As a millennial, it kills me that there are no beach rankings tailored to the youths of San Diego. Everything I read is from a magazine or family blog that lists La Jolla Shores as a great place to catch some rays. La Jolla Shores… are you kidding me? The place with crappy parking, kids getting sniped by stingrays, and little to no beach to stretch out on? Yeah… I’m good.
What we need are real rankings. A definitive list that breaks down the best beaches on a variety of criteria that matter to young people in San Diego. Against all odds, I have done the impossible. Below are my rankings for the best beaches in San Diego. This totally scientific and by no means biased list was compiled using the following metrics:
- Beach Rating – is the beach nice? (i.e. sand, views, etc.)
- Neighborhood Score – is the beach located in a cool place?
- Vibe Score – is this beach regularly active with other youths of San Diego?
- Activity Score – are there other things to do other than sitting on the beach? (i.e. SUP, volleyball, floaties)
- Narc Alert – just like in GTA: the more stars, the more you’re wanted. Best to stay away from high-star places if you’re planning on partaking in some drinking/illicit activities.
While these rankings may be surprising… shocking even, I have put in countless minutes and pulled together personal experiences to come up with this list. Fight me.
10. Black’s Beach
- Beach: 75
- Neighborhood: 5
- Vibe: 20
- Activity: 40
- Narc Score: ⭐
Average Total: 35/100
Black’s Beach Overview
Black’s Beach: San Diego’s attempt at bringing a little French influence to the sandy beaches of Southern California. Notorious for its clothing optional rules, Black’s Beach also offers up one of the best surf breaks in San Diego. On any given day, you’ll see surfers doing their best mountain goat impersonation, scaling the cliffs of Torrey Pines to reach those tasty waves.
BEACH SCORE: 75/100
Black’s Beach earns a 75/100 for a few reasons. Namely, this beach is never overrun by crowds due to the difficulty accessing it (among other things 🍆). Black’s Beach also has a ton of real estate. Even when it is crowded, you still can manage to find a spot away from your neighbor.
Neighborhood: 5/100
One of the weakest points for Black’s Beach (or most positive depending on what you want), is it’s inaccessibility to the surrounding area. There are no bars, restaurants, or conveniences located within walking distance. This beach is pretty much as remote as you can get around San Diego.
Vibe: 20/100
I don’t know about you, but my idea of a good beach vibe is not watching old men whip out their man meat to inject their D with vitamin D. When people think of a nude beach, they often think of an idealized version where the characters of Baywatch are letting it all hang out. That is far from the case at Black’s. While the pork rolls may be flopping about during the day, at night the beach transforms into a psychedelic paradise (or at least used to). Intrepid beach-goers would often host drum circles and raves down at the beach… so that kinda makes up for the whole nudity thing.
Activity: 40/100
As I mentioned before, Black’s Beach has one of the best surf breaks in San Diego. This legendary surf spot really picked up stream in the 60s/70s and has continued to provide surfers with great swells and sizable waves.
Narc Score: ⭐
Black’s Beach earns one star for their Narc Score. Beach patrols here are generally lax (I wouldn’t want to arrest hairy naked men either) and the lack of people ensure little to attention is paid by the cops. Feel free to drink up and have some fun… but don’t make it too obvious.
9. Ocean Beach
- Beach: 15
- Neighborhood: 70
- Vibe: 30
- Activity: 50
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 41.25/100
Ocean Beach Overview
Ocean Beach: The hippie wonderland by the sea. Easily the most eclectic and eccentric place to lay out in San Diego County. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the soft crash of waves, the annoying call of seagulls, the infectious beats of a drugged-out drum circle, and the shrieks of a fight breaking out between vagabonds. Ahhh…paradise.
BEACH SCORE: 15/100
Simply put, Ocean Beach is not my favorite beach. The sand is awkwardly laid out, a skinny triangle that runs more thinly to the south by the pier and widens out north near the dog beach. No matter the time of the year, there just never seems to be enough room on the sand. The mini dunes created by the surf cut the salvageable beach space even further and it’s just not long enough for a nice beach walk.
