One of the most popular neighborhoods in San Diego is Pacific Beach, or as the locals fondly call it, “P.B.” It is a lively beachside community in San Diego, the favored destination for surfers and beachgoers.
This lively San Diego coastal community offers countless activities for relaxation, fun, and freedom.
From embracing your inner thrill-seeker with water sports to basking under the sun on spotless shores, you will never lack what to do at this favorite California destination.
As you walk along the busy boardwalk or explore secluded nature trails, feel your anxiety ebb away with every calm ocean breeze. Indulge in delicious cuisines at local eateries and restaurants.
Partake in seasonal festivals that celebrate the culture and spirit unique to Pacific Beach. With so many memorable experiences awaiting you, you are guaranteed to have one of the best vacations.
Let’s explore the best and fun things to do in Pacific Beach, CA.
Things to Do in Pacific Beach, CA
1. Take in the ocean breeze at the Crystal Pier
Crystal Pier
Pacific Beach’s most famous tourist attraction is its white-sand beach, but plenty of people choose to go to Crystal Pier. Exploring this Pier should be among the top things to do in Pacific Beach, CA.
The pier extends into the sea, providing a scenic view of the Pacific Beach Shoreline.
You will see hikers, beachgoers, joggers, and cyclists spread along the shoreline.
The water along this pier is also a well-known surfing spot, so you can appreciate seeing the surfers catch waves.
The pier stretches into the sea and provides a picturesque view of the Pacific Beach shoreline.
If you feel like relaxing, Crystal Pier contains a boutique called the Cottages, where you can stay the whole night.
The cottages, which were built in the 1930s, welcome many guests to Pacific Beach.
Crystal Pier is also close to dozens of bars and restaurants you can visit after a pleasant stroll.
Address: San Diego, CA 92109, USA
2. Stroll along the Ocean Front Walk
Ocean Front Walk
Immediately you get to Pacific Beach, the most unique attraction that will catch your attention is the Ocean Front Walk. This path extends nearly 3.2 miles across Mission Beach and La Jolla.
If you feel like immersing yourself and getting a feel of the entire place, go to Ocean Front Walk. Walking along this place will allow you to pick what bar, restaurant, or shop you can visit during your stay there.
You will also see many locals and tourists walking along or partaking in outdoor activities at the beach.
The Ocean Front Walk is safe since it is solely for pedestrians.
Address: San Diego, CA 92109, United States
3. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the Better Buzz Coffee
Better Buzz Coffee is a local coffee chain in Pacific Beach with three branches in San Diego.
They are well known for their distinctive coffee drinks and tasty breakfast items.
Better Buzz Coffee is where you should go if you want something to kick-start your morning.
Their coffee shop is fun and comfortable, which makes it perfect for chilling and spending time while you enjoy their top-tier coffee beverages.
Better Buzz Coffee’s most accessible branch is along Grand Avenue, while the remaining ones are at Mission Bay and Garnet Ave.
Address: 801 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
4. Rent an Electric Scooter from Boardwalk Electric Rides
Among the best things to do in Pacific Beach, CA, is to ride on an electric scooter. Terrific, inexpensive electric scooters can be found at Boardwalk Electric Rides.
If you want an easier way to tour Pacific Beach, you are welcome to rent an electric scooter from here.
They have a wide array of various types of Bird Scooters for other riders. You can find Boardwalk Electric Rides along Mission Boulevard.
Address:4150 Mission Blvd Suite #143, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
5. Learn how to surf with the Pacific Beach Surf Shop
Pacific Beach is a well-known surfing destination, as already pointed out. Whether you are a novice or already a surfing professional, you shouldn’t shy away from surfing at Pacific Beach.
If you are concerned about the waves, don’t be, as they are incredibly safe for novices.
Additionally, if you want to learn about surfing, many instructors will happily teach you how to ride the waves. Many of these instructors also offer surfboard rentals simultaneously.
You can select from various instructors and surfboard rentals, such as Pacific Beach Surf Shop, Cali Dream Rentals, Surfup X Diamondhead Inn, and Ray’s Rental Pacific Beach.
Address: 4208 Oliver Ct, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
6. Learn some moves at Tango Del Rey
Tango Del Rey
One of the fun things to do in Pacific Beach is to learn how to dance at Tango Del Rey.
Tango Del Rey is a bar, restaurant, and dance Academy well-known for its tango classes. This establishment in Pacific Beach began in 1993 as El Mundo Del Tango.
Subsequently, they changed the name to Tango Del Rey when they started serving tasty food and cocktails to visitors.
