Ocean Beach, San Diego, is all about those bohemian vibes, which certainly fit a neighborhood on the beach in Southern California.
The best part is that the crowd here is typically older than what you’ll find in Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, San Diego’s party central.
What? That’s important when you reach a certain age and just feel old doing all the things.
That makes Ocean Beach, or OB if you’re cool, feel more casual. It’s like you don’t even need to wear shoes if you don’t feel like it, although I’d still recommend it despite what you see out there.
I don’t mean anything by that other than if there’s any beach neighborhood in San Diego where you can let loose and be yourself, it’s here in Ocean Beach. When we lived in San Diego, we loved visiting for that purpose.
There’s no pretension, just good vibes.
Check out my guide to the best things to do in Ocean Beach based on experiences we’ve loved there before your next San Diego visit.
Quick Tips for Your Ocean Beach Visit
Your Flight: Seek out deals to San Diego using Skyscanner. Love deals? Subscribe to Going.
Your Accommodations: We lived in San Diego, but browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for some options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Your Ride: You’ll likely need a car to get to Ocean Beach. Book a rental car ahead of time.
Top Spots: Relax at your favorite beach, sip on a beachfront cocktail at Wonderland Ocean Pub, and see a sunset near the Ocean Beach Pier.
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Where is Ocean Beach, San Diego?
Ocean Beach is just north of Point Loma on the western edge of San Diego. It’s surrounded by water, with the ocean along its west side and Mission Bay just north of the neighborhood.
The closest inland neighborhoods are Old Town, Mission Hills, and Mission Valley to the east.
What is Ocean Beach known for?
Ocean Beach is known for its laidback, bohemian vibes, and beach culture.
Up until 1967, following the construction of Interstate 8, Ocean Beach was known as a place to get away from it all and isolate a bit. You can bet Ocean Beach became a haven for hippies, vibes that continue to this day.
Ocean Beach: A Brief History
Ocean Beach has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when developers envisioned it as the next great resort destination. Those developers named it Ocean Beach in 1887.
I suppose that’s better than being known for mollusks. Ocean Beach used to be known as Mussel Beach because the seafood was quite popular here back in the day.
D. C. Collier, then 16, was one of the first residents of Ocean Beach back in 1887. He was instrumental in building the railroad that connected Ocean Beach with the rest of the city back then.
Fun fact: One of the developers behind Ocean Beach was Billy Carson. He became a mayor of San Diego later on, and then the mayor of a chain gang. Carson went to federal prison on land fraud charges.
The neighborhood exploded in popularity when the Wonderland Amusement Park opened in 1913. The good times were short-lived, as the park closed by 1916 due to financial troubles after being literally washed away.
Its foray into surf culture came next. Ocean Beach is credited with bringing surfing to San Diego in 1916.
The story goes that a local lifeguard, perhaps George Freeth, the country’s first official lifeguard, borrowed a board from none other than Big Kahuna Duke Kahanamoku.
The community maintained its hometown vibes in the decades that followed as nearby Mission Bay underwent extensive development. Those vibes have led to some comparisons to Haight-Ashbury, an enclave of counterculture in San Francisco.
How to Get Around Ocean Beach
As with most of San Diego, it’s easiest to get around Ocean Beach by car, despite some searching you may need to do for a spot on the weekends.
It’s certainly not as difficult to find a spot around here as it is in Pacific Beach, though, so it has that going for it.
When driving, keep in mind that bicycles, rollerbladers, and any matter of wheeled transport are commonplace around here. Be cautious.
Note: If you’re able to bike to and around Ocean Beach, you’ll see a lot of like-minded people doing the same. If you need bike rentals, Top Jolt Cycle is a well-reviewed option. A popular scenic route is riding along the San Diego River from Ocean Beach all the way to Sea World.
Just promise you won’t go to SeaWorld, though, because Blackfish.
There are also two bus lines available if you really want to get around Ocean Beach on public transportation.
MTS Bus 35 originates at the Old Town Transit Center. MTS Bus 923 originates in Ocean Beach and heads to downtown San Diego from there. Route maps and schedules are available from the Metropolitan Transit System.