Neighborhood: 70/100
Ocean Beach’s shining star is its neighborhood. There seems to be something for everyone here. Within walking distance to the beach, you’ll find the famed Newport Avenue, home to the OB Street Fair and countless bars/restaurants. From Hodad’s to Wonderland, you’ll have no problem finding a tasty burger and a brew to cap off your day at the beach. The Holding Company and South Beach are great spots to get a little faded. Happy hunting.
Vibe: 20/100
I don’t want to sound pretentious, but the vibe just isn’t there for me like it is for most people. The mix of travelers, vagabonds, and locals makes OB a wild melting pot, which I can appreciate, but don’t necessarily enjoy. The wall of homeless near the pier make the beach less enjoyable for me. I don’t want to get into the politics of homelessness in San Diego (this isn’t a political blog), but it’s just not what I’m looking for in a beach visit. Especially considering how close Pacific and Mission Beaches are. If your goal for a beach day is the Venice Beach of San Diego, this is your spot.
Activity: 40/100
There is plenty to do in Ocean Beach, which makes it a great place to spend the day. It goes without saying that Ocean Beach offers a nice surf break, perfect for watching surfers try to shoot the pier. The Dog Beach on the north end is one of the best places to take your pup in San Diego (and a super popular place to meet people). The OB Pier is also a popular local spot to walk and think about llife. Other than that, you can enjoy some volleyball courts or rent a bike and ride over to Sunset Cliffs. The options are endless.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Ocean Beach is a mainstay for the San Diego Police Department. The homeless population often attracts patrols, and they are constantly looking out for people drinking or smoking the devil’s lettuce. The beach is a little smaller than most, so hiding out is a little more difficult as well. Like anything else, if you’re careful and not obvious about it, they generally won’t say anything.
8. Marine Street
- Beach: 60
- Neighborhood: 40
- Vibe: 75
- Activity: 10
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 46.25
Marine Street Beach Overview
Marine Street Beach is a local mainstay: a little slice of heaven surrounded by million-dollar homes. While most people opt for the Shores, Marine Street is a great “local’s only” spot that gets you away from the riff-raff caused by tourists. Be warned, this place crawls with the local youths during the summer (do I sound old yet?), but it’s a fantastic place to do a whole lot of nothing and catch some rays.
BEACH SCORE: 60/100
Marine Street is BEAUTIFUL, but it lacks the size most beaches in San Diego boast. The sand, the scenery, and everything else about this beach is perfect. To the north, the sandy beach gives way to flat, low rocks that are great for setting up a chair or a yoga mat. To the south, you can grab some prime beach real estate and enjoy one of the finest beaches in San Diego.
Neighborhood: 40/100
For all the beauty Marine Street packs, the neighborhood is lacking. This beach is probably the closest you can get to a “suburban” beach in San Diego. While the houses are nice to look at, there’s not much in the way of restaurants or bars. Some standouts are Rigobertos and the Taco Stand, but the fun stuff on Pearl Street is a bit of a hike.
Vibe: 75/100
The vibes at Marine Street are almost always immaculate. On a typical summer day (both during the week and weekends), you’ll find the beach busy with people our age, ready to get after it. Notoriously, Marine Street was under the microscope a few years back after San Diego Unified School District cancelled classes due to wildfires in the area. Local kids took advantage of their “snow day” and sent it on the sand. Sensational.
Activity: 10/100
Marine Street is old school in every way. No volleyball courts, no playgrounds, no beach rentals… just pure sand and ocean. This is one of its biggest draws. For other people who need to be active, you can always bring Spikeball, maybe beer pong, or even bodyboard*, but there’s not much to do. I prefer the lowkey beach days, but your mileage may vary.
*Fun fact: Mitt Romney used to own a home near Marine Street and I bodyboarded next to him… that Mormon man knows how to shred.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unfortunately, Marine Street has been increasingly under the narc microscope as of late. With the aforementioned activities of the youth, plain clothes officers and uniformed police have been seen on the beach. This is on top of the neighborhood watch in the area, a group of Karen’s who so fiercely want to prevent kids from enjoying their beach days. Shame.
