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Of beaches, food, beer and a time full of activities in high gear—a vacation in San Diego will redefine the concept of fun and living life to the fullest. The stupendous coastal line that stretches over 70 miles invites you to just forget everything and hit the cool waters.

There are beaches where you can just stand and admire the beauty of the five elements around you: the earth, water, air, light and the space in the form of the sand, the ocean, the sun, the winds and the blue sky above you. Then there are the most densely populated beaches where the numerous activities like jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving make you feel the thrill. Grab all your beach gears and be ready to explore the San Diego beaches.

10 Best beaches of San Diego thrill-lovers

San Diego is a paradise for beach lovers and you will agree after going through this list of the best 10 beaches in the city. Located in the Pacific coast of California, this city offers the best beach holidays to its guests. Make sure you visit all these beaches on your trip to San Diego:

1. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla beach, San Diego is one of the most sought-after beaches in the town. The amazing coastal neighborhood is complete with the cove surrounded by sea, the mountains and a rustic environment on all three sides. La Jolla Cove completely transports you to a surreal world.

There are plenty of activities for the lovers of water sports. The summer and the autumn months are packed with surfers, swimmers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. If you are careful enough, you can also get a chance to see migrating whales that travel between San Diego and Baja California.

Other attractions apart from the beach include Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Playhouse, and Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, don’t leave out the Torrey Pines Gliderport and The Lodge at Torrey Pines for an astounding view of the beach.

Address: La Jolla, San Diego, California


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2. Swami Beach

Swami Beach

One of the top beaches in San Diego, Swami Paramhansa Yogananda is beautiful beyond words. Surfing is allowed on this beach when there is a good swell during the winter. Surfing is the biggest activity on this beach and takes place in a very organized manner. Local as well as visitors, experts as well as amateurs – everyone gets an opportunity to surf at Swami’s.

Address: South End of Encinitas, San Diego, California
Timing: 4:00 am – 2:00 pm (sand beach) and 10: am – 6:00 pm (Lifeguard Towers)

Must Read: 15 Best Beaches In USA That Will Awaken Your Inner Water Baby In No Time!

3. Carlsbad State Beach

Carlsbad State Beach

A mecca for campers and bike rider, the Carlsbad State Beach has proved to be a major crowd-puller. One of the best beaches in San Diego for families, Carlsbad coastline has a number of small beaches separated by sea walls, guarded by relatively low cliffs on the other side.

This beach is well designed and planned with all the necessary amenities and infrastructure such as a well-defined parking area, easy and hassle-free access to the beach, bathrooms and showers and lifeguards to support tourism. Surfing is the main activity, people also hit this beach for jogging, paddle boarding, fishing and boogie boarding. Thus, this is an ideal place for a San Diego beach vacation.

Address: Two approaches to reach there:
Cannon Road, Tamarack Avenue
Carlsbad Village Drive west to Pacific Coast Highway

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4. Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach is another beautiful beach in San Diego that has evolved to be a tourist attraction. Earlier it used to be a picnic spot for local families. Then it began with one bathhouse setting foot on it, gradually followed by a playground, a dance hall, boardwalk and a number of picnic areas to attract tourists. Gradually it emerged to be one of the most happening beaches that have quite a handful of activities such as surfing, volleyball, swimming, and bonfires.

Address: Encinitas, San Diego County, California
Timing: From dawn to dusk

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5. Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar – the Spanish way of saying ‘by the sea’. The glorious stretch along the Historic Coast Highway 101, is one of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego. The blend of the sandy beach, the rugged cliff, the blue sea meeting the sky over the horizon – is a breathtaking sight. And when you manage to take your eyes off the picturesque view, you can find your way into the ocean facing parks and enjoy the local cuisines in the numerous food joints and restaurants. It is a dog-friendly beach and is safe for adults and children alike.

6. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

Well, where’s the party tonight? Pacific beach is much more than just the sea and the surf. This is where you can really let your hair down and party hard. This is a beach that is more alive at night with the bonfires and youngsters grooving and having a gala time. The bars and restaurants keeping up with the party spirit of local people as well as tourists who want to soak into the high voltage vibes of this awesome beach.

Address: Mission Blvd

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7. Mission Beach

Mission Beach

Yet another beach that is a hot favorite among the youngsters, the Mission is marked with its two miles long water facing boardwalk. Numerous shops, food joints and an amusement park and full of activities make this beach alive and kicking like no other. Again, parties and young crowd makes this place one of the most happening and sought after for tourists and local people alike.

Address: Mission Blvd.south

8. Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is one of the top beaches in San Diego and also one of the most sought-after romantic destinations for couples from all over the world, Coronado Beach, San Diego, is reckoned to be one of the finest beaches in San Diego. The even enchanting, sparkling golden sand brought about by the presence of mica and driveway across the 200 foot tall Coronado Bridge descending to the ocean facing the community of Coronado can be the most beautiful experience that anybody can ask for.

Address: Orange Avenue, Coronado Bay Road

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9. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has a happy weather all through the year making it a perfect heaven for leisure as well as beach sports lovers alike. One of the finest San Diego beaches, it has 20 dedicated courts for playing beach volleyball. The flat beach also encourages biking, it has fire pits made for picnics, it makes an ideal spot for families with pet and children to spend time and enjoy the beautiful oceanic view.

10. Black Beach

Black Beach

Yet another beach known for its gorgeous waves, Black beach is a surfer’s paradise. It is also popular as a nude beach. The beach is located at the base of the Torrey Pines bluffs. It is easier to approach this beach from the Torrey Pines State Beach and La Jolla Shores. The popular activities include surfing, swimming, beach volleyball and sunbathing.
Address: Torrey Pines Road South, Pacific Coast Highway

Further Read: 10 Sizzling And Unusual Honeymoon Destinations For The Crazy Ones

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Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Beaches

Which are the best beach in San Diego?

Some of the best beach in San Diego are:
1. La Jolla Cove
2. Swami Beach
3. Carlsbad State Beach
4. Moonlight State Beach
5. Del Mar City Beach

Are there sharks in San Diego beaches?

Though sharks are very common in the are, shark attacks are very rare around San Diego beaches. There have been 17 shark attacks since 1926.

Which are the dog friendly beaches in San Diego?

These are the dog friendly beaches in San Diego:
1. Dog Beach
2. West Beach
3. Coronado Dog Beach
4. Pacific Beach
5. San Elijo State Beach

Is it allowed to drink on the beaches in San Diego?

No, alcoholic beverages are banned on the beaches of San Diego!


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Category: Places To Visit, USA

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