Things to Do in Pacific Beach, San Diego’s Beach Party

I joke that Pacific Beach is for the coeds, as it does draw a younger type of crowd that I aged out of quite a while ago.

I do still find myself heading out that way, though, whether it’s to stroll along the Pacific Beach boardwalk, house one to three burritos, or just people-watch from time to time.

It’s great fun for all of those things, and an obvious stop on any San Diego itinerary for those looking for terrific beach times.

Embrace the youthfulness of this part of the city. Take in some of those beach vibes with this San Diego travel guide to all the things to do in Pacific Beach.

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Things to Do in Pacific Beach: A San Diego Guide

Pacific Beach is a no-brainer for visitors looking for those San Diego beach vibes. Check out this guide to things to do in Pacific Beach on your next visit to San Diego.

10 Fun Facts About Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is popular with the youngsters, but it’s also pretty interesting. Check out 10 fun facts about Pacific Beach that will impress any San Diegan.

1. Pacific Beach was a landscape of grain fields before O. S. Hubbell came onto the scene. The story goes that Hubbell pitched a tent there in the late 1880s and went to work.

I’m talking about an actual tent, people.

2. By 1889, Pacific Beach was connected to San Diego’s downtown via a new railway. The neighborhood was linked to La Jolla by 1894.

3. Pacific Beach in those early days wasn’t the coed hot spot it is today. But it was home to an asbestos factory and race track. Neither exist today, which is a relief.

4. The neighborhood’s first movie theater opened shortly after World War II as a response to huge population growth in the area. It remained in operation until 1980.

5. The Bahia Resort Hotel led the way for major tourist development in the area. It opened in 1953, and was followed by the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in 1959.

6. One of the most recognizable residents in Pacific Beach is Slomo, a former doctor who now spends his days gliding down the boardwalk on rollerblades.

If you’re lucky enough to spot him, he’ll likely have one leg up, like an ice dancer. It’s a glorious sight and one of the best things to do in San Diego.

7. Other famous faces who grew up in Pacific Beach include Eddie Vedder, Pauly Shore, and professional surfer Skip Frye.

8. Homes went for around $12,000 in Pacific Beach in the 1950s. Today, that $12,000 could buy you little more than a lunch date with Slomo. I kid.

Average home prices in Pacific Beach today, though, are approaching $1 million.

9. If you happen to be paying mind to the street signs in Pacific Beach, you may notice a pattern on the east-west streets. Many of them are named after precious stones.

10. If you do the same for the north-south streets, it’s less exciting. Those are named after 19th century federal officials.

How to Get to Pacific Beach

You need to get to San Diego, first.

I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.

It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Deals to San Diego are tough to come by, as it’s such a desirable vacation destination, but they do happen if you’re able to watch flights for a while.

Another strategy is following the major airlines to catch good deals that may come up for your city.

Once you’re there, Pacific Beach, as with most of San Diego, is accessed most easily by car.

If you’re renting a car, you can check prices before you go with an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline. I’m not loyal to any rentals in particular, because I like the deals.

Once you’re in Pacific Beach, it’s quite walkable, especially if you’re just looking to explore around the boardwalk.

Note: Parking gets tricky in the summertime and post-work hours, so leave time to search for a spot if you’re looking for free street parking. There are paid lots available, but I’ve never used them. My patience is infinite when I’m looking to save money on parking.

You won’t have a direct trolley to get to Pacific Beach if you’re coming from somewhere on a trolley line, but check out the bus line information in the section below if you’re really interested in traveling via public transportation.

How to Get Around Pacific Beach

As with most of San Diego, it’s just easiest to get around Pacific Beach by car, despite the parking hassles.

I’ll be honest. It’s a pain to park in Pacific Beach, especially if you’re looking for free street parking. It’s doable if you’re fine with a bit of a walk involved depending on your final destination.

When driving, keep in mind that bicycles, particularly beach cruisers, are a common mode of transportation around here. Be cautious. If you’re able to bike to Pacific Beach, you’ll see a lot of like-minded people doing the same.

If you need a rental, Pacific Beach Bikes is a good option; they also offer bicycles built for two if you’re into that.

Please send me a photo if that’s what you decide to do.

Note: The Mission Bay Bike Path is a good option if you’re looking for a scenic ride nearby. I’d recommend against riding down the boardwalk, though. It’s just too congested.

There are also three bus lines available if you really want to get around Pacific Beach on public transportation.

MTS Bus 27, which originates at the Kearny Mesa Transit Center, has a number of stops along Garnet Avenue, a main thoroughfare in Pacific Beach.

MTS Bus 30 starts downtown and rides along Grand Avenue before heading toward the coast and La Jolla. MTS Bus 9 originates at the Old Town Transit Center, and has a number of stops along Ingraham Street and Garnet Avenue before concluding its route at Garnet Avenue and Bayard Street.