7. Fanuel Street Beach (Sail Bay)
- Beach: 10
- Neighborhood: 60
- Vibe: 90
- Activity: 50
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 52.5
Fanuel Street Beach Overview
This may seem like an odd pick. You’re probably thinking, what the f*** is Fanuel Street Beach? Glad you asked. This little piece of Mission Bay, situated on Sail Bay, just a little inland from Pacific Beach, is a GEM. Often crowded with inflatables, tons of 20-somethings, and paddleboards, this unassuming beach is one of the most fun spots in San Diego for a beach day.
BEACH SCORE: 10/100
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, this beach isn’t the nicest. The sand? Not great. The water? It’s Mission Bay. The cool thing about this beach is the size. While it’s not the deepest beach, it’s long. There’s plenty of room to spread out along Sail Bay and find the perfect spot.
Neighborhood: 60/100
Fanuel Street Beach is located almost perfectly between Rocky’s Crown Pub and El Prez… two wildly different places to get some food and your drink on. Consider it a “choose you own adventure”. You’re also are walking distance to the Catamaran Resort, which provides rentals and other niceties for your day at the beach. For the more enterprising individuals who want to get their steps in, Moonshine Beach is a few blocks north.
Vibe: 90/100
Just a few blocks west, Pacific Beach was the site of the 2007 Labor Day Riot which led to the ban on alcohol on the beach. Not to be deterred, some resourceful locals found a loophole in the law, which they exploited on the sands of Fanuel Street Beach. They discovered that the alcohol ban only covered the sand, not the water. Thus, a “floatopia” of massive proportions popped up; hundreds of 20-somethings floated on Mission Bay enjoying their booze. The same spirit still lives in the sands of Fanuel Street Beach to this day. During the heat of the summer, this beach is home base for parked pontoons, beach parties, and general debauchery.
Activity: 50/100
As I mentioned earlier, Fanuel Street is located near watersports rental places, offering more ways to enjoy the beach. Waves here are nonexistent, but that provides an excellent area to SUP, kayak, or get on a pontoon. The Bayside Walk bordering the beach also allows for skateboarding, running, or whatever you feel like doing. All in all, a great spot.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
History has kept the heat on Fanuel Street Beach. Due to the aforementioned riot and floatopia along with its magnetic ways with the local youths, you’ve got a recipe for some police action. During the summer, you’ll often encounter patrols along the shores, so tickets are a commonplace. Again, like every other beach on this list: if you keep it lowkey, you’ll be fine. Drink on my friends.
6. Windansea
- Beach: 70
- Neighborhood: 40
- Vibe: 85
- Activity: 20
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 53.75
Windansea Overview
Ahhh Windansea… a surfer’s paradise in the heart of La Jolla. Just south of Marine Street, lies Windansea, a legendary San Diego beach that has probably been photographed more times than any other beach in the area. Boasting a wooden shack that provides shade from the sun for many surfers, Windansea is as close to a Hawaiian surf break as you can get in San Diego. While the waves provide enough for surfers, the beach tends to lack most of the features many beach goers search for. This is either the best or worst place you can choose for a beach day.
BEACH SCORE: 70/100
I rated this beach higher than I normally would, seeing as there isn’t too much “beach” to talk about. Windansea is more reminiscent of an East Coast beach, featuring an often rocky shoreline with little pockets of sand to stretch out on. You’ll mostly find people set up in their Costco Tommy Bahama chairs on the rocks and surfers waxing their boards on the rocks. Windansea earns a high score because of the scenery. I dare you to find a more beautiful beach in San Diego. Every turn looks like a postcard.
Neighborhood: 40/100
Windansea suffers from a low score just as Marine Street has. Located even further south (and further from Pearl Street), this beach doesn’t have too much going on around it. It’s surrounded by homes you can’t afford but love to search on Zillow. Nautilus Tavern is just about the only thing worthwhile within walking distance, so enjoy a beer after your day in the sun over there.
Vibe: 85/100
Every time I’ve gone to Windansea, I’ve always had a great time. This place just seems to get everyone in a good mood and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with people enjoying the beach. Like any surf break, the locals can be a bit protective, but more often than not, you’ll experience some good old southern (California) hospitality here. Many people our age frequent this beach, so you generally won’t run into many geriatrics or young kids.
