San Diego beaches

[luvflorida]

We are transplants from the east coast and not yet familiar with the west coast, so I'd sure appreciate some help.

We (four adults and a 21-month old) would like to spend 3 or 4 days toward the end of June or early July on the beach in San Diego. I'm looking for beachfront (or short walk to beach) in an area near restaurants/shops. Not looking for anything stuffy, but something geared more toward families. Not sure if the beaches vary that much, but if there is a location where the surf is calm, that would be preferable.

I've spent years and years on the beaches in Maine and Florida, so now it's time to explore the other coast. We actually thought of going to Florida's panhandle, but we forget how close we are to southern California's coastline. We can drive to the San Diego area in less than 7 hours. We've been to San Diego before, but not to any of the beach areas. We've stayed in the downtown area and visited the San Diego Zoo, which is an amazing zoo! Loved it!

Anyway, I'd love any info from anyone familiar with the beaches in the San Diego area. Beaches, accommodations, restaurants, shopping, etc. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[vegasnative]

Maybe 45 minutes north of San Diego is the Carlsbad area, and I really like that beach! It's just really pretty, didn't ever seem to crowded like some of the other beaches on So. Cal. If you don't want the waves you can always go into Mission Bay. Another recommendation is Torrey Pines State Beach (in between SD and Carlsbad). La Jolla also nice, but it has more rocky cliffs, it has the shops, but might be considered "Stuffy".

 

[DSNY4ever]

Mission Beach is nice, definitely not stuffy, more "surfer/boardwalk" type area. Eat at The Mission- some of the best food ever! It's not exactly calm, but you do have Mission Bay right near by.

Cardiff is a cute town down there, nice beach, little shops. The beach in Coronado is beautiful, lots of nice shops there too. LaJolla is really pretty too.

Have fun!

 

[Barbossa]

The beaches in Coronado are my favorite. They're huge, the surf is relatively calm, and there's the Hotel Del Coronado as a backdrop. Del Mar also has nice, family friendly beaches. La Jolla Cove is another nice waterfront area, though it's not a beach per se.

Be careful with Mission Bay, some of the areas get sewer runoff and are not clean.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I like Mission Beach, as well. But if I had my choice, I would go across the bridge to Coronado. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do this. La Jolla is my dad's personal favorite. A coworker of mine stayed there a couple of years ago and loved it too.

 

[momrek06]

Coronado Island ... luv, you will LOVE that for sure. The "DEL" is an amazing hotel with sooo much history. CI is amazing.

I was just there and here are a few pics ...

Walt Disney's INSPIRATION for the Grand Floridian ... doesn't it look like it!

 

[luvflorida]

Be careful with Mission Bay, some of the areas get sewer runoff and are not clean.

Where are the areas to avoid?

Coronado Island ... luv, you will LOVE that for sure. The "DEL" is an amazing hotel with sooo much history. CI is amazing.

Thanks for the beautiful pics! Coronado Island has been on my list of places to visit since we moved out west. I think my husband and I will plan a separate trip later in the year and stay there. My daughter and son-in-law are looking to stay somewhere with more of beach boy/surfer (i.e.-less expensive!) type of place. I'm thinking something similar to the Huntington Beach area.

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions! I've been researching the area online and I'm finding there are a ton of different beaches and choices. Confusing!

 

[cepmom]

tagging along to hear recommendations. We are planning a trip to San Diego and Anaheim this summer and I'm always on the lookout for more info on beaches in the area.

I'm glad to hear that you loved the zoo! I've heard so many good things about it so I'm looking forward to actually going. DH hates the zoo but I'm hoping this one is as good as I've heard so he will enjoy it also.

Maybe 45 minutes north of San Diego is the Carlsbad area, and I really like that beach! It's just really pretty, didn't ever seem to crowded like some of the other beaches on So. Cal. If you don't want the waves you can always go into Mission Bay. Another recommendation is Torrey Pines State Beach (in between SD and Carlsbad). La Jolla also nice, but it has more rocky cliffs, it has the shops, but might be considered "Stuffy".

I'm really glad to hear you enjoy the Carlsbad area! We are staying at the Inns of America Suites in Carlsbad for a few nights. www.Innsofamericasuites.com .

Any experience with this hotel? It is supposed to be close to the beach (but not on the beach)

 

[Barbossa]

Where are the areas to avoid?

I would avoid swimming in the areas along I-5, especially "DeAnza Cove" which is near Mission Bay Golf Course. Mission Bay is great for boating activities, but personally I would not swim in it.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Before I die, I want to spend one night at "The Del". Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed there. I *think* they have a little museum in the hotel dedicated to the movie.

 

[Barbossa]

FYI for those afraid of ghosts, the Hotel Del Coronado is said to be haunted, specifically room 3502.

 

[vegasnative]

tagging along to hear recommendations. We are planning a trip to San Diego and Anaheim this summer and I'm always on the lookout for more info on beaches in the area.

I'm glad to hear that you loved the zoo! I've heard so many good things about it so I'm looking forward to actually going. DH hates the zoo but I'm hoping this one is as good as I've heard so he will enjoy it also.



I'm really glad to hear you enjoy the Carlsbad area! We are staying at the Inns of America Suites in Carlsbad for a few nights. www.Innsofamericasuites.com .

Any experience with this hotel? It is supposed to be close to the beach (but not on the beach)

Not for me. We usually took our travel trailer to the area and stayed at Campland on the Bay. I think 1 time we did do a hotel in Carlsbad, it was a Holiday Inn (I think), I remember it had a big windmill out front. As far as the San Diego Zoo...there is no comparison imo. It is by far, the best zoo we have ever been to. For me, a trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to Sea World or the San Diego Zoo. Not to be confused with the Wild Animal Park, I'm not a big fan of that one, but the zoo itself is incredible! Well worth it!