Welcome to Pacific Beach
Seaside neighborhood known for its boardwalk and nightlife.
Pacific Beach is a lively San Diego neighborhood known for its sandy beachfront, surf spots, and vibrant nightlife. Its ocean coastline connects to neighboring Mission Beach to create one of the longest stretches of beach in San Diego. Ocean Walk is a 3.2-mile boardwalk running alongside the beach featuring chic hotel bars and cafe's. Garnet Avenue is known as one of the best nightlife destinations in San Diego, while Mission Boulevard is lined with numerous trendy boutiques and laid-back eateries.
Pacific Beach's gorgeous oceanfront stretch is dotted with luxurious multi-million dollar homes offering exceptional amenities and stunning views. Other housing options include charming 1920s Spanish-style properties alongside contemporary townhouses, condominiums, and single-family homes.
What to Love
- Beach and surf spots
- Boutique shopping
- 3.2-mile boardwalk
- Vibrant nightlife
People & Lifestyle
From bonfires on the beach to bar hopping along Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach is the most popular neighborhood in San Diego for those in their twenties and thirties. The neighborhood's striking seaside setting and hip local businesses have also attracted many older and more affluent residents in recent years.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The scenic boardwalk is lined with relaxed cafe's, restaurants, and hotels with upscale bars.
PB Shore Club is a quirky gastropub housed within a beachfront bungalow -we highly recommend their fish tacos!
Baja Beach Cafe also serves tasty fish tacos alongside burgers, burritos, and magnificent margaritas. Mission Boulevard runs parallel to the boardwalk one block from the beach. This vibrant stretch is packed with places to shop, dine, and drink. Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired eats at
PB Poke House, mouthwatering kabobs at
Safi Mediterranean Grill, nutrition-focused açai bowls at
Rum Jungle Cafe, flavorful Mexican fare at
La Playa Taco Shop, and farm-to-table American diner fare paired with cocktails and craft beer at
The Truckstop. Beachy stores such as
Mission Surf stock everything you need to make the most of Pacific Beach's idyllic coastal setting. Running east to west from the pier, Garnet Avenue offers a diverse array of stylish boutiques. Highlights include womenswear at
The Fabulous Rag, menswear at
Prospect, and steeply discounted streetwear brands at
Speakeasy Clothing Company.
Pangea Outpost on Garnet Avenue has scores of vendors selling a huge variety of unique items from across the globe. Garnet Avenue deserves its reputation as the best place to party in San Diego. Nightlife destinations include self-serve craft beer taproom
Barrel Republic, relaxed beachy bars such as
Mavericks Beach Club and
710 Beach Club, hip cocktail lounges like
PB Avenue and
Nite Owl, and live music venue
Moonshine Beach.
Things to Do
The connected beaches of North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach are collectively known as The Strand.
Pacific Beach is a favorite gathering place for San Diego's young adults, while
North Pacific Beach tends to be quieter and attract more families. It's also popular among kiteboarders, surfers, and windsurfers. Crystal Pier is a great spot to fish and take in the views during the day. At night, the pier is only open to those staying in the 1930s cottages dotted along it.
Tourmaline Surfing Park at the northernmost end of North Pacific Beach has great waves for surfing. This area of the beach is framed by dramatic sea cliffs that continue into neighboring La Jolla. Inland,
Kate Sessions Park has sloping grassy hillsides providing captivating ocean views. The park also has playgrounds and a rugged area often used by hikers and mountain bikers. Bayfront
Fanuel Street Park has a sand-covered playground, grass areas, and BBQ pits.
Schools
Pacific Beach is served by the San Diego Unified School District.
- Pacific Beach Elementary, Public, K-5
- Kate Sessions Elementary, Public, K-5
- Pacific Beach Middle, Public, 6-8