Activity: 20/100
Again, Windansea is a classic beach without many of the frills you’ll find elsewhere. It’s not a great spot to launch a SUP or Kayak. There are no volleyball courts or basketball courts. But the one thing it does right is surfing. If you’re new to the game, I would highly recommend learning elsewhere, but if you’re a seasoned pro, Windansea is a legendary spot that can’t be missed.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Like any other beach in an upscale neighborhood, your real enemy will be the Karens of La Jolla. Police patrols are few and far between, but there’s always that one local homeowner dead-set on ruining your buzz. Tread lightly.
5. Coronado
- Beach: 100
- Neighborhood: 80
- Vibe: 20
- Activity: 50
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 62.5
Coronado Beach Overview
Coronado is the crème de la crème of San Diego. This boujee-ass neighborhood is what nearly everyone thinks of when San Diego comes to mind. From the Hotel Del to fancy restaurants, to wealthy homeowners, Coronado is a looking-glass into what we hope our retirements will look like. If you’re looking for a beach day that will hit all the marks, this is your spot.
BEACH SCORE: 100/100
Coronado boasts the only perfect 100/100 beach score on this list. And for good reason. As soon as you park are gaze upon the beach, you’ll notice that there’s about 987632597832 miles of sand between you and the water. While this might deter most people, I see this as a big plus: even during the 4th of July, there is more than enough sand to stretch out as much as you want. The long hike to the shore also doubles as a kickass leg day… so enjoy the gainz.
I have to also call out one of my favorite features of the beach. It’s a little known fact that the ice plant dunes on the south end near the Del spell out CORONADO (check for yourself on Google Maps):
Neighborhood: 80/100
The neighborhood surrounding Coronado features a little bit of something for everyone. For my trust-fund babies out there, you can grab a craft cocktail or beer at the Hotel Del Beach Shack or snag a dinner reservation at one of the many restaurants at the Del. There are also countless dinner and bar options on Orange Avenue within walking distance. For my homies who don’t feel like dropping $19 on a margarita, there’s a cheap liquor store on Isabella and McP’s is a great Irish dive bar that’s not far from the beach.
Vibe: 20/100
Coronado tends to be on the more chill and relaxing side of things. Very rarely do you find large parties of people our age sending it on the sand. The geographic features of the beach (i.e. how LARGE this place is) allows people to settle into their own bubbles, making it more difficult to stumble into other people’s set ups. Again, this beach caters to the tourists staying at the Del and many families, so don’t think you’ll find any semblance of PB here.
Activity: 50/100
Activities on Coronado are nearly endless. On the north end of the beach by the military base, you’ll find one of the finest dog beaches in the whole damn world. Also on the north end are public firepits that are exceptionally difficult to claim during the summertime. The beach also features volleyball courts and a great boardwalk for a quick powerwalk. The Hotel Del rents out bikes and other items if you’re really bored. If you find yourself with nothing to do here, the problem may be you.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coronado has their own dedicated police force. As you can probably imagine, crime is pretty low on the island, which gives them more time to focus on illicit drinking on the beach. You’ll encounter regular patrols from lifeguards and police officers on ATVs and police cars. On top of that, the residents of Coronado are very protective over their island. I wouldn’t be surprised if Karens are a regular occurrence on the beach either.
4. Del Mar
- Beach: 80
- Neighborhood: 60
- Vibe: 75
- Activity: 40
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 63.75
Del Mar Beach Overview
Technically, the beach goes all the way from north Torrey Pines to the Dog Beach on 29th Street, but for our purposes, we’ll focus on the stretch from Powerhouse Park to 29th.
To me, Del Mar is the North County counterpart to Coronado: super nice, super wealthy, super pricey. I personally love Del Mar Beach, it’s a fantastic spot to lay out and is a little out of the way compared to other beaches in San Diego. Locals here are a little more loose, with even the most pretentious looking people sipping on an “illegal” pinot grigio in the sand. Del Mar checks nearly every box for a fun beach day with your crew.
