A Local Guide to Pacific Beach, San Diego

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

Despite those vibes, we still found ourselves there quite often during our seven years in San Diego. Strolling the Pacific Beach boardwalk with enormous breakfast burritos in hand is a pretty sweet activity indeed.

If you’re traveling from out of town for some beach fun, it’s probably already on your list. I’ll get into all of that and more in this guide to all of our favorite things to do in Pacific Beach, San Diego’s quintessential beach neighborhood.

Quick Tips for Your Pacific 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 around San Diego. Book a rental car ahead of time.

Top Spots: Grab breakfast burritos at Kono’s Cafe, sunbathe on the beach, and stroll the boardwalk.

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Is Pacific Beach worth visiting?

Pacific Beach, or PB for locals, is worth visiting for its lively boardwalk and beaches. If you’re here to party, the Pacific Beach neighborhood is also known for its nightlife.

Things can get a little rowdy there for me, but it’s not a bad place to test whether you can still hang with a younger crowd.

A man gazes out at the sea in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

Pacific Beach: A Brief History

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.

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

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 exists today, which is a relief.

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.

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

Homes went for around $12,000 in Pacific Beach in the 1950s compared to the $1 million they’d be today. Today, that $12,000 could buy you little more than a lunch date with Slomo. 

Fun fact: Slomo is a former doctor who 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 should top any San Diego bucket list.

How to Get Around Pacific Beach

As with other popular beach neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, it’s just easiest to get around Pacific Beach by car.

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 lots of like-minded people doing the same.

If you need a rental, San Diego Cyclery 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.

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 too congested.

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

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

MTS Bus 30 starts in downtown San Diego 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 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.

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

Best Things to Do in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is a no-brainer for visitors looking for those San Diego beach vibes. What I’ll list here are all of our favorite things to do in Pacific Beach.

You may notice that I don’t include nearby SeaWorld here. Blackfish left me forever changed.

Hit the beach.

A man poses in the water in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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.

Let’s get into your options:

  • Pacific Beach itself runs from Crystal Pier to Pacific Beach Drive, with the boardwalk running alongside. 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 a hot San Diego surf spot. The waves 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. If you’re not a surfer either, it’s a great place to explore tide pools in the winter months.
  • North Pacific Beach is the stretch of sand on Law Street from the Tourmaline beach 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 and its beaches. Start with South Mission Beach. It’s wide and sandy with lots of amenities. Mission Beach is a bit calmer than Pacific Beach, but Pacific Beach has more options for drinking and dining. It depends on what you’re after!

Stroll the boardwalk.

A woman poses on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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, is the heart of the community and runs for three miles. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best people-watching in the United States 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.

Surfers ride the waves in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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.

Enjoy the green space.

Pacific Beach isn’t all sand and surf.

If you don’t like sand in every crevice 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.

READ MORE: Looking for dog beaches while you’re here? I have a complete guide!

You can even view the San Diego speed boats, tours on the water, and San Diego water sports from here, without the seasickness.

Note: A small corner of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is part of Pacific Beach. Most of it is considered La Jolla.

Indulge in some beverages with a view.

Two women pose with their cocktails in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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.

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 while you’re here. Anywhere with outside seating is likely pet-friendly, too.

Here are a few of my favorite tipple spots:

  • Amplified Ale Works: This is one of my favorite places to bring visitors, especially if they’re here on a brewery tour. They have a rotating menu of 20 beers with decent Mediterranean food, but the views are the real draw.
  • Baja Beach Cafe: Have some 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. I don’t hate it.
  • 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. This is a boardwalk favorite.
  • Pacific Beach AleHouse: More commonly referred to as the PB AleHouse, this one is known for its rooftop bar. They have a full menu of fancied-up pub food if you’re hungry.
  • Pacific Beach Shore Club: More commonly referred to as the PB Shore Club, this is what I was talking about when I said Pacific Beach was all about that scene. Enjoy your slushie on their rooftop bar.

Best Restaurants in Pacific Beach

PB doesn’t compare with foodie neighborhoods like Little Italy or North Park, our personal favorite, but there are some gems out there. Check out my preferred options for where to eat in Pacific Beach.

Ambrogio15

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.” They have a great menu of meat and cheese boards, too, just in case you’re feeling extra.

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 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.

Reservations are available online.

The Fishery

The focus at The Fishery is seafood, which you may have guessed already. This place has 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 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

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, 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

A man enjoys a burrito at Kono's Cafe in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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.

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 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.

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. Their thin crust is also referred to as Boston beach pizza for its popularity on East Coast shores. The upside-down Sicilian comes with cheese before the sauce, and their Detroit style is complete with those delicious crispy edges.

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 the best sushi in the city 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.

READ MORE: Love sushi? I have a guide to all of my favorite San Diego sushi spots.

World Famous

A couple poses at World Famous, a restaurant in Pacific Beach.

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.

Pacific Beach Events

A woman eats pierogi at a Polish festival in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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 a volleyball competition, among other activities.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Polish Festival: San Diego has limited options for us Poles, so enjoying cultural performances while chowing down on pierogi and potato pancakes is a real treat. Check their website for dates, as they have had to cancel a few times.

Pacific Beach and Safety

Pacific Beach can be unsafe 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 in 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.

Where to Stay in Pacific Beach

We lived in San Diego so we weren’t actively looking for Pacific Beach hotels. That doesn’t mean I’ll leave you stranded. The Bahia Resort Hotel was the first resort-style hotel in PB if you’re looking for a little history.

Check out the map below for more options, including vacation rentals:

Pacific Beach is a party area, but that’s OK.

It’s still worth your time for those boardwalk strolls and beachfront bars. If you’re not feeling an indulgent afternoon, come here for the beaches. Those stretches of sand are what got my in-laws to move to San Diego after we did.

We’ve all since left, but I still have love for the city!

Staying a while? Check out more San Diego content:

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Agnes Groonwald

Agnes Groonwald is the creator of Travel on the Reg, a travel/humor blog for regular people who travel in a regular fashion. She has been to 50/50 U.S. states and explored 30+ countries, most often as a digital nomad. She's all about sharing the honest truth about travel, real experiences, and all the quirky stuff about her favorite (and not so favorite) places.