The Top 10 Beaches in the San Diego Area

Mission Beach is over 2 miles long and includes a roller coaster, multiple shops and a large number of rental houses. The beach has plentiful areas for surfing, volleyball, and also you can fish off of the pier. Is very crowded in summer months when vacationers come, but it's still is a great place to go anytime of the year.

La Jolla Shores offers a different dynamic than most beaches. On the outer area are grassy areas for dining and mingling. There is also a chic village with plentiful shops and restaurants along the beach. It's less crowded than Mission Beach, but it has less parking available.

Filled with a more laid-back culture, Ocean Beach is the ultimate kick back and relax spot. Along with the relaxed culture there is also a dog park. Not common to most beaches, dogs are allowed in certain area at all times of the day. One warning : There are strong rip currents, so it's important to understand the lay of the land and where you are in accordance to a lifeguard tower.

Pacific Beach is located just north of Mission Beach. The water and beach is similar to Mission Beach and is much less crowded. The boardwalk is narrow but allows for nice walks and bike rides. PB has many residential areas located along its shores.

Cornado Island is home to small beache areas with extremely nice amenities. The historic Hotel Del Coronado is located here on a pristine spot where everything tends to be a bit pricey. The island is a great place to find celebrities.

Imperial Beach is the southernmost beach in the San Diego area. It is located only five miles from Mexico and is a great choice for those looking for a less crowded spot on the sand.

Silver Stand is a beach area where RVs are allowed to park and stay. This makes the area very popular for those who enjoy water activities and relaxing. Its bay location makes for much calmer water and it's extremely family friendly.

For those looking to put themselves out there in a more explicit matter, Blacks Beach is a nudist beach. This is a fun spot where clothing is optional. For those who prefer nude beaches, this is one of the best.

This local hot spot is very popular with surfers and wind boarders. South of La Jolla Beach, it's not filled with vacationers, but is very popular with locals.

Located in La Jolla, this beach is filled with surfers. Its rocky coast is fairly secluded and is a great place to sit and relax. Large waves break close to shore, so it's more more dangerous than most area beaches.