The Beaches of San Diego County-Updated 2020

Stonesteps Beach Beaches of San Diego County

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!

Experience San Diego Like a Local!

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-

  • Map
  • Activities Available
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Points of Interest
  • My Rating (1-5, with five being the highest)
  • Additional Information

(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

San Onofre State Beach

Rocky San Onofre Beaches of San Diego County

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.

  • Trestles
    • Uppers
    • Lowers
    • Middles
  • Church
  • San Onofre Surfing Beach
    • The Point
    • Old Man’s
    • Dogpatch
  • Trails

Let’s now dig a little deeper and showcase each Beach!


Trestles

surfing trestles beaches of San Diego County

button map Trestles San Onofre State 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- 

  • surfing
  • hiking via Trestles Beach Trail and on miles of secluded Beach
  • bird watching
  • beachcombing

Restroom- porta-potties

Points of Interest –

  • world-renowned surf break, so it is always fun watching the surfers
  • San Mateo River empties onto the Beach and is a great place for bird watching
  • Trestles is also a fantastic beach to find driftwood, rocks, and shells
  • native coastal strand vegetation on the dunes
  • railroad tracks and coastal bluff next to Uppers
  • there is ancient vegetation to appreciate on the Trestles Beach Trail
  • extremely secluded Beach during the week
  • great white sharks have been seen here

Rating- ♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


SurfingTrestles

surfing Trestles sign beaches of san diego county


San Onofre Surfing Beach

San Onofre Surfing Beach rocky beach surfer walking to water

button map San Onofre Surfing Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, boogie boarding
  • swimming
  • paddle boarding
  • hiking
  • beachcombing
  • tide-pooling
  • surf-fishing
  • volleyball
  • Dogs allowed at Dog Patch

Points of Interest-

  • Old Man’s garden
  • a de-commissioned Nuclear Powerplant
  • sandstone bluffs
  • stoney shoreline

Restrooms- porta-potties

Rating- ♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


The Three Sections of San Onofre Surfing Beach

Rocky San Onofre Beaches of San Diego County

The Point is a popular fishing site and is located at the beginning of the parking lot-

Old Mans Pathway Garden San Onofre Surfing Beach

Old Man’s Beach is right in the middle of the parking lot and has the most beautiful garden, including a shower!

Dogpatch Beach Beaches of San Diego County

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.


Bluffs Beach– (San Onofre Bluffs Campground)

bluff trail 6 san onofre campground

button map Trails San Onofre Campground

Activities-

  • over three miles of shoreline to hike
  • Six trails connect the campground to the Beach below
  • surfing
  • beachcombing
  • native plants in sand and on bluffs

Points of Interest-

  • a very primitive campground with only cold showers and chemical toilets
  • found just north of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
  • great photographic opportunities
  • great white sharks have been seen here

Restrooms- porta-potties

Rating- ♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton

Del Mar Beach Camp Pendleton Beach chairs umbrella

button map Del Mar Beach Camp Pendleton

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-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • beachcombing
  • surf fishing
  • water sports in the military harbor

Points of Interest-

  • private military harbor
  • water sports in the harbor
  • Children’s Beach at the harbor
  • jetty
  • clean restrooms
  • fire pits ( for registered guests)
  • volleyball

Restrooms- Yes

Parking- on Base

Rating- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


85 San Diego Beaches Poster
85 San Diego Beaches Poster
by SanDiegoBeachSecrets

Oceanside Beaches

Oceanside Pier South Oceanside Beaches

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!


Oceanside Harbor Beach

Oceanside Harbor Beach beaches of san diego county

button map Oceanside Harbor Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, boogie boarding, swimming
  • surf and jetty fishing
  • birdwatching
  • volleyball
  • walking on jetties
  • watching boats come into the harbor
  • Oceanside Harbor Village
  • fishing

Points of Interest-

  • harbor access
  • RV camping northern section
  • Oceanside Boat Launch
  • Oceanside Small Craft Harbor Fishing Pier

Restroom- yes

Parking- paid

Rating- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Breakwater Way Beach

Oceanside Breakwater Way Beach waves coming in

button map Breakwater Beach

Activities-

  • surfing
  • walking on North Strand boardwalk to Wisconsin Street Beach
  • swimming
  • beachcombing
  • the Beach connects to the San Luis Rey River Trail

