I'll admit that as a longtime resident of Pacific Beach, I might be a little biased towards North Pacific Beach. But I'm telling you from countless trips to North Pacific Beach myself that it's a classic San Diego beach with a top-notch vibe.
We love it because it offers great swimming, surfing, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's also a perfect beach for body boarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding on the windier days.
Let's dive a little deeper into what North Pacific Beach is known for, and why our team at Go Visit San Diego loves it!
A Sense of Isolation
Even though the beach is right in the center of Pacific Beach, it offers a sense of isolation and exclusivity in the middle of the action.
I think the reason for this is because you have to go down a set of stairs to access it. It's thus protected by a bluff that rises behind it, also providing shelter at times from a bit of the wind, making it, as mentioned above, a perfect beach for sunbathing!
The Pacific Beach Boardwalk
Although the beach feels isolated, the action and energy is never far away. Running along the bluff's edge at the south side of the beach is where you'll find the Pacific Beach Boardwalk.
It's the perfect place for jogging, cycling, and rollerblading.
Surfing at North Pacific Beach
If you're a surfer like me, then you might be wondering if there are any popular surf spots at North Pacific Beach? The answer is, 'yes'!
The waters north of the pier and south of the point offer ideal surfing for beginners or anyone who wants an enjoyable and relaxing experience. I find that the waves are generally soft and slow.
What are the Best Surf Conditions at North Pacific Beach?
Waves usually break off at the pier, often going left, but sometimes you will get a good break off to the right. If you can catch those waves, you'll get a little thrill!
For the best surfing conditions, look for waves that are waist high to a bit overhead. If you can time that with medium to high tide when the waves are calmer and swells are coming in from the west, north-west, or southwest, you'll be in good shape. If possible, plan your trip in the early morning when the ocean surface is smooth. And look for the wind from the east and northeast which will support ideal conditions.
In general, this beach provides incredibly safe surfing conditions, although you may encounter some occasional hazards near the pier or when new surfers lose their boards.
As a local tip, I know that the surf break at the end of Diamond Street tends to get a bit less crowded than the rest of Pacific Beach.
Can You Swim at North Pacific Beach?
Yes, the beach's calm waters provide ideal swimming conditions. However, you should check local water quality websites to ensure optimal conditions.
Nearby Restaurants & Cafes
After a morning of surfing or afternoon enjoying North Pacific Beach's sandy shores with my family, I often work up an appetite!
The good news is that there are several quality restaurants and cafes near the beach. Some are right on the boardwalk, and others are a little further from the action, but they are all worth a visit!
- Konos: Famous in PB, the restaurant has become a Pacific Beach favorite for its excellent breakfasts, although it also serves lunch. The outdoor dining patio overlooks a small bluff on the beach.
- Bare Back Grill: This burger joint is on my top five for go-to restaurants in San Diego. If you like burgers, you should give it a try!
- Oscars Mexican Seafood: If you love Mexican-style seafood, a trip to Oscars is a must.
Walking from the Beach
When I hit the beach, I either want to surf, or go for a walk. While some San Diego beaches are cove beaches that don't really connect to the beaches around them, this is not one of those. North Pacific Beach is a very walkable beach!
If you head to the north, you'll quickly reach Tourmaline Surf Park, which is known for its ideal surf conditions. Walk south past the pier and you will encounter Pacific Beach's main beach, which is known for its party vibes. Continue on and you'll be at Mission Beach.
Nearby Things to Do
The neighborhood around North Pacific Beach offers a number of things to do that I can highly recommend. If you want to use it as your base for your next trip, below are a few landside attractions I'd suggest.
- Belmont Park: Located a little more than two miles to the south on Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a 100+ year-old classic theme park complete with rides, games, and a calendar of seasonal events.
- SeaWorld San Diego: Located in Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is one of my favorite attractions in San Diego offering roller coasters, sea life shows, seasonal concerts and much more!
- Seven Caves Kayaking Tour: If you like kayaking, I think the Seven Caves Kayaking Tour is one of the best in town. Setting off from about 5 miles away, the guided experience will provide a unique perspective of the shoreline with a chance to see marine life in its natural habitat.
How to Get the Best Prices for Attractions
As a local tip, the Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass and admission to SeaWorld San Diego are both part of the Go City San Diego pass offering rock bottom prices to both attractions. Use the discount code GVSD5OFF for even more savings at checkout!
Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip
North Pacific Beach is the perfect place to use as a home base for your next trip to San Diego. And honestly, I know the area quite well!
If you'd like some assistance from a team of locals planning everything from where to stay to what to do and where to eat, have a look at our all-new Itinerary Building Service. We're currently offering a FREE 48-hour plan and also have a couple options that will customize a day-by-day itinerary just for you!
We'd also love for you to jump onboard with our FREE 7-day plan where we'll hopefully get you excited about the city we call home!
Looking for Less Crowded Surf?
The surf break at the end of Diamond Street tends to get a bit less crowded than the rest of Pacific Beach.