Ocean Beach, San Diego: Address, Ocean Beach Reviews: 4/5
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach
4
About
One-mile long beach features a municipal pier for walking and fishing plus designated areas reserved for swimming and surfing.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Best nearby
Restaurants
486 within 3 miles
Hodad's
2,325
454 ft$ • American • Bar
Pizza Port Ocean Beach
304
0.1 mi$ • American • Bar • Pizza
Mike's Taco Club
113
157 ft$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Southwestern
South Beach Bar & Grille
513
155 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Raglan Public House
108
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Wonderland Ocean Pub
232
154 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
The Joint
92
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt
74
169 ft$ • Dessert
Old Townhouse Restaurant
91
0.2 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
Newbreak Coffee & Cafe
96
363 ft$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Attractions
229 within 6 miles
Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
46
416 ftBeaches
Ocean Beach Antique Mall
2
0.2 miAntique Shops
Ocean Beach Farmers Market
9
0.2 miFarmers Markets
Newport Avenue Antique Center
6
0.3 miAntique Shops
Gianni Buonomo Vintners
11
0.3 miWineries & Vineyards
Belching Beaver Brewery Ocean Beach
5
0.3 miBreweries
Newport Avenue Antiques
4
0.3 miAntique Shops
Vignettes
1
0.3 miAntique Shops
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
2,091
1 miParks
Mission Beach Boardwalk
786
0.9 miHistoric Walking Areas • Biking Trails
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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
4.0
846 reviews
Excellent
393
Very good
259
Average
106
Poor
51
Terrible
37
Karen C
St. John's, Canada3,016 contributions
Feb 2020
The beach is nice and there is a nice long pier, great for photos at sunset.
There are lots of restaurants in the area. Very little parking. There was some sort of street food festival when we were there and 1 street was closed down.
Lots of people around, mainly young hippies and druggies and homeless people. People selling kitsch and marijuana, telling fortunes, etc.
There was a guy freaking out on the pier, running, shouting, swearing, it was a bit disconcerting! At one point I thought he was going to jump off the edge!
But there were plenty of young women jogging alone so it must be a fairly safe place.
There are lots of restaurants in the area. Very little parking. There was some sort of street food festival when we were there and 1 street was closed down.
Lots of people around, mainly young hippies and druggies and homeless people. People selling kitsch and marijuana, telling fortunes, etc.
There was a guy freaking out on the pier, running, shouting, swearing, it was a bit disconcerting! At one point I thought he was going to jump off the edge!
But there were plenty of young women jogging alone so it must be a fairly safe place.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Adventurer368193
3 contributions
Feb 2021
We enjoy bike ridding around the bay and downtown OB. We felt safe and my kids enjoy exploring the sea life. OB has a dog beach that is awesome! Our dog enjoys the freedom of running in the water! My kids started learning to surf, OB has the perfect beach to learn! The farmers market is super cute and fun! and the Sunsets are just breath taking!
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MyBucketListTrips
204 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Clean and family friendly. The locals keep it clean, which is very nice. If you are troubled by the homeless, stay away. They are unavoidable in Ocean Beach, but they also mind their own business and don’t pose a threat. My family of four enjoyed the beach.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew K
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Do you like boundary less homeless people? Dirtbags? Crappy dive bars filled with aggressively drunk dirt bags? Zero parking? Then ocean beach is the community for you! You too can pretend you are part of a "seaside hippy community" with "character." You can witness the nightly brawls on Newport Avenue as you dodge meth heads on your way back from the dirtiest beach in San Diego.
I hate when I have to go to this part of town because my other friends refuse to grow out of their 24 year old dive bar phase. Avoid OB if you have kids or standards.
I hate when I have to go to this part of town because my other friends refuse to grow out of their 24 year old dive bar phase. Avoid OB if you have kids or standards.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Msia52
Fairhaven, MA2,436 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
One of the worst beach experiences in San Diego. This beach is filthy. The streets are littered with trash and homeless population everywhere. They crap on the sidewalk and you can smell urine. The public bathrooms were disgusting. People sleeping on the beach. The businesses that are near the beach are decent but too bad you feel unsafe walking around the beach there.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Candice
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Family
As a Southern California native we have been all over San Diego, but had yet to visit OB... WELL it’s pretty awful!!! I would never go back again, not a beach if you have children. It is reminesent of Venice beach; very dirty and so so so many homeless. Which is sad because it’s not their fault that they fell upon hard times lol but the asking for alcohol or asking if we wanted to buy weed was a bit much. Please visit a nicer beach such as ocean side, solana, Del Mar, Encinitas, or even La Jolla! Because if you have a family and visiting, lol you will be very surprised when you get here!
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kim M
Sammamish, WA60 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
I took my dogs down to Ocean Beach around 1pm recently. I found a parking spot and was getting my dogs out of the car and in front of me there were 2 obviously homeless men going through the garbage. As I continued to the boardwalk I passed many many homeless people. Some obviously living out of their cars in the main strip as well as some camped out in a park close to the lifeguard station. I walked by the public bathroom by the beach and the stench was awful. Very very dirty area. Disappointed to say the least. I was on the look out for a place for my husband and I to have dinner that night but after my quick walk there I was not coming back. I feel bad for the few restaurants there and the shops and really hope the city can get their act together and clean it up. We will not be back to this area sadly.
