Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach
4.5
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Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
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444 within 3 miles
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195 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,299 reviews
Excellent
807
Very good
380
Average
85
Poor
15
Terrible
12
Eileen I
Guilford, CT17 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a beautiful beach with plenty of options for beach front sports bars, a few a little more upscale type places too. Yes its not completely pristine sidewalk wise like La Jolla or Coronado but i prefer to have a more casual relaxed atmosphere so its perfect for me. they do have a few homesless people but its not over run with homeless people and some people find them to be interesting and do not let them ruin their time at the beach.
There are many beachfront hotels some looks little trashy so maybe pay more to stay in #1 or #2 rated places which was Tower 23 or Pacific Terrace. I would not rent a house directly oceanfront because too much people traffic.cute. there are many beach houses to rent on side alleys which are adorable in north mission beach or two blocks in on sail bay and walkable to funspots of PB..
There are many beachfront hotels some looks little trashy so maybe pay more to stay in #1 or #2 rated places which was Tower 23 or Pacific Terrace. I would not rent a house directly oceanfront because too much people traffic.cute. there are many beach houses to rent on side alleys which are adorable in north mission beach or two blocks in on sail bay and walkable to funspots of PB..
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sphoorti
Pune, India82 contributions
Mar 2022
Stunning views and waves. We were lucky to see dolphins play for 15 mins. The pier offers a great place to enjoy the calm ocean and sunsets. The pier is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cottage rentals.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicole W
Boise, ID39 contributions
Aug 2020
The beach is amazing. Long stretches of smooth sand along a great ocean for surfing, boogie boards, and swimming. Fun boardwalk, and tons of shopping and restaurants around. Only 4-stars because it's pretty dirty off the beach. If they put some city tax money into street/sidewalk cleaning, it would make a huge difference. There is quite a homeless population along the beach area.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveler1967
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Stayed in room 39 for 3 nights in JAN 2023.
Pros: clean room and great location to the beach
Cons: Everything was broken and the staff response was poor.
We had no heat, the room phones no longer have service, the fridge froze everything even on the lowest setting, the toilet was not secured to the floor and there are 2 areas of the subflooring that are broken so you step into a weak area of the carpet.
We had to walk to the front desk to make requests since the room phones don't work and they often don't answer the phone. Can't leave a message because the mailbox is full. We asked for help with the heat and was told they would "try" to send someone but never did. The sister hotel (Beachside) did send a small space heater, but that broke after an hour. Staff was friendly but not responsive.
Pros: clean room and great location to the beach
Cons: Everything was broken and the staff response was poor.
We had no heat, the room phones no longer have service, the fridge froze everything even on the lowest setting, the toilet was not secured to the floor and there are 2 areas of the subflooring that are broken so you step into a weak area of the carpet.
We had to walk to the front desk to make requests since the room phones don't work and they often don't answer the phone. Can't leave a message because the mailbox is full. We asked for help with the heat and was told they would "try" to send someone but never did. The sister hotel (Beachside) did send a small space heater, but that broke after an hour. Staff was friendly but not responsive.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe L
Peoria, AZ9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Love this beach, not crowded at all. We stayed at Pacific Terrace Hotel right on the boardwalk and beach. We'll be going back there again. The beach was beautiful, clean and water was reasonably warm at 69 degrees. A fair amount of people walking, jogging, and riding bikes. Felt totally safe the whole time we were there, only a few homeless people around but very non threatening. There are a good amount of places to eat within a half mile walking distance.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beach_Addicts
Grand Cayman316 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I loved it here...but I am all about being seaside, waterfront...anything that gets me near the water. A great long stretch of boardwalk (a sunny, busy day over Christmas break) which was perfectly fine with me.
A few little surf/beach type shops and some on the route and early morning surfers catching a wave.
Sadly, I had a very immobile person with me and I didn’t get as much out of this day as I could have, on this great stretch of shoreline.
And with it’s position in the coast-absolutely stunning sunsets from this brach! Enjoy!
