Ocean Beach | San Deigo Beach Communites

*Photo by wvracer

Ocean Beach is a vibrant and buzzing beach community in San Diego with a unique personality. If Pacific Beach is the epitome of southern California reputation (fake tans and rock hard bodies) than Ocean Beach is it’s alternative sister.

Known as a hippie enclave, it’s relaxed atmosphere gives way to individualism on all levels. It’s not uncommon to see shoe-less people walking the boardwalk or locals practicing their tightrope skills between the palm trees on the beach. It’s big waves make it a surfer’s paradise, it’s antique store lining the main boulevard make it a shoppers dream and it’s great tide pools make it a constant family favorite. Ocean Beach has something for everyone and will become a vacation staple for anyone that appreciates the fine art of individuality.

There is a also strong community vibe in this little neighborhood that appreciates small and local businesses – be sure to bring cash with you since not all places accept cards. Known locally as OB, this extremely dog-friendly community looks like a throwback to California circa 1970, complete with the free spirited people & pets that call it’s streets and beaches home.

Ocean Beach: Recommended Eats

Got a craving for fish tacos or hamburgers? Two of OB’s most popular restaurants are located on the main drag and will please even the pickiest eaters. South Beach Bar & Grill has some of the best fish tacos in San Diego and Hodad’s serves up some mighty fine burgers in a classic California style setting complete with an open seating area facing the boulevard. On weekends it’s best to arrive early because the line can go down the street for a seat.

Another great thing about OB is the farmer’s market they have every Wednesday afternoon. This is a can’t miss event and you should schedule your visit for the same day of the market if possible. One of the largest farmers markets in San Diego, the main drag shuts down for several hours and is accessible only by foot. Here you can by local organic produce, knick knacks, flowers and you can sample great food from around the world.

If you’re in the mood for pho be sure to check out the OB Noodle House. This small, family run restaurant serves some of the most amazing and inexpensive pho in San Diego. About $6 will buy a HUGE bowl of soup and copious amounts of fresh ingredients (think basil, sprouts, limes & jalapeños) you can add yourself. They even have a great vegetarian pho on the menu.

Ocean Beach: Drinks

There are bars aplenty in Ocean Beach and some of them have great ocean views. If you’re in the mood for a drink or two, take a walk down Newport Avenue and pick out a spot that strikes your fancy. Some fun places to check out include The Sunshine Company (complete with open air roof deck and a large selection of great beers on tap), Pacific Shores for it’s $2.50 cocktails and Winston’s or Dream Street will satisfy anyone in the mood for live music. Wine aficionados will love The Third Corner for it’s fantastic, more upscale atmosphere, excellent food and amazing selections of wine that are displayed throughout the restaurant waiting to be plucked up for a tasting.

Attractions in Ocean Beach:

Ocean Beach literally has something for everyone. Here is a quick synopsis of places to check out during your travels in Ocean Beach.

The OB Pier – One of the larger piers in San Diego, the Ocean Beach pier gives great views of the community and offers food (although it’s not great) served by a cafe on the pier. It’s also a local fishing spot (you can rent poles here and fish right off the pier) and it gets pummeled by some of the strongest waves in Ocean Beach making it a very popular spot to watch surfers from above.

Tide Pools – A hidden gem, this spot is missed by many because it isn’t easily spotted standing on the beach. Keep walking a few steps past the pier and the boardwalk gives way to the natural cliffs that surround this fantastic town. You and your children and dogs could spend hours walking from tide pool to tide pool investigating the crabs, anenomes and tiny fish that occupy these little pools.  If you walk about 10 mins further the cliffs will give way to TWO secret beaches that are an EASY walk from the cliffs. A true locals spot, this can’t miss hidden beach area is known mostly only to the friendly locals.

Dog Beach: Although dogs are treated like royalty everywhere in Ocean Beach (even the ice cream shop sells ice cream doggie treats!) there is a specific beach dedicated to dogs in this community. If you’re bringing your pooch to San Diego with you be sure to hit up this great beach where both you and your dog can roam free, frolic in the sand and swim in the big, blue Pacific Ocean. Dog Beach is a separate beach from the main beach at the end of As a side note, it’s good to note that you can eat & drink with your dog at any restaurant in Ocean Beach that features outdoor seating. Most places will even offer your dog a bowl of water and a treat.

Events: There are numerous events that take place in Ocean Beach throughout the year. From a yearly jazz festival to chili cook offs and farmers markets there is almost always something going on. Take a look at the Ocean Beach Main Street Association website to see if any special events are going on during your visit.

How to get to Ocean Beach:

Easily accessible by Interstate 8, you take the Sunset Cliffs Blvd exit which will bring you straight into town. Cross a handful of thoroughfares and make a right onto Newport Street – OB’s main drag. There is a parking lot at the end of the street nestled next to the pier and beach or you can look around for street parking. Ocean Beach is not huge community and you could park pretty much anywhere and walk the entire neighborhood easily.Public transit is served by bus routes 35 and 923.

*TravelThru San Diego is dedicated to providing the best information for visiting San Diego. Thank you for your support! Please remember all photos are property of Travel Thru San Diego, unless otherwise stated.