Written January 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael O
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Great beach if you live nearby or get really lucky and find parking. In the past it was at least possible to find parking in the summer but it's pretty much impossible now. Drove from Phoenix and got a room, tried to find parking at every beach in the area on a Sunday including this one but no luck. After two hours of trying, drove back to the hotel, wasted trip. I will never visit these ridiculous beaches again in my life. San Diego beaches are really there for locals within walking distance. If you are thinking of visiting from out of town on the weekend forget about it, period. Go to LA where the planners actually had the brains to provide parking for their beaches.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
C Y
4 contributions
Jul 2021
Visited Ocean Beach with family in July, 2021. So happy to get away after the pandemic settled a bit.
My experience was very positive. We stayed in a lovely condo a block or so from the beach - fairly quiet and no problems sleeping. We walked down to the shops a couple of times and searched for souvenirs. They have a street fair, I think on Wednesdays - very enjoyable. Musicians, lots going on.
There are homeless people, but no one bothered us and no problems with anyone. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and feel of the community. Would definitely go back again.
My experience was very positive. We stayed in a lovely condo a block or so from the beach - fairly quiet and no problems sleeping. We walked down to the shops a couple of times and searched for souvenirs. They have a street fair, I think on Wednesdays - very enjoyable. Musicians, lots going on.
There are homeless people, but no one bothered us and no problems with anyone. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and feel of the community. Would definitely go back again.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gardengel-IoW
Crawley, UK579 contributions
Feb 2020
Average seaside place. Parking was free but didnt really like the look of it. Mainly surfers and fisherman. Long concrete pier with extended arm at the end but view back wasnt really worth the walk.
I am sure if I lived or was staying nearby I would be pleased to near the area but not worth a trip for a tourist, sorry. You may well be pleased about that.
I am sure if I lived or was staying nearby I would be pleased to near the area but not worth a trip for a tourist, sorry. You may well be pleased about that.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kristenkupfner
Knoxville, TN15 contributions
Our family of 5 (3 teenagers) will be staying in OB for a week this month - our flight comes in early however our check in is 4pm. Looking for recommendations on how to spend 6+ hours... hopefully some of the time indoors.
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
Do you have a rental car? If so, drive down the peninsula to visit the beaches to the south of ocean beach. There are some great rocky areas you can join out into the ocean. This is against the law. I would only advise to do it if the locals are doing it. The waves hitting the rocks are great there!!!! You're hotel would probably let you check in a little early. Give them a call to find out. Of course, you're near Sea World which is a fun place to EXPLORE our oceans.
Kaye S
Coronado, CA2 contributions
Dear Judith, I am looking for a one day "getaway" to do some brainstorming with a writing partner. Can you tell me about the accommodation?
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
If you drive down the peninsula that Ocean Beach is the basis. You can drive South towards the end of the peninsula. The area is FANTASTIC with the strong Pacific Ocean waves hitting the coastal rocks. This area inspires my with deep thought of relaxation. If I was a writer, this section of the coast line can give a lot to expiration of the beauty of our oceans.
Jamie J
3 contributions
Wondering about safety and family environment. Anything we should know before we book ? Thinking about ocean beach hotel ?
Corinne F
San Diego, CA49 contributions
I think Ocean Beach is great! There are some homeless in the area, which is common for beach areas. I don't think you should have any issues.
Ekarika05
5 contributions
Are there places nearby that rent out fishing poles or beach canopies?
Hot48cricket
Seattle, WA75 contributions
Crystal Pier Bate and Tackle on the Crystal Pier rent poles!! I'm not sure if there is a place that rents canopies.
Lorenabat80
Milan, Italy1 contribution
is possible to go from Ocean Beach to La Jolla by bike?
Cortney W
Ardmore, OK22 contributions
We are planning on visiting with family March 1-5. We have many things planned and really want to fish off the pier during our visit. I know it is open 24 hours. Is it easy to see at night? We will be getting there around 5 and are excited about watching the sunset. But I was a little worried about fishing so late. Any advice?
Becky W
Caldwell, ID
I live in Idaho and need to know what the temperature is like in Ocean Beach in the third week of March?
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Beach
- We recommend booking Ocean 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 6 Ocean Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ocean Beach:
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour (From $89.00)
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (From $938.67)
- GoCar Talking GoCar 3Hr Tour: Point Loma Adventure (From $115.28)
- San Diego Whale Watching Tour (From $65.00)
- Private Point Loma Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar (From $380.41)
- Hotels near Ocean Beach:
- (0.01 mi) Ocean Beach Hotel
- (0.02 mi) OB Pier 3
- (0.02 mi) OB Pier Large Family
- (0.02 mi) OB Pier 2
- (0.02 mi) OB Pier 1
- Restaurants near Ocean Beach:
- (0.03 mi) Ob Surf Lodge
- (0.03 mi) Wonderland Ocean Pub
- (0.03 mi) South Beach Bar & Grille
- (0.03 mi) Mike's Taco Club
- (0.03 mi) Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt
- Attractions near Ocean Beach:
- (0.08 mi) Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
- (0.10 mi) Ocean Beach Surf School
- (0.08 mi) Surf Camp San Diego - Day Lessons
- (0.07 mi) San Diego Surf Lessons
- (0.07 mi) Sunshine Company Saloon