Here I would like to set up a comprehensive list of the beaches of San Diego County, beginning with the most northern shore and making my way down the coast until the most southern Beach sharing its border with Mexico.
For all those living in San Diego, we are incredibly fortunate to live in this gorgeous city. With an average daytime temperature of 69.8` F, what is not to love?
San Diego County has over 70 miles of unique coastline to appreciate and explore!
Having been fortunate enough to live in this area for over 30 years, I have explored almost every mile, except on the military beaches (San Diego has three of them. But I got a few pictures from the outside looking in, and I am grateful for that.
About two years ago, I made a pact to document as many of the beaches of San Diego County as I could. To make things as easy as possible, I will be listing each Beach and including the following criteria-
(As you can see, restroom availability is a critical metric!)
I have written previously on many of these locations, so I will also link each relevant post under Additional Information.
(Please look and share it with those you love.)
Whether you go to the Beach for the sun, water, or to walk on the sand, the beaches of San Diego County have something for everyone.
Let’s have a look!
Table of Contents
I will start the list at the northern edge, where San Diego County meets with Orange County at San Onofre State Beach. Some of the best San Diego surf breaks can be found here.
Because of this, Orange County (San Clemente) always wants to claim this area as its own, but cartographers know better.
Here is a breakdown of all the beaches within San Onofre State Beach.
Let’s now dig a little deeper and showcase each Beach!
OK, so the most northern section of San Onofre State Beach is called Trestles and is separated into three different sections, each with its surf break. You have Uppers, Lowers, and Middles going from North to South.
The map I have provided for you is located in the northern section of San Onofre State Beach. Trestles can also be reached by walking from San Onofre Surf Beach (see down below)
Activities-
Restroom- porta-potties
Points of Interest –
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Points of Interest-
Restrooms- porta-potties
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The Point is a popular fishing site and is located at the beginning of the parking lot-
Old Man’s Beach is right in the middle of the parking lot and has the most beautiful garden, including a shower!
Dogpatch Beach is located at the south end of the parking lot and is a great place to come with your leashed dog. The ocean conditions over here are perfect for paddleboarding and learning how to surf.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- porta-potties
Rating- ♥♥♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Located in the southwestern section of Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Beach is a beach resort open to active and retired military, offering both an RV park and beach bungalows.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- Yes
Parking- on Base
Rating- ♥♥♥
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Oceanside’s beaches are pretty basic in terms of aesthetics, as there are no bluffs or cliffs to explore. Over half of the Oceanside beaches are not accessible on a very high tide.
South of the Harbor, sand has been disappearing for years. Therefore, I will only list a few activities on the less-than-accessible beaches below.
But you can not forget about the San Luis Rey River, located next to Oceanside Harbor. Next to the river is the San Luis Rey River Trail, which stretches 9 miles inland.
Special Note- Dogs are not allowed on any Oceanside beaches!
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restroom- yes
Parking- paid
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- There is a city parking lot located off North Pacific Street
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- city parking lot near Oceanside Pier
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – city parking lot, metered parking
Ratings
Additional Information–>
Tyson Street Beach is a continuation of Oceanside Pier View South Beach, as they are found relatively close together.
Points of Interest-
Here is where the Oceanside Stand begins (it ends at Breakwater Way Beach).
There is a tiny parking lot located here with about 15 spots. In all honesty, the only good time to visit this Beach is when the tide is low. During high tide, Wisconsin Street beach is not accessible.
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – residential parking
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At Buccaneer Beach, the sand is limited, like other southern Oceanside Beaches. This Beach is unique because there is a cafe and free parking, and Buccaneer Park is across the street.
Another unique feature is Loma Alta Creek, which flows onto this Beach in the wintertime. Oceanside RV park is next to Loma Alta Creek, where patrons quickly fill up Buccaneer Beach in the summertime.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes, and it is free!
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What I love most about this Beach is that it is never crowded, at least during the week.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- residential
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As stated above, Saint Malo Beach is a private gated beach community located on the southern border of Oceanside. The only way to visit this Beach is by walking south from South Oceanside Beach.
Another unique feature found on this Beach is the Buena Vista Lagoon weir. For more information, click on the links below.
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South of the Buena Vista Lagoon, we come upon the beaches of Carlsbad. Here is where the seaside cliffs start to appear again. Over half of the beaches here are State Park beaches. Carlsbad also has two coastal lagoons, Agua Hedionda and Batiquitos. Each lagoon has a spectacular Nature Center to visit.
Just like Oceanside, the city of Carlsbad also does not allow dogs on any of its beaches.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- residential
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- off-street/ residential
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- residential
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – pay parking
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes, at the campground
Parking- parking lot/ off-street parking
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Activities–
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- paid lot/ free on-street parking
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Additional Information–>
Encinitas is one of my favorite beach towns in all of San Diego. My husband and I plan on moving here when we retire.