Things to Do in Ocean Beach
There’s plenty to do to fill up a day in Ocean Beach, including some of the best people-watching you’ll get in San Diego. Check out my picks for Ocean Beach things to do, in no particular order.
Go to the beach.
Ocean Beach has a few options for you if you want to partake in some beach relaxing or build some sand castles like my niece and nephew above. Which you choose will depend on the beach activities you’re after, keeping in mind that the vibes are chill here.
This isn’t South Beach.
Here are a few options:
- Newport Avenue Beach is a popular spot for surfers, or those who like to observe. That’s me. I like to observe.
- Just a block north, sunbathers will love Santa Monica Avenue Beach, which offers easier access and parking availability than the typically more crowded Voltaire Street Beach.
- Speaking of Voltaire Street Beach, this is essential Ocean Beach right here. While it’s not as thick with crowds as beaches in Pacific Beach, it’s busier than the rest in these parts.
- Families may want to try Saratoga Avenue Beach with its access to amenities and a manned lifeguard station.
- If you’re looking to get sporty, Long Branch Avenue Beach boasts volleyball posts, although you’ll need to bring your own net. It’s that serious.
Nearby Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which you’ll hit on your way to the old Point Loma Lighthouse if that’s on the agenda, is perfect for those looking for a seaside stroll and some of the most beautiful scenery in the city.
READ MORE: Love the beach? The beaches of La Jolla are stellar. Check out my guide.
Bring your pup to the Original Dog Beach.
The famous Original Dog Beach, one of the first leash-free dog beaches in the country, is the perfect place if you’re with your four-legged (or three-legged, I suppose, if you have a tripod dog) friend.
Nervous pups may want to avoid the weekends, as the beach can get crowded. If the lot is full, try parking closer to Dusty Rhodes Park off Point Loma Boulevard.
Our old dog Baxter loved the water way more than Kimmy, our more fickle rescue, but I haven’t met a dog yet who doesn’t love frolicking in the sand here.
READ MORE: Traveling to San Diego with your dog? Check out my guide to the city’s best dog beaches.
Visit the Ocean Beach Pier.
The Ocean Beach Pier is special as the longest concrete pier on the West Coast at 1,971 feet. Take a long walk down a long pier if you’re able, or grab some fish ‘n chips at the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe.
I say “if you’re able” here for a reason. The pier is closed intermittently due to storm damage and maintenance from those storms. Public safety is a good thing, so let the city do what it needs to do if the closures affect you and see it from afar.
The pier is also particularly lovely at sunset if you’re heading out later in the day or got distracted by all the stellar people-watching in OB. You don’t need to walk it to enjoy that part.
Explore the tide pools.
During low tide, you’ll often find crowds of people crouching down and hopping to and fro from rock to rock underneath the pier.
They’re exploring the tide pools there, one of the most accessible places to do so in San Diego. If you’d like to partake in this popular activity, by all means go for it.
Just make sure you’re monitoring the tide schedule, and looking with your eyes only, not your hands.
Marvel at the murals.
Ocean Beach has long embraced community art, and you can indulge in all of that with a walking tour of the most colorful, vibrant murals in this part of town.
The easiest way to make sure you don’t miss any highlights is checking out the ready-made mural walk map from the Ocean Beach Main Street Association.
Let me know if you’re able to find my favorites, the parrot and the pelican on Bacon Street.
Shop at Ocean Beach’s eclectic boutiques.
The shopping in Ocean Beach is eclectic, to say the least, a nod to the neighborhood’s big warm hug to hippie counterculture.
You’ll find a number of the obligatory surf shops, as you are in a surfer’s paradise down here. You’ll also find a number of shops that boast those hippie vibes, big time.
Pop into places like Sunshine Daydream, a boho clothing shop, or Botanica Home and Garden for all of your home decor needs.
Indulge in happy hour at a University Heights bar.
Most of my San Diego itineraries include a stop (or two) at the local bars or a brewery at some point. Here are my picks for where to drink in Ocean Beach:
- 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro: There’s a full menu at this bistro, including a popular Saturday and Sunday brunch, but the draw for me is the extensive wine menu. You may even find some local wine from nearby Temecula.
