A Guide to San Diego Beaches

Just over the Point Loma hills from Best Western Island Palms, this small beach town is home for locals who spend their days surfing, sunbathing near the pier (the longest pier on the west coast), and hanging out in their vintage VW vans. With the many surf shops, restaurants and bars, taco stands, and unique shops, this groovy town is the perfect spot to spend a day of leisure. If that wasn’t enough, it’s home to Sunset cliffs, a gorgeous 3 mile stretch of natural coastline, that gives way to the most gorgeous sunsets you could hope for.

Mission Beach: A Classic Boardwalk Beach Town

Mission Beach’s family-friendly beach stretches along a two mile ocean front boardwalk, littered with rental shops, restaurants and Belmont Park, a boardwalk amusement park. Belmont Park is home to the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Wave House, miniature golf, bumper cars and arcade games. If you’re not visiting with family, there are also numerous beach bars and nightlife to visit, and plenty of surfing, beach volleyball, scuba diving and fishing acitivies.

La Jolla Beach: To Bring the Whole Family

This mile-long stretch of sandy beach make La Jolla an attractive pick for a day at the ocean. Because of its location within a cove, which provides safer swimming conditions than most, this is a popular spot for families and swimming enthusiasts alike. Plus, while admiring the gorgeous view of the ocean from the beaches, you might even spot a seal or sea lion coming up to sun themselves on the shore.