (in the northern part of SD County) is a particular favorite among surfers. The city’s South Ponto Beach offers something for everyone, featuring impressive swells at both the northern and southern ends for more experienced surfers, along with plenty of scenic sunbathing areas for onlookers. Newcomers are also encouraged to try their hand at surfing, with expert guidance available from places like Surfin Fire, which provides private lessons and camp sessions.

Ocean Beach

• Ideal for: Shopping for fresh farmers’ market delights

If sunbathing isn't your preference, you can still spend a delightful day at the beach while walking and shopping. One of the highlights of Ocean Beach (often referred to as “OB”) is the weekly farmers’ market, held on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. This popular event attracts crowds eager to taste local culinary specialties, stock up on fresh organic fruits, and gather plants, handmade crafts, and various other goods.

Moonlight Beach, Encinitas

• Ideal for: Keeping children entertained

Few coastal locations in San Diego are as family-friendly as Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas. With gentle waves, lifeguards present year-round, and ample space for sports on designated volleyball and tennis courts, it’s perfect for families. The beach features many picnic tables and grills, making it an excellent choice for birthday celebrations. The standout attraction is a vibrant, ocean-themed playground that includes multiple slides, climbing structures, and surf-inspired play areas for imaginative fun.

Oceanside Boulevard Beach

• Ideal for: Spending the entire day in the water

If your goal is to spend all day in the water, make your way to Oceanside Boulevard Beach, where you can enjoy the waves without needing any surfing skills. Although the shoreline is rocky, a designated 200-foot area is perfect for swimming, wading, and bodyboarding during the summer. (Surfing is prohibited for safety, ensuring there's plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.) A nearby pier provides options for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, while Harbor Village, just a 15-minute drive away, offers various non-water activities like a farmers’ market and dining options. (Harbor Fish & Chips is a beloved spot that has been serving customers for 50 years.) With new hotels and a vibrant downtown to explore, you can easily spend a whole weekend in Oceanside.

Mission Beach

• Ideal for: Classic amusement park experiences

While Northern California boasts the state’s oldest beachside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, San Diego’s Mission Beach certainly holds its own. This beach features the beloved Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement area that has been entertaining visitors since 1925. The park's centerpiece is the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, operating since its inception; the seven-acre venue also includes numerous rides, arcades, and adult-friendly cocktail spots, such as Draft, a sports bar featuring a massive 31-foot LED screen and over 55 local beers on tap.

Grandview Beach

• Ideal for: Watching surfers and enjoying seafood

True to its name, Grandview Beach provides some of the most breathtaking vistas in San Diego County, making it a prime spot for observing skilled surfers take on the waves year-round, thanks to its consistent swell. The wooden staircase here is the go-to place for spectators, surrounded by lush palm trees and dramatic cliffs that create a stunning backdrop. If you need a break from the action, you can explore the shore at low tide, where you'll find tide pools teeming with small fish, crabs, anemones, and other marine life. And for those looking to indulge in some delicious food, Fish 101 is a popular spot for grilled, fried, and fresh seafood, including tuna, shrimp, and mahi-mahi.

San Onofre State Beach

• Ideal for: Diving into history

While San Onofre State Beach boasts all the classic elements of a perfect San Diego day—idyllic waves, beautiful views, and coastal wildlife—its rich history sets it apart. Known as one of the birthplaces of modern California surfing, San Onofre has a deeper heritage, serving as the site of Panhe, the village and burial ground of the “Acjachemen” people for over 8,000 years. To delve deeper into this history, take a 10-minute drive to the San Clemente Historic Cottage, which features a visitor center filled with historical information. This beach was also formerly home to the now-closed San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, and those interested can sign up for a 1.5-hour walking tour to learn about decommissioning and safety measures.

Pacific Beach

• Ideal for: Enjoying the nightlife before and after dark

If you’re looking to party in San Diego without diving into the famous bar scene of downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach offers plenty of lively options. The area is dotted with outdoor and rooftop bars where you can soak in the ocean breeze, along with numerous spots to dance the night away. PB Avenue stands out as one of the most popular nightclubs, known for its house music, while locals flock to Firehouse for their all-day breakfast until 3 p.m. and weekend bottle service.

Torrey Pines State Beach

• Perfect for: Hang gliding, paragliding, tandem flights, and endless excitement

For those who enjoy a thrilling beach day filled with drama and adrenaline, Torrey Pines Beach in La Jolla, just 15 miles north of downtown San Diego, is a must-visit. Known for its favorable wind conditions, Torrey Pines Gliderport attracts both seasoned hang gliders and paragliders. If you’re eager for an aerial view of the cliffs and coastline but not ready to fly solo, numerous training programs are available. For those who prefer staying grounded, the designated spectator area offers breathtaking views without the need to take to the skies.