Individuals are also eager to take pictures of Tango Del Rey’s building, which is loaded with sculptures of Spanish dancers, bullfighters, and other artworks.
Tango Del Rey also functions as an event center for different occasions on Pacific Beach.
Address:3567 Del Rey St, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
7. Go shopping and dining along Garnet Avenue
Garnet Avenue
Pacific Beach includes a designated strip where locals and tourists can shop and party from morning till the following day.
It is where you will discover the finest bars, clubs, shops, and restaurants to visit.
Numerous International cuisine restaurants, bars, clubs, and specialty shops will also be seen.
Pacific Plaza Shopping Mall, Costa Brava, Maverick Beach Club, 55 Thai Kitchen P.B., Hoboken Pizza & Beer, and Moonshine Beach are some of the famous places.
Head to Garnet Avenue for a few hours of shopping. It should be on your itinerary of the top things to do in Pacific Beach, CA.
Address: San Diego, CA, USA
8. Spend some time at Kate Sessions Park
Kate Sessions Park
This stunning 79-acre park in Pacific Beach is popularly known for its picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay.
Kate Session Park is nestled above Soledad and Lamont Road, some kilometers from Pacific Beach’s shoreline.
This popular park derives its name from Kate Sessions, a prominent horticulturist in San Diego. She was also referred to as “Mother of Balboa Park.”
In addition to sightseeing, you can partake in plenty of outdoor activities there.
Try playing frisbee, picnicking, or simply walking around and enjoying its panoramic views.
Address: 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
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9. Shop for beachwear at the Pangaea Outpost
Pangaea Outpost
As an eclectic beach community, Pacific Beach has dozens of shops that offer casual beachwear.
Pacific Beach has countless shops that sell casual beachwear. Among these shops is the top-notch Pangaea Outpost located at Garnet Avenue.
Pangaea, named after the prehistoric supercontinent, is a shopper’s paradise. This shop is locally known as a provider of beachwear.
Pangaea Outpost houses over 80 local artisans who feature their wares at a very cheap price.
The unique store offers patrons a memorable experience. They will find everything from clothing to crystals and stuffed zebras among the store’s large collection of treasures.
If you plan to shop for beach outfits and souvenirs to take back home, go to the Pangaea Outpost. It is open every day.
Address: 909 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
10. Solve puzzles at Quicksand Escape Game
Quicksand Escape Games is a thrilling escape room venue in Pacific Beach. It is the perfect challenge for friends, family, and co-workers.
Players are locked in a room and given 1 hour to crack the puzzle and escape. You break the puzzle and solve the mystery to escape the room before time is up.
There are three themed escape rooms: The Diner, The Speakeasy, and Chinatown. The difficulty level of the game differs in each room.
Address:1001 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
11. Eat mouth-watering food at Kono’s Cafe
Kono’s Cafe
Kono’s Café, established in 1991, has served tourists and locals in the Pacific Beach with their delicious all-day breakfast since 1991.
In addition to their impressive meals, they are also conveniently situated along the panoramic Ocean Front Walk.
This place is a classic restaurant in Pacific Beach where residents love to keep returning for breakfast and other tempting menu items.
Kono’s Café also serves multiple Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas the entire day.
Address: 704 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
12. Watch some birds at the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve
One of the best places to visit in Pacific Beach is Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve.
The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve contains over a hundred species of migratory birds.
The nature reserve, spanning over 40 acres of wetlands and marshes, is situated on Pacific Beach’s southern tip and is among these bird stopovers during their migration each winter.
Presently, the U.C. San Diego and the University of California Nature Reserve System run this preserve.
Thousands of birds like Northen Shoveler, Bufflehead, northern pintail, ring-billed gulls, etc., visit here every winter.
With that knowledge, it is an incredible opportunity to do a bit of bird-watching here. The other alternative is to visit the Campland on the Bay.
Campland on the Bay provides bird-watching tours and many more outdoor activities.
Address:2055 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
13. Purchase exotic plants at the Green Gardens Nursery
Green Gardens Nursery
Green Garden Nursery is a family-run establishment in Pacific Beach that has operated for over 40 years.
They are popularly known for their extensive plant collection, which you can purchase and take home with you.
They are among the most cherished businesses in the community due to their pleasant and polite staff and vast collection of exotic plants.
Green Garden Nursery also offers expert tips for plant enthusiasts and uses sustainable and organic techniques in their gardening methods.
They also sell garden accessories and decor at pocket-friendly prices.