Points of Interest- 

  • nice amount of sand in the Summer
  • the shoreline in front of the San Luis Rey River Terminus is not accessible in the winter as it flows into the ocean
    • here is a great place to go bird watching, especially in the winter

Restrooms-  yes

Parking- There is a city parking lot located off North Pacific Street

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Oceanside Pier View North Beach

Pier view north beach Oceanside pier

button map pier view north beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • people watching
  • walking the shoreline

Points of Interest-

  • Oceanside Pier
  • Oceanside Strand
  • beach rentals

Restrooms- yes

Parking-  city parking lot near Oceanside Pier

Ratings- ♥♥


Oceanside Pier View South Beach 

Pier View south beach Oceanside pier

button map pier view south beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • people watching
  • walking

 Points of Interest-

  • Oceanside Pier/ Oceanside Pier Amphitheater
  • Oceanside Strand
  • children’s playground
  • Main Lifeguard Station

Restrooms- yes

Parking – city parking lot, metered parking

Ratings

Additional Information–>


Tyson Street Beach

Tyson Street Beach Beaches of San DIego County

button map tyson street beach oceanside

Tyson Street Beach is a continuation of Oceanside Pier View South Beach, as they are found relatively close together.

Points of Interest-

  • Tyson Street Park has a grassy area that is perfect for picnics
  • children’s playground
  • staircase going down to the Beach
  • Aqua Cafe

Wisconsin Street Beach

Wisconsin St Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Wisconsin Street Beach

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.

Ratings-♥♥

Additional Information–>


Oceanside Blvd Beach

Oceanside Blvd Beach Lifeguard number nine ramp beach

button map oceanside blvd beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • walking on a low tide

Points of Interest-

  • beach ramp
  • of all of the South Oceanside beaches, this Beach has the most sand, but it is still all wet during high tide

Restrooms- no

Parking – residential parking

Ratings- ♥♥

Additional Information–>


Buccaneer Beach

Buccaneer Beach sandy shore lifeguard station rocks

button map Buccaneer Beach Oceanside

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-

  • boogie boarding, swimming
  • surfing outside of checker flags
  • picnic
  • walking
  • birdwatching

Points of Interest-

  • Buccaneer Park and Cafe
  • Loma Alta Creek
  • Paradise by the Sea RV Park

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes, and it is free!

Ratings-♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Oceanside Beach

South Oceanside Beach rock wall sandy shore waves

button map South Oceanside beach

What I love most about this Beach is that it is never crowded, at least during the week.

Activities-

  • surfing is popular here
  • swimming
  • walking

 Points of Interest-

  • large wooden staircase
  • last Oceanside public beach access point
  • Saint Malo Beach is less than a ten-minute walk from here

Restrooms- no

Parking- residential

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Saint Malo Beach

Saint Malo Beach Oceanside

button map Saint malo beach oceanside

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.

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Carlsbad Beaches

terramar beach three birds shoreline
Terramar Beach

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.


Carlsbad City Beach

Carlsbad City Beach stairway down beach

button map Carlsbad City Beach

Activities-

  • swimming, boogie boarding
  • no surfing is allowed from May- November
  • hiking
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • a rather large sandy beach compared to Oceanside
  • short walk to Saint Malo Beach and Buena Vista Lagoon
  • beach rentals

Restrooms- no

Parking- residential

Ratings-♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Robert Frazee State Beach

Robert Frazee State Beach three volleyball courts

button map Robert Frazee State beach carlsbad

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie-boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • picnic on grass

 Points of Interest-

  • beach ramp
  • grassy area
  • bluff walkway
  • volleyball courts
  • food-stuffs nearby

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Tamarack State Beach

Tamarack State Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Tamarack Beach Carlsbad

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • hiking shoreline
  • walking Hubb’s Trail over at Agua Hedionda Lagoon, which is across the street
  • fishing on jetties, surf-fishing

 Points of Interest-

  • Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet
  • a great place to see dolphins swim by
  • a nice amount of sandy Beach

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes

Rating-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Warm Water Jetty Beach

Warm Water Jetty Beach Carlsbad

button map Warm Water Jetty Beach

Activities-

  • popular surf spot
  • swimming, boogie boarding
  • walking on the Beach and bluffs

Points of Interest-

  • across the street from Encina Power Station and Agua Hedionda Lagoon
  • short walk to Terramar Beach tide pools
  • native plants on the bluffs

