North Pacific Beach
Ocean Blvd between Law Street and Garnet Ave.
Pacific Beach, San Diego California (map)
Beach Highlights
North Pacific Beach is north of Crystal Pier, and extends a mile to Tourmaline Surf Park. North Pacific Beach is hidden below a medium size bluff, making it somewhat secluded. This strip of sand is a popular hangout for the younger crowd, and gets packed during Spring Break and Summer.
This beach is the north most beach in The Strand, made up of South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and North Pacific Beach.
Boardwalk
Pacific Beach Boardwalk begins at Law Street Park on the north end and traverses along 75 foot bluffs to Crystal Pier. Along this stretch are four entry points to the beach below, more or less evenly divided.
Parks
Also, along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, you'll find two parks, Law Street Park on the north and Pacific Beach Park on the south.
Law Street Park is a nice green patch on the bluff with great views up and down the coast. It's a great place to stretch out and read a book.
Pacific Beach Park is a narrow strip of grass with the Pacific Beach Boardwalk split on both sides. The park and boardwalk meanders from Diamond Street to Crystal Pier.
Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants
Along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, you'll find mainly residential and an occasional hotel. Several retail shops and restaurants are located at or around Crystal Pier, including Kono's Surf Club Cafe, a popular breakfast spot. Outdoor seating is available with great view of the ocean and pier. Swings-n-Things is located on the north side of the pier entrance, across from Konas.
Several shops, clubs, and restaurants are strung along Garnet Ave from the boardwalk to Mission Blvd.
On the Pacific Beach boardwalk, north of Kono's Cafe is Tower 23 Hotel & Restaurant. And north of that, the tall building between the pier and Law Street Park is Capri by the Sea, luxury condominium.
Other shops, hotels and restaurants are located along Felspur and Diamond between the boardwalk and Mission Blvd.
Events
(early to mid October) takes place at Crystal Pier and the beaches next to it. Get your fill of beach volleyball, giant sandcastles, music, food, fine arts and crafts, fireworks and more!
Amenities
Restrooms and Showers
Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Diamond Street and Law Street on the south end and at Tourmaline Surfing Park on the north end.
Regulations
Beach Fires
Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.
Alcohol
No alcohol allowed.
LIfeguards
Lifeguards are staffed at this beach year round, generally from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.
Rip Currents
Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.
Water Activity Zones
This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.
Surfing
Surfing is permitted at this beach.
Scuba
This beach is not recommended for scuba due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.
Contact San Diego Lifeguard Service
2581 Quivira Court, San Diego CA 92109
Urgent Business (619) 221-8800
Business (619) 221-8899
Fax office (619) 221-8858
Fax dispatch (619) 221-8881
Weather (619) 221-8824
More Details
Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue or Garnet Avenue exits. Proceed westbound on either avenue to Mission Blvd. Turn north (right) and look for on-street parking north of Garnet Avenue or continue north to La Jolla Blvd and turn left on Tourmaline Street to the public parking lot.
Public Transit
Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.
Parking
A 175 space parking lot with 3 disabled spaces can be found at the foot of Tourmaline Street. In summer, this lot fills to capacity by mid-day. All other parking is limited to on-street parking in residential areas.
Large Groups
The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Regional Parks at (619) 235-1169.
Disabled Access
Due to the natural cliffs bordering this beach, disabled accessibility is limited. Pacific Beach at the foot of Grand Avenue, just south of Crystal Pier, would be a better alternative.