Address: 4910 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
14. Surf at Law Street Beach
Law Street Beach
Law Street Beach is among the finest areas in Diamond Bar. It is popular for all kinds of water sports, whether surfing, boating, or even swimming. Surfing at this Beach should be added to your itinerary of what to do in Pacific Beach, CA.
Surfing is especially widespread at Law Street Beach because it experiences many strong waves suitable for every skill level.
Restrooms and lifeguards are plentiful, so this beach is still a fantastic place despite the large crowd during peak season.
If you don’t want any sports activities, you can just relax at the beach, especially since it contains a boardwalk and a pier like other beaches in Pacific Beach.
Address:671 Ocean Blvd #601, San Diego, CA 92037, United States
15. Play various sports at the Crown Point Park
Crown Point Park
Crown Point Park is a well-known spot for sports lovers in Pacific Beach. It is situated on Pacific Beach’s southern potion, overlooking Fiesta Bay Park.
It has many basketball courts, volleyball courts, an expansive sandy area, and a boat launch.
Crown Point Park is where many locals play sports each morning and afternoon, while relatives usually chill in its picnic area with tables and fire pits.
The Park is also close to the Kendall Frost Mission Bay Reserve and the campgrounds of Campland on the Bay.
Address:Moreland Dr Crown Point Drive & Corona Oriente Road, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
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16. Watch whales at San Diego Bay
A vacation in San Diego would not be complete without a whale-watching tour. It should be on your checklist of what to do in Pacific Beach, CA.
San Diego Bay is among the best places to interact with wildlife, and the perfect way to see these majestic animals is through the whale-watching tour.
The Pacific’s warm waters are the ideal grounds for whales migrating to and from the Pacific coast.
These whales can be seen throughout the year, but if you are skeptical, a marine biologist will be on board to aid you in spotting the whales and provide you with outstanding notes on whales and their behavior.
The whale-watching tour occasionally lasts 60 minutes, but to get a satisfactory experience, search for a whale-watching tour that lasts for 3 hours.
Address: San Diego, CA, United States
17. Practice your tennis skills at the Pacific Beach Tennis Club (PBTC)
One of the top things to do in Pacific Beach is to play tennis at the Pacific Beach Tennis Club (PBTC). It has been running since 1961.
The late Dr. James Grant spurred the locals of Pacific Beach to learn how to play tennis. He built six courts and added two more in subsequent years.
Currently, the Pacific Beach Tennis Club is counted as one of the best tennis courts in San Diego.
It offers tennis lessons, equipment rentals, and courts while frequently organizing tennis tournaments.
So, if you know how to play tennis, visit the Pacific Beach Tennis Club.
Address:2639 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
18. Check out the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument
Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument
The Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument pays homage to the men and women who died during the Vietnam War. It comprises 30 panels decorated with flags.
The wall comprises names of U.S. Navy Sailors and Coast Guard Sailors involved in the Vietnam War and the receivers of the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor.
If you are in downtown Coronado, ensure you drop by the Vietnam Memorial Monument.
It is a fantastic way to learn about the Vietnam War’s past and pay tribute to the coastguards and men who fought overseas.
Furthermore, three renovated boats are situated on the site. These renovated boats are called riverine boats, identical to the ones that members of the Coast Guard and sailors used while journeying through the rivers in Vietnam.
These boats have been renovated to their full beauty, so you can snap pictures and admire their engineering.
Address: Coronado, CA 92118, United States
19. Engage in recreational activities at Fanuel Street Park
Fanuel Street Park
Due to its geography, Pacific Beach has a basin of water that forms the Sail Bay, which it shares with Mission Bay.
Fanuel Street Park, situated along its namesake park adjacent to the oceanfront, is among the finest places to experience Sail Bay.
The park has plenty of fun in store for you, which includes picnic grounds, a beach, and ample open areas for recreational activities
There is playground equipment on the beach to entertain small kids and a seasonal lifeguard swim area.
The water is shallow and calm, which makes it an excellent swim choice for families.
There are also many boat rentals at Fanuel Street Park, and yacht rentals are available within the area.
This Park offers a pleasant way to experience another side of Pacific Beach,
Address:4000 Fanuel Street, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
20. Have dinner at World Famous
World Famous
World Famous is among the best places to have a picturesque dinner in Pacific Beach, as it is directly by the ocean.
The drink selection and menu at World Famous are extensive, offering a little bit of something for everybody. It focuses on many creative California classics.