Restrooms- no

Parking- off-street/ residential

Ratings-♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Terramar Beach

Terramar Beach Stairs Beaches of San Diego County

button map Terramar Beach Carlsbad

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding (no lifeguard)
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • tide-pooling

 Points of Interest-

  • tide pools are located in the northern section of the Beach
  • geological formation in the bluffs

Restrooms- no

Parking- residential

Rating- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


North Ponto Beach

North Ponto Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map North Ponto Beach Carlsbad

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • walking the bluffs

Points of Interest-

  • native plants
  • steep bluffs
  • campground to the south
  • benches on the bluffs, which are great for whale watching

Restrooms- yes

Parking – pay parking

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad Beach San Diego Beaches

button map South Carlsbad State Beach

Activities-

  • home to South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
  • walking
  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding

 Points of Interest-

  • bluffs
  • Batiquitos Lagoon to the south
  • North Ponto beach to the north

Restrooms- yes, at the campground

Parking- parking lot/ off-street parking

Rating- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Ponto Beach

South Ponto Beach bluff view rocky sandy shore ocean

button map south ponto beach carlsbad

Activities

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • kite flying
  • walking
  • volleyball

 Points of Interest-

  • Batiqutios Lagoon across the street
  • dune native plants
  • bluff overlook, which is the future site of the Encinitas Beach Hotel

Restrooms- yes

Parking- paid lot/ free on-street parking

Rating- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Encinitas Beaches

meditation gardens encinitas beaches
Self-Realization Fellowship Garden

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.


Grandview Beach

Grandview Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Grandview beach Encinitas

Activities-

  • surfing, boogie boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • residential Beach
  • trendy surf break
  • there was a fatal bluff collapse in the Summer of 2019 north of the staircase
  • great white sharks have been seen here

Restrooms- no

Parking- a tiny residential parking lot

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Beacon’s Beach

Beacons Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Beacons beach Encinitas

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • paddleboarding
  • snorkeling

 Points of Interest-

  • Beacon’s switchback trail
  • fantastic view up top, which is great for whale watching

Restrooms- no

Parking- small bluff parking lot/ residential parking

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Stone Steps Beach

Stonesteps Beach wet sandy shore twenty brown pelicans sky

button map Stone Steps Beach Encinitas

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.


Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight Beach Overlook View

button map Moonlight Beach encinitas

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie bodyboarding
  • surf fishing
  • volleyball
  • fire-pits
  • picnic tables
  • children’s playground

 Points of Interest-

  • a large free parking lot
  • beach rental stand
  • Moonlight Beach concessions stand
  • beach mat for wheelchairs
  • Summer concert series

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes

Rating- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


D-Street Beach

D Street Beach Access Beaches of San Diego

button map D street beach encinitas

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.


Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Boneyards encinitas

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.

Activities-

  • popular surf break
  • swimming, boogie boarding
  • surf fishing
  • beachcombing
  • birdwatching- shorebirds love to hang out over here

Points of Interest-

  • bluff formations
  • native/non-native plants

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information-


Swami’s State Beach

Swamis State Beach stairwell palm trees sandy shore ocean

button map Swamis State Beach Encinitas

Activities-

  • intermediate to advanced surfing
  • swimming and boogie boarding south
  • snorkeling and paddleboarding south
  • walking
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • Swami’s Seaside Park is great for picnics
  • Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens is located right up above the Beach
  • tidepools
  • bluffs with native and nonnative vegetation
  • look for dolphins passing by mid-afternoon

Restrooms- yes

Parking – small narrow parking lot/ residential & off-street parking

Ratings-♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach Encinitas

button map San Elijo State beach encinitas

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-

  • surfing, swimming, boogie boarding
  • beachcombing
  • walking
  • snorkeling, scuba diving
  • paddleboarding

Points of Interest-

  • San Elijo Lagoon inlet
  • tidepools
  • there is a concession stand up top at the campground
  • dog-friendly Beach (click on information down below)

Restrooms- yes, up the stairs in the campground

Parking- off-street/ residential if you are not camping

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


North Cardiff State Beach 

North Cardiff State Beach red umbrella sandy shoe people water

button map Cardiff State Beach North Beach

Activities-

  • top-rated surfing site
  • swimming, boogie boarding
  • beachcombing
  • snorkeling
  • paddleboarding
  • surf fishing

Points of Interest-

  • major surf competitions are held here
  • San Elijo Lagoon
  • two major restaurants with seating on the Beach
  • large sandy Beach

Restrooms- yes

Parking- paid parking lot

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information-

 


Solana Beach Beaches

solana beach beaches of San Diego County

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.


