California · United States

San Diego

For a first Pacific swim in San Diego, head to the Golden Strand (Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and South Mission Beach) or La Jolla Shores.

Mission BeachPacific BeachLa Jolla

Choose your stretch

  • Mission Beach — Golden Strand center · City-owned lot currently free; Belmont Park landmark
  • Pacific Beach — Crystal Pier band · City-owned lot currently free
  • La Jolla Shores — 8200 Camino del Oro · City lot currently free; Ecological Reserve adjacency
  • Ocean Beach — Dog Beach at north end · Municipal Pier closed; City lot currently free
  • Torrey Pines State Beach — California State Parks · demand-based ~$10–$25/vehicle; no dogs

Full stretch cards

Parking at a glance

City of San Diego–owned beach & bay lots: currently free per City Rules Committee PR (2026-08-26). Amenities lists public lots at La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and South Mission Beach. Arrive early — lots fill. Meters / time limits may still apply on streets. A resident-only free-parking ordinance advanced at Rules Committee but has not taken effect yet.

Torrey Pines State Beach (California State Parks): gates 7:15 a.m.–sunset. South Beach Lot (12600 North Torrey Pines Rd.) demand-based $15–$20/vehicle (park page; statewide fee sheet also lists South Beach $12/$25). North Beach Lot (Carmel Valley / McGonigle) $10–$25/vehicle. Walk-in/bike typically free per CSP fee-sheet preamble. If the South lot is full, try North Beach. Dogs prohibited anywhere in reserve and beach boundaries.

Coronado Beach (City of Coronado): on-street parking adjacent. Coronado Beach is City of Coronado lifeguards.

Belmont Park (3146 Mission Blvd) is an amusement landmark on Mission Beach — private/concession parking sets its own rates. Windansea has no City Amenities public lot listed — expect street/nearby.

City free-lot PR (2026-08-26) · City beach amenities / lots · Torrey Pines State Beach · CSP day-use fee sheet

Best stretches and who they’re for

Mission Beach

City Lifeguards Mission Beach — Golden Strand center between South Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Belmont Park landmark at 3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109. Lifeguard HQ 2581 Quivira Court, San Diego, CA 92109. Permanent lifeguard station; amenities include parking lot, volleyball, picnic, fire pits, restrooms, showers. Some spaces at the City’s beach and bay lots have meters or time limits; check the signs when you park. Boardwalk max 8 mph. No alcohol / glass / smoking / camping.

Pacific Beach

City Lifeguards Pacific Beach — just south of Crystal Pier landmark. Permanent lifeguard station; parking, pier, volleyball, restrooms, showers, fishing. City public parking lot listed; City-owned lots currently free per PR.

South Mission Beach

City Lifeguards South Mission Beach — southern Golden Strand / jetty parking area. Wide sand; volleyball, basketball, Over-The-Line; restrooms, showers, fire pits. Public parking lot listed; City-owned lots currently free per PR. Permanent lifeguard coverage family.

Ocean Beach

City Lifeguards Ocean Beach — ~1 mile; permanent lifeguard station. Dog Beach at north end (San Diego River Floodway / Ocean Beach Flood Control Channel): dogs always permitted without leash in the designated dog-run area. Ocean Beach Municipal Pier currently closed and planned for replacement (Amenities). Public parking lot listed; City-owned lots currently free per PR.

La Jolla Shores

8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037. ~1 mile sandy beach; permanent lifeguard station; adjacent San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve (fishing / removal of objects prohibited). Unimproved beachfront boat launch at foot of Avenida de la Playa (~300 yards south of lifeguard station per Amenities; 4WD recommended). Public parking lot listed; City-owned lots currently free per PR.

Windansea Beach

City Lifeguards Windansea — rocky / reef shorebreak; surfing popular; swimmers cautioned on shore break. Windansea has no City Amenities public lot listed — expect street/nearby. Ask on site for tower coverage at Windansea.

Coronado Beach

City of Coronado — ~1.75 miles; permanent Central Beach lifeguard station; Main Tower daily 9 a.m.–sunset; seasonal towers Memorial Day–Labor Day. On-street parking adjacent. Dogs only at north-end Dog Beach. Alcohol / glass / smoking banned. Lifeguard info 619-522-7346.

Torrey Pines State Beach

California State Parks — between La Jolla and Del Mar. Gates 7:15 a.m.–sunset. South Beach Lot 12600 North Torrey Pines Rd.: demand-based $15–$20/vehicle (park page; fee sheet South Beach $12/$25). North Beach Lot (Carmel Valley / McGonigle) $10–$25/vehicle. Dogs prohibited anywhere in reserve and beach boundaries (even in vehicle). Cliff/rockslide hazard — stay away from bluff base; prefer low tide. If the South lot is full, try North Beach. Phone (858) 755-2063. California State Parks coverage (separate from City Lifeguards).

Notes before you pack

  • City lifeguards staff permanent stations year-round at Ocean Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores — generally 9 a.m. to dusk. HQ 2581 Quivira Court; recorded surf/weather/dive 619-221-8824. Black-and-yellow checkered flags separate swim/surf zones. Swim near a staffed tower. City Lifeguards.
  • Dogs (City): banned on beach, boardwalk, adjacent parks 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr 1–Oct 31 and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov 1–Mar 31; other hours leashed. Exceptions: Dog Beach (Ocean Beach) and Fiesta Island (leash-optional with posted nesting closures). Service animals excepted. Coronado: dogs only at north Dog Beach. Torrey Pines: dogs are prohibited on the state beach and reserve. City beach regulations · Dog Beach / Fiesta Island.
  • Alcohol prohibited on City beach, cliffs, walkways, parks, adjacent parking lots. Glass / smoking / litter / overnight camping prohibited on City beaches. Coronado: alcohol, glass, and smoking are banned on the beach.
  • Fires: City — only in provided summer fire pits; open fires outside containers prohibited; no fires midnight–5 a.m. Boardwalk (MB/PB) max 8 mph. City gatherings >50 need Parks permit; Coronado >25.
  • La Jolla Shores Ecological Reserve adjacency: no fishing / taking objects. Ocean Beach Municipal Pier closed / planned replacement. County water quality: sdbeachinfo.com.

FAQ

What is there to do near San Diego?

Near San Diego: dolphin and wildlife tours, sunset sails and cruises, snorkeling, and food tours. See Off the sand for tours and tickets.

Beach safety — who to trust