Islands & Beaches

12 Best Beaches in San Diego

Where to sun and surf in this epic beach town.

April 9, 2021

Beach time never goes out of season in southern California. With perfect temperatures throughout most of the year, you won't have to delay your sun- and- sea-filled trip until summer. And with 70 miles of coastline, San Diego has many options that range in size, accessibility, and offerings—providing something for everyone. You can head up as far north as Encinitas to find rocky cliffs and wilder waves, or south to Coronado to enjoy calm waters with one of the city's most famous buildings as your backdrop. So pack the kids, dog, surfboard, kayak, volleyball, or lounge chair, and find out why we think that these are the best beaches in San Diego.

Click the link to read our complete San Diego city guide.

Editor's note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hours and accessibility of many places are fluid and subject to change. We advise you to contact businesses directly for updated safety guidelines and hours of operation before visiting.

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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego, this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. (See our favorite San Diego area hikes, here.) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment.
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Coronado Beach
Coronado is one of San Diego's most popular beaches with soft white sand, many watersports, and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado as the backdrop. You can hit happy hour at Sun Deck Grill, and keep an eye out during low tide for a sunken ship peeking out of the water, or make reservations for a sustainable seafood dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Serẽa. At the north end of the island, Coronado’s Dog Beach is a favorite with those who wish to let their pup run off-leash.

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Moonlight State Beach
This beach will keep you occupied, with facilities and rentals for everything from fishing to volleyball. Parking can be hard to come by, but once you arrive, you'll see that the trouble was well worth it. Of all the San Diego beaches, this feels the most family-oriented. It's not a quick in-and-out destination, but worth it for a beach day with the kids.
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Cardiff State Beach
This state beach is known for some of the best surfing in San Diego, and the laid-back crowd that comes with it. On the north end, Cardiff Reef is where pro surfer Rob Machado and other locals catch their waves. A few steps away, Pacific Coast Grill offers two levels of ocean views and tasty lobster tacos. Visit the tide pools at low tide to see hermit crabs, sea snails, and other sea creatures.

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Windansea Beach
A well-known, yet tucked-away surf spot with strong waves in La Jolla. Strong waves, big rocks, and a required climb to access make for an untamed gem of a beach. After your day at the beach, follow surfers to The Shack Bar & Grill—named after the Windansea surf shack—for fish tacos and a pint. This isn't a laid back beach and swimming here is not advised because of the big wave breaks. There are no public restrooms or other facilities and those in the water are skilled surfers only. Be aware that Windansea is a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and photos, particularly because of its historic palm-covered surf shack that can be used as an arch or canopy.
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Grandview Beach
This popular surf spot is aptly named for its view of the water as you descend the wooden stairs, with palm trees framing you on both sides. At the bottom, a narrow, yet seemingly infinite stretch of beach is backed by iceplant-laced cliffs. Onlookers congregate on the stairs to watch a cluster of surfers dotting the horizon. Once you’ve made the climb back up and worked up an appetite, head over to Fish 101 restaurant and try the day's fresh catch. Grandview stretches on far as the eye can see in both directions, though sunbathers should come during low tide. The lack of restrooms and any other facilities means most visitors don't stay too long, instead taking in the view from the stairs or going for a quick beach walk before moving on elsewhere. All of this means less-crowded waters that surfers will love.

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Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Fletcher Cove’s crescent-shaped beach is protected by bordering cliffs on both sides, with a groomed park that offers many public facilities. Paved paths down to the beach make Fletcher Cove much more accessible than other small beaches in the area. Families with kids will love the basketball courts, playground, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.
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La Jolla Shores
The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve at the La Jolla Shores draws kayakers who come to explore sea caves on kayak tours, and SCUBA divers who make their way toward the two underwater canyons. Harmless leopard sharks are known to congregate in the area during summertime, and can be easily spotted by divers or snorkelers. The beach is most appreciated on two ends of the spectrum: by travelers looking for an active day in the water, and by parents of smaller children who will enjoy the parks, playground, and gentle waves.

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Mission Beach
Mission Beach has all the makings of a Beach Boys' album cover: a bustling boardwalk, a colorful amusement park, and buzzing mix of locals and tourists. The most popular Mission Beach attraction is Belmont Park, an amusement park that houses the longstanding Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1925, bumper cars, and other classic carnival rides. The intersection of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard, near Belmont Park, is considered the main drag in Mission Beach. Several businesses are within walking distance, including bike and surfboard rental shops, Draft restaurant on the boardwalk, and Miss B’s Coconut Club tiki bar. Mission Beach never misses a beat: if you want to be where all the people are—especially the 20-somethings—this is a spot to hit in San Diego. If you're trying to “just get away from it all,” you might prefer other beaches that aren't as built up.
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Beacon's Beach
Winding down the sandy path to Beacon's Beach, visitors are greeted by a patchwork of greenery on the sloping hills, and long surf breaks crashing in the sea below. With a neighborhood feel on the sand—and plenty of it for sunbathers—this beach is a local favorite. That walk though, tends to keep crowds away, so once you get down to the water you'll have plenty of space to yourself. Because of the effort involved in getting down to the water, this isn't typically a beach frequented by families. Some of San Diego's beaches can have a universally appealing, vanilla feel to them. Beacon's Beach is not one of them, lacking the masses of tourists, yet just as picturesque as San Diego's most popular beaches.

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South Ponto Beach
This untamed shoreline is one of San Diego's wildest beaches. Secluded by sand dunes, the vast stretch of sand provides a perfect canvas for countless water sports and activities. Just know that there are no businesses within sight of the beach—part of the appeal—so pack in whatever you'll need for the day. For post-beach nourishment, make the short drive to Buona Forchetta, the wildly popular Neapolitan pizza and pasta eatery with Italian roots in nearby Encinitas.
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Black's Beach
A sandy, two-mile strip of sand flanked by dramatic bluffs and some of the most serious swells in Southern California. (Beginners, you've been warned.) Surf aside, Black's is also a nude beach where some people do still sunbathe in their birthday suits. The most common access point—from the Torrey Pines Gliderport where you can park for free in their dirt lot—is also the most precarious. It involves trekking down a steep trail of concrete, sand, and steps. If the tide is low, you can walk over from La Jolla Shores (three miles south) or Torrey Pines State Beach (two miles north) instead. If you pray for surf, you'll be rewarded with epic swells, particularly in the winter. Otherwise, we suggest laying out on the sand and enjoying the dramatic landscape. With bluffs this tall, it feels like it's just you, the ocean, the other beachgoers, and the occasional paraglider.