Coronado Central Beach vs North Pacific Beach

While both beaches are great places to visit, there are some key differences between the two to consider when choosing which to visit.

Surfer Walking to Surf at Breakers Beach Fromcoronado Central Beach

Surfing, Body Surfing, Windsurfing, and Kiteboarding

North Pacific Beach is a great place for children and beginners learning how to surf and swim. It offers surfing, body surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, but there really is no surfing at Coronado Central Beach.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable surfing experience at North Pacific Beach, be sure to surf during medium to high tide, as its normal waves are a bit calm.

Surfing at North Pacific Beach offers few hazards, but be on the lookout for new surfers losing their boards occasionally or for the beach’s pier.

Stairs to at North Pacific Beach at Diamond Street

Swimming and Sunbathing

Both beaches are great for swimming and sunbathing. The water is generally calm and the waves gentle at both beaches, making both great places for families with children young and old to swim safely and without too much stress.

Kids Checking Out the Beach at Coronado Central Beach

Biking and Beach Trails

Coronado Central Beach is part of the 24-mile-long Bayshore Bikeway cycling circuit and is ideal for cycling enthusiasts and those preferring a leisurely ride rather than a stroll.

Coronado Central Beach is also home to the Coronado Beach Trail, a popular 3.7-mile out-and-back beach trail that is accessible year-round and only has an elevation gain of about 42 feet, making it appropriate for most skill levels.

Surfer Getting Ready to Go Out at North Pacific Beach

Beach Games

There is a lot of open sand to build sand castles or play a beach game at both North Pacific Beach and Coronado Central Beach.

Coronado Central Beach is especially great for playing beach volleyball and frisbee because of its relatively flat landscape.

Sand Dunes That Spell Coronado at Coronado Central Beach

Fishing and Tide Pools

Coronado Central Beach DOES allow fishing and has tide pools in front of the Hotel del Coronado.

San Diego Zoo Sign

Bonus Activities

If you’re looking for more fun activities to do in San Diego County, consider a Go City San Diego pass which will help you save up to 55% off the cost of dozens of San Diego’s top attractions, activities and rentals of beach gear like snorkels, kayaks and surfboards.

Beyond the beach, you can visit the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum on the San Diego Bay and SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay. Plus if you like museums, the pass includes dozens in the Downtown San Diego area, Balboa Park and throughout the city.

Don’t forget to use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to enjoy even greater savings as well!

Relax at North Pacific Beach

Both beaches can be crowded during weekends, vacation times, and the middle of the day, but it’s fair game during most weekdays.

From my experience, the vibe is a lot more chill at North Pacific Beach versus Coronado Central Beach.

From ADA-accessibility and wheelchairs to parking, restrooms and shower facilities, let’s look into these features of each beach.

Boardwalk at Sunset in Front of Hotel Del Coronado

Accessibility and Parking

North Pacific Beach has free on-street parking at all of its many access points (Diamond Street, Crystal Drive, Loring Street, Felspar Street, Chalcedony Street, and Law Street Park), as well as parking at the Tourmaline Surf Park (located at the end of North Pacific Beach, or on Mission Boulevard).

Coronado Central Beach is ADA-accessible and can be accessed via Coronado Bay Bridge, The Strand, ferry, or water taxi.

You can also access free parking at Coronado Central Beach along Ocean Boulevard and at the Ferry Landing Marketplace.

Beachgoers at Coronado Central Beach

Restrooms and Shower Facilities

Both Coronado Central Beach and North Pacific Beach both have restrooms and shower facilities available to the public.

North Pacific Beach has restrooms available at both the Law Street and Diamond Street entrances, while its outdoor showers are located at its Diamond Street entrance.

Lifeguard Station at Sunset at Coronado Central Beach

Beach Accessible Wheelchairs

Coronado Central Beach does offer beach accessible wheelchairs free of charge at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower.

From drinking and smoking to lifeguards, dogs and overnight camping, here are some of the safety and rules you’ll want to know about each beach.

Sunset from the Boardwalk in North Pacific Beach

No Alcoholic Beverages

All San Diego beaches prohibit alcoholic beverages and glass containers in any area (beach, walkways, grassy areas or parking areas) which includes both Coronado Central Beach and North Pacific Beach.

No Smoking

Neither Coronado Central Beach nor North Pacific Beach allow smoking on their beaches.

No Overnight Camping

North Pacific Beach does not allow overnight camping.

Lifeguards

Both beaches have lifeguards available every day of the year, from about 9:00 AM to dusk.

Boardwalk at North Pacific Beach

Dogs on the Beach

North Pacific Beach does allow dogs, although this is during limited hours. From April 1 to October 31, you cannot bring your dog to the beach from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and from November 1 to March 31, you cannot bring your dog from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

This excludes service animals.

If you do bring your dog to the beach, you must pick up all waste and keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Nearby North Beach, also known as Dog Run Beach, is what I would call a ‘dog beach’ where your dog will be welcomed on the beach. This beach is one of a few dog friendly beaches in San Diego.

Before you go, be sure to read up on these tips for your next visit.

Nearly Empty Beach in North Pb

Best Times to Visit

During peak vacation season or during the middle of the day, traffic can be heavy at Coronado Central Beach, so a better way to avoid rush hour hassles would be to come by either ferry or water taxi.

If you plan to come to North Pacific Beach, it is best to do it on a weekday to avoid the crowds. But if you do come on the weekends, know that it can be a bit crowded so I say arrive early to secure a prime location.

If you don’t feel like trying to find a parking spot or dealing with the crowds during the busy season, North Pacific Beach is also conveniently located near public transportation.

Aerial View Looking North at Del Mar City Beach

Other Beach Options Nearby

I love these two beaches and know that the founder of Go Visit San Diego, Todd, lives not far from North Pacific Beach. But I can also say that San Diego is home to more than 75 beautiful beaches, so if these two aren’t your style, there’s 70+ more to try!

Some of my favorites include Del Mar’s Del Mar City Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach. When I’m in La Jolla, it’s La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores and Blacks Beach for some surfing for me!

If you’re in the Point Loma area, Ralph’s Surf Break is a blast or if you find yourself in the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park beach area, Garbage Beach and AB’s is a lot of fun.