Pacific Beach, San Diego, is the quintessential Southern California beach town. Bounded by Mission Beach and Mission Bay to the south, La Jolla to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, “P.B.” as the locals call it, is perfectly situated for sea, sand, and sunshine, with the convenience of Interstate 5 not far away. Names of the streets come from precious stones, such as Turquoise and Sapphire. Pacific Beach really is a jewel of the West Coast where people flock to live the California Dream.
Three-miles of boardwalk span from Law Street in the north down to the mouth of Mission Bay in the south. The area offers outstanding views of the ocean and the La Jolla cliffs. Sandy beaches and a horizon of crystal blue stretch as far as the eye can see. The atmosphere makes it clear that water-sports fans have plenty to keep them busy. Tourmaline Surfing Park is a surfing-only beach ideal for beginners; long-boarders, windsurfers, and kiteboarders also favor this beach for its slow waves.
North Pacific Beach provides a quiet stretch of sand and sea between Tourmaline and Crystal Pier. The swimming areas are supervised by lifeguards, and plenty of facilities can be found at the top of Law Street. Dedicated parking, restrooms, bicycle rentals and a picnic area are also available here.
While P.B. life centers around the beaches and boardwalk, there’s no shortage of other things to do in the area. A whole host of eateries exist, ranging from Kono’s Café, with its hearty breakfast options, to sophisticated fine dining establishments. There are plenty of shops for your retail therapy. If you prefer fishing, all you need to do is bring your gear and head to Crystal Pier.
As the sun sets in a haze of vibrant color over the ocean, the Pacific Beach nightlife starts to awaken, with a range of funky beach bars, casual taco stands, fashionable night clubs and sleek hotels. The party atmosphere on the beach and boardwalk attracts mainly young people, college students, and surfers but also caters to plenty of older professionals here too as the area grows more affluent and Pacific Beach real estate becomes ever more desirable. Despite the raucous vibe, those with children can be reassured that the area is family-friendly, with no alcohol permitted on the boardwalk at any time. Just be careful when cycling or skating along on busy summer weekends, as this popular community can become crowded with pedestrians, rollerbladers, and shoppers enjoying the San Diego coast!
For something a little different from sun and sand, Rose Creek provides open space and a rich wetland area. The creek flows through Pacific Beach before it reaches Mission Bay. The area also includes Kate Sessions Park and a recreation center, while the local schools, Town Council, and service clubs guarantee that Pacific Beach doesn’t simply cater for tourists, but also offers a thriving and friendly community in which to live.
