North Pacific Beach

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North Pacific Beach has 4 access points via stairs and ramps to the beach. There are stairs at the end of Feldspar Street, Diamond Street & Chalcedony Street and there is a ramp at the end of Law Street.
Families and surfers find North Pacific Beach the right choice for fun in the sun. Discover everything you need to know about this perfect beach in San Diego.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Families and Surfers Enjoy the Bluff and Boardwalk at North Pacific Beach
North Pacific Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Bundle & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Sunset at Law Street in North Pacific BeachBeautiful Day at North Pacific Beach

San Diego is known for its many beaches. Each one has its own highlights and special features. It can be tough to choose where you spend the day, but if you want calm and laid back, then you should consider a stop at North Pacific Beach.

You will find this beach at Ocean Boulevard and Law Street. It runs from Crystal Pier in the south to Tourmaline Surf Park in the north.

Very popular with families and surfers, North Pacific Beach offers a wide and sandy oceanfront that lays under a steep 75-foot-tall bluff. The bluff not only looks beautiful but it also helps to block the wind, which makes this a great place to sunbathe or just enjoy sitting in the sand. Sunbathing in North Pacific Beach is part of our Most Fun Things to do in San Diego.

Running along the bluff’s edge at the south side of the beach is the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. In certain areas, you will find grassy parks where you can enjoy a picnic or take in a sunset.

This beach is also a top spot for surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming and walking. It has carefully marked areas with yellow and black checkered flags showing where to swim and where to surf.

If you plan to visit North Pacific Beach, try to come on a weekday. You will avoid the crowds and have much of the water and beach to yourself. If you do stop by on the weekend, just know that it can get crowded.

Things to Do

Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Fishing
Fishing
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Skateboarding Allowed
Skateboarding Allowed
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Windsurfing
Windsurfing

What Draws in the Crowds?

There are two aspects of this beach that really draw people to it. First are the amazing surfing conditions, and second is the overall atmosphere.

Surf’s Up

This beach north of pier and south of the point is an ideal surfing beach for beginners or anyone who just wants an enjoyable and relaxing experience on the waves.

Waves are generally soft and slow. They break off at the pier, usually going left, but sometimes you will get a good break off to the right. If you can catch those waves, it provides a little thrill that you typically won’t get on this beach.

It is easy for a newbie to get comfortable and connect with the water at North Pacific Beach. The power of the waves is generally enough to offer a little fun without being overpowering for someone just starting out. The waves generally don’t get too big.

Surfing is best during medium to high tide since the normal waves are a bit calm. If you want some more excitement, then adjust the timing on when you visit. Early morning typically provides the best conditions and the ocean surface is the smoothest.

In general, this beach provides incredibly safe surfing conditions. You won’t find a lot of hazards. The main one is the pier. You may also contend with new surfers who lose their boards occasionally.

Family Zone

North Pacific Beach is ideal for families. It provides a very safe beach area with calm waters that allow for swimming for all ages. You can easily bring children of any age here to enjoy the sun and water. The location means no high winds, plenty of sun and warm waters in the summer. Check and explore ideas Most Fun Things to do in San Diego.

Local Tips
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.

There are also spaces for picnicking and chances to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. It is not a party spot, so you can avoid loud music and out of control situations. Keep in mind alcohol is not allowed on any of the San Diego beaches at any time.

Stay Nearby at the Pacific Terrace Hotel

The Pacific Terrace Hotel is on the cliff that overlooks the beach at North Pacific Beach. It is the perfect place to stay while exploring Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Their pool is one of the best on the beach with perfect beach and listed in the Best 14 Places to Watch the Sunset in San Diego .

Surfing is one of Todd's favorite Pacific Beach pastimes. Tour beaches with great surfing conditions like PB Point and Tourmaline Surf Park, and save on surfboard rentals with the Go City San Diego pass.

Save on Tours, Attractions & More

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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

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Popular Activities

San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
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Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Guided La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
$144 per 2 people
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Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
$80 per person
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La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
La Jolla Kayak & Snorkel Tour
$188 / group up to 2
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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

North Pacific Beach is right in the middle of Pacific Beach so it is an easy walk from almost anywhere. Accessibility is really the name of the game with entrances to the beach coming off a variety of streets, including a main entrance at Diamond Street and additional entrances at Crystal Drive, Loring Street, Felspar Street and Chalcedony Street.

You also have a main entrance from Law Street Park. Each entrance provides a stairway from the bluffs down to the sand.

Parking near North Pacific Beach

All the streets that have beach access provide on-street parking options for free. There is also parking in the Tourmaline Surf Park, which is located at the end of North Pacific Beach, or on Mission Boulevard.

If you don’t feel like driving and trying to find a parking spot, especially if you come during a crowded time, then do note that the beach has access to public transportation lines.

Featured Activity

Kids next to gorilla statue at the San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.
Learn More

Know Before You Go & Tips

Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Pier
Pier
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Things to Know

If you are ready to take off to North Pacific Beach, there are a few more things to know before you go.

Lifeguards All Year Long

The beach does have lifeguards on duty every day of the year. They will typically be there from 9:00 a.m. to dusk, but hours can vary. You can check at the lifeguard stations for details.

Fish Off of the Pier

The beach does allow fishing off the pier.

Facilities Available

It also has restrooms available at both the Law Street and Diamond Street entrances. There are also outdoor showers to rinse off at the bottom of the Diamond Street stairs.

General Rules

The general rules to note include the following:

  • No alcoholic beverages permitted in any area (beach, walkways, grassy areas or parking areas)
  • No glass containers allowed in any area
  • No smoking in any area
  • No overnight camping
  • No noise disturbances

You Can Bring your Dog

You can bring your dog but only during limited hours. During the main season from April 1 to October 31, you cannot bring a dog to the beach from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the offseason from November 1 to March 31, the prohibited times are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Do note this does not apply to service animals. If you do bring your dog to the beach, it must be on a leash and you must clean up all waste.

North Pacific Beach
is Known For:
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Know This:
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Pier
Pier
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
This Month's Forecast
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February
Mar
56°F / 69°F
Sunny in March

Stay Nearby

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Pacific Terrace Hotel
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Pacific Terrace Hotel
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Tower 23 Hotel
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