The quintessential Southern California beach, Pacific Beach is the favorite haunt of students and young people seeking fun in the sun in the best San Diegan style. The three-mile long beach and boardwalk extending from south of Crystal Pier becomes Mission Beach and then South Mission Beach, eventually ending at the channel entrance to Mission Bay. This long beach, known as The Strand, lies directly adjacent to the residential and commercial areas of the Pacific Beach and Mission Beach communities. It is the most popular beach in the City of San Diego and draws large crowds in summer.
The boardwalk is lined with charming beach bars, bicycle renters, and various other shops and cafes, and is always crowded, especially on weekends. To get a break from the boardwalk crowds of pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, and tourists, head inland up Garnet Avenue for a wider offering of restaurants and shopping.
Pacific Beach offers regular lifeguard service, bathrooms and dedicated parking at Grand Avenue and Pacific Beach Drive.
There is also a sidewalk along Mission Bay which runs around Crown Point through Sail Bay and Mission Beach.
Beach Information
- Lifeguard Protection:
- Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Grand Avenue. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.
- Rip Currents:
- Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section on the government’s website provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.
- Regulated Water Activity Zones:
- This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.
- Surfing:
- Surfing is permitted at this beach in designated areas.
- Scuba:
- This beach is not recommended for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.
- Restrooms and Showers:
- Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Grand Avenue at the lifeguard station and in the median of Pacific Beach Drive between the boardwalk and Mission Boulevard. There are no public restrooms between Pacific Beach Drive and Mission Beach.
- Disabled Accessibility:
- The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent view of the beach.
- Beach Fires:
- Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and are available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.
- Regulations:
- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply. Please check the government website for a full regulation list.
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