Beaches & Waterfront Activities in San Diego, United States

1. La Jolla Cove

A picturesque cove with underwater trails and seals sunbathing on the rocks.

Snorkeling Opportunities: Explore the vibrant marine life just off the shore.
Seal Watching: Enjoy watching California Sea Lions lounging on the rocky outcroppings.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning sunsets and marine life photos.

A wide, golden sand beach with panoramic views of the Coronado Bridge.

Spacious Sand Area: Plenty of room for beach games and relaxation.
Dog-Friendly Section: Bring your furry friend to the north end of the beach.
Proximity to Hotel Del Coronado: Visit this iconic hotel, a National Landmark.

A vibrant beach known for its Boardwalk and the famous Belmont Park.

A clothing-optional beach located at the base of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Natural Scenery: Enjoy dramatic cliffs, sand dunes, and coastal views.
Clothing-Optional Beach: Experience a unique beach culture.
Hiking Opportunities: Explore the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve trails.

A scenic park offering panoramic ocean views and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific.
Hiking Trails: Explore various coastal trails with stunning views.
Cliff Diving and Jumping: Experience adrenaline-pumping cliff diving (illegal and dangerous).

A national park featuring the Old Point Loma Lighthouse with stunning views of San Diego Bay.

Historical Landmark: Explore the rich history of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot tide pool creatures, seals, and sea lions.
Scenic Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive along Cabrillo Memorial Dr.

A long, sandy beach located between Coronado and Imperial Beach.

Beach Camping: Pitch a tent for an unforgettable camping experience.
Kite Flying and Kiteboarding: Enjoy flying kites or try your hand at kiteboarding.
Biking and Walking Trails: Explore the Silver Strand Bayshore Bikeway.

A historic pier offering fishing, stunning sunset views, and a vibrant beach scene.

A man-made island offering dog parks, picnic areas, and windsurfing.

Dog Parks: Let your furry friends run off-leash at one of the designated dog parks.
Windsurfing: Rent equipment and catch some waves.
Picnic Areas: Pack a lunch and enjoy a scenic picnic.

A waterfront park featuring a marina, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Marina Viewing: Take in the picturesque views of boats and yachts.
Playgrounds for Kids: Let your children play on various age-appropriate play structures.
Walking Trails: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bay.

A secluded and serene beach located in the Coronado Islands.

Seclusion: Experience a peaceful, quiet beach away from the crowds.
Boat Tours and Kayaking: Explore the Coronado Islands on guided boat tours or kayak adventures.
Gray Whale Watching (seasonal): Spot Gray Whales during their annual migration (December to April).

A park featuring a marina, restaurants, and a historic ship museum.

Marina Viewing: Take in the picturesque views of boats and yachts.
Historic Ship Museum: Learn about San Diego's maritime history at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Dining Options: Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.

A waterfront park offering views of yachts, walking trails, and picnic areas.

A waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and boat tours.

A waterfront park featuring views of the USS Midway Museum and San Diego Bay.

USS Midway Museum: Visit the historic aircraft carrier and explore its exhibits.
Scenic Views: Take in stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and downtown San Diego.
Outdoor Events: Attend concerts, festivals, or other outdoor events throughout the year.