Wish us luck! You can find me here every Summer! I can not tell you how many times I have walked all of the beaches of Encinitas.
Encinitas is also home to two coastal lagoons, with Batiquitos Lagoon north and San Elijo Lagoon south.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- a tiny residential parking lot
Ratings- ♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- small bluff parking lot/ residential parking
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Additional Information–>
Stone Steps is a staircase located just north (about five minutes away by walking) of Moonlight Beach; therefore, anything you can do over at Moonlight, you can do over here, just with a lot fewer people.
Right offshore of the staircase is a very popular surf break that locals wish to keep a secret, so please keep this to yourself.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes
Rating- ♥♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
D Street Beach is located directly south of Moonlight Beach, so all activities and Points of Interest are identical. It should also be noted that there is a shower on the wooden staircase.
Boneyards is a stretch of Beach between D Street and Swamis State Beach. Due to its total seclusion, do not be surprised if you see others sans bathing suits.
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Points of Interest-
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – small narrow parking lot/ residential & off-street parking
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Additional Information–>
Located directly south of Swamis State Beach is San Elijo State Beach, and campers especially use it found up above at the San Elijo State Beach Campground. A narrow strip of Beach connects the two beaches, but you will find it inaccessible during high tide. So, keep this in mind if you go for a long walk.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes, up the stairs in the campground
Parking- off-street/ residential if you are not camping
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- paid parking lot
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Additional Information-
Solana Beach is located just south of Encinitas and north of Del Mar. Dogs are allowed on a leash on all beaches except south of Tide Park, Fletcher Cove, and North Seascape Surf Beach.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – a considerable pay parking lot
Ratings- ♥♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Here we have a lovely staircase within a residential neighborhood that takes you down to a semi-isolated and quiet sandy shore beach. All of the reviews I have read state that hardly anyone comes here. So if you are looking for some seclusion, this Beach may be for you.
Home to ‘table-top reef,’ which is an excellent spot for scuba and snorkeling.
Dogs are allowed on a leash north of this access point but not south.
Please keep in mind that there is no restroom here, and parking may be a bit hard to find.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms-yes
Parking- small parking lot, residential/ on-street parking
Ratings-♥♥♥
A semi-private beach, especially for the private residential community within Seascape Sur Condominiums, is called “Cherry Cove.”
It is an extensive sandy beach next to towering cliffs, an excellent place for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Restrooms- no
Parking – residential/ on street
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – residential/ street parking plus three small parking lots
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – limited street parking
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking –yes, residential parking
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This coastal access point takes you to a bluff trail parallel to the railroad tracks and the ocean.
There are a couple of trails to choose from. One is up top while the other is below, closer to the ocean and the railroad tracks. Going north, you will end up at Seagrove Park, while southbound connects you to Torrey Pines State Beach.
La Jolla, hands down, has some of the best beaches in San Diego County, and every single one is a sight to behold. To make things a bit easier, I will list all the additional information here unless the content refers directly to the specific Beach. Take a look and tell me what you think.
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – North Parking Lot/ on-street parking
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – pay south parking lot/ on-street parking
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Flat Rock Beach is a natural marker at Torrey Pines State Beach. Going up and around the bluff was always one of my highlights when visiting this southern section.
But, on August 31, 2019, a portion of the bluff collapsed here, so going around this Point is only possible when the tide is very low. Do not attempt to go over barricades or walk close to the bluff, as the bluffs are still unstable.
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no, but there is up at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Parking- yes, at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Ratings- ♥♥♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
South Black’s Beach is the section of the Beach that is closest to UCSD. I was so surprised by just how extensive this section of the Beach is. A Hidden Gem, Scripps Coastal Reserve is located right above South Black’s Beach.
Restrooms- no
Parking- yes
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – at La Jolla Shores
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – free parking lot/ residential
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Additional Information–>
You can only access this secluded Beach on a very low tide or by kayak. The address I have linked to the map is found directly over the Beach on the bluffs.
La Jolla Coast Walk trail provides a spectacular view from a distance, but not directly over Caves Beach.
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – on the street, but limited
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Boomer Beach is on the western edge of the Ellen Browning Scripps Park in downtown La Jolla, just south of the La Jolla Cove. No type of boards are allowed at Boomer Beach, but body surfing is permitted and is very popular here.
A word of caution, as the water conditions are hazardous at this spot, and even walking on this Beach sometimes is not recommended.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- over at The Cove or further South at The Children’s Pool
Parking- on street
Ratings- ♥♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Shell Beach is the northern section of La Jolla’s Children’s Pool beach. A long staircase takes you down to the Beach, where you can look for shells.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms-There is a restroom over at The Cove or a La Jolla Children’s Pool.
Parking – on street
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – on street
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Additional Information–>
South Casa Beach is directly south of the Children’s Pool and shares the same lifeguard station. A great time to visit over here is during low tide, and harbor seals love to bask on the rocks back here.
