Pacific Beach, San Diego: Address, Pacific Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Pacific Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
Best nearby
Restaurants
563 within 5 kms

Sushi Ota
864
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Japanese • Sushi • Asian

Lanna Thai Cuisine
165
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Rubio's
82
0.4 kmR • Quick Bites • Mexican • Seafood

Wasabi Sushi
12
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Wienerschnitzel
8
0.4 kmR

Sonic Drive-In
5
0.4 kmAmerican
Mission Beach Ca Caribbean Food
1
0.4 kmAmerican • Caribbean

In-N-Out Burger
100
0.8 kmR • Quick Bites • American • Fast food
McDonald's
2
0.5 km

Santana's Mexican Food
8
0.7 kmMexican
Attractions
200 within 10 kms

La Jolla Cove
13 587
Beaches • Parks

Capehart Dog Park
4
0.7 kmParks

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
2 463
4.8 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mission Beach
2 038
3.4 kmBeaches

Old Town Model Railroad Depot
190
Speciality Museums

Mormon Battalion Historic Site
1 018
Historic Sites

Old Point Loma Lighthouse
1 430
Lighthouses

Windansea Beach
581
Beaches

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
2 090
Parks

La Jolla Shores Park
2 710
Beaches • Parks
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1 294 reviews
Excellent
802
Very good
380
Average
85
Poor
14
Terrible
13
Joe L
Peoria, AZ9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Love this beach, not crowded at all. We stayed at Pacific Terrace Hotel right on the boardwalk and beach. We'll be going back there again. The beach was beautiful, clean and water was reasonably warm at 69 degrees. A fair amount of people walking, jogging, and riding bikes. Felt totally safe the whole time we were there, only a few homeless people around but very non threatening. There are a good amount of places to eat within a half mile walking distance.
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dave W
Saint Louis, MO125 contributions
May 2022
We stayed in this neighborhood on Law Street. Just a great relaxed classic southern California feel. Lots of interesting locally owned small restaurants, shops + cafes on Mission Blvd. No national chains which was nice for a change. Tons of surfers in the morning which was fun to watch. Walk the boardwalk (asphalt trail) along the beach down to Mission Beach for more great people watching and local cafes/bars/vendors. Be alert, stay to the right, and watch out for skaters + bikers. But people were very courteous + friendly. You can rent bikes if you want to ride. Some homeless people, but not a problem. Nice clean beaches too, but finding parking can be difficult at times. Public restrooms available. Great location - just 15 minutes away from La Jolla + 20 minutes from airport in good traffic.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonathan Chan
New York City, NY227 contributions
Mar 2022
One of my favorite beaches in San Diego! I used to come here all the time in college. I had the chance to stop by while on a work trip, grab tacos from across the street, and walk out onto the pier to watch the sunset.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Katie C
6 contributions
Mar 2022
Pacific Beach is very mellow and scenic, with views of the pier to the south and the coast winding up to La Jolla in the north. Perfect for sand castles, smash ball, light surfing.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Beth K
Shawnee, KS1 613 contributions
Feb 2022
What a nice beach and boardwalk! The waves were pretty big and there were kiteboarders out there enjoying the wind. Several restaurants and shops along the beach which made our visit enjoyable and interesting.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patrick K
13 contributions
Feb 2022
Greta location with plenty of good restaurants. The people and atmosphere were great and the beach was clean.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eileen I
Guilford, CT16 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a beautiful beach with plenty of options for beach front sports bars, a few a little more upscale type places too. Yes its not completely pristine sidewalk wise like La Jolla or Coronado but i prefer to have a more casual relaxed atmosphere so its perfect for me. they do have a few homesless people but its not over run with homeless people and some people find them to be interesting and do not let them ruin their time at the beach.