- Kilowatt Brewing: This brewery has many accolades for its small-batch offerings. You’ll find something for everyone there, including pale ales, fruity varieties, IPAs, and Belgian delights.
- Mike Hess Brewing: This popular San Diego open-air brewery is a great option after you’re done at the dog beach. Aside from the delicious beer, they even have dog bones for your pup.
- Ocean Beach Brewery: The rooftop at this one is pretty killer. They also have a great menu of fancy snacks for you to indulge in to sop up some of that brew. Start with the ceviche.
- Wonderland Ocean Pub: I’ve had many a terrific lady night at this beach bar. The decor’s super fun, too. It was inspired by the Wonderland amusement park that washed away years ago.
Best Restaurants in Ocean Beach
Sometimes beach neighborhoods lack in the food department, as you’ve got the ocean right there to distract you. That isn’t the case with Ocean Beach.
Check out my top picks for the best places to eat in Ocean Beach to satiate even that post-surfing level of hunger. I don’t relate to that, but maybe you’re more athletic.
Blue Water Seafood
This is my favorite fish taco joint in the city. The focus at Blue Water is on fresh fish, which means you’ll find specials depending on the catch of the day.
Note: You don’t have to get fish tacos. They have all kinds of fish-based options, including fish sandwiches and salads with a grilled variety for the healthy eaters.
I’m just saying the fish tacos are THE BEST. The original location is in Mission Hills if you’re closer to that one. Expect a wait no matter which one you choose.
Breakfast Republic
I can’t keep this place from you, even though there are several locations in the city. (They’re now in North Park, Liberty Station, Encinitas, East Village, Carmel Valley, Mission Valley, and Pacific Beach, in addition to here in Ocean Beach.)
Breakfast Republic is just too good, and a no-brainer for breakfast and brunch. It’s so good I’ve even gotten it for takeout. None of the flavor was lost in transit.
Their monthly specials are always fun, but if I’m feeling like some comfort food, it’s their mashed potato omelet for me. Trust me, it works. Expect a wait no matter which location you’re targeting.
Hodad’s Ocean Beach
Hodad’s boasts the self-proclaimed world’s best burgers. I don’t know about all that, but they sure are delicious. My pick is usually just a single cheeseburger so I have room for a half — or full, if I’ve walked that whole pier — order of onion rings.
There’s another location downtown if you find yourself there and are interested in seconds. You’ll likely encounter a wait at this place, but the line’s usually moving pretty fast.
Takeout’s available, too, if you want to grab a burger and fries for consumption on the beach as you gaze upon some hardbodies.
It’s Raw Poke Shop
It’s a little Hawaiian and a little San Diego at this casual takeout spot on Newport Avenue. The fish at the It’s Raw Poke Shop is fresh and simple. It’s up to you to make your poke bowls how you like ’em, or go for any of their other island-style dishes.
I’m talking about kalua pig, lau lau, and generous heaps of rice to go along with your Hawaiian proteins.
This one is takeout-only, so grab your eats and go to the beach.
The Joint
The Joint is known for having a bit of fun with its cuisine. The premise is a unique one, sushi and tapas on a menu together, the hope being that you’re someone who loves sushi paired with small plates and truffle fries.
I do. I really, really do. It’s one of my favorite inventive sushi spots in San Diego.
Reservations aren’t necessary but available online.
Little Lion Cafe
This neighborhood cafe is popular with locals for breakfast and post-surf lunches. Run by sisters, the focus here is on locally sourced ingredients. If you’re having a hard time deciding, their baked eggs are a delight.
Mike’s Taco Club
It wouldn’t be a food list around here without a taco shop or two. Mike’s Taco Club is a local favorite in these parts, with a pet-friendly patio on site for days when you’re treating your pup to a day at the beach.
You’ll find all of the usuals here, but if you’re famished, they make a mean surf and turf burrito. Those are typically Brian’s favorite. He has trouble deciding between the meats or the fishes.
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
OB Noodle House is one of our favorite places in San Diego, let alone Ocean Beach. You really can’t go wrong with the menu, all Asian fusion and delicious, but if you know what’s good for you, don’t miss out on the dumplings.