BEACH SCORE: 80/100
The sand? Perfect. The views? Outstanding.The water? Cold (hello shrinkage). Though skinny, this beach stretches over 10 blocks, giving you plenty of real estate to set up your spot. Even over the 4th of July, my friends and I were able to find ample room despite the crowds.
Neighborhood: 60/100
The neighborhood of Del Mar Beach features million-dollar homes and not much else (fun fact: Bill Gates dropped $43 million on a home here near 29th). On the south side of the beach, you’ll find Poseidon and Jakes, not the best for cheap beachside eats, but awesome for an upscale sunset dinner. Up the hill from the beach is Del Mar Village, featuring some staples like Monarch, Jimmy O’s and En Fuego. It’s a bit of a hike but worth the trouble.
Vibe: 75/100
For some reason, Del Mar just seems to bring out the delinquent in everyone. While calm, if you look close enough, you can find older and younger people alike putting back booze and enjoying their beach days responsibly. Del Mar Beach kinda feels like a looser Coronado, ensuring everyone has a fun beach day.
Activity: 40/100
Activities at Del March Beach are pretty thin. Most of the action goes on near the north end, where you’ll find volleyball courts and an amazing dog beach. Powerhouse Park on the south end features a playground for the kids and tons of grassy space, but not much else.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the beach being so skinny, hiding your booze can be a bit of a challenge. Lifeguard patrols are frequent and sometimes you’ll catch some police action. Just be smart and you’ll be fine.
3. Moonlight Beach
- Beach: 90
- Neighborhood: 100
- Vibe: 80
- Activity: 75
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 86.25
Moonlight Beach Overview
I freaking love Moonlight Beach. Moonlight is the North County answer to PB and Mission Beach, without the “PB” feel. Full of fun people, close to an awesome downtown area, and has an amazing vibe. Moonlight Beach is a melting pot of people, young, old, somewhere in between. It’s a place where everyone can have a good time and the Karens won’t get you down.
BEACH SCORE: 90/100
If this beach were just a little bigger, it would be a perfect score. While there is plenty of room to lay out, during the summer months this place can feel like a sardine can. Sure, you can walk north or south to be more secluded, but I didn’t come to the beach to get my steps in. The sand is great, the views are amazing, and the ability to swim or surf here remains top-notch.
Neighborhood: 100/100
I think by reading this you can tell that I’m in my late 20s. For San Diegans, your love of PB in your early 20s gets overtaken by your love of Encinitas and North County in your late 20s. And that’s where I’m at. The 101 Highway sits within walking distance of Moonlight and features Modern Times, Better Buzz, Death by Tequila, Lofty Coffee, and many others. This neighborhood literally has it all and it’s all within walking distance of the beach. *Mic Drop*
Vibe: 80/100
I love Moonlight because there is always a large contingent of beachgoers my same age. You’ll never be overrun by too many families or older people. The balance is just right. People in North County know how to have a good time, and that is showcased at Moonlight. Often you’ll encounter huge pop-up tent set ups, speakers, chairs, and a whole lot of fun going on.
Activity: 75/100
Moonlight Beach is a great place for activities. If surfing is your thing, you got it. If you like slamming some volleyballs, they have some courts. If you like doing yoga on the grass, they got it. This place is rad and offers up a little bit of something for everyone.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Police patrols are common, but not overbearing. As I mentioned before, the vibes here are great and for good reason. Generally there won’t be any “hero” cops or hardasses that are looking to bust you for drinking. Just be safe and smart.
2. Mission Beach
- Beach: 80
- Neighborhood: 80
- Vibe: 90
- Activity: 100
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 87.5
Mission Beach Overview
Mission Beach: the short-term rental capital of San Diego, featuring tourists, tourists, and more tourists. On any given day, you’ll encounter raccoon-eyed vacationers (have they tried sunscreen?), drunk PB bros, and drugged out homeless… and that’s what makes this place beautiful. Aside from the eclectic nature of Mission Beach, this place offers up some of the best beach days in San Diego. From miles of sand to plenty of activities, this is a great pick for your next beach trip.
