We Asked Locals, and These Are The Best San Diego Beaches

Known for its perfect year-round weather, vibrant beach culture, and stunning coastlines, San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Looking for a relaxing day on a sandy beach or hoping to catch some San Diego surf, the city's shores offer experiences. From peaceful nature reserves to bustling beach towns, there’s something for everyone in America's Finest City. We asked locals for their top picks, and here's a guide to the best beaches San Diego has to offer.

Before diving into the top beaches, let’s talk about something that can make your beach experience even better—Nannybag luggage storage San Diego. Traveling around San Diego can be a breeze when you have the option to leave your luggage behind and explore without the burden of heavy bags. Nannybag offers luggage storage locations and luggage lockers all around the city, including many near the best beaches.

Del Mar

Del Mar is one of the most popular beach towns in San Diego, located just a short drive from downtown San Diego. Known for its upscale atmosphere and stunning views, Del Mar offers a wide, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach games. The Del Mar shoreline is popular with both locals and tourists, providing an excellent spot for families, surfers, and anyone looking to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Del Mar’s coastline is bordered by rolling cliffs and beautiful parks, with Torrey Pines State Beach just a short distance away. If you’re looking to experience both the beauty of the beach and the charm of a coastal town, Del Mar is the perfect destination. Don't forget to visit the famous Del Mar Racetrack if you're in town during race season, as it offers a unique experience in addition to the beach.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, often referred to as OB by locals, offers a more laid-back vibe compared to some of the more tourist-heavy beaches in San Diego. Located just north of the San Diego River, Ocean Beach is known for its bohemian atmosphere and its wide, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or walking along the shore.

Ocean Beach is also home to the famous Ocean Beach Pier, one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Whether you're walking along the pier or enjoying a day of people-watching, OB offers a relaxed and welcoming environment. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with unique shops, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot to spend the day.

Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach is one of San Diego's most scenic beaches, located beneath the towering cliffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve. This beach is perfect for those looking for both beauty and tranquility. The beach itself is relatively quiet, with clear blue water and stunning views of the cliffs. Torrey Pines is also home to some of San Diego's most famous hiking trails, including the Torrey Pines State Reserve Trail, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nature reserve, which is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree. The area is a perfect spot for a peaceful day outdoors, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. There are plenty of parking spots near the beach, but it can get crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, or PB, is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego, known for its youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere. This beach attracts surfers, families, and students from UCSD, thanks to its wide, sandy beach, excellent surf conditions, and lively boardwalk. With plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops lining the Pacific Beach boardwalk, PB offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and city life.

The beach has something for everyone—whether you're looking to catch some waves, rent a bike or rollerblades, or simply relax on the sand. PB also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, making it a great place for those looking to enjoy both the beach and the nightlife of San Diego.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a family-friendly beach destination located just south of Pacific Beach. This large, calm bay is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, making it a perfect choice for water sports enthusiasts. With its many grassy areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots, Mission Bay is perfect for families and groups looking to spend a relaxing day in the sun.

Unlike some of San Diego's more crowded beaches, Mission Bay offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere with easy access to the bay’s calm waters. There are also several nearby parks and nature reserves, perfect for exploring or taking a stroll.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in San Diego, known for its wide, pristine sandy beach and stunning views of the Hotel del Coronado. Located on Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado Beach is perfect for a family day out or a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Coronado Beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for both families with children and those looking for a peaceful escape. You can also visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, a renowned hotel that has been hosting visitors for over a century.

Black's Beach

Black’s Beach is famous for being one of San Diego’s nude beaches, attracting those who prefer to sunbathe without any clothing. Located beneath the cliffs of Torrey Pines, Black’s Beach is a remote and somewhat hidden beach, accessible only via a steep trail from Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Though the beach has a reputation as a nude beach, it’s also popular with surfers due to its excellent surf conditions. The waves at Black’s Beach are known for being large and powerful, making it a great spot for experienced surfers looking for a challenge. For those not interested in nudity, there are still plenty of spots on the beach to enjoy the sun and surf in privacy.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a stunning coastal area located just north of Pacific Beach, known for its breathtaking ocean views and upscale atmosphere. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in San Diego, with clear turquoise waters and rugged cliffs surrounding the coastline. La Jolla is home to a number of small, secluded beaches, including La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove, both of which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

La Jolla is also famous for its sea caves and tide pools, which are great for exploring during low tide. The area has plenty of upscale restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, making it a great place to spend the day.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is another popular beach in San Diego, known for its boardwalk, atmosphere, and wide sandy beach. Located between Pacific Beach and the Mission Bay area, Mission Beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy beach volleyball, rollerblading, or cycling along the boardwalk.

The beach is also home to Belmont Park, an amusement park featuring a historic wooden roller coaster, making it a fun destination for families. Mission Beach is always lively, with plenty of people enjoying the sand and surf throughout the day.

Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach, located near the Torrey Pines State Reserve, is a breathtaking coastal stretch perfect for hiking, sunbathing, and wildlife watching. The beach is bordered by the impressive cliffs of Torrey Pines and is relatively quiet compared to other beaches in San Diego, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful day outdoors.

The beach is also home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, which is only found in this region. If you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of San Diego, Torrey Pines State Beach is a must-see.