There are many beachfront hotels some looks little trashy so maybe pay more to stay in #1 or #2 rated places which was Tower 23 or Pacific Terrace. I would not rent a house directly oceanfront because too much people traffic.cute. there are many beach houses to rent on side alleys which are adorable in north mission beach or two blocks in on sail bay and walkable to funspots of PB..
There are many beachfront hotels some looks little trashy so maybe pay more to stay in #1 or #2 rated places which was Tower 23 or Pacific Terrace. I would not rent a house directly oceanfront because too much people traffic.cute. there are many beach houses to rent on side alleys which are adorable in north mission beach or two blocks in on sail bay and walkable to funspots of PB..
Written 24 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hussam S
Cairo, Egypt439 contributions
Oct 2021
- I have a little experience, due arriving to the beach just before Sun. sunset because I visited (not important not interesting) “Coronado Beach“ = (5/10) first by Bus #901 … And also because, the limited of local Transportation during the W.E. that is a little of people run in the field as a general rule in most of countries …
So you can only go from SD city by using far “O.T. Transit St.” after or North of Airport by timing Bus # 8-9-30 but the last number one serve along the SD.CA during only W.D. (2$ for Card & Ticket = 1 Ride /1-D Pass = $2.5 /6).
- U-shape long wide white Sand Beach with semi cold calm Pacific Ocean Waves to swim in heart of Summer only or for Relaxation and i can't remember any public Services.
- It's overall neat Planning … All Buildings with 2-3 floors only on Walking path along the Beach that are with a simple open Design including a glass Facades and that are arranged as 2+2 row Bldg. paralleled to ocean until the main Road … The Unique of Beach is some houses supplied with a fixed Warming system & some another people make a Fire on the Beach at night and sit down around it.
- The main Road has a little of activities & entertainment that is mainly concentrated at the beginning of the beach at S. direction.
So you can only go from SD city by using far “O.T. Transit St.” after or North of Airport by timing Bus # 8-9-30 but the last number one serve along the SD.CA during only W.D. (2$ for Card & Ticket = 1 Ride /1-D Pass = $2.5 /6).
- U-shape long wide white Sand Beach with semi cold calm Pacific Ocean Waves to swim in heart of Summer only or for Relaxation and i can't remember any public Services.
- It's overall neat Planning … All Buildings with 2-3 floors only on Walking path along the Beach that are with a simple open Design including a glass Facades and that are arranged as 2+2 row Bldg. paralleled to ocean until the main Road … The Unique of Beach is some houses supplied with a fixed Warming system & some another people make a Fire on the Beach at night and sit down around it.
- The main Road has a little of activities & entertainment that is mainly concentrated at the beginning of the beach at S. direction.
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jason S
Reedsburg, WI634 contributions
Oct 2021
This was on my list of places I wanted to visit while in San Diego. I wanted something that felt like a California Beach experience. Granted the water was a bit colder than I expected. It was nice to see that areas were designated for swimming and other areas were designated for surfing. We sat on the beach, waded in the water, and walked the coast line.
Overall it was a good day at the beach. This area also has a lot of shops, vendors, and places to eat. I was a little disappointed that we could not find a place that rents beach umbrellas and if I could have found that I would have probably stayed longer.
Overall it was a good day at the beach. This area also has a lot of shops, vendors, and places to eat. I was a little disappointed that we could not find a place that rents beach umbrellas and if I could have found that I would have probably stayed longer.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jenniferann
Chicago, IL68 contributions
First time going with family to San Diego. We are torn between staying at Humphrey half moon inn, Bahia resort and ocean View inn. Suggestions?
jenniferann
Chicago, IL68 contributions
I meant Ocean Park Inn.
adzromero
Denver, CO4 contributions
Hello
My family of 5 are heading to pacific beach for a hockey tournament
We have to be in the Gaslamp for a few days but we woul like to stay at the beach.
Can anyone advise is this is possible
With the traffic on a holiday weekend like Labor Day?
goldmann
Lund, Sweden543 contributions
Plenty of hotels everywhere. Just pick one. If you are lucky and there are rooms take the Pier.
se2525
Astoria, NY13 contributions
Is there a certain part to stay if I only want to drink, shop, walk and beach?