South Cardiff State Beach- Seaside Beach

Cardiff State Beach Seaside Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map Seaside State Beach

Activities-

  • dog-friendly Beach
  • surfing, bodyboarding, swimming
  • snorkeling
  • surf fishing
  • tide pools

Points of Interest-

  • dunes
  • bluffs
  • native/ non native plants

Restrooms- yes

Parking – a considerable pay parking lot

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Tide Park Beach Access

Tide Park Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map Tide Park Beach Solana Beach

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.


Fletcher Cove Beach

Fletcher Cove Beach Solana Beach

button map Fletcher Cove Beach Solana Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • Fletcher Cove Beach Park
    • picnic
    • basketball
    • shuffleboard
    • playground
  • observation deck
  • ramp to the Beach
  • native/ non-native plants on bluffs
  • dogs are not allowed
  • inaccessible at high tide
  • also referred to as “Pillbox” after a WWll gunnery installation that used to be set up here

Restrooms-yes

Parking- small parking lot, residential/ on-street parking

Ratings-♥♥♥


North Seascape Surf Beach

Seascape Sur Beach Beaches of San Diego County
.

button map seascape sur beach solana beach

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


Del Mar Shores Beach

Del Mar Shores Beach Solana Beach

button map Del Mar Shores beach Solana beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • scuba, snorkeling
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • surf fishing
  • picnic

 Points of Interest-

  • beach access for Del Mar Shores Terrace condominiums complexes
  • dog-friendly south of the staircase
  • large sandy Beach

Restrooms- no

Parking – residential/ street parking plus three small parking lots

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>

 


Del Mar Beaches

 Dog BeachDel Mar North Beach

Del Mar Dog Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Del Mar Dog Beach

Activities-

  • leash-free dog beach (see info below for more)
  • swimming, bodyboarding, surfing
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • end of the Coast to Crest Trail
  • San Dieguito Lagoon inlet
  • North Bluff Preserve (see info below)
  • garden at entrance
  • across the street from Del Mar Racetrack

Restrooms- yes

Parking – limited street parking

Ratings-♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar City Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map del mar city beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • dog-friendly

 Points of Interest-

  • Powerhouse Park
  • Seagrove Park
  • restaurants next to the Beach
  • grassy area
  • railroad tracks

Restrooms- yes

Parking –yes, residential parking

Ratings-♥♥


South Beach of Del Mar-Beach Access

South Del Mar Beach Access

button map south beach del mar beach access

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.


San Diego City Beaches

Sea lions la jolla beaches of san diego county

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–>


Torrey Pines State Beach-North Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach North shoreline

button map torrey pines state beach north

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • surf fishing
  • hiking South Del Mar

 Points of Interest-

  • inaccessible during high tide
  • Los Penasquitos Lagoon
  • Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve up on the hills south

Restrooms- yes

Parking – North Parking Lot/ on-street parking

Ratings-♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Torrey Pines State BeachSouth Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach Pano bluffs lifeguard tower sand

button map torrey pines state beach south

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • hiking
  • beachcombing
  • bird watching
  • snorkeling
  • surf fishing- (one of the best places in all of San Diego)

 Points of Interest-

  • bluffs
  • Peregrine falcon nest up in the bluffs
  • The Los Penasquitos nature trail is across the street from the south parking lot.
  • Torrey Pine Trees
  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Visitor Center (up top on the hill)

Restrooms- yes

Parking – pay south parking lot/ on-street parking

Rating-♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Flat Rock Beach at Torrey Pines

Flat Rock Beach

button map flat rock torrey pines state beach south parking lot

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–>

 


Black’s Beach

Blacks Beach Beaches of San Diego County
Gliderport Trail

button map Blacks Beach La Jolla

Activities-

  • nude Beach
  • hiking/ exploring down bluffs
  • surfing, bodyboarding- intermediate to advanced
  • swimming is dangerous here
  • beachcombing
  • surf fishing

 Points of Interest-

  • Torrey Pines Gliderport is above the Beach
    • many paragliders and hang gliders in the air
    • Cliffhangers Cafe
  • Gliderport Trail is the best option for going down to the Beach, but it is still dangerous, so be cautious
  • huge sandy Beach

Restrooms- no, but there is up at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Parking- yes, at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Blacks Beach

