Find the best beaches for surfing, windsurfing, and skim boarding. Discover the safest beaches in San Diego
County. Plus find hotels and accommodations near the beach of your choice. It is important to
remember the safety rules and regulations when participating in activities at the beach.
Surfing, scuba diving and boating are fun but can result in serious personal injury.
Having to see a San Diego wrongful death lawyer during
your visit is not the thing you'll want to do on your
vacation. Remember safety first and your visit
to San Diego's beautiful beaches will be
a most treasured memory.
Best Beaches in San Diego County
Blacks Beach ... Dog Beach ... La Jolla Shores Beach ... Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach / Dog Beach
Actually Dog Beach is part of Ocean beach. In 1972 Dog Beach became one of the first official leash-free beaches
in the United States and has become a landmark in the region. Dog Beach became internationally famous
thru surfing movies, i.e., Rocky the Surfing Dog, and the film 'Endless Summer II'. And Ocean
Beach or O.B. as the locals call it, is a "very layback" beach community that is known
for its surf and liberal attitudes. You won't find the box stores, chain stores
and fast food restaurants. Beach lovers of surf and dogs. Dog Beach
is considered part of Ocean Beach. This eclectic beach community
where dogs are allowed often to roan freely. There is
a fishing pier, swimming, surf and volleyball
Perfect people watching in this "hip"
community with it's interesting
cast of characters!
recommended lodging for Ocean Beach and Dog Beach
Ocean Beach Hotel
The beach is on site! Located beachfront with breathtaking views of the blue pacific ocean. Water sports
swimming and fishing are within steps. Many rooms have large balconies overlooking the ocean.
Pets are accepted in some rooms (hotel is located 1 mile from the dog beach). All
rooms have refrigerators and microwaves. 56 rooms on three floors.
The center of San Diego is 6 miles from the hotel.
Ocean Villa Inn
A great location! You do not need to cross any streets, just go out the front of the Inn
and around to the beach. Located on Ocean Beach, and next to Dog Beach which is
a leash free zone on Ocean Beach. Both beaches are about 100 yards from
the Inn. The unique and charming Ocean Beach community is known
for it's 'layback' ambiance. Lovely views of Mission Bay
from balcony accommodations. A dog & child friendly
inn and community in the Sea World region.
note: Dogs allowed on ground floor
accommodations only. added
bonus is a pool!
Blacks Beach
A soft sand beach approximately 2 miles long, situated at the base of magnificent 300 ft high cliffs. Some call it
Torrey Pines City Beach or Torrey State Beach since it jointly owned by the State and the City. But locals
refer to as Black Beach. There is a glider port atop the cliffs where hang gliders, paragliders and
remote controlled gliders frequent. Warning! Access can be difficult because of cliff
instability, their extreme height and poor stairways. Blacks Beach does not
have a permanent lifeguard. The emergency call box is at the South
end of the beach. Also rip currents are a threat along
California beaches and Blacks Beach is no exception.
The south end of the beach is excellent for
surfing (no restroom's here).
note: Blacks Beach is partially 'clothing optional' see blacksbeach.org
LaJolla Shores Beach
A soft sand beach approximately one mile long. Its location is in a residential neighborhood. It is considered a
good swimming beach since waves are usually small, however do be careful of strong currents. Scuba classes
are held at the south end of the beach, where an underwater canyon exists. Note: La Jolla Shores is a
protected underwater ecological preserve and fishing and removal of natural objects is prohibited.
Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the north end of the beach and Scripps Pier (note: it is
not open to the public. The Steven Birch Aquarium is within 1/2 mile of La Jolla Shores
and the public is invited. There is a small vessel boat launch at La Jolla Shores,
and the only one within La Jolla city limits. There is a permanent lifeguard
station next to the main parking lot. Public restroom and showers are
located 100 yards north and south of the main lifeguard tower.
Bonfires are permitted, (burning of rubbish is prohibited;
wood, paper and charcoal only).
recommended lodging La Jolla Shores Beach
Hotel La Jolla
A short stroll to La Jolla Shores Beach (.4 miles). With ocean view rooms and personalized boutique service,
Hotel La Jolla offers stylish comfort in the upscale beachfront community of La Jolla Shores. Located
on what is known as the California Riviera, the hotel is minutes from downtown San Diego, all
Hotel is completely NON-SMOKING. A fitness center, in-room spa service and an
outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub. Clay's La Jolla and the
Sky Lounge offer a must-see view from the top of the hotel.
Whether you're sampling the eclectic restaurants of North Park San Diego or soaking up the sun on one of
San Diego’s lovely beaches, your vacation in one of Americas Finest Cities is guaranteed to be
an incredible adventure with lasting memories.
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