Whether it’s January or July, the sun is usually beaming across San Diego county. The majority of those who live locally and who spend their vacation in San Diego enjoy spending those sunny days at the beach. With miles of coastline and a high UV, choosing the right beach to fit your needs will improve your experience.
Let’s dive in and explore some of our favorite beaches across Sunny San Diego County.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is one of San Diego's most iconic and eclectic beach communities. With a rich surfing history and laid-back energy, Ocean Beach offers opportunities to surf and enjoy a dog-friendly shoreline. Although it is part of San Diego, Ocean Beach feels like a small town with weekly farmer’s markets, small shops, and unique restaurants for everyone to enjoy.
Sunset Cliffs
Although most of Sunset Cliffs consists of rocky shoreline, there are a few great beaches scattered along the coastline that are popular with PLNU students and locals alike. From Garbage Beach to No Surf Beach, you can find renowned surf spots, explore seemingly endless tide pools, and enjoy memorable sunsets. Garbage Beach is just about a 5 minute walk from PLNU’s Young Hall, while No Surf Beach is just about 10 minutes farther north on foot.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach offers more than swimming and surfing. Although it has around two miles of sandy beaches, it is a popular destination on warm, busy summer days. A unique feature of Mission Beach is Belmont Park, a small amusement park parallel to the main boardwalk. This family-friendly beach is a great place to spend a whole day from jumping in the rolling waves, going on rollercoasters, walking on the boardwalk, and grabbing food at one of Mission Beach’s iconic restaurants.
Torrey Pines State Beach
Located along the 1,750 acres of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, this state beach is a favorite among locals for its scenic views and nearby hiking. About a 30 minute drive from Point Loma, people usually access this state beach using the scenic Highway 1 or a quicker route via I-5. Although surfing is possible, most people enjoy this beach for hiking, viewing the state reserve, exploring the beaches, and walking around nearby shops and restaurants in La Jolla.
Swamis Beach
Swamis beach is best known for its world renowned surfing and beautiful blufftop views. Located in Encinitas, this is the perfect beach to grab your surfboard for a memorable sunset surf. The town of Encinitas is a great place to spend a day, explore boutique shops and restaurants, and discover nature trails for scenic walks.
Coronado Beach
Ever experience sparkling white sand? Coronado beach is known for it, as well as its famous views and rich San Diego history. As seen in the iconic beach scene from Top Gun: Maverick (among many other movies), Coronado Beach is a great place to spend a whole day enjoying a variety of beach activities, from swimming to bon-fires. While you're in Coronado, make sure to check out the famous Hotel Del and experience the beach's easy walkability to the various shops and cafés.
Pacific Beach
Stretching a few miles of coastline, the quintessential SoCal experience of Pacific Beach is known for its high energy and an abundance of activities. Pacific Beach offers a boardwalk where people enjoy walking, running, biking, and offers access to beachfront restaurants. As one of the busiest beaches in San Diego, locals and visitors can always find an activity like rollerblading the boardwalk or hitting the waves.
La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores is known for its wide variety of activities. Stretching about a mile of San Diego's coastline, visitors can explore the iconic sea caves, see the famous sea lion colony, discover California’s ocean life with clear snorkeling, and learn to surf with its gentle waves. Nearby, you can explore the Scripps Aquarium, as well as enjoy an ocean view meal at one of the many restaurants in La Jolla.
Explore You Path at PLNU
From sandy beaches to memorable coastlines, San Diego offers countless activities and places to explore. As a student at PLNU, you’ll be able to experience the beauty and energy of this city, while growing personally, professionally, and spiritually through a supportive learning community.
Check out our favorite spots and activities around San Diego and follow our Instagram page to stay up to date with more of Loma’s favorite restaurants, activities, and places just minutes away from campus.