South Blacks Beach Torrey Pines State Beach

button map south blacks beach la jolla

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

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Scripps Beach 

Scripps Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map Scripps Beach la jolla

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • birdwatching

 Points of Interest-

  • Dike Rock tide pools
  • Scripps Coastal Reserve
  • Scripps Institute of Oceanography Library overlooks the Beach
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
  • Birch Aquarium is located up above Scripps Beach

Restrooms- no

Parking – at La Jolla Shores

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>

La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores Beach sandy shore pier background

button map la jolla shores beach

Activities-

  • swimming, surfing, body boarding
  • kayaking
  • snorkeling, scuba diving
  • para-sailing
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • La Jolla Shores Kellogg Park
    • picnic tables
    • children’s playground
  • boardwalk beside the Beach
  • the unusual trees
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier

Restrooms- yes

Parking – free parking lot/ residential

Ratings-♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


La Jolla Caves Beach

la jolla caves beach pano san diego

button map la jolla caves beach

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.

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


La Jolla Cove Beach

La Jolla Cove beach beaches of San Diego County

button map la jolla cove san diego

Activities-

  • Here is THE PLACE to go scuba diving or snorkeling in all of San Diego
  • swimming is also very popular, and some even swim to Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier from here, which is 3 miles away
  • beachcombing
  • bird watching on the cliffs

 Points of Interest-

  • La Jolla Cove is  the Southern boundary of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve/ Underwater Park
  • just south of The Point, which is a favorite basking area for the California sea lion
  • crystal clear waters
  • there is a small cave located directly left of the stairway that you can go into if the tide permits it

Restrooms- yes

Parking – on the street, but limited

Ratings-♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Boomer Beach

Boomer-Beach-San-Diego-County-Beaches

button map boomer beach la jolla

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-

  • swimming
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • birdwatching on the bluffs

Restrooms- over at The Cove or further South at The Children’s Pool

Parking- on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


La Jolla Shell Beach

Shell Beach La Jolla Beaches of San Diego County

button map shell beach la jolla

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-

  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • just north of the Children’s Pool
  • gorgeous views
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park
  • Green Hut to sit under

Restrooms-There is a restroom over at The Cove or a La Jolla Children’s Pool.

Parking – on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


 Children’s Pool Beach- La Jolla

La Jolla Childrens Pool harbor seals on shore

button map childrens pool beach la jolla

Activities-

  • looking at the harbor seals
  • walking out on the observation deck/ sea wall

 Points of Interest-

  • La Jolla Children’s Pool seawall observation deck
  • harbor seals
  • fantastic views

Restrooms- yes

Parking – on street

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Casa Beach

South Casa beach beaches of San Diego County

button map south casa beach la jolla

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-

  • snorkeling
  • swimming
  • sunning
  • beachcombing

Wipeout Beach

Wipeout beach 2018 beaches of san diego county

button map Wipeout Beach La Jolla

Activities-

  • scuba diving/ snorkeling
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • tide pooling during low tide

 Points of Interest-

  • across the street from The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • great area to find parking when La Jolla is crowded
  • strong currents

Restrooms- over at The Children’s Pool

Parking – on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Hospital Beach 

hospital beach low tide pools

button map hospital beach la jolla

Activities-

  • tide pools
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • picnic
  • scuba diving/ snorkeling

Points of Interest-

  • trendy professional photography spot
  • a grassy area on the bluff overlooking the Beach
  • there is a nice amount of sand here when the tide is low, but wet sand on high tide

Restrooms- no

Parking- on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information

 


Whispering Sands Beach

Whispering Sands Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map whispering sands beach la jolla

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • beachcombing
  • scuba diving/ snorkeling

Points of Interest-

  • a minimal amount of sand on this Beach during a high tide
  • prominent tidal shelf beach, which is unique with many nooks and crannies to explore
  • Horseshoe Reef is offshore

Restrooms- no

Parking- on street/ residential

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information

Video


Marine Street Beach

Marine Street Beach La Jolla

button map marine street beach la jolla

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-

  • swimming, surfing, bodyboarding
  • fishing
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • there is a strong beach break here that is very popular with bodyboarders, nicknamed  The Whomp
  • two oversized beach chairs located at the entrance are a great photographic opportunity

