Pacific Beach

Ocean Blvd between Garnet Ave
and Pacific Beach Drive
Pacific Beach, San Diego, California (map)

BEACH HIGHLIGHTS

This beach shares the same name as its host city, Pacific Beach, and is one of the most popular spots for beach goers in San Diego, especially the younger crowd. It's a great all around beach for the family, kids, walking, jogging, sun bathing, surfing, and fishing. The beach is largerly defined by Crystal Pier, the boardwalk and shops, which line the beach, and the funky, young beach culture.

The Strand

Pacific Beach stretches about a mile from Crystal Pier south to Pacific Beach Dr. Further south from Pacific Beach Dr. to Ventura Place is Mission Beach. Further South still from Ventura Place to the Mission Bay Inlet is South Mission Beach.

North of Crystal Pier is North Pacific Beach, which is about a mile long. The entire stretch of beach from South Mission Beach to North Pacific Beach is known as The Strand. In all, The Strand is about 3 1/2 miles long.

Pacific Beach Boardwalk

Oceanfront Boardwalk stretches along The Strand for over three miles, connecting Law Street Park in North Pacific beach to the south end of South Mission Beach beach. People can walk, jog, bike ride, roller blade and skate board along the boardwalk within acceptable speed limits. No motorized vehicles are allowed, except for wheel chairs.

Like beaches to the north and south, Pacific Beach beach can get very crowded during Spring Break and summer months.

You'll find many boutique and gift stores, restaurants, rental shops and more along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach. Garnet Ave at Crystal Pier, where the boardwalk crosses, is particularly an active zone.

EVENTS

Pacific BeachFest

(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!

BEACH AMENITIES

Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Grand Avenue at the lifeguard station and in the median of Pacific Beach Drive between the boardwalk and Mission Blvd. There are no public restrooms between Pacific Beach Drive and Mission Beach.

REGULATIONS

Standard San Diego beach regulations apply, with the following modifications:

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

Alcohol may not be consumed on the beach, boardwalk, on or against the seawall, or in any park adjacent to the beach.

Water Activity Zones

This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.

OTHER BEACH DETAILS

Parking

Parking is essentially limited to on-street parking on with a few designated spaces in the median at the foot of Grand Ave and along adjacent Ocean Blvd, and some small public paid parking lots. Best to arrive early, especially during Spring and Summer.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station at the foot of Grand Avenue. In summer, additional lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from 9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.

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