Activities-
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- over at The Children’s Pool
Parking – on street
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- on street
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Additional Information
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Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- on street/ residential
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Additional Information
Marine Street Beach has more sand than any other La Jolla city beach except La Jolla Shores Beach. If you are staying in Downtown La Jolla, Marine Street Beach is the best Beach to go to if you are interested in laying out and enjoying the sun.
Parking is tough to find, so go early.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – residential only
Ratings- ♥♥♥♥♥
Additional Information-
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – residential
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- porta-potty
Parking- residential
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Additional Information–>
Camino de la Costa beach access stairway is located in a residential neighborhood. Right above the stairway, there are four parking spots. This Beach at low tide is a great spot to look around the tide pools.
All of the Beach here is covered in rocks, but a tiny sandy beach is north of the stairway.
The views here are epic! And that includes the multi-million dollar homes that overlook the Beach upon the bluffs!
Bird Rock Beach is a notorious spot to visit when you only want the best tide pools in San Diego. Another unique feature is a gigantic offshore rock, almost always covered with shorebirds (hence the name Bird Rock).
There are two different surf breaks, North Bird Rock and South Bird Rock. There is no restroom or parking lot.
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – on street/ residential
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Additional Information–>
Linda Way beach access is found in a residential neighborhood and has some of the best views of the popular offshore surf spot Pacific Beach Point.
When the tide is right, here are some of the best tide pools in San Diego. In fact, on a very low tide, you can walk from here to Tourmaline Surf Park.
Surfing is extremely popular here, but it should be noted that you need to paddle out very far to reach the surf breaks.
Although this Beach is made up of small to medium-sized rocks to the south, there is a very narrow sandy beach.
Parking is limited, and there are no restrooms because this staircase is in a residential neighborhood.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – free parking lot
Ratings- ♥♥♥♥
Additional Information-
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- porta-potties
Parking – residential
Ratings
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- limited on street
Ratings- ♥♥
Additional Information–>
Mission Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego. The Boardwalk, which runs parallel to the coast, connects Mission Beach to Pacific Beach and is over 3 miles long. It is one of the best and easiest walks on the coast of San Diego.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – several large parking lots
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Additional Information-
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms-yes
Parking- yes
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- over at Ocean Beach City Beach
Parking- yes
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes
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Additional Information–>
Santa Cruz Ave Beach is a local favorite. The Beach is located within two deep crevices of the sandstone cliffs, filled with sand. The water conditions here are not ideal for any water activity due to the undertow created by the two huge sandstone rocks.
In all honesty, seeing that this Beach is so small, you may get a few awkward stares if you are not a local.
On a special note, a walkway above this Beach takes you north to the Ocean Beach Tide Pools or south to several other residential beach access points. On-street parking is hard to find, and there are no restrooms.
Bermuda Beach, a popular local hangout, has been closed since early 2016 when the stairwell was damaged after a winter storm. It has been estimated that construction will not begin until the fall of 2020. Fingers crossed.
All beaches listed below are located in Point Loma and are all a part of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Linear Trail. To keep things simple, I will only be listing Additional Information here.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- yes, there are a couple of small parking lots to choose from as well as on-street/residential parking
Ratings- ♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- off-street/ residential
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Additional Information–>
New Break Beach is an isolated beach that can only be reached by parking over at Point Loma Nazarene College. There are many steep paths down to the Beach, but all are very dangerous, so beware. No restrooms and parking might be a pain.
Cabrillo National Monument, part of the National Park System, is not a traditional sunning beach, but it is a fabulous place to hike and check out the best tide pools in San Diego.
Points of Interest-
Additional Information–>
Private Military Beach on Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island.
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – on street
Ratings- ♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – paid parking/ on street
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Additional Information–>
Coronado Shores Beach is the Beach right in front of the Coronado Shores Condominiums, just south of the Hotel del Coronado hotel. Everything I have written up above is relevant over here as well.
There is no restroom.
Gator Beach is a private military beach that is only open to military personnel and their guests, and it is located with the Coronado Naval Amphibious Base.
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking- yes
Ratings- ♥♥♥
Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking – yes
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Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking- on street
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- no
Parking – on street
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Additional Information–>
Activities-
Points of Interest-
Restrooms- yes
Parking is available on the weekends, but you must walk 1.5 miles to the Beach during the week.
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Additional Information–>
I hope that you found this list helpful and that, just maybe, it has motivated you to come to San Diego and experience the beauty and wonder for yourself!
Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions below.
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I have always had a deep-seated passion for the Ocean Environment which ultimately led me to receive a degree in Marine Biology. Living in the San Diego area for over 30 years, I have extensively explored the 70 miles of San Diego’s coastline, and I am here to share! Please use my website to your advantage and have a look around at all the wonders that the beaches of San Diego can offer you!
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