Restrooms- no

Parking – residential only

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥♥

Video

Additional Information-


Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map windansea beach

Activities-

  • advanced surfing, body boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • underwater reefs close to shore
  • sandstone rocks on the Beach
  • strong shore break
  • strong ocean currents here
  • the historic ‘Surf Shack.’
  • this Beach was the inspiration for all of the ‘beach party’ movies of the ’60s

Restrooms- no

Parking – residential

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>

Video


La Jolla Strand Beach

La Jolla Strand Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map la jjolla strand beach

Activities-

  • surfing, bodyboarding
  • scuba diving/ snorkeling
  • walking
  • tide pools

 Points of Interest-

  • a narrow beach that is wet during high tide
  • the Beach has many sandstone ledges which have sand in between so you can isolate yourself from the wind
  • not much sand on the Beach in winter
  • several benches above the Beach

Restrooms- porta-potty

Parking- residential

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Video

Additional Information–>


Camino De La Costa Beach Access

Camino de la Costa Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map camino de la casta beach access

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

Bird Rock Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map bird rock la jolla

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.

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Calumet Park Beach

Calumet Park Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map calumet beach la jolla

Activities-

  • surfing, body boarding
  • picnic
  • walking the bluffs

 Points of Interest-

  • a steep dirt trail going down to the Beach
  • grassy park on the bluff above the Beach
  • a stone-covered beach that sounds incredible when the wave crash
  • amazing views

Restrooms- no

Parking – on street/ residential

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Linda Way Beach Access

Linda Way Beach Access beaches of San Diego County

button map linda way beach access

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.


Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach

Tourmaline Surfing Park La Jolla

button map Tourmaline surf park la jolla

Activities-

  • surfing, bodyboarding, swimming
  • walking
  • watching surfers
  • beachcombing

 Points of Interest-

  • rich surf history
  • Tourmaline Canyon
  • there is a strong sense of community here

Restrooms- yes

Parking – free parking lot

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Video

Additional Information-


North Pacific Beach

North Pacific Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map north pacific beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, body boarding
  • picnic
  • walking
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • Palisades Park
  • when the tide is low, you can walk over to the Linda Way beach access point to see many tidal pools
  • walk to Crystal Pier

Restrooms- porta-potties

Parking – residential

Ratings

Additional Information–>


Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map Pacific Beach San Diego

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, body boarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • surf-fishing/ pier fishing
  • bar hopping

Points of Interest-

  • on the boardwalk, there are several bars and restaurants
  • Crystal Pier
  • Mission Bay is across the street

Restrooms- yes

Parking- limited on street

Ratings- ♥♥

Additional Information–>


Mission Beach

Mission Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map Mission Beach San Diego

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-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking, biking, skating, skateboarding
  • people watching
  • beachcombing
  • running to the pier and back
  • picnic
  • surf-fishing

Points of Interest-

  • Belmont Park- a beachside amusement park with food & bars
  • Mission Bay is across the street
  • west-facing Beach
  • there are many restaurants and bars on Mission Blvd

Restrooms- yes

Parking – several large parking lots

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information-


South Mission Beach

South Mission Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map South Mission Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • fishing in the surf or on the jetty
  • biking, skating, skateboarding
  • picnic tables
  • basketball courts

 Points of Interest-

  • South Mission Beach Jetty
  • Mission Bay entrance channel
  • San Diego River
  • beginning of the Mission Beach/ Pacific Beach Boardwalk
  • much less crowded over here compared to Mission Beach

Restrooms-yes

Parking- yes

Ratings-♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Ocean Beach Dog Beach Ocean Beach

button map Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking the dunes
  • walking/ biking the San Diego River bikeway
  • birdwatching
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • dunes
  • San Diego River Mouth Estuary/ Living Museum- native plant garden
  • Robb Field
  • 24/7 leash-free dog beach

Restrooms- over at Ocean Beach City Beach

Parking- yes

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Ocean Beach City Beach

Ocean Beach City Beach Ocean Beach

button map Ocean Beach City Beach

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • tide pools south of the Ocean Beach Pier

Points of Interest-

  • Ocean Beach Pier
  • bars, restaurants, and shops on Newport Ave
  • great white sharks have been seen swimming by the pier

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Santa Cruz Ave Beach

Santa Cruz Ave Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map Santa Cruz Beach Ocean Beach

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

Bermuda Beach Ocean Beach

button map bermuda beach ocean beach

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.


