Beaches

This exceptional recreational destination will provide you with multiple summer-time activities but also with an outstanding area for everyday living.

There's always a certain amount of fantasy involved in purchasing a beach house, so do your best to bring reality back when it's important.

Realism is critical when you're making a budget for your home as well as many other decisions you're going to be making - it’s imperative you stay focused to avoid any disappointments (but we understand buying a home in such wonderful location may be distracting).

Below is a guide to the three beach communities that inhabit the city of San Diego (from north to south): Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach/Point Loma...

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is a hugely popular beach in San Diego that shares affections from locals and tourists alike. Once populated by college students and surfers, Pacific Beach is seeing more young professionals and families move in as property prices rise. Truly a modern-take on the quintessential beach town, there's something here for everyone. PB is great if you want to try your hand at fishing- nearby Crystal Pier is a designated fishing spot where you can relax and catch a bite (literally). Pacific Beach is also a hub for San Diegan nightlife, with Garnet Avenue (4-minute walk from the beach) overflowing with trendy bars, eateries, and nightclubs– head over this way as the sun goes down.

The southern half of PB that borders Mission Beach (next section) is much rowdier than the north side that borders Bird Rock/La Jolla area. As you head north, you'll find less students, tourists, and commotion, and more peace, quiet, and full-time residents. This area is one of the premier coastal areas in Southern California, all within a mile or so walk from the beach.

Mission Beach

Nestled between Pacific Beach to the North and Ocean Beach to the south, lies the most popular beach in San Diego, Mission Beach.  This two mile strip of land has the Pacific Ocean on one side and Mission Bay on the other side. The vacation rentals lining the boardwalk are enviable and make a great backdrop for your morning run. The beachfront Belmont Park, a fair-like amusement park complete with wooden roller coasters and greasy sweets, lies centered on the one major cross street to Mission Blvd., which runs the length of the entire town. This beachfront park includes all the rides from the old days like bumper cars, the classic carousel and spinning cups – guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again.

Mission Beach is known for its tourism, but there are a multitude of beautiful mansions and condo complexes bordering Mission Bay on the east side of town, along with the Mission Bay Yacht Club. Boats and fun on the Bay abound for when you want activity...and quieter side streets and third-floor balconies when you need some time alone.

Ocean Beach & Point Loma

Further north & south...

San Diego's coastal communities continue north through La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside, and south through Coronado and Imperial Beach, each with their own character and flavor of beach life. Be sure to check out our North & South County guides for more info, or a full overview of all of the beach areas that San Diego county offers, check out this detailed guide from the San Diego Tourism Authority- https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays.aspx