Welcome to Pacific Beach
Trendy coastal paradise right on the Pacific and Mission Bay
Pacific Beach, referred to affectionately by the locals as “PB” is a trendy beach town offering the perfect blend of laid-back coastal vibes and vibrant energy. Located right on the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Mission Bay and just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Pacific Beach offers a pleasant climate year-round. You’ll find everything from condos to beach bungalows to sprawling oceanfront mansions in Pacific Beach. Custom homes are the norm, but you’ll also see some modern styled and California Craftsman homes as well.
The community is mostly young and trendy but offers plenty of fun for families too. Locals and tourists mingle along the three-mile boardwalk admiring white sand beaches. They spend time at the popular restaurants, bars, and cafes in Crown Point Park or Mission Bay Park overlooking the bay. Or they shop and dine at Kate Sessions Park enjoying the lovely views of town below. Oscar’s has the best fish tacos around. There are a lot of great beach bars, like PB Shore Club by the beach and Baked Bear, a favorite spot for their famous cookie and ice cream sandwiches.
What to Love
- Right on the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay
- Several beaches to enjoy
- Perfect for water sports
- Nearby parks and greenspace
- Terrific climate
- Variety of trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars
Local Lifestyle
Along the boardwalk in downtown Pacific Beach, you will find a lot going on. The area is known as one of California’s hippest beaches. Meanwhile, in North Pacific Beach, you’ll find a quiet residential area with a family atmosphere. Along the narrow peninsula of Mission Beach, you’ll find a laid-back beach town vibe with cafes and dive bars. Then, at Crown Point overlooking Mission Bay, is a quiet area great for outdoor activities like paddleboarding on the bay or going for a run while enjoying the view of downtown San Diego across the bay.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Pacific Beach offers a ton of great dining and entertainment. Locals swear by the fish tacos and ceviche at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. Downtown, along the boardwalk, there are a variety of well-known beach bars, including PB Shore Club and Baja Beach Cafe. Strolling up Garnet Ave from the boardwalk, you’ll find more laid-back beach bars as well as great fine dining at places like Costa Brava. The cookie ice cream sandwiches at Baked Bear are a tasty treat and a must try. Locals also love to get fresh produce and local treats at the PB Farmers’ Market, held every Tuesday.
Things to Do
The beaches and parks of Pacific Beach are popular and perfect for enjoying the lovely California weather. The wide and long downtown Pacific Beach is renowned as one of San Diego’s finest. In addition to walking or rollerblading along the famous boardwalk, you can walk out on the iconic Crystal Pier and get a great view of the beach and town or cast your line and go fishing. This is also a popular spot for surfing. Law Street Beach and Tourmaline Surf Park are nice, quieter beaches on the north end of town. On the southside of town, you’ll find the long and lovely Mission Beach, and the rides and attractions of Belmont Park.
Crown Point Park and Mission Bay Park are great for a BBQ, tossing a frisbee, or roasting smores overlooking the bay. You can also take a relaxing cruise from Crown Point to the beach. Mission Bay Golf Course is one of the best and most affordable public courses in San Diego, not to mention the only one with lights for night play. Lovely views can be enjoyed from Kate Sessions Park, located up a hill on the northern side of town and it is great for relaxing and getting some fresh air.
Schools
