Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
4.5
About
Take in the mesmerizing coastal views as you stroll down Crystal Pier. Watch the surfers in action, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot frolicking dolphins and whales during the migration season. Then, rent a bicycle and cruise down Ocean Front Walk and the Mission Bay Bike Path—both offer plenty of spots to pause for a bite to eat or a dip in the water. Pacific Beach is renowned as San Diego’s party capital, and the boardwalk is lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. Unfortunately, the drive there can get rather congested, so consider coming in on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. – Tripadvisor
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Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,312 reviews
Excellent
810
Very good
388
Average
86
Poor
14
Terrible
14
Eileen I
Guilford, CT43 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beach_Addict
Grand Cayman334 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I loved it here...but I am all about being seaside, waterfront...anything that gets me near the water. A great long stretch of boardwalk (a sunny, busy day over Christmas break) which was perfectly fine with me.
A few little surf/beach type shops and some on the route and early morning surfers catching a wave.
Sadly, I had a very immobile person with me and I didn’t get as much out of this day as I could have, on this great stretch of shoreline.
And with it’s position in the coast-absolutely stunning sunsets from this brach! Enjoy!
A few little surf/beach type shops and some on the route and early morning surfers catching a wave.
Sadly, I had a very immobile person with me and I didn’t get as much out of this day as I could have, on this great stretch of shoreline.
And with it’s position in the coast-absolutely stunning sunsets from this brach! Enjoy!
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole W
Boise, ID62 contributions
Aug 2020
The beach is amazing. Long stretches of smooth sand along a great ocean for surfing, boogie boards, and swimming. Fun boardwalk, and tons of shopping and restaurants around. Only 4-stars because it's pretty dirty off the beach. If they put some city tax money into street/sidewalk cleaning, it would make a huge difference. There is quite a homeless population along the beach area.
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT1,161 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I stayed here for a week’s vacation during the Christmas holiday. We found a clean beach and lots of surf. There were a ton of people on the Boardwalk, which got to be annoying because we were on foot and spent a great deal of our time trying not to get run over by the bikers, skateboarders, scooters, etc. One of the main reasons we decided on Pacific Beach was so we could watch New Years Eve fireworks from our beachside hotel. Well..... there were no fireworks on New Years Eve, even though several people from the area said there would be, so that was a bit of a disappointment. We ended up not spending much time at the beach. There were better things to do in the area.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard B
Oceanside, CA93 contributions
May 2019
My wife and I have been San Diego County residents for about 30 years, and always try to come down here several times a year. The town fronts a very pretty beach and is a haven for surfers. The Oceanfront Walk is spectacular! It is like a cleaner, safer version of Venice Beach up in LA. The Walk is great exercise as it is about 5 miles ling and goes from Pacific Beach down through Mission Beach. THere are lots of fun attractions along the way, some palatial beachfront homes that you walk right in front of, lots of young people sunning on the beach, bicycling, jogging, walking ( and a fair number of us older folks too) and having a good time. You can walk from the ocean to San Diego Bay, on the Eastern side of this peninsula, through pedestrian-only lanes filled with beautiful foliage and small beach cottages in less than a mile (about 15 minutes). There are numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores all over the area (that are easy to walk to). Great exercise and a good time for all.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Phoenix, AZ28 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Love this beach ! Fantastic cliff views ! Does have a lot of seaweed but easy workaround for me. Never gets crowded. Crystal Pier is a great view also. People line up on the boardwalk to take pictures of the sunset. Restaurants and bars are very close.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
2 contributions
Dec 2022
Sur Brian The Bruce landed in Pacific Beach, California, on September 6, 2012. And for over 10 years, he has reigned as “The Prince of Pacific Beach”. By establishing a spiritual doctrine now known as “Comodgulism” (TM), he has assisted many people, and groups of people, with embracing a positive-vibe, happy outlook on life. A true master of turning frowns upside down, he has led the way, through his mentoring programs, to assist others in becoming Comodgulists (TM) themselves; thereby perpetuating this doctrine across America’s Finest City. In appreciation for his outstanding deeds to society, his generosity, and insights regarding the brighter, more positive aspects of life, the residents of Pacific Beach, CA celebrate The Prince of Pacific Beach!
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ7,154 contributions
Dec 2022
This was a fantastic location for us visitors from NJ to visit. The smooth stretch of sand was not huge, but was clean – maybe because there were not too many people there on that windy day.
After having lunch here, we strolled around to realize that there is no shortage of restaurants, vendors, stores and activities here. There is something for everyone here.
The quaint area had lots of diverse, friendly and relaxed people – mostly young – who had come out to enjoy the warm and sunny day. The water was a tad cold, so not too many people ventured in it.
There were some really cute signs and murals on the walls of the buildings. The souvenir stores had lots of interesting vintage items, and in spite of a few homeless people who were loitering around, we felt safe walking up and down the boardwalk.
We also got a chance to check out some waterfront condos for rent, but they looked a little run down and in need of repair.
Anyway, this Beach was on our list of places to visit when in San Diego. Glad to have checked that off.
After having lunch here, we strolled around to realize that there is no shortage of restaurants, vendors, stores and activities here. There is something for everyone here.
The quaint area had lots of diverse, friendly and relaxed people – mostly young – who had come out to enjoy the warm and sunny day. The water was a tad cold, so not too many people ventured in it.
There were some really cute signs and murals on the walls of the buildings. The souvenir stores had lots of interesting vintage items, and in spite of a few homeless people who were loitering around, we felt safe walking up and down the boardwalk.
We also got a chance to check out some waterfront condos for rent, but they looked a little run down and in need of repair.
Anyway, this Beach was on our list of places to visit when in San Diego. Glad to have checked that off.
Written 7 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sphoorti
Pune, India93 contributions
Mar 2022
Stunning views and waves. We were lucky to see dolphins play for 15 mins. The pier offers a great place to enjoy the calm ocean and sunsets. The pier is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cottage rentals.
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe L
Peoria, AZ20 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I take my service dog to the beach? She has her papers and vest.
Written 26 May 2024
Best option for transportation from th airport to pacific beach for passengers
Written 27 April 2024
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?
Written 2 January 2022
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?
Written 23 August 2019
Plenty of hotels everywhere. Just pick one. If you are lucky and there are rooms take the Pier.
Written 28 September 2019
Is there a certain part to stay if I only want to drink, shop, walk and beach?
Written 30 March 2019
Ocean Park Inn on Grand is my favorite go to spot
Written 25 August 2019
Is the neighborhood safe where the blue sea beach hotel is located?
Written 17 February 2019
Yes it's safe. Lotsa people always in PB walking, biking, scooters, etc. Younger crowd - 20'3-30's mostly but fun atmosphere
Written 19 February 2019
Is Pacific Beach in Oceanside good for families and boogie boarding or is it mostly limited to surfing?
Written 19 January 2019
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. :)
Written 20 January 2019
Where is a good place to park for free?
Written 8 November 2018
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.
Written 9 November 2018
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?
Written 10 October 2018
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.
Written 30 March 2019
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