From its earliest days, San Diego has been a city defined by its relationship with the ocean, and beach life is a major part of the San Diego lifestyle. It’s no surprise, then, that San Diego has many world-class beaches to choose from, whatever your interests. Here are some of the best San Diego beaches to visit when you’re in the region. Be sure to show up early, though, especially in summer — parking can be hard to come by.
* Mission Beach. Easily accessible from central San Diego. Mission Beach’s main attraction is the Belmont Park amusement park, where you can ride the vintage Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and other rides and then take a walk along the boardwalk or hop in the surf.
* La Jolla. “The Jewel” has several beaches to choose from, both sandy and rocky. Nature lovers will want to visit the Children’s Pool, a small beach with a breakwater originally intended as a place for children to swim, but which has now been taken over by seals and sea lions as a secure birthing place. Swimming is now strongly discouraged, but it’s just as fun to watch the animals and their young. Windansea, Black’s Beach, and Marine Street Beach draw the surfers, while La Jolla Cove offers interesting sights for snorkelers and divers, as well as sea caves that can be explored by kayak. For a more traditional beach experience, head for La Jolla Shores.
* Ocean Beach. If you want a relaxing beach, “The O.B.” is the place for you. Few places more perfectly exemplify the groovy Southern California lifestyle. Swim, surf, explore tide pools, or fish from the half-mile-long Ocean Beach Pier (no license required). If you’re a dog lover, Dog Beach at the north end is one of the few San Diego beaches that’s open to canines — no leashes required.
* Coronado. This glittering resort island is home to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, including Central Beach, North Beach, and Silver Strand State Beach. Central Beach, with its backdrop of mansions and resort hotels, regularly makes annual lists of the best beaches in America from such authorities as the Travel Channel and Parents magazine.
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