The Top Beaches in San Diego
Let’s start with safety since that is the most important factor. Not all of the beaches in San Diego have lifeguards. Being a strong swimmer is great but things do happen. It is always best to play it on the safe side when it comes to that much water. The suggestions I am making for the top three beaches are based on safety and cleanliness first, and beauty and functionality second based on the activities being pursued and popularity based on my personal experiences.
Starting with Coronado Beach, which sits on the west side of the small island of Coronado. To get to Coronado one can either take the ferry or drive over the bridge. If taking the ferry, it can be caught from the Broadway Pier in San Diego. This is the easiest way because of the traffic that backs up over the bridge in the late afternoon and morning. If you decide to drive take the Interstate 5 to the Coronado Bay Bridge and exit Third Street. You will maneuver your way to Ocean Boulevard by way of a left on Orange, and a right on R.H. Dana Place when leads into Ocean Boulevard. Most people are attracted to Coronado, a quaint but exquisite community because of the famous Hotel Del Coronado and its history making Coronado one of the top and most well taken care of beaches . Many films have been and are still shot at this location. This is the perfect beach for a family. The activities are endless. Should you arrive by ferry, bicycles are available for rental to tour the island. The beach facility has showers, fire rings, beach volleyball among the vast number of activities, but importantly it has lifeguards. If you are planning to picnic, stop at a major grocery store and pick up your items before arriving at the beach. Coronado is an exclusive city and prices tend to run high. Coronado is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in San Diego. Parking is fairly simple as long as it is available. Free parking is available along Ocean Boulevard as well as a couple of free parking lots in the area. Should you be interested in a package at Hotel Del Coronado their phone number is 1800-HOTELDEL.
The next stop is La Jolla located off Interstate 5 north of the airport exiting Ardath Road; make a right at La Jolla Shores Drive and then a left at Avenida de la Playa. Being surrounded by million dollar homes contributes to La Jolla beaches ranking as the top beaches in San Diego. La Jolla is a picturesque city with beautiful expensive cliff side homes overlooking the ocean providing breathtaking views . One of the beaches these mansions overlook is La Jolla Shores. This beach comes highly recommended for families. The beach is very clean and safe. It has a wonderful playground with restrooms for the children along with its wonderful boardwalk that runs the length of the beach. Children can roller blade, stroll along the beach, surf, swim, or picnic whatever the desire. If picnicking, shop before arriving at the beach. Though there is a store on the premises prices are high. Parking may be challenging, as there is only one parking lot however parking is allowed on the street. Lifeguards are available and on duty daily.
The last stop is Pacific Beach, considered one of the top beaches and probably the most popular because it is the quintessential Southern California Beach. Much more relaxed and casual than Coronado and La Jolla beaches, it is the in spot for all who want to have a good time. Most visit Pacific Beach to kick back, relax and have fun. Located west of Interstate 5 take the Grand/Garnet exit and turn right heading toward the ocean. The shops along Garnet Avenue offer a variety of shopping, food and drinks. If you plan to picnic there is a market sitting at the end of Garnet before reaching the ocean. Pacific Beach is a perfect little beach town with an eclectic demographic makeup. Just walk along Garnet and you will see what I mean. Seriously, who doesn’t love a beach city? You will definitely enjoy the people watching at this location so be prepared. This particular beach is a big surfers beach. If you leave your board you can always rent one at this location. There are plenty of activities for children and families at PB. Pets are allowed and there are lifeguards on the beach daily. What I like most about PB is the boardwalk. It is truly one of the most incredible boardwalks I’ve ever experienced. Pacific Beach has something for everyone. More importantly I guarantee everyone will fit in, feel comfortable and be ready to assume the role as a local. Again this is why I have chosen Pacific Beach as the quintessential beach experience. Parking is more of a challenge at PB as the locals call it. Metered parking is available along the street. Other parking is along the street in the residential district. Do take care where you park so as not to block a resident in. So come to San Diego, sit back, relax, mix with the locals and take the time to enjoy the top San Diego beaches
For further information on San Diego beaches contact the San Diego Convention and Tourist Bureau at 619-236-1212 or visit their Web site at www.sandiego.org . For directions to the beaches visit www.tripadvisor.com . For beach hotels on all three beaches visit www.sandiegohotels.com . For surf reports and forecasts visit www.surfshot.com .