No Surf Beach

No Surf Beach Point Loma

button map no surf beach point loma

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-

  • surfing, swimming, body  boarding
  • hiking
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • several steep paths lead down to the Beach here, but the one most south is the safest
  •  there is a surf break offshore

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–>


Garbage Beach

Garbage Beach Point Loma bluffs rocky shore

button map garbage beach sunset cliffs point loma

Activities-

  • surfing
  • swimming is dangerous here
  • hiking
  • beachcombing

Points of Interest-

  • one of the only stairways down to the Beach
  • bluffs
  • native plants

Restrooms- no

Parking- off-street/ residential

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


New Break Beach

New Break Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map new break beach point loma

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

Cabrillo National Monument rocky intertidal low tide

button map cabrillo national monument point loma

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-

  • tide pools
  • native plants
  • whale watching
  • just north of the San Diego Bay entrance
  • Old  Point Loma Lighthouse
  • Visitor Center
  • Cabrillo National Monument Foundation Bookstore
  • Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary is located right before the entrance and has the highest biodiversity of birds in all of San Diego

Additional Information–>

 


Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island

Breakers Beach beaches of San Diego County

button map breakers beach

Private Military Beach on Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island.

Additional Information–>


Coronado Dog Run Beach

Coronado Dog Run Beach Boundary sand shore ocean

button map coronado dog run beach san diego

Activities-

  • leash-free dog beach
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • watch boats come into San Diego Bay

 Points of Interest-

  • water fountain for dogs and humans
  • gold flecks in the sand
  • a prime spot to sit on the sand at night and watch the planes land

Restrooms- yes

Parking – on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map coronado beach san diego

Activities-

  • surfing, swimming, bodyboarding
  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • visit Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

 Points of Interest-

  • a paved path is going toward the Hotel del Coronado.
  • Coronado dunes
  • look for SS Monte Carlo close to  shore if the water is shallow enough
  • The Coronado Islands in Baja Mexico (looking SW)

Restrooms- yes

Parking – paid parking/ on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Coronado Shores Beach

Coronado Shores Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button coronado shores beach san diego

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 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado

Gator Beach at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado San Diego

button map gator beach coronado

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.


Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map silver strand beach san diego

Activities-

  • surfing, bodyboarding, swimming
  • camping
  • bonfires
  • beachcombing
  • walking
  • volleyball
  • biking
  • surf-fishing

 Points of Interest-

  • Silver Strand Bike Path
  • San Diego Bay across the street
  • private military beaches both north and south

Restrooms- yes

Parking- yes

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Imperial Beach City Beach

Imperial City Beach Beaches of San County

button map imperial beach city beach

Activities-

  • surfing, body boarding
  • surf-fishing/ pier fishing
  • beachcombing
  • walking

 Points of Interest-

  • Imperial Beach Pier
  • Portwood Pier Plaza
  • grass area
  • wheelchair accessible Beach
  • kid’s play area
  • basketball courts
  • picnic tables
  • the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center is less than a mile away

Restrooms- yes

Parking – yes

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


South Imperial Beach

South Imperial Beach Beaches of San Diego County

button map south imperial beach san diego

Activities-

  • walking
  • beachcombing
  • birdwatching

 Points of Interest-

  • all water sports are not recommended due to possible sewage contamination from Mexico
  • dogs are allowed here with a leash
  • narrower Beach compared to Imperial Beach City Beach and more secluded

Restrooms- no

Parking- on street

Ratings- ♥♥

Additional Information–>


Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Tijuana Slough Beaches of San Diego County

button map tijuana slough national wildlife refuge

Activities-

  • beachcombing
  • walking
  • birdwatching
  • no water activities due to possible sewage contamination

 Points of Interest-

  • dogs are allowed on a leash here
  • wetlands
  • Tijuana River mouth
  • Tijuana Estuary
  • a nice view of the Coronado Islands off of Baja California, Mexico

Restrooms- no

Parking – on street

Ratings- ♥♥♥

Additional Information–>


Border Field State Park Beach 

border field state park west view tijuana estuary

button map border field state park beach

Activities-

  • hiking
  • beachcombing
  • birdwatching
  • wildlife watching
  • horseback riding
  • picnic tables
  • trails
  • wetlands
  • BBQ grills
  • bonfires

Points of Interest-

  • US/Mexico border wall
  • high levels of bacteria in the water due to raw sewage from Mexico
  • International Friendship Park
  •  very old native/ non-native plants

Restrooms- yes

Parking is available on the weekends, but you must walk 1.5 miles to the Beach during the week.

Ratings- ♥♥♥♥

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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