If you want something more substantial, go for their pho, OB Special style. Oh, their Vietnamese BBQ is great, too. You see what I mean? They have another location in the area, OB Noodle House Bar 1502, but that one has a more limited menu.
Ocean Beach Kabob
Run by a husband and wife, this Middle Eastern spot is the perfect stop for a quick bite or takeout. The highlights are traditional — you’ll find your falafel and your shawarma and yes, your kabobs — but if you’re feeling a burger, they’ve got those, too.
I have a hard time walking away from falafel wraps, though, so you know what I’m doing when I’m there.
Pizza Port Ocean Beach
If there’s a Pizza Port in a neighborhood, I have to include it on these lists.
Pizza Port is one of my favorite local pizza chains, and not only because they’re also a brewery. You can build your own pie or try one of my favorites, like the Pizza Laguna veggie option. Oh, and don’t forget to add on some mac and cheese bites.
If you’re elsewhere in and around San Diego, you can also find Pizza Port in Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
Ocean Beach Events
You may want to plan your visit to Ocean Beach around some of their regular events, or you may want to avoid them if you don’t like crowds or want to make parking easier.
Check out some regular festivals and events in Ocean Beach below:
- OB Kite Festival: This annual event is the longest-running kite festival of its kind in the United States, with not only kite-related activities galore, but live music and delicious eats to boot. The festival is held in Robb Field.
- OB Oktoberfest: OB has its own version of Oktoberfest each year, with two days of bratwurst eating, stein-holding contests, and live music, all in celebration of the German culture.
- OB Restaurant Walk: If you’re looking for an overview of the eats available in Ocean Beach or just like a little bit of everything when you’re feeling indulgent, it doesn’t get better than the annual OB Restaurant Walk.
- OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off: This is Ocean Beach at its best, a gathering of like-minded folks who love live music, supporting local artisans, and eating delicious chili.
Fun fact: While the chili cook-off entrants are amateurs, the event is well-known for the quality of the food and the level of spice in some cases. There’s an award for spiciest chili!
- Ocean Beach Farmers Market: Browse fresh produce, honey, and prepared goodies alongside wares that you may not find at the other farmers’ markets in San Diego. Yes, I’m talking about kombucha. This one happens each Wednesday.
Ocean Beach Safety
Ocean Beach is generally a safe place to visit in San Diego. Commonsense precautions apply. Don’t flash your valuables, especially on the seat of your car. There is a more prominent unhoused population here compared to other parts of San Diego, but that doesn’t make it unsafe.
Practice solid ocean safety, too. If you don’t know how to swim well, stick to the sand.
Where to Stay in Ocean Beach
We lived in North Park, so we didn’t need to partake in Ocean Beach accommodations.
I’ve done some research for you regardless on well-reviewed options in or near the neighborhood, keeping in mind that there aren’t many traditional Ocean Beach hotels in San Diego. It’s in keeping with those hippie vibes.
Check out my map below for your options:
Is Ocean Beach worth visiting?
Ocean Beach is worth visiting for a completely different perspective of San Diego beach neighborhoods.
San Diego can feel like one big beach town, but the vibe is completely different compared to more touristed Coronado or La Jolla. It’s certainly less intense than the raucous Pacific Beach.
We used to visit Ocean Beach regularly for the dog beach alone. If you’re traveling to San Diego with a pup, the dog beach is a no-brainer as you plan what to do in Ocean Beach.
Even though we no longer live in San Diego, I know it isn’t the last we’ve seen of Ocena Beach.
Need more things to do in San Diego? Check out these guides:
- Visit San Diego’s Best Waterfall Spots
- Julian: Take a Day Trip to Apple Heaven
- Ramona: A Guide to San Diego Goat Yoga
- A Guide to the Best San Diego Polish Food
- Love Spooky Stuff? See the Whaley House
Explore more of my favorite San Diego neighborhoods:
- A Guide to Wonderful South Park, San Diego
- Take a Tour of San Diego’s University Heights
- All the Best Restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy
- Golden Hill Should Make Your Next Trip
- See San Diego’s Best Green Space: Balboa Park
Want to see more?
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