Route maps and schedules are available from the Metropolitan Transit System.

Want an epic map of all the incredible things I’m going to highlight here? I know that “Where is that?” often tops the list of frequently asked questions. Click on the link below!

GIMME THAT PACIFIC BEACH, SAN DIEGO, MAP!

Things to Do in Pacific Beach

There’s plenty to do to fill up a day in Pacific Beach, none of which include tickets to the nearby SeaWorld.

Sorry, guys. Blackfish left me forever changed. Check out my picks for all of the other things to do in Pacific Beach, in no particular order.

Hit the beach.

This one is kind of obvious. Beaches are essential to San Diego tourism.

Get what you came for and hit up the beaches of Pacific Beach. The namesake in these parts, Pacific Beach, runs from Crystal Pier to Pacific Beach Drive, with the boardwalk running alongside.

It’s often packed on a sunny day, but this is quintessential San Diego. Expect beach volleyball games, sunbathing babes, and all the splashing about.

While you’re there, imagine what it must have been like when alcohol was allowed on the beach.

Tourmaline Surfing Park is, you guessed it, a hot San Diego surf spot.

The waves here are perfect for beginners, I hear. You’ll also see some windsurfing and kiteboarding.

I don’t surf, so you’ll just have to trust my anecdotal information on that one. If you’re not a surfer either, it’s a great place to investigate the tide pools in the winter months.

North Pacific Beach is the stretch of sand from Tourmaline to Crystal Pier.

It’s popular with families, as it has lifeguard-protected swim areas. It’s far enough away from the boardwalk that it’s a bit calmer, but still close enough to head down for snacks as needed.

If you haven’t had your fill, you’re not far from Mission Beach San Diego and the beaches there, too. Start with South Mission Beach, wide and sandy with lots of amenities, topping Mission Beach attractions.

Is Mission Beach or Pacific Beach better? Mission Beach is a bit calmer than Pacific Beach, but it can be hard to say which is better. Pacific Beach will offer more amenities!

Stroll the boardwalk.

It can get a little nuts in the summer months, but you really can’t leave Pacific Beach without a stroll down the boardwalk.

The boardwalk, officially known as Ocean Boulevard (or Ocean Front Walk, depending on who you ask), is the heart of the community and runs for three miles. It’s also where you’ll find the best people watching around here, thanks to the numerous beach bars you’ll pass alongside.

Why not join them?

Walk far enough and you’ll connect to Mission Beach and the Mission Beach boardwalk, just like that.

Surf — or watch — at Tourmaline Surfing Park.

I’ve already mentioned Tourmaline Surfing Park as a great place to visit on your beach crawl.

If you’re looking to try your hand at surfing, this surf spot is supposedly great for beginners looking to hone their skills. The super-motivated can even set up a lesson through the San Diego Surf School.

Would it be weird if I signed up for one of their kids’ groups at surf school? That sounds a lot less stressful.

Indulge in some food or beverages with a view.

If Pacific Beach is known for one thing, it’s not the actual beach.

It’s the scene.

Whether you’re along the boardwalk or further inland, you’ll have numerous options for jealousy-inducing photos of your cocktails, the waves of the Pacific Ocean lapping in the background.

I have some suggestions for you on the best spots to do all that if you keep reading on, by the way.

Most of Pacific Beach is very casual, too, so no one will give you a second glance if you’re rocking cutoff shorts and flip flops wherever you’re going while in the neighborhood.

Anywhere with outside seating is likely pet-friendly, too.

Enjoy the green space.

Pacific Beach isn’t all sand and surf.

If you don’t like sand in every crevice, either, but like sweeping vistas, head to the park.

Just inland, Kate Sessions Park on Soledad Drive offers a fantastic place to let the dogs run around or have a picnic. The views are great, too, as the park’s conveniently situated on a hillside overlooking the bay.

You can even safely view all of the San Diego speed boats, tours on the water, and San Diego water sports from here, sans seasickness.

Fun fact: The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is part of Pacific Beach, too. Just a corner, though; most of it is considered La Jolla.

Pacific Beach Bars

Most of my San Diego itineraries include a stop (or two) at a local bar or brewery at some point. Here are my picks for where to drink in Pacific Beach.

Amplified Ale Works

Amplified Ale Works is one of my favorite places to bring visitors.

It’s generally a fun place to be, but the view is stellar. They have a rotating menu of 20 house beers, in addition to a number of guest pours. Their food is decent, too, and trends toward Mediterranean offerings like hummus plates and falafel.

They have two additional locations in Miramar and the East Village, too, if you’re traveling that way. I make no promises on the view at those, though.

