Pacific Beach vs Imperial Beach Neighborhoods

The shopping and dining scenes in Pacific Beach and Imperial Beach have a lot of similarities, but there are unique aspects of each as well. Let’s have a look!

Tuesday Farmers Market in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach’s Stores and Dining

Since it’s right along the ocean, seafood is king in Pacific Beach. Restaurants that offer open-air dining right off the beach are my favorite, plus there are some unique places to grab a drink too, like the speakeasy-themed bar The Grass Skirt.

As for shopping, Pacific Beach holds a weekly farmers market which our team highlighted in our Best Farmers Markets in San Diego article, where you can pick up local produce and other handmade goods.

There are also some surf shops and more “touristy” places where you can pick up souvenirs.

Coronado Brewing Company in Imperial Beach

The Shops and Restaurants of Imperial Beach

If you’re looking for seaside dining, Imperial Beach has you covered. You can even grab a meal at the end of the Imperial Beach Pier, which is gorgeous during sunset.

Just off the beach, there’s an assortment of shops at the Portwood Pier Plaza, which also has a stage for live entertainment. It’s also only a short drive from Las Americas Premium Outlets, one of our picks for San Diego’s best malls, though the shopping center is technically located in San Ysidro.

Enjoying a Margarita in Pacific Beach

Comparing the Dining and Shopping

You can get a great meal or have a fun time shopping in either neighborhood, but I prefer the variety of stores and restaurants in Pacific Beach, which never fail to feel fun and new every time I’m there.

My Winner: Pacific Beach

Are you looking for ways to make the most of San Diego’s sunny weather?

Let’s compare the outdoor attractions and other recreational options at both beaches.

Park at Law Street in Pacific Beach

Leisure and Rec in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach’s best-known recreational center is Pacific Beach Park, which also has picnic tables and a playground for the kids.

There’s also Palisades South Park, where you can take a stroll by the ocean, and Kate Sessions Memorial Park, which has both paved paths and a nature habitat.

Looking Out to the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Imperial Beach’s Parks and Trails

Imperial Beach has a variety of hiking spots to choose from, with my favorite being the Tijuana Estuary trail through the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Other trails can be found along the southern end of the San Diego Bay and in Otay Valley Regional Park.

Families can head to Dunes Park, which has playgrounds, a basketball court, and paths for walking and biking. The park also has picnic tables and beach access.

In addition to outdoor activities, Imperial Beach also has a wellness scene with some spas and yoga centers. Swing by the South Bay Drive-In Theatre to catch a movie, or share some drinks at a beer garden.

Discounted Gear Rentals and More

Are you looking for deals on renting a surfboard or are you interested in visiting attractions near each neighborhood?

I recommend having a look at the Go City San Diego pass. The pass provides the cheapest admission prices to attractions in and around both neighborhoods.

Use our discount code GVSD5OFF to save even more on gear rentals, tours, museum admission, and more.

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Beach in Imperial Beach

Which Neighborhood Has Better Rec Options?

If you’re looking to spend a lot of time outside, Imperial Beach is the place to be. Hiking, birdwatching, and drive-through movies round out the list of activities on offer.

My Winner: Imperial Beach

Community events and cultural displays aren’t just for the benefit of San Diegans; they can be fun to experience as a tourist too!

Surf Contest in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach’s Community Events

One of the first things you’ll notice walking through Pacific Beach is the murals on the sides of buildings. From Crown Point Beach to Turquoise Street, these murals add pops of color to the landscape and showcase the diversity of local culture.

During the summer, the San Diego neighborhood’s Concerts on the Green (CotG) series brings live music to the coast. Concerts are held on Sundays in July and August.

Sunset with Spirit of Imperial Beach Statue

Imperial Beach’s Culture and Art

Though Imperial Beach is one of the smaller neighborhoods in San Diego County, there’s no shortage of culture on display. The Outdoor Surf Museum highlights IB’s surfing culture by showcasing the lineage of surfboard designs.

The Surf Museum isn’t the only example of public artworks on display in Imperial Beach. There’s also the iconic “Surfhenge” at the start of the pier, plus the sculptures in Dunes Park.

Walkway onto Imperial Beach City Beach

Our Choice for Community Art

This was another tough choice for me as the summer Concerts on the Green in PB are a lot of fun. But again, we’re here today to help you make tough decisions!

Between the two neighborhoods, Imperial Beach’s public sculptures and artworks really come alive. To see everything, take the Imperial Beach Art Walking Tour, a self-guided tour of a half-mile trail up the coast of IB.

My Winner: Imperial Beach

San Diego has many public transit options, but not all of them serve every neighborhood.

Pacific Beach, Beach Bug Electric Shuttle

Getting Around Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach’s public transportation is excellent, with many ways to get around. These include bus lines, the trolley, and the COASTER. There’s also the Beach Bug, an electric shuttle service that will take you anywhere around the neighborhood and can be called with an app.

If you’d prefer to drive, most points of interest have street parking, though it’s worth considering leaving the car at home.

Inside Back of the Circuit Electric Shuttles

Ease of Travel in Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach is more of a residential area, so public transit isn’t as widely available.

Thankfully, it’s a very bike-friendly area. But if you’re looking to travel to attractions in nearby neighborhoods, having a car or calling a rideshare may be easier.

PB Beach Bug in the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade

Which Neighborhood Has Better Transportation

Finally a decision that to me was pretty easy!

Between the Beach Bug and San Diego’s usual options for getting around in more tourist-heavy areas, Pacific Beach is easier to navigate!

You can go completely car-free with minimal trouble.

My Winner: Pacific Beach