Welcome to Ocean Beach
Bohemian San Diego neighborhood with beach town vibe.
Ocean Beach is a bohemian San Diego neighborhood with the vibe of a classic Californian beach town. Located at the western end of I-8 on San Diego's northeastern Pacific Ocean coastline, the neighborhood was first developed as a seaside resort in the 19th century. Ocean Beach has a historic district featuring Craftsman bungalows and coastal cottages built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other housing options include single-family homes in relaxed residential neighborhoods and luxurious waterfront properties with impeccable design and incredible views. Ocean Beach also has several developments of townhouses and condominiums.
What to Love
- Relaxed surf town vibe
- Famous restaurants
- Bohemian atmosphere
- Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
People & Lifestyle
Ocean Beach has a unique local culture with a quintessentially coastal Californian vibe. The community developed a strong hippie counterculture ambiance during the 1960s and was often referred to as the Haight-Ashbury of San Diego. Locals call the community OB, and those from here are known as OBceans. OB hosted the first World Surfing Championship in 1966 and retains the atmosphere of a relaxed surf town.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Ocean Beach has a quirky feel with independent businesses outnumbering national chains. Newport Avenue is home to the
Ocean Beach Antique District. This two-block stretch features a dozen shops and malls containing more than 200 individual vendors. Another vintage treasure along Newport Avenue is classic 1960s burger joint
Hodad's. Hodad's has long been an icon for OBceans and became even more popular in recent years after appearing on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. More recent additions to the Ocean Beach dining scene include beachside sports bar
Wonderland Ocean Pub. This lively spot serves globally-influenced seafood specialties alongside mouthwatering burgers and other classic pub grub.
OB Noodle House is an Asian fusion spot that was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Signature dishes at this relaxed neighborhood gastropub include spicy garlic wings, Vietnamese sizzling fish, Angus beef Korean short ribs, and OB Special Pho made with slow-cooked broth, tender brisket, and rare steak. Their extensive food menu is matched with a 40-strong selection of craft beers. OB Noodle House also offers innovative craft cocktails and house-infused sake. Other OB dining highlights are rustic-chic French bistro
BO-Beau, warm Italian eatery
Ulivo, and authentic Indian restaurant
Sundara.
Things to Do
Spanning 1,971 feet,
Ocean Beach Municipal Pier is the world's longest concrete pier and California's second-longest pier. Originally known as the San Diego Fishing Pier, it remains a hugely popular fishing spot where anyone can fish without requiring a license.
The Original Dog Beach at the northern end of Ocean Beach's sandy coastline was one of the first beaches in the United States to officially allow off-leash dogs. Local canines can participate in a parade and costume contest during the
Howl-O-Ween Canine Carnival in late October. Ocean Beach hosts many other events throughout the year, including the
OB Kite Festival in May, the
Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off Festival in June, the
Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Jazz Festival in September, and December's
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade. The
OB Farmers Market features vendors selling fresh produce, honey, kombucha, baked goods, and other items on Newport Avenue every Wednesday between 4 PM and 8 PM. Away from the beachfront, other outdoor recreation areas include concrete bowls and ramps at
Robb Field Skate Park.
Schools
Ocean Beach is served by the San Diego Unified School District.
- Ocean Beach Elementary, Public, K-4
- Warren-Walker School, Private, K-8