Baja Beach Cafe

This boardwalk hot spot is the spot to make all of your late night dreams come true.

You’ll have the most fun at their two-for-one happy hours. They’re SO happy they happen twice a day, from 4-8pm and then again from 10:30pm-12:30am. It’s like they want you to over-indulge.

Oh well!

They have a full food menu, as well, in case you’re in the mood for some prime rib with your umbrella drinks, and even serve up a decent breakfast if you want to return after your epic night out.

Lahaina Beach House

This cash-only beach bar is one of those places you pass on the boardwalk and you’re all, “Is that wooden deck sound?”

I’m sure it is, or the drunk people inside don’t care.

I kid.

This is a boardwalk favorite. If you go at off times, you may even be able to snag a spot out front so you can watch the passerby outside. I don’t know when those off times are, though, because this place is always packed when I stroll by.

Pacific Beach AleHouse

The Pacific Beach AleHouse, or more commonly referred to as the PB AleHouse, is known for its rooftop bar, and that’s what you should shoot for when visiting this place.

In addition to a menu of their own beers, they have a full food menu, as well. I’d call it fancied-up pub food. Reservations are available online.

Pacific Beach Shore Club

The Pacific Beach Shore Club, or more commonly referred to as the PB Shore Club, is what I was talking about when I said Pacific Beach was all about that scene.

If you’re here to party, head over to the rooftop bar where “sunsets are served daily,” per their very enticing marketing materials.

If you don’t have much to do the next day, try the slushies. They have a full food menu, too, if you need to build a base for whatever else you’re consuming.

Pacific Beach Restaurants

The food options in Pacific Beach are what you’d expect from a beachfront neighborhood, and I am here for it. 

Here are my top picks for where to eat in Pacific Beach to make up for all of those surfing calories you burned. No judgement if you’re like me and just a spectator, though.

Ambrogio 15

This pizza place serves up Milano-style pies, which means a super thin crust. They pride themselves on high-quality ingredients for both their crust and their toppings.

You know it’s going to be good, by the way, when the salami is listed as salame. Since pizza’s already an indulgent enough meal that this is likely your cheat day, they have a great menu of meat and cheese boards, too.

Fun fact: If you know anything about me, you know one of my favorite meals is charcuterie.

If you’re in Little Italy or Del Mar, there are additional locations there, too.

Firehouse

I would have included Firehouse in my list of best places to drink in Pacific Beach if it wasn’t for their most last revamp.

Their menu got an overhaul from the head chef at the Kettner Exchange, a spot you should check out in Little Italy. Now you can enjoy rooftop cocktails and yummy bites like steamed mussels and bacon fat mac and cheese. (What?!?)

Reservations are available online.

The Fishery

The focus at The Fishery is seafood, which you may have guessed already. This place is complete with a fish market at its center, where you can take seasonal catches and a variety of prepared foods home with you.

On the restaurant side, you’ll be treated to a menu that changes based on the freshest ingredients at any given time. Expect dishes like seared scallops, swordfish tacos, and ahi tuna poke.

They usually have a good sushi menu available, too. Reservations are available online.

JRDN Restaurant

So I know I said you can pretty much wear your cutoff jean shorts anywhere around here, but you may want to fancy it up a little bit for this one.

JRDN, situated inside the Tower 23 Pacific Beach Hotel, which is also quite fancy, is your special occasion eatery while in Pacific Beach.

Don’t miss their raw bar and sushi options. Reservations are available online via OpenTable.

Kono’s Cafe

Kono’s Cafe was one of the first places I was introduced to when I visited San Diego in those early days as a tourist. You’re here for the breakfast burritos, so don’t get distracted.

I’m all about the #3: bacon, potatoes, cheese and salsa, wrapped up in a flour tortilla.

They also have a decent selection of lunch items, but I’ve never tried Kono’s for lunch. It’s the burritos, people. They also used to be cash only, but I recently learned they take credit cards now.

Huzzah!

Expect a line at this one at peak brunch times. It moves quickly, though.

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

I was introduced to the Fish Shop thanks to their Taco Tuesday deals, a favorite in the neighborhood.

That means you should expect to wait in line if you’re there on a Tuesday evening, but it does move relatively quickly. In addition to some very yummy tacos, they serve up sandwiches, salads, and fish plates.

All dishes come with your choice of marinade and style, which is grilled or fried.

They have additional locations in Encinitas and Point Loma if you find yourself there, instead.

Square Pizza Co.

At this pizza place, square is the new round…because their pizzas are square.

Those square pizzas come in a variety of styles: thin crust, which they also refer to as Boston beach pizza for its popularity on East Coast shores, upside-down Sicilian, where the cheese comes before the sauce, and Detroit style, complete with those delicious crispy edges.

They also serve up gluten-free and vegan pizza options, for the sad sacks among you.