Whether you are hunting for pub food, home-style American classics, or surf n’turf, World Famous is where you should go. It has remarkable services and lovely interiors.
Some of their specialties include seafood tacos, lobster bisque, and grilled sea bass.
Address: 711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
21. Roam around Orange Avenue
Orange Avenue
If you feel like experiencing the best of downtown Coronado, head to downtown Orange Avenue.
Orange Avenue is the name of the strip in Coronado that stretches from Bayside Coronado to the Hotel del Coronado on Ocean Boulevard.
This section of the city is teeming with patriotic flags and a feeling of pride for the people who serve in the military.
Coronado Island houses the Naval Special Warfare Command in charge of training the Naval SEAL candidates, so it is only right that Orange Avenue holds such events and pride.
There are also many places to eat, drink, and enjoy the nightlife. From barbecue joints to oyster bars and pubs, there are enough places to enjoy the night on Orange Avenue.
Additionally, there are plenty of activities and shops to check out, such as Fair Trade Décor, Bay Books, and beauty shops like Coronado Glow.
Orange Avenue is in Coronado, San Diego, 14 minutes from Pacific Beach.
Address: Orange Avenue Between 10th Street and Dana Place, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
22. Purchase delicious desserts at The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear is well-known in the dessert industry, so include it in your list of best places to visit in Pacific Beach.
Two of their most famous food items are their ice cream and cookies. The cookies are served fresh daily and come in many different flavors.
Those on a budget can buy The Baked Bears’s one-day-old cookies at a much cheaper price, still with excellent quality. Also, try their ice cream sandwich if you are feeling adventurous.
Likewise, construct your own ice cream sandwich from a Funfetti Cookie sandwich with cream and cookies to a brownie sandwich with mint chip ice cream.
The Baked Bear also sells cookies by the dozen and ice cream by the print.
Address: 4516 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
23. Eat French meals at Little Frenchie
Little Frenchie
Would you like to experience a luxurious Sunday brunch with your loved ones? If yes, head to Little Frenchie for delicious Parisian eats.
Little Frenchie, located on Orange Avenue in the center of Coronado, is among the most-rated eateries in the entire Coronado Island.
Patrons here love their vast selection of Parisian-inspired dishes, wines, and an extensive range of food for family members of every age.
You can have a seafood dish or keep it casual with a tasty charcuterie board loaded with cheeses and meats. You can also have some of the city’s finest dessert and pastries options.
Little Frenchie is one of those spots that is welcoming, has something for everybody, and is a place where you can sip wine and relax.
Prices are also affordable, considering the numerous high-quality ingredients used in production.
Address: 1166 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
24. Watch a show at the Coronado Playhouse or Lamb’s Players Theatre
The Coronado Playhouse or the Lamb’s Players Theatre is where you can catch a show on Coronado Island.
The Coronado Playhouse is among the best places to see the works of actors and local artists.
There are always shows taking place, with the playhouse hosting different comedies, musicals, dramas, and everything in between.
The Coronado Players, established in 1946, boasts of a rich history and tradition of playing, acting, and entertaining visitors in the tiny, 96-seat theater.
This playhouse is situated on the shores of Glorietta Bay Beach and is connected to the Coronado Community Center.
For individuals who want to enjoy shows in a larger theatre, the Lamb’s Players Theatre, located inside the Spreckels Building, is another excellent choice.
The attraction is among the leading non-profit theaters in the area. It also hosts various shows throughout the year.
Address: 1835 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
25. Bike through Rose Creek Trail
Rose Creek Trail, also called the Rose Creek Bikeway, is an excellent way to spice up your trip to Pacific Beach.
Whether taking your bike or renting, this is an enjoyable way to experience Pacific Beach’s inland areas while checking out its local businesses.
The bikeway spreads throughout Pacific Beach and its eastern neighbors, including parts of Northern Clairemont, Mission Bay, and Soledad South.
Biking this path is a relaxing way to experience this peaceful side of San Diego.
You can commence your adventure at Rose Creek Trail along Fog Street.
Address: Rose Creek Trail San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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Plan Your Trip to San Diego
Holidaying in Pacific Beach is a fantastic choice. Despite being a large metropolis, it has retained its endearing coastal town appeal.
Its beauty is apparent on its beaches and in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach.
While most cities are famous for their artificial attractions, San Diego and Pacific Beach have an abundance of natural attractions.
This vibrant community serves as the laid-back part of San Diego, perfect for a vacation. With our well-curated list of what to do in Pacific Beach, CA, you will have a lovely time during your stay.