Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach, CA
Ocean Beach is a genuinely laid-back San Diego neighborhood beach with real tidepools at both ends and the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast, anchoring the center. Pocket beaches at Narragansett, Santa Cruz, Orchard, and Bermuda avenues extend the reach north along a rockier stretch of coast.
A genuinely laid-back beach town vibe with a real historic pier and tidepools on both ends, one of San Diego's most distinct neighborhood beaches.
How we score beachesThe pier is a genuinely good spot for sunset even without fishing gear, one of the longest in the region and a real local ritual at day's end.
On-street and metered lots serve the main beach and pier.
Dogs are banned from Ocean Beach daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov 1 to Mar 31) or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Apr 1 to Oct 31) and must be leashed otherwise, though the adjacent Dog Beach area allows off leash dogs at any hour.
San Diego County's water climbs into the upper 60s and low 70s by late summer, the most comfortable window for swimming.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.