11 Best Beaches in San Diego for Sun, Surf and Sand

When I lived in Oceanside, South Ponto was one of my go-to spots. While many beaches in Oceanside get swallowed up by high tide, leaving little sand (besides the Oceanside Pier and the Oceanside Harbor), South Ponto offers plenty of space to stretch out. Locals often call it “The Point,” though I’m still not sure why—that name just stuck!

Located near the Army Navy Academy in North Carlsbad, this beach draws a younger crowd. You’ll find people walking their dogs, sipping cold drinks with friends or enjoying sunny picnics. Bring your favorite crew, a big blanket and some snacks, and you’ve got the perfect setup for sunset watching.

Know Before You Go: No public restrooms here, so plan accordingly.

Further south in Carlsbad, Turnarounds Beach is a local gem with a more relaxed vibe. It’s named after the large parking lot along Pacific Coast Highway, where people often “turn around” to park. While most locals hang out in their cars with music and sunset views, the real magic happens when you cross the road and take the path down the cliffs.

This beach is usually less crowded than South Ponto, giving it a natural, untouched feel with soft golden sand and scenic cliffs. It’s a favorite for surfers, dog walkers and runners. Bring an umbrella, frisbee and a cooler, and settle in for a laid-back beach day.

Know Before You Go: Like South Ponto, there are no restrooms, but there’s a porta-potty a short walk south.

Across from the famous Swami’s Café and next to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, Swami’s Beach is quintessential California. It’s named after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian monk and yogi.

This spot is beloved by surfers for its consistent waves, but it’s equally inviting for anyone who enjoys a peaceful beach day. You’ll often spot old-school hippies doing yoga, slacklining or napping in hammocks near the grassy patch above the stairs. While the stairs are a bit of a trek, the long stretch of sandy shore and low tide make it worth the climb.

Know Before You Go: Public restrooms, showers and a small parking lot are available. But pack light—you’ll be climbing those stairs again on the way out!

Moonlight Beach is the ultimate family-friendly destination in Encinitas, offering something for everyone in a relaxed and more accessible setting. Unlike some of San Diego’s more rugged beaches, Moonlight is easy to get to, with flat access that eliminates the need for trekking down cliffs.

Families with kids will love the playground and the open grassy areas near the beach are perfect for a casual game of frisbee or lounging under the sun. Moonlight Beach is also a hotspot for surfers and beach volleyball enthusiasts. The waves are beginner-friendly, so it’s a great place to try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding and there are also Volleyball courts on the sand.

Know Before You Go: Ample parking makes it a breeze to bring along all the essentials for a day of fun, and the beach is well-equipped with clean bathrooms, showers and picnic tables.

If you’re obsessed with dogs, this beach is your paradise. Even before I had my own pup, I loved coming here simply because it’s so entertaining. Known as the dog beach, it’s absolutely taken over by happy, goofy dogs running around with their tongues out, living their best lives. On top of that, they sometimes host dog surfing competitions—yes, surfing dogs! If you’re in need of a good laugh and a solid dose of serotonin, this is the spot.

Beyond the adorable chaos, the beach itself is gorgeous. It has warm, white sand and some of the clearest water you’ll find in San Diego. The beach flows into a calm lagoon, making it perfect for wading and cooling off. Whether you’re here for the dogs, the scenery, or both, this beach never disappoints.

Know Before You Go: Porta Potties at the beach entrance, though you may have to fight for street parking.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of my favorite state parks in San Diego. While the hikes through this coastal park are the main attraction, the beach is a close second. After trekking up to see panoramic views of the coastline and rare Torrey pine trees, the chilly Pacific is perfect for a refreshing dip.

Know Before You Go: The beach itself is family-friendly, with bathrooms, showers and parking available. Just keep in mind there’s a fee to park in the reserve. For a budget-friendly option, park further down the road and walk in from the beach.

Blacks Beach is hands down one of my favorite spots in San Diego. When I first moved here, I got invited to a few full moon parties—which are exactly what they sound like: a group of free-spirited hippies drumming on bongos, dancing around a bonfire and howling at the moon. If that sounds a bit too granola for your taste, don’t worry—these gatherings are rare and only happen once a month at night.

