Spend Summer on the Beach in San Diego:
If the first thought that comes to mind when you think of San Diego is the ocean, here’s how to get as much of it as you can on San Diego’s beaches.
Mission Bay:
Mission Bay Park is a huge area of continuous shoreline, waterways, and inlets. Mission Bay’s beaches are great for families and outdoor sports. Outdoor activities such as sailing, jet skiing, kite surfing, swimming, and kayaking abound in Mission Bay. If you are looking for something new, try stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Stand atop the giant surfboard and use the paddle to glide across the water. The boardwalk here is great for biking and jogging. There are rental shops that offer anything you might need such as bikes, surfboards, kayaks, and jet skis.
Mission Beach is an especially family friendly area. You can build sand castles on the beach, swim in the gentle waters, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue. There are also many fire pits on Mission Bay’s beaches, so you can make a bonfire and roast some hot dogs and s’mores.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is the beach those wanting an original atmosphere. In Ocean Beach, you’ll find many artists’ studios, set up in view of the ocean’s inspiration. Newport Avenue is the place to be and where you can go treasure seeking in the many and antique and vintage shops to find something unique and special. People watching can be interesting here too, as many eccentric and creative individuals that frequent the area. Ocean Beach also has a dog friendly beach with nearby dog wash, great for visitors who brought their pets along.
The highlight of Ocean Beach is Sunset Cliffs, where you can see the views of the ocean from above. Come in the afternoon to watch the sunset for the most amazing sight you’ll see in San Diego. But be safe and stand far back from the edge as the surf an make it quite slippery.
La Jolla:
La Jolla is the most picturesque of San Diego’s beaches thanks being tucked away next to Mount Soledad and surrounded on three sides by the sea. La Jolla has the most luxurious feel of San Diego’s beaches, and has many upscale hotel, spas and fine restaurants. Shopping is enjoyable at the many unique boutiques and art galleries offering one of a kind artwork and fashion. Golfers will want to try out the Torrey Pines Golf Course considered one of the best courses in the states. La Jolla is also a cultural hotspot with many museums, performance venues, and galleries located here, such as the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
La Jolla is one of the best spots for kayaking. Navigate the rugged coastline and explore the sea caves, you may even see a sea lions. Hikers will enjoy the Torrey Pines trails which are kept well-groomed and allow exploration of the beautiful landscape. Surfers will love La Jolla because it has several of the best spots to catch a wave in San Diego. Black’s Beach is considered by many to have the best waves year-round. Windansea has dramatic waves and swells that more experienced surfers will enjoy seeking out. For those just beginning La Jolla Shores has more gentle surf and is sheltered from the wind.
Pacific Beach:
Pacific Beach is where the cool kids hang out. It’s not the best for swimming or surfing, but it is the place to party. You’ll find funky beach bars, night clubs, taco stands and plenty of beach bums. Pacific Beach also has one of the longest and most popular boardwalks, fun for biking, strolling along, or visiting one of the many restaurants and cafes that line it.
Enjoy your trip to San Diego!
Photo: Visit California