With its 70 miles of sparkling Pacific shoreline, San Diego is an aquatic paradise. But while the region beckons wave-lovers with such world-class surf breaks as Swami’s and Windansea, San Diego also boasts plenty of gentler spots that are perfect for even the littlest visitors to enjoy the wonders of our waters. Here’s a look […]
Coronado Beach and La Jolla Cove rank among the Top 10 beaches in the nation on prestigious Tripadvisor list
Just when you thought the prospect of enjoying San Diego’s beaches couldn’t get any more appealing, two of them have once again landed on Tripadvisor’s annual list of the best beaches in the United States – and this time they’re both in the Top 10. Tripadvisor’s coveted Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards program […]
7 Fun and Healthy Activities for Social Distancing Outdoors in San Diego
As San Diego’s nearly idyllic summer weather approaches, San Diego’s great outdoors provide numerous opportunities for fun and healthy activities that meet with today’s social distancing guidelines. Whether you’re a local resident or planning a future visit, families, friends and individuals can experience the region’s natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and abundant recreational offerings, while keeping […]
Kids Free Deals Abound in Seaside La Jolla this October
La Jolla, the sun-kissed “jewel” of San Diego, rolls out the red carpet for kids throughout October during Kids Free San Diego month. Families can save a bundle with 10 terrific free kids offers around La Jolla, ranging from free meals and passes to cool museums and attractions to comp beach tours and surfing lessons. Check these out: […]
Amazing Animal Encounters on San Diego’s Mission Bay!
Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay Park is the largest park of its kind in the world, spread out over 4,200 sparkling acres. Something you may not know about this aquatic playground is that there are some really cool and surprising animal encounters along its 27 miles of beaches.
San Diego Offers Free Use of Beach Wheelchairs in Mission Beach
The City of San Diego’s Park & Recreation Department provides a number of services for the disabled – including free use of motorized beach wheelchairs that allow those with mobility disabilities to propel independently along the sand at Mission Beach. There’s even a non-motorized chair that allows users to roll right in to the ocean.
Beachside Eats: Where to Grab a Quick Bite near the Water
As the days are getting longer and warmer, it’s hard to escape the allure of San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline. Of course, when you’re enjoying a day along San Diego’s sparkling shore, dressed in your finest flip flops and swimsuit, the last thing you want to do is pack up your towels and beach lounger in search of quick beachside eats. Fortunately, a tasty meal is only steps away from the sand at these casual beachside restaurants and snack shops.
San Diego Beaches – The Perfect Setting for a Stroll
Are you looking for an awe-inspiring stretch of beach for taking a leisurely stroll? San Diego beaches provide the perfect setting with 70 miles of pristine coastline, gentle rolling waves and sparkling blue water as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, relaxation or even a little romance, you’ll find it at one of our world-famous beaches. In fact, San Diego has so many amazing beaches for walking, it’s nearly impossible to list them all. But, here are a few good spots to get you started.
Surf Fishing San Diego County’s Beaches
One of the great things about fishing from the beach in the surf in San Diego County is that you’ll likely have the beach to yourself. That sounds crazy in a place that has nearly 4 million people and more in the summer months, but if you plan it right, you’ll have the beach to yourself as you try to fool a long list of ocean fish prowling near shore.
I like to fish an incoming tide early in the morning or late in the day toward sundown if I can time that right. Fewer people, more fish. Check the tides and go from there. It’s also a good idea to scan the beach you intend to fish at low tide to see where the holes or any structure are and where fish might hold when the tide rolls in.
What’s great about fishing the surf is you never know what you’ll catch. The list includes barred surfperch, walleye surfperch, yellowfin croaker, spotfin croaker, corbina, halibut, bat rays, leopard sharks and shovelnose guitarfish.
Hanging Out at San Diego’s Tide Pools
Mild ocean breezes and rolling waves are always in season at San Diego beaches. In the fall, the weather is still warm enough to hit the surf, and even better, a great time to discover the secret world of tide pools. There’s no telling what tiny creatures you’ll encounter in these incredible little ecosystems teeming with life along San Diego’s shoreline. It all happens when the tide rolls out – shallow pools form around the rocks and become a home to tiny octopuses, colorful sea stars, hardy Hermit crabs and other remarkable critters. And that’s just what’s visible to the naked eye.
When my own kids were very young, exploring the tide pools was one of our favorite weekend adventures. Their favorite discoveries: The slimy looking sea cucumbers and prickly sea urchins. Now teenagers, they still love to go, so this activity is good for nature-lovers of all ages.
Fall kicks-off the best viewing season and runs through winter. Before you visit, check the surf report to make sure it’s low or minus tide, so the tide pools are out in the open. After the break are a few suggestions to get you started.