A few little surf/beach type shops and some on the route and early morning surfers catching a wave.
Sadly, I had a very immobile person with me and I didn’t get as much out of this day as I could have, on this great stretch of shoreline.
And with it’s position in the coast-absolutely stunning sunsets from this brach! Enjoy!
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave W
Saint Louis, MO133 contributions
May 2022
We stayed in this neighborhood on Law Street. Just a great relaxed classic southern California feel. Lots of interesting locally owned small restaurants, shops + cafes on Mission Blvd. No national chains which was nice for a change. Tons of surfers in the morning which was fun to watch. Walk the boardwalk (asphalt trail) along the beach down to Mission Beach for more great people watching and local cafes/bars/vendors. Be alert, stay to the right, and watch out for skaters + bikers. But people were very courteous + friendly. You can rent bikes if you want to ride. Some homeless people, but not a problem. Nice clean beaches too, but finding parking can be difficult at times. Public restrooms available. Great location - just 15 minutes away from La Jolla + 20 minutes from airport in good traffic.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
elm7501
Saint Louis, MO180 contributions
Jul 2021
This was our first time to Pacific Beach (PB, as the locals call it!) and it was Awesome. There is something for Everyone. We stayed in the only high rise condo on the beach which was great and had the best views! There are plenty of places to eat either on the beach or just one block over and the boardwalk was Always hoppin'! Definitely would recommend!
PB is also a convenient 20 minute drive to Everything; La Jolla to the North, Coronado and Point Loma to the South and Old Town San Diego to the East! Lots to do!!
PB is also a convenient 20 minute drive to Everything; La Jolla to the North, Coronado and Point Loma to the South and Old Town San Diego to the East! Lots to do!!
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT850 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I stayed here for a week’s vacation during the Christmas holiday. We found a clean beach and lots of surf. There were a ton of people on the Boardwalk, which got to be annoying because we were on foot and spent a great deal of our time trying not to get run over by the bikers, skateboarders, scooters, etc. One of the main reasons we decided on Pacific Beach was so we could watch New Years Eve fireworks from our beachside hotel. Well..... there were no fireworks on New Years Eve, even though several people from the area said there would be, so that was a bit of a disappointment. We ended up not spending much time at the beach. There were better things to do in the area.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Howard B
Oceanside, CA96 contributions
May 2019
My wife and I have been San Diego County residents for about 30 years, and always try to come down here several times a year. The town fronts a very pretty beach and is a haven for surfers. The Oceanfront Walk is spectacular! It is like a cleaner, safer version of Venice Beach up in LA. The Walk is great exercise as it is about 5 miles ling and goes from Pacific Beach down through Mission Beach. THere are lots of fun attractions along the way, some palatial beachfront homes that you walk right in front of, lots of young people sunning on the beach, bicycling, jogging, walking ( and a fair number of us older folks too) and having a good time. You can walk from the ocean to San Diego Bay, on the Eastern side of this peninsula, through pedestrian-only lanes filled with beautiful foliage and small beach cottages in less than a mile (about 15 minutes). There are numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores all over the area (that are easy to walk to). Great exercise and a good time for all.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jenniferann
Chicago, IL68 contributions
First time going with family to San Diego. We are torn between staying at Humphrey half moon inn, Bahia resort and ocean View inn. Suggestions?
jenniferann
Chicago, IL68 contributions
I meant Ocean Park Inn.
adzromero
Denver, CO4 contributions
Hello
My family of 5 are heading to pacific beach for a hockey tournament
We have to be in the Gaslamp for a few days but we woul like to stay at the beach.
Can anyone advise is this is possible
With the traffic on a holiday weekend like Labor Day?
goldmann
Lund, Sweden548 contributions
Plenty of hotels everywhere. Just pick one. If you are lucky and there are rooms take the Pier.
se2525
Astoria, NY18 contributions
Is there a certain part to stay if I only want to drink, shop, walk and beach?