Just kidding. Find me in San Diego comedy clubs soon. More gluten and cheese for me!

Sushi Ota

When you arrive at Sushi Ota, you may be doing so a little bit concerned by the fact that you’re about to eat sushi at a strip mall.

I promise, if you give it a shot, you’ll be enjoying some of San Diego’s best sushi soon enough. Whatever you do, make sure you order some nigiri alongside those rolls.

Reservations are highly recommended here, and you can request those by phone at 858-270-5670/5047. I’m not sure why they have two numbers, but there you go.

World Famous

This is one of those places that you’re all, is it really “world famous?”

I can’t answer that for you, but at the very least, it’s a local institution in Pacific Beach. Head there for brunch and a giant Bloody Mary to wash those chilaquiles down with and you may believe it’s world famous after all, all rights reserved.

Pacific Beach Events

You may want to plan your visit to Pacific Beach around some of their regular events. You may also want to avoid them if you don’t like crowds or want to make parking easier.

Check out some regular Pacific Beach events below!

Pacific Beachfest

The free Pacific Beachfest is an annual event that celebrates all that Pacific Beach has to offer, with live music, a fish taco contest, and volleyball competition, among other activities.

The festival is held along the boardwalk from Felspar to Thomas streets, so yes, it does get even crazier there while this is happening.

Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market

This weekly farmers market offers locals the opportunity to buy fresh fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, and all kinds of prepared items. It’s held on Bayard Street between Garnet and Grand avenues.

Keep in mind that if you don’t bring cash, you’ll have to visit the market’s information booth for market money. Hours are 2-7pm every Tuesday.

Pacific Beach Original Farmers Market

In case you’re unable to visit Tuesdays, Pacific Beach has an additional market on Saturdays. They boast that they were around before the Tuesday market came to be, but I don’t mind options.

Expect seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, olive oils, and other goodies. The weekly event is held from 8am-noon.

Polish Festival

I had to include this one because you have the chance to bump into me while you’re there, as I’d go every year.

San Diego has limited options for us Poles, so it’s unlikely you’ll find another place to see Polish cultural performances while you’re chowing down on some very legitimate pierogi, Polish sausages, and potato pancakes.

The annual Polish Festival is held at the  St. Maximilian Kolbe Roman Catholic Polish Mission on Grand Avenue. There’s an admission fee of $5, but it’s for a good cause, which is your belly.

The AM SLAM Surf Contest Series

Pacific Beach joins surf spots across San Diego County for this annual event presented by Vans.

Competitions include heats for adults and the younger surf set, and both longboards and shortboards. If you lack the coordination to surf yourself, it’s a fun event to attend and marvel at other people’s skillsets.

Where to Stay in Pacific Beach

I’ve done some research for you on well-reviewed Pacific Beach, San Diego, hotels in or near the neighborhood.

Check these out for your San Diego vacation, including the Bahia Pacific Beach, the first resort-style hotel in Pacific Beach, from Booking.com:

• Bahia Resort Hotel
• Beach Haven
• La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
• Pacific Shores Inn
• Tower 23 Hotel

If you’d like to do your own research, we primarily use Booking.com for our bookings, as the more you book with them, the more you save.

I’ll usually cross-check that with the same (or similar) listings on Hotels.com, to make sure I’m getting the best price.

Vrbo has become our go-to Airbnb alternative these days, as I’ve really been over Airbnb these days. Check out these highly-rated Vrbo stays for a vibe that’s more of the vacation rentals variety:

• Bayfront on the Boardwalk
• Contemporary PB Retreat
• Mission Bay Beach Cottage
• PB Cottage Close to Everything
• Spacious Beach Studio

Is Pacific Beach dangerous? Pacific Beach can be dangerous if you’re not cautious. There is an element of crime in Pacific Beach, in part thanks to the bar scene there. Assaults and theft are more common there than most San Diego neighborhoods.

If you’re out late in PB, be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash any valuables, and travel in at least a pair, especially if you’re a woman.

Otherwise, things can get wilder than the San Diego Zoo Safari Park around here. Be cool!

Did I miss anything in this guide to PB and all the best things to do in Pacific Beach, San Diego? San Diego locals in particular, let me know in the comments!

Planning a California trip? Check out this guide!

Photo credits:  Patma (1), f8grapher (2), bonandbon (3), It Must Be F/8 (4), Rosamar (5), Gaeta.J (6), EQRoy (7)

Ready for San Diego?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare around the United States, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.

Your Accommodations: I recommend Booking.com and Hotels.com as your main options for accommodations in San Diego. Vrbo has become our go-to Airbnb alternative. If you’re looking for more specific accommodation picks, scroll on up! Hostelworld is a great option for travelers on a budget.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.

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