Pacific Beach Travel Guide

San Diego

Pacific Beach Park showing a beach
Pacific Beach Park which includes rugged coastline, surfing and swimming
Pacific Beach Park featuring a sandy beach and a sunset
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach
Pacific Beach Park which includes drinks or beverages and a beach bar

Relax in beachside cafés in the morning, surf clean breaks in the afternoon and dance with a youthful club crowd at night at this coastal San Diego strip.

Get refreshed on the clean sands of Pacific Beach, where the surfing lifestyle, gorgeous coastal scenery and friendly locals make every stay an invigorating vacation. The Pacific Beach strip was developed in the 1880s and has developed a reputation for having a youthful cultural landscape complete with eccentric bohemians and adventurous artists.

Meet local residents over a hearty breakfast at a café with views of the Pacific Beach shoreline. Afterward, bring a towel and umbrella to the beach and relax near the ocean. Read a book or play a game of beach volleyball on Pacific Beach’s public courts. Let the family dogs loose at the designated dog area and delight as they frolic in the ocean.

Take your surfboard out to the popular breaks along the beachfront and catch waves with views of San Diego. For more secluded surfing, venture to the Tourmaline Surfing Park in North Pacific Beach. This cove is only accessible via a steep walking path.

Join cyclists, joggers and roller skaters enjoying the day along the pedestrian boardwalk. This walkway stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers) along the coast south of the wealthy seaside village of La Jolla. Stop at a selection of surfing shops and play soccer on the grass at Kate O. Sessions Park inland from the ocean.

Head to Crystal Pier to capture a panoramic photo of the sunset. Savor the view as you fish off the edge of the pier with locals while enjoying an afternoon beverage.

After dark, head to one of many bars and restaurants along the promenade as they come alive with light and music. Alternatively, grab a taco from a street stall and head directly to Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach’s main party spot. Dance until dawn with a young San Diegan crowd.

Pacific Beach is just a few minutes’ drive north of downtown San Diego. Although some parking is available, get here conveniently via public bus or train services without worrying about finding a parking spot.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Pacific Beach

GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay

GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay

2.5 out of 5
4540 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA
The price is ₹15,982 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹15,982
₹18,370 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,526 reviews)
"Rooms were smallish but functional."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Diego Pacific Beach

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Diego Pacific Beach

2.5 out of 5
4545 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
The price is ₹10,614 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹10,614
₹11,988 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,173 reviews)
"Great place to stay .. i highly recomend it"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Diego Pacific Beach
Surfer Beach Hotel

Surfer Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
San Diego, CA
The price is ₹18,455 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹18,455
₹20,844 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"There is no better location on Pacific beach! Would definitely stay here again! Parking can be very tight, rent a compact. Many shops and food options/groceries and very walkable"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Surfer Beach Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay

3 out of 5
4610 De Soto St, San Diego, CA
The price is ₹11,449 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹11,449
₹13,163 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,298 reviews)
Perfect stay.
"Wonderful stay. Even though you’re right in the middle of the busy city and close to freeways you cannot hear a thing in your room. It’s nice that in n out is across the street for a quick meal. Free parking which is not common in the city, breakfast was warm and constantly refilled by attendant. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
Pacific Terrace Hotel

Pacific Terrace Hotel

4 out of 5
610 Diamond St, San Diego, CA
The price is ₹37,504 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹37,504
₹43,111 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"My daughter, her friend, and I had an incredible weekend from start to finish. We were warmly welcomed at check-in, and everything exceeded our expectations. The room was spotless, the beds and pillows were incredibly comfortable, and the view was absolutely perfect. Every detail—from the service ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Pacific Terrace Hotel
PB Surf Beachside Inn

PB Surf Beachside Inn

2.5 out of 5
4760 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA
The price is ₹13,648 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
₹13,648
₹15,415 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was walking distance to PB."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

PB Surf Beachside Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Pacific Beach

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North Pacific Beach

If you're spending some time in North Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier and Pacific Beach are top sights worth seeing.

North Pacific Beach
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Crown Point

5/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting Crown Point, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Bay and Mission and Pacific Beaches.

Crown Point
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
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Central Mission Beach

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Central Mission Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Bay and Mission Beach.

Central Mission Beach
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

South Mission Beach

5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting South Mission Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Bay and Mission Beach.

South Mission Beach
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Ocean Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Ocean Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean Beach Pier and Dog Beach.

Ocean Beach


Pacific Beach Travel Guide