Beaches in San Diego area

[redsox721]

We are staying in San Deigo for a couple of days before driving up to Anaheim. We want to explore a beach or two while we are there. What beaches should we consider? We don't care about surfing etc. We like to walk the beach, explore little shops and relax. Someone mentioned to us Pacific Beach as a nice place to see. Thanks.

 

[charmama4]

I grew up in Escondido, (40mi northeast of San Diego). Loved PB, lots of surfing there. Watched my brothers surf there growing up. Mission Beach is nice to just hang, people watch, walk the boardwalk and ride the rollercoaster. I did most of my beach days in Del Mar, Enicinitis, Solona Beach and those coastal cities. The do have some good surf spots, ask the locals. When Iwent it was mostly to lay out and catch some sun and then it turned into letting the kids play in the sand. Just a word of caution, the parking is HORRIBLE anywhere you go, so plan accordinglyl.

Gosh, talking about the beach is making me soo homesick. We are in a land locked state at the moment and it's killing me to not see the ocean!!!

Oh, and La Jolla was another favorite of mine. Have a good time and catch a sun ray or two for me.

 

[Huff]

If you go early in the morning park in the lot at Belmont Park. Its a small amusement park right on the beach near Sea World. Parking is free. A larger free lot is across the street at a local park. There are lots of typical beach type shops (tshirts, sunglasses etc.), small restaurants etc. Part of the beach is reserved for surfers and part for swimmers.

Some of the best beaches are along the Pacific Ocean side of Coronado Island and the Silver Strand. Parking is a problem mid-day on a sunny day or holidays.