Michelle G
Rio Rico, AZ12 contributions
Ocean Park Inn on Grand is my favorite go to spot
Jennifer L
9 contributions
Is the neighborhood safe where the blue sea beach hotel is located?
290penny
San Diego, CA45 contributions
Yes it's safe. Lotsa people always in PB walking, biking, scooters, etc. Younger crowd - 20'3-30's mostly but fun atmosphere
Rhoda R
Orinda, CA1 contribution
Is Pacific Beach in Oceanside good for families and boogie boarding or is it mostly limited to surfing?
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
I do not see why you would not be able to boogie boarding at this beach. I did not see any signs that indicate you can not on this beach. For sure, it's AWESOME for families. Even good for dudes with service dog. :)
Christopher M
Brookfield, WI198 contributions
Where is a good place to park for free?
Jperson1
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
We normally stay off of Mission Blvd. so, I would say West of Mission Blvd. between Beryl St. and Chalcedony St. would be best parking conditions.
JoyNCH
Clovis, CA311 contributions
I am planning a week long vacation to San Diego for next summer, with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World being part of the trip. We would like to stay in an affordably priced hotel on the beach (or with great views of it) or a rental home, within 30 min of those locations. Can anyone recommend a hotel or vacation rental agency in the area?
kristinaquinones
Carlsbad, CA76 contributions
I can't say I know of any affordably priced hotels on the beach. All rentals on the beach are very sought after which drives the rental prices. I would look into going a tad bit inland to get the better prices. Everything is pretty close to the Zoo and Sea World from inland San Diego.
JoyNCH
Clovis, CA311 contributions
I am planning a week long vacation to San Diego for next summer, with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World being part of the trip. We would like to stay in an affordably priced hotel on the beach (or with great views of it) or a rental home, within 30 min of those locations. Can anyone recommend a hotel or vacation rental agency in the area?
Citofworld72
San Diego, CA68 contributions
Hi! I would recommend to look for a house through AirB&B in the Pacific Beach area: North of Garnet Avenue between East between Bayard and Jewel street. Supermarkets are available in many locations allowing you to save money by cooking/eating at home. You can also choose between a great variety of restaurants available in the area, but they are very expensive in my opinion. You will need a car and you should not have a problem finding parking for the most part.
San Diego and PB are very popular so you should definitively book 6 months in advance to get the best possible choice. Do not miss PB beach and a walk on the Ocean Blvd between PB and MB (Mission Beach) if you love the ocean and it is for free.
mariasomers
Limerick, Ireland5 contributions
Any recommendations for good bars around Pacific beach?
Jperson1
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
Check it out the area on the weekends there are endless places for blocks, especially fun for those who like to bar hop! You won't even need to drive because they all are within walking distance. Or if else, jump on one of the many electric scooters that now have arrived on scene.
Pacific Beach (San Diego) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Beach
- We recommend booking Pacific Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Pacific Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Pacific Beach:
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour (From $105.00)
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (From $1,173.34)
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour (From $125.00)
- Visit San Diego's Beaches on a Private, Driving Tour (From $395.00)
- An Exhilarating San Diego Photoshoot! (From $40.00)
- Hotels near Pacific Beach:
- (0.22 mi) Surestay Hotel by Best Western - San Diego/pacific Beach
- (0.19 mi) Holiday Inn Express San Diego Seaworld-Beach Area, an IHG Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Live like a local - Studio with huge backyard
- (0.14 mi) No bad days in San Diego!
- (0.37 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
- Restaurants near Pacific Beach:
- (0.24 mi) Sushi Ota
- (0.23 mi) Lanna Thai Cuisine
- (0.23 mi) Rubio's
- (0.22 mi) Wienerschnitzel
- (0.26 mi) Wasabi Sushi
- Attractions near Pacific Beach:
- (0.22 mi) Bearded Bandits Toy Rentals
- (0.27 mi) La Jolla Water Sports
- (0.72 mi) Mission Bay Park
- (0.34 mi) Mission Bay Golf Course
- (4.54 mi) La Jolla Cove