BEACH SCORE: 80/100
Running all the way from the jetty to Pacific Beach, Mission Beach touts MILES of real estate to lay out on. While the north end of the beach by Belmont Park is always inundated with people, South Mission Beach is where it’s AT.
Neighborhood: 80/100
Mission Beach is dotted with plenty to do no matter what section you’re chilling on. On the south side, Pennant and Beachcomer are excellent dive bars worth exploring. On the north end, Belmont Park houses an old-school beach rollercoaster and amusement park while Mission Blvd. hosts some great cheap Mexican food and other restaurant options. Basically, you can get your drink on up and down the boardwalk.
Vibe: 90/100
While tourists aren’t always a local’s favorite thing, they seem to know how to bring the vibe. No matter the time of the year, you’ll encounter out-of-towners partying their asses off on the sand. House parties are rampant and the bars are always a good time. Even when alcohol isn’t involved, one walk up and down the boardwalk will show just how fun this area can be.
Activity: 100/100
Mission Beach is packed with things to do. On the south end, you’ll find firepits, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a cool jetty to walk on. The aforementioned Belmont Park offers some amusement and fun (though I think we’re a little old for that). Other than that, you can find a cheap bike rental, grab a surfboard, or go for a jog. The options are endless.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the notoriety Mission beach commands, it’s no surprise that police activity in the area is frequent. Police officers will patrol on ATVs, drive their patrol cars on the boardwalk, and even just stroll through the throngs of people during the summertime. The area can be HOT so be careful.
1. Pacific Beach
- Beach: 90
- Neighborhood: 100
- Vibe: 100
- Activity: 90
- Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Total: 95
Pacific Beach Overview
Pacific Beach: the grandaddy of them all. Without fail, every time I have a friend visit San Diego for the first time, they always say “My friend told me Pacific Beach is a cool place”. Pacific Beach, no matter your thoughts, feelings, or emotions, is the ultimate place for a beach day… especially in your 20s. From the notorious bar scene to the beautiful beach, Pacific Beach is a great place to send it.
BEACH SCORE: 90/100
Pacific Beach commands a high beach score for good reason. I mean look at that photo above. The Beach, running from Tourmaline to the start of Mission Beach, is huge. The enormity of the beach allows you to gauge the kind of beach day you want:
- Chill Beach Day: Away from the Pier
- Degenerate Beach Day: Head for the Pier
The sand, the views, the water all make for an excellent and iconic San Diego beach.
Neighborhood: 100/100
I know the Pacific Beach reputation precedes itself, but let me break it down for the uninitiated. Pacific Beach is the Never Neverland of San Diego. It’s the place college kids call home, and many never leave. Every year, bright-eyed 20 year olds enter, and few escape. Hot new bars and restaurants seemingly circulate in and out every few years, giving the illusion of change while nothing ever does. It’s a trap… a beautiful, alcohol-soaked trap that lives at the heart of every young person in San Diego (whether they admit it or not).
Vibe: 100/100
See above.
Activity: 80/100
Like Mission Beach, there are endless things to to during your beach day in PB. From traveling on the boardwalk with a bike or a board, to surfing Tourmaline, you can always find something to do here. Even if you don’t bring anything with you, people are always open to you joining their game… whatever it may be.
Narc Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If I had a dollar for every drinking ticket I saw written here, I’d probably have enough for a fun night at Barona. But seriously, the police presence here is FIERCE. With the aforementioned riot in 2007, police patrols are frequent, and bringing your alcohol to the beach turns into a fun cat and mouse game with the local cops. Tread super lightly my friends.
Tips for a Successful Beach Day
- Bring a cooler (keep all the booze hidden in there)
- Bring an insulated cup like a Yeti or Hydroflask (transfer all booze into there so you’re not rocking a Coors Light in the open)
- Get to the beach early (just better for parking and grabbing a spot on the sand)
- Invest in a pop-up tent (shade is life saving)
- Bring some games (i.e. Spikeball, Kan Jam, Football)
- Bring food and a mini grill
- Talk to other people! Get the vibe going
- Have fun