It’s no secret, San Diego is home to some of the best beaches. There are dozens to choose from, all having their own perks. Below is a list of the 10 best beaches in San Diego and what makes them unique.
Mission Beach
photo credit MissionBeachOnline.com
With 2 miles of pristine coastline, this beach draws large crowds during the summer. You can stroll on the boardwalk, bike, shop, ride the giant roller coaster or play some volleyball on the beach. It has a little bit of everything for anyone – including designated areas to surf!
Coronado Beach
photo credit CoronadoInn.com
If you’re looking for perfect weather year-round, look no further. Coronado is a beautiful, flat beach with gentle waves that can be used as a romantic evening or a learning place for boogie boarding. It can easily be reached by car, public bus, shuttles or taxis. Constantly rated as one of the best beaches for families in the world, it really is a place for everyone.
La Jolla Cove Beach
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
This beach is another great getaway for families. You can bring the little kiddos and wade in the water, plan a summer picnic, play on the grassy area or build sand castles. This beach also boasts the only beachfront boat launch within the city limits.
Pacific Beach
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
This two-mile beach is located just south of Crystal Pier. Also known as “the Strand”, this location is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego and will often draw large crowds during the summer. Along with the beach you can also surf, shop, eat and rent beach equipment. If you want to see what epitomizes San Deigo, come to Pacific Beach!
Imperial Beach
photo credit Wikipedia
Only five miles from the US/Mexico border, Imperial Beach is a great getaway for people of all ages. Each summer Imperial Beach hosts the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. If you’re interested in art that is a little more permanent, you can take a tour of the public art nearby or go on a nature hike.
Silver Strand Beach
photo credit Parks.Ca.Gov
Silver Strand is a great place for a day visit with your family, but remember, no dogs allowed! This beach brings oceanfront RV camping to a new level. It has plenty of barbecue pits, picnic tables, and fire rings to use. It is also a great place to swim, kayak, surf, water-ski, play volleyball and go boating.
Ocean Beach
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll love Ocean Beach. Often called “Dog Beach” by the locals, it has a leash-free area where you can let your dogs run free. Along with being one of the best pet-friendly beaches, it also has a variety of shopping, restaurants and fishing spots around. Be careful when swimming though, there are strong rip currents that can pull you out to sea.
Solana Beach
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
Solana Beach is the perfect escape for the explorer and the surfer. With hidden coves, beautiful bluffs and several surfing hot spots, it is a must-visit beach. A subsection called Tide Beach has the best sand and a reef that offers tide pooling. If you’re looking for great sand or great surfing, this is the place.
Windansea Beach
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
If you’re an experienced surfer, Windansea Beach is the place for you. Inexperienced surfers be wary as the beach is covered in rocky shores. Swimmers should also be wary of entering the water because of the rough shorebreak. The beach also offers great privacy for sunbathers and beachcombers alike.
Tourmaline Surfing Park
photo credit CaliforniaBeaches.com
This beach is staffed by lifeguards year-round and has areas designated for swimmers and surfers. Considered a “gem” by locals, this beach is a hotspot for surfing and sailboarding. When you’re not out in the surf, you can lay on the beach and admire the cliffs that go up to 75 feet high.
Source: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/top-10-beaches-san-diego-area-19148.html