Black’s Beach and Other Must-Visit San Diego Beaches

Surf, swim and play at these awesome San Diego beaches, including the secluded Black's Beach.

Famously boasting 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is the beach destination of your dreams.

Situated right on the Mexican border, this California city has it all: great surfing spots, sandy beaches, balmy weather and amazing food. It’s also close to both Los Angeles and Tijuana as well as to numerous state parks and preserves.

Come enjoy the best of the Pacific Ocean at San Diego’s five best beaches, including surfer-favorite Black’s Beach.

5. Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Del Coronado on Central Coronado Beach

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Coronado Central Beach is pretty enough to have appeared on the silver screen next to Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like It Hot.” It’s also home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, a grandiose resort built in 1888. At its opening, it was the largest resort in the entire world.

But Coronado’s appeal isn’t just in the past. Present beachgoers will enjoy its 1.5 miles of glimmering sand as well as its numerous facilities. In addition to restrooms with showers and lifeguards, free parking and beach-friendly wheelchairs are also available.

The popular beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and walking along the shore.

4. Ocean Beach

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Despite its somewhat unimaginative name, Ocean Beach is one of San Diego’s most recognized spots. Its vibe brings you back to the idealized SoCal days of laid-back surfer towns.

Hitting the waves is a must. If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry! There are plenty of surf shops near the water. You’ll also find numerous restaurants, boutiques and bars serving local brews. Chilling will take absolutely no effort here.

You don’t even have to get in the water to enjoy the ocean. At the pier, you’ll get plenty of breathtaking views. Extending out into the sea for about half a mile, it’s one of the longest piers in California.

3. Trestles Beach

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To prove your worth as a surfer, you have to face the waves at Lower Trestles Beach. The world-famous break welcomes both pro surfers and amateurs who are simply in love with the sport.

Getting here is an adventure, as there are no car roads that take you to the beach. Instead, you’ll have to do a small trail on foot, carrying your board with you. This effort is part of the experience and has kept the well-known beach from becoming overwhelmed by tourists.

Part of the San Onofre State Beach, the general Trestles area is a collection of surf spots. Some are less challenging than others, but none are recommended for beginners.

2. Black’s Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego California

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Another favored spot for advanced surfers, Black’s Beach is rough, wild and gorgeous. Lined by dry cliffs, the beach is also inaccessible by car. Instead, you’ll have to choose between a couple of long and steep mini hikes.

Don’t expect any amenities either. This isn’t the type of beach where you’ll find food or bathrooms. (Though, thankfully, there is a lifeguard station that operates every day.) Instead, you’ll find solitude. It’s no wonder that people mostly come here to either surf or bathe nude.

1. La Jolla Cove

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Perhaps San Diego’s most famous (and beautiful) beach, La Jolla Cove offers a paradise of seaside rocks that protect a sandy cove in front of the ocean.

As part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, no surfing is allowed in this spot. Not that you’d want to practice here, anyways, given that the cove is known for its gentle waves. Instead, people love discovering the diverse species hidden under the surface by snorkeling and scuba diving.

But don’t neglect the animals above water. On any given day, you’ll likely get to watch groups of sea lions lying on the rocks and sand, enjoying the sun and the water as much as you do.