Michelle G
Rio Rico, AZ12 contributions
Ocean Park Inn on Grand is my favorite go to spot
Jennifer L
9 contributions
Is the neighborhood safe where the blue sea beach hotel is located?
290penny
San Diego, CA45 contributions
Yes it's safe. Lotsa people always in PB walking, biking, scooters, etc. Younger crowd - 20'3-30's mostly but fun atmosphere
Rhoda R
Orinda, CA1 contribution
Is Pacific Beach in Oceanside good for families and boogie boarding or is it mostly limited to surfing?
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
I do not see why you would not be able to boogie boarding at this beach. I did not see any signs that indicate you can not on this beach. For sure, it's AWESOME for families. Even good for dudes with service dog. :)
Christopher M
Brookfield, WI198 contributions
Where is a good place to park for free?
Jperson1
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
We normally stay off of Mission Blvd. so, I would say West of Mission Blvd. between Beryl St. and Chalcedony St. would be best parking conditions.
JoyNCH
Clovis, CA301 contributions
I am planning a week long vacation to San Diego for next summer, with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World being part of the trip. We would like to stay in an affordably priced hotel on the beach (or with great views of it) or a rental home, within 30 min of those locations. Can anyone recommend a hotel or vacation rental agency in the area?
kristinaquinones
Carlsbad, CA76 contributions
I can't say I know of any affordably priced hotels on the beach. All rentals on the beach are very sought after which drives the rental prices. I would look into going a tad bit inland to get the better prices. Everything is pretty close to the Zoo and Sea World from inland San Diego.
JoyNCH
Clovis, CA301 contributions
I am planning a week long vacation to San Diego for next summer, with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World being part of the trip. We would like to stay in an affordably priced hotel on the beach (or with great views of it) or a rental home, within 30 min of those locations. Can anyone recommend a hotel or vacation rental agency in the area?
Citofworld72
San Diego, CA66 contributions
Hi! I would recommend to look for a house through AirB&B in the Pacific Beach area: North of Garnet Avenue between East between Bayard and Jewel street. Supermarkets are available in many locations allowing you to save money by cooking/eating at home. You can also choose between a great variety of restaurants available in the area, but they are very expensive in my opinion. You will need a car and you should not have a problem finding parking for the most part.
San Diego and PB are very popular so you should definitively book 6 months in advance to get the best possible choice. Do not miss PB beach and a walk on the Ocean Blvd between PB and MB (Mission Beach) if you love the ocean and it is for free.
mariasomers
Limerick, Ireland4 contributions
Any recommendations for good bars around Pacific beach?
Jperson1
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
Check it out the area on the weekends there are endless places for blocks, especially fun for those who like to bar hop! You won't even need to drive because they all are within walking distance. Or if else, jump on one of the many electric scooters that now have arrived on scene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Beach
- We recommend booking Pacific Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Pacific Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Pacific Beach:
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour (From R 1 411,40)
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (From R 14 885,82)
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour (From R 1 665,13)
- Private Shuttled Coastal Gems Scenic Customizable Tour (From R 7 215,58)
- A Photo Shoot at the Beach (From R 1 189,38)
- Hotels near Pacific Beach:
- (0.36 km) SureStay Hotel By Best Western San Diego Pacific Beach
- (0.30 km) Holiday Inn Express San Diego Seaworld-Beach Area, an IHG Hotel
- (0.59 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
- (2.44 km) Beach Hut Bed and Breakfast
- (0.58 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Pacific Beach
- Restaurants near Pacific Beach:
- (0.38 km) Sushi Ota
- (0.37 km) Lanna Thai Cuisine
- (0.36 km) Rubio's
- (0.35 km) Wienerschnitzel
- (0.41 km) Wasabi Sushi
- Attractions near Pacific Beach:
- (0.35 km) Bearded Bandits Toy Rentals
- (0.43 km) La Jolla Water Sports
- (1.15 km) Mission Bay Park
- (0.55 km) Mission Bay Golf Course
- (0.55 km) San Diego Jet Ski Rentals