Pacific Beach vs North Park Neighborhoods

The Family Standing Outside Wormwood

You can’t go wrong with seafood in Pacific Beach. Since many restaurants sit right along the Pacific Ocean, you can dine on fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean breeze with outdoor seating.

Even though I live in Pacific Beach, I head over to North Park often to try out new restaurants! From upscale options like Wormwood, a French bistro on the border with University Heights, to the menu of American comfort food at One Door North, there’s always something new to try.

North Park has a notable craft beer scene as well, with plenty of breweries and tasting rooms alongside trendy bars.

Local Fruits and Veggies at the North Park Farmers Market

Shopping

Both North Park and Pacific Beach have weekly farmers markets. These markets feature live music, handcrafted goods from vendors, locally-grown produce, and more.

North Park is also unique for having an eclectic range of shops, many of which skew toward a more youthful clientele.

Fun Wave Breaking in Pacific Beach

I’m a surfer, so I love to make the most of San Diego’s sunny weather. But even if surfing is not your speed, you’ll still have plenty to do in and around both neighborhoods!

North Pacific Beach Pier and Waves

Spend Time Outdoors

At Pacific Beach San Diego, there are plenty of opportunities to try out water sports along the coast, but you can also take a stroll along the historic Crystal Pier or visit Palisades South Park for a picnic. If you’re staying at a dog-friendly hotel with your pet, the Kate Sessions Memorial Park is a popular dog park in the area.

Walking in North Park, a Fun Afternoon

North Park’s walkability makes it ideal for walking downtown and doing some shopping or dining at a sidewalk cafe. The hiking and biking trails in nearby Balboa Park are also a great way to stretch your legs.

Ankylosaurus Replica at the San Diego Natural History Museum

Things to Do With Kids

Since North Park and Pacific Beach are popular among young adults, not many attractions in the area cater specifically to kids.

While some may say they aren’t the best neighborhood for a family vacation, that doesn’t mean you can’t still find fun things to do for all ages. I have kids and we love the neighborhoods!

North Park is generally geared toward young adults rather than families, but the museums of Balboa Park have plenty of family-friendly options, from the San Diego Zoo to the Natural History Museum.

Little Boy Having the Time of His Life at Pacific Beach

If your kids enjoy making sandcastles and jumping waves, North Pacific Beach makes for a fun afternoon. It’s a wide beach with calm waters that’s well-suited to families.

Busy Boardwalk next to Woodies in Pacific Beach

Both Pacific Beach and North Park have developed trendy reputations, with activities and attractions that cater to younger crowds.

I think in recent years that North Park has taken the edge here, having become the #1 trendiest neighborhood in San Diego County, but overall the atmosphere isn’t too different from one area to the other.

Still, each neighborhood offers its own unique set of community activities that are open to tourists and native San Diegans alike.

Surf Contest in Pacific Beach

Events and Seasonal Activities

Pacific Beach’s biggest annual event is Pacific BeachFest. BeachFest is a family-friendly music event with food vendors and more and it is held in early October.

Another popular one is Concerts on the Green (CotG), a series of concerts featuring local musicians. These concerts are held every Sunday in July and August, making mid- to late-summer one of the best times to visit.

The North Park Music Fest is a similar event, though rather than being held throughout the summer, it’s a two-day annual event that typically runs in June. In addition to musicians from across Southern California, the festival also has food trucks, vendors, and even an art display.

Other notable annual events in North Park include the SDCCU Festival of Arts, a large street fair in May with free attendance, and frequent concerts at The Observatory, previously known as The North Park Theatre.

Erika Having Fun with Stuffed Animals at Seaworld San Diego

More Ideas Nearby Pacific Beach

You’ll find SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay Park, just up the way from Pacific Beach. The park is part of the Go City San Diego Pass and is fun for the entire family year-round.

If you’re visiting in March and April each year I highly recommend stopping in on the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Diego.

If I can be honest, it’d been some time since I’d been to the park, but I recently took my family to check it out and it was a blast! I loved it so much that I did a full write-up on the Seven Seas event with tons of pictures, so be sure to check that out!

Eppig Brewing in North Park

Community Culture

North Park prides itself on having a diverse community, and many of the neighborhood’s cultural displays and events aim to highlight what makes it unique.

It’s not uncommon to see craft beer festivals, art showings, or even drag show events running throughout the year.

Sidewalk Mural in North Park

Incredible Street Art

One thing North Park and Pacific Beach have in common are the murals located throughout both neighborhoods! If you love street art like I do, these neighborhoods won’t disappoint!

In Pacific Beach, murals line the sides of buildings between Crown Point Beach and Turquoise Street. Subjects vary but include references to artists’ Mexican heritage and local culture.

Businesses are similarly decorated in brightly-colored murals around North Park, especially along Main Street, where electrical boxes have been given a brand new look.

Pacific Beach, Beach Bug Electric Shuttle

San Diego public transit is readily available in both neighborhoods. Depending on how far you want to go, you may not need it in North Park, as the area is very walkable.

If you’re lugging beach gear around Pacific Beach, walking may not be the best option. But convenient services like Beach Bug electric shuttles have made it easy to traverse this San Diego neighborhood.

Ocean and Beach next to the La Jolla Caves

Getting to Nearby Neighborhoods

Pacific Beach is close to many other San Diego beach neighborhoods, including Ocean Beach, La Jolla, and Mission Bay Park. You can easily take a day trip to Mission Bay and Mission Beach for more seaside activities and some bay tours.

Public transit also makes it simple to get to Balboa Park or even Downtown San Diego from North Park. There you can find some of the food and drink tours or an insider look at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

For more ideas, our team has put together a list of the 30 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Diego!