Welcome to Pacific Beach
A hip San Diego beach town with youthful energy and a vibrant surf scene
Featuring the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the beautiful Mission Bay to the south, Pacific Beach is nestled perfectly in one of the most scenic spots in San Diego. Full of energy and spirit, Pacific Beach, or PB, as residents affectionately call it, speaks to those with a sense of mischief, curiosity, and fun. This playful town offers classic seaside resort experiences, like a lively boardwalk lined with trendy restaurants and hip bistros, apres-beach trips to the ice cream shop, and barefoot strolls to see the epic sunset and experience the iconic green flash as the sun dips into the ocean. This is the place to rollerblade down the pier, sunbathe on a sunny afternoon, or catch waves at dawn. Home to some of the best nightlife in San Diego, this hip spot attracts residents from all over San Diego and the scene is all the better for it.
One of San Diego’s oldest suburbs, Pacific Beach was established back in 1887, when it was little more than a sleepy beach town and a prime spot for lemon farms. The 1920s brought the construction of the celebrated Crystal Pier, which transformed Pacific Beach into an amusement park destination, complete with ballroom dancing and carnival attractions, and infused the town with the vibrant energy for which it is known today. With the ocean and sandy beach serving as a backyard, homes in Pacific Beach aren’t concerned with sprawling lawns. Beach cottages, including brilliantly restored Spanish styles from the 1920s, dot the beach neighborhoods, while sleek condominiums and stunning ocean view estates offer modern amenities and contemporary style.
What to Love
- World-class surfing
- Vibrant nightlife
- Gorgeous beaches
- Lively atmosphere
Local Lifestyle
Sunny days, sweet waves, and a buzzy nightlife – Pacific Beach is San Diego’s hippest neighborhood and its residents reflect the seriously cool vibe. Seamlessly blending a youthful, lively spirit with gorgeous green spaces and stellar academics, this vibrant enclave is as attractive to students and surfers as it is to young professionals and families.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With a bold collection of bistros and bars, the culinary scene in Pacific Beach exemplifies the curious, youthful spirit for which this dynamic area is known. Backyard Kitchen and Tap keeps the party going with bottle service and American comfort food with a stylish twist, while Spanish bar Costa Brava dazzles with a modern menu of authentic flavors from Spain's Basque Region. Relax with friends on the rustic chic patio and laugh the night away with scratch-made sangria and small plates, like steamed clams and escargot. For some of the freshest seafood and delectable sushi, a local’s favorite of the Garnet strip is The Fishery. Laid-back and just steps from the beach, Oscars Mexican Seafood is known for the best ceviche and tacos in town. If Happy Hour is your thing, one of our favorite spots on the boardwalk is JRDN Restaurant at Tower 23 Hotel. You can have yummy drinks while people watch and enjoy the al fresco dining experience that overlooks the water. Revisit those favorite childhood beach memories with a classic seaside treat – ice cream. The Baked Bear offers decadent custom ice cream sandwiches, while Mr. Frostie delights even the most sophisticated of palates with towering ice cream sundaes, fries, and hot dogs and has been around since 1949.
Things to Do
With endless beach activities and a Mediterranean climate, Pacific Beach is a bastion of outdoor recreation. One of San Diego’s most accessible beaches, Law Street Beach offers majestic cliffs, a grassy parkland, and the perfect setting for surfing and sun-bathing, and on the weekends a donation-based yoga class has a big following and is enjoyed in the grassy area overlooking the ocean waves. A well-loved spot for jogging, it also sports beautiful views of Crystal Pier where you can rent a fishing pole and purchase bait to try to catch lunch! The boardwalk is always busy and is a great place to bike, skateboard, or rollerblade to your favorite smoothie spot or catch the sunset at Happy Hour.
Plan a family picnic, and be sure to bring a kite and a tennis ball for your canine pal, and head to Kate Sessions Park. During the summer, this is a hotspot for weekend concerts and outdoor movies for all ages. If surfing and kiteboarding are more your speed, Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach is an ideal choice. Pacific Beach’s fall season begins with Pacific Beachfest, a dynamic, inclusive festival featuring three stages of live music, a DJ lounge on the beach, fun runs, an arts village, delicious treats, and a beer garden. The holidays in Pacific Beach couldn’t be brighter – the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade is San Diego’s longest-running parade and a neighborhood favorite. If sailing for the day sounds like fun the Mission Bay Yacht Club is a place for families to spend the day and rent boats or simply lounge in the private bay area while kids rent paddles boards or play on the playground and adults can enjoy a relaxing beer and bite or bring your own to barbeque and relax for fun & sun-filled day or night.