Pacific Beach | San Diego Beach Communites
A visit to Pacific Beach is a must on every San Diego visitor’s itinerary. It epitomizes everything you have heard about the beaches in Southern California – most beach goers here are fit, tan and wear the bare minimum. However, it also offers one of the largest stretches of beach in San Diego County.
The HUGE sandy beach and smaller waves make it an ideal spot for families and beginning surfers as well as bathing beauties. Mingled in with the multi million dollar homes in Pacific Beach, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from- some of them on the boardwalk directly facing the Pacific Ocean with amazing views.
Also lining the streets of PB (as it’s locally known) are numerous surf shops that rent & sell everything and anything related to surfing and bike riding at great prices. The main streets for just about anything you might need are Mission Boulevard & Garnet Avenue. Parking can be tough in the summer but is available on all of the side streets and in some lots in the area. Whatever reason compels you to visit Pacific Beach don’t miss hanging out on the boardwalk at sunset, when tourists and locals alike stop to clap for the sun as it sets behind the watery horizon.
100 years and counting: History of Pacific Beach
This beach community was developed in the late 1800′s after O. S. Hubbell started clearing and selling lots. Pacific Beach was extensively developed in the 1960′s when Sea World became it’s newest neighbor. Ocean front lots sold for about $700 in the 1800′s, in the 1950′s the prices went up to about $12,00 for an ocean view home and today the cost for a waterfront home in this golden coast neighborhood is in the millions.
Pacific Beach: Recommended Eats
Being a huge hub of San Diego tourism, Pacific Beach has a lot of eateries – some much better than others. After living there for several years we sampled a lot of them and have a great list of go to restaurants that will surprise even locals who think that PB is not known for it’s food. If you’re in the mood for Italian be sure to visit Caffe Bella Italia on Garnet Ave. This restaurant is not only run by an Italian family from Milan but the food is out of this world. In fact it is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego, bar none. It’s a bit out of the busy area of PB so a car (they have parking in the back) or a 20 min. walk from the beach will get you there. Ask for a seat in the covered back garden area.
Want more of an Asian cuisine? Head to Kafe Yen for their out of this world curries and Thai fusion dishes. The hip, jazzy/Buddhist vibe makes for a great ambiance. The location can’t be beat – it’s nestled between Mission Boulevard and the beach and the indoor/outdoor seating mean it’s a place you can stop by in flip flops and a bikini or in your Saturday night heels. In the mood for Mexican? Check out Ramirez 24 hour taco stand right on the boulevard – you can walk or drive up and a big burrito will run you only about $4. Some of the best sushi is in the same lot as Ramira’s – – it’s pricey but the great sake and plum covered oranges will make you think you’ve died and gone to sushi heaven. Another can’t miss is the Mission Cafe located directly on the boardwalk. It’s an outdoor only eatery with an ultra laid back atmosphere. Try the mocha’s or grab a plate of Papas Locos as you watch the surfers playing in the ocean. Saturday mornings start the weekend off with a small (but fantastic) farmers market in the Hooter’s shopping plaza on Mission Boulevard. It’s a great place to start the day while listening to the steel drummer players that make the atmosphere even more festive.
Pacific Beach: Drinks
Pacific Beach is one home to one of the most festive nightlife scenes in San Diego. On the main drags – Mission Boulevard and Garnet Avenue – you will find numerous bars for whatever mood you’re in. Pacific Beach is a great place for a dressy, drunken night on the town or a laid back, flip flop, local brew evening with your pals. For the best sunset views and for the ultimate in PB fun check out Lahaina’s Beach House. Being on the boardwalk and built on sand, this indoor outdoor eatery/bar is the place to go for a pitcher, great atmosphere and amazing views. In the mood for a fancy night out? Check out bar 23. You’ll have to dress up a bit but you’ll be rewarded with a fancier evening out and excellent ocean views. A local favorite is The Green Flash (again located on the ocean boardwalk). Cheap happy hours, pub food and ocean views are all yours for the taking in this family friendly spot. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Green Flash (the restaurant’s namesake). A walk down Garnet Ave on any weekend night will provide you with endless entertainment even if you choose not to set foot in any of the bars that line the busy street.
Attractions in Pacific Beach
Besides it’s glorious beaches, Pacific Beach has something for everyone and it shows through the diversity of the residents that call it home. From retirees to 30-something professionals and from families to students there are a variety of many activities you can partake in. Here is a quick synopsis of places to check out during your travels in Pacific Beach.
The Crystal Pier – The Crystal Pier juts out into the Pacific Ocean and it’s a great place to bring watch the sunset. Kids and adults love this spot and if you’ve got the cash and are looking for a more unique sleeping arrangement you can actually rent one of the cottages on the pier for an evening or a week.
Kate Sessions Park
A hidden gem, this spot is missed by many because it isn’t anywhere near the hustle and bustle of the community’s busy beach atmosphere. If you’re looking for a great place for a picnic or relaxing place to sunbathe, you’ll find it here. In the summer you can enjoy the free bands that play every Sunday. Another great reward here are the amazing skyline views of San Diego that make this hilltop park a local favorite.
The Beach Boardwalk
If there was a contest for beach boardwalks in San Diego, PB’s Ocean Front Walk would be the granddaddy of them all. This is the IT spot in town. It stretches from La Jolla, through PB, all the way to Mission Beach. The Pacific Beach section being the most entertaining and bustling stretch. You can bike, rollerblade, run & skateboard your way down the entire stretch of coast here and have amazing people watching fun throughout it. When you visit, make sure to keep yours eye peeled for Slomo – the retired doctor turned resident slow motion rollerblader whose old school portable speakers, that blast classical music, provide the setting for his artistic and delayed roller dance moves he struts throughout the day. He has even written books about Slomo, his alter ego. He is a totem character for Pacific Beach, known by all the locals and sure to bring a smile to everyone in your group.
Sea World
If you’re traveling with children or just on your own a great spot to visit is Sea World. Just a few minutes from the beach, it’s a great way to spend a day away out of the sand. If you plan to visit more than once on your stay, be sure to buy the season’s pass. It’s the same cost as a one day ticket and provides you with free year round admission! Even if you don’t plan on paying a visit to Shamu, every night in the summer you’ll be treated with the large firework display put on by Sea World. Starting around 9pm, the fireworks are visible from almost every part of P.B. but are best viewed on the boardwalk of Mission Bay.
Events
From the weekly farmers markets to the annual art & skateboard show in the streets, there are numerous events that take place in Pacific Beach throughout the year.
How to get to Pacific Beach:
Off of Interstate 5 take the Balboa Ave/Garnet Ave exit. Take a right on Garnet Ave and keep going straight until you see the water (5 – 10 mins depending on traffic). All of the streets parallel to the beach run in alphabetical order starting with Mission Boulevard, which is closest to the water and was originally called Allison Street. Although the name has changed, in this case it is considered still the “A” letter of the alphabet and all subsequent letters will follow to the east (away from the water). Almost all of the perpendicular streets are named after precious stones (although not necessarily in alphabetical order). Knowing these two tips will make it easy for you to find your way around the streets of this neighborhood.