During the day, Blacks Beach is a totally different experience, and let me tell you—it’s an adventure just getting there. The hike down the steep cliffs is a workout in itself, and the trek back up? Let’s just say you’ll earn that beach day. But the payoff is 100% worth it. Nestled near UCSD and the Torrey Pines Gliderport, you’ll often see paragliders soaring above and college students soaking up the sun.

The beach is also a hot spot for surfers, with challenging waves that draw experienced riders. And, of course, Blacks Beach is famously San Diego’s only nude beach. For those curious, the northern section (owned by the state park) allows clothing-optional sunbathing, while the southern part (city-owned) doesn’t.

Know Before You Go: There are porta-potties at the top of the cliffs, so make a pit stop before heading down. Once you’re on the sand, it feels very remote and hidden from view if you’re feeling cheeky.

La Jolla Cove might not be my top pick for swimming—personally, I find other beaches better suited for that—but it’s undeniably one of the most stunning spots in San Diego. The coves here are absolutely beautiful and if you catch them when they’re not too crowded and the waves are gentle, they can be a real treat for a dip. The scenery is so breathtaking it feels like you’ve stepped into Hawaii or the Mediterranean, so I just had to include it.

Keep in mind that La Jolla Cove is extremely popular with tourists, so there’s a lot to do but also bigger crowds. Depending on your travel preferences, this could be a plus or a minus. Many people come here to kayak and snorkel, taking advantage of the clear waters and abundant marine life. There are also plenty of sea caves to explore. Don’t miss Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which is accessible through The Cave Store—an adorable souvenir shop that’s worth a visit in its own right.

Know Before You Go: One of the biggest attractions is the seals that perch on the rocks, sunbathing and barking—it’s quite the spectacle! But fair warning: the entire area has a strong smell of seal poo, so be prepared for that experience.

Another touristy spot, but still a must-visit, is the Pacific Beach and Mission Beach area. Pacific Beach is known as a lively, party-friendly neighborhood popular with the college crowd. The boardwalk along the beach is lined with bars, restaurants and shops, giving it a similar vibe to Venice Beach in Los Angeles. The sand stretches for miles and the waves are usually calm, making it a great spot for sunbathing, swimming or a casual game of volleyball. Together, Pacific and Mission Beach offer four miles of sandy shoreline to explore.

Mission Beach, on the other hand, has a more family-friendly vibe. It’s home to Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park that features the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, arcade games and classic carnival treats. The boardwalk here connects seamlessly with Pacific Beach but is typically less crowded and more laid-back. The beach is ideal for families, with plenty of space for building sandcastles or simply relaxing by the water.

Know Before You Go: Parking can be a bit of a challenge here, but there are plenty of public bathrooms and places to grab a bite.

If you’re looking for an iconic white sand beach in San Diego, Coronado Beach should be at the top of your list. Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, it’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Southern California. The sparkling golden sands, thanks to the mineral mica, and the wide, pristine shoreline make it a standout destination. The historic Hotel del Coronado, a stunning Victorian-era beachfront resort, adds an extra touch of charm and provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day or a romantic evening stroll.

Coronado Beach is ideal for families, with gentle waves that are great for swimming, bodyboarding and wading. The beach is clean, calm and spacious, making it a favorite for parents with kids in tow. At the northern end, you’ll find Dog Beach, where your furry friends can run off-leash and splash around in the surf.

There’s more to Coronado than just lounging on the sand. You can try paddleboarding, kayaking or even rent a bike to explore the island’s charming streets. After your beach day, take a walk along Orange Avenue, lined with boutique shops and fantastic dining options. If you stay for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline from the bay side of the island—a perfect way to end your visit to this coastal gem.

Know Before You Go: You can find free parking on Ocean Boulevard and Ferry Landing Marketplace, otherwise you’ll have to opt for street parking—but be warned, it does fill up fast here. There are also public bathrooms and showers for a post-ocean rinse.