While the city of San Diego may be vast, it is broken up into several fantastic neighborhoods. Each of them has something unique to offer its locals and visitors. We at Penny Realty love our neighborhood of Pacific Beach. It is filled with great shops, restaurants, and of course, a beautiful piece of the California coastline. There are so many fun things to do in Pacific Beach and you could easily plan an entire trip in the several blocks that make up our section of San Diego. Looking for our top things to do in Pacific Beach? Read on to find out more!
These are just a few great ideas of things to do on a San Diego beach vacation. Request a copy of our FREE Travel Guide to learn more about even more things to do in Pacific Beach!
About the Pacific Beach Neighborhood
Pacific Beach is located slightly north of downtown San Diego. It is nestled between La Jolla and Mission Bay, and Mission Beach. This wonderful area along the San Diego coastline extends approximately 3 miles along the Pacific Ocean and stretches east to Interstate 5. The vibe you get from the neighborhood is a younger one. There is also a great surf town feel to everything as well. This area is popular not only with younger crowds for the night scene but families too. You can see many young children with parents building castles on the beaches, playing in the parks, and grabbing a bite to eat.
Here are the Best Things to Do in Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in San Diego and there really is never a shortage of things to do in Pacific Beach. The area boasts wonderful oceanfront scenery and a laid-back residential community that is home to people of all ages who love the water. Here is just a taste of what you’ll find in the area.
Dining in the Neighborhood
Pacific Beach provides an adventure in dining. It is home to a wide variety of excellent restaurants that invite you to experience new flavors. Pacific Beach also features some of the best sports bars, nightclubs, pubs and coffee houses around. While you’ll find dozens of eateries to choose from, here are our top two recommendations:
Pacific Beach Fish Shop– Unlike many other seafood restaurants, this one prides itself on a customizable menu. You get to create your favorite dish each and every time you are there. It all starts with the freshest fish. Then you choose the marinade and end it with how you want it served. Examples are tacos, salads, sandwiches, or a fish plate.
PB Shore Club– If you are looking to enjoy a meal with an unparalleled view, then this restaurant is for you. No matter where you are in the restaurant, you can have a view. Their menu consists of Mexican items made with a Californian flair. The drink menu consists of beers and cocktails that pair perfectly with any dish.
Spending a Day in Pacific Beach at Crystal Pier
Surfing is among some of the best things to do in Pacific Beach. The one-mile stretch from Tourmaline Surfing Park to Crystal Pier is home to serious surfers and sailboarders year-round. Just north of the Crystal Pier, you’ll find cliffs that border the immediate beach area and provide a spectacular ocean overlook. The two miles of beach from Crystal Pier to Pacific Beach Drive is a great place for swimmers, sunbathers and boogie boarders, It’s the ideal place to build a huge sand castle, too. In fact, you may see a 10 to 15–foot sand castle being built by the community for special events! The boardwalk in this area is dotted with shops and restaurants with patios and decks for avid ocean watchers.
Water Sports Nearby on Mission Bay
In addition to activities at the Crystal Pier, you’ll find great things to do on nearby Mission Bay!
Mission Bay Cruises– Any time you have a chance to be on the water, consider a Mission Bay cruise. Our local bay is just stunning and has so many scenes to offer you. Our top suggestion is to hop aboard the Bahia Belle. They run cruises day and night from two locations, the Catamaran Resort Hotel or the Bahia Resort Hotel. Their day cruises are great for families and the night ones become a popular floating nightclub!
Mission Bay Sailing– Another great way to enjoy the water is by going on a relaxing sailing trip. In Pacific Beach, there are many different companies that can host you. You can rent your own boat or go on a guided tour. Interested in learning? There are sailing classes as well!
Mission Bay by Jet Ski– Lastly, a great adventure on Mission Bay is to see it by a jet ski. This is the best way if you are looking to be on the water for just a short time. Like sailing, you can rent your own or go on a guided tour. Whichever one you pick, it will be an amazing time.
Biking at Pacific Beach
While you can easily explore Pacific Beach by foot, it can be a lot more fun by bike. Rentals at Pacific Beach Bikes are a breeze. You can rent everything online and just enjoy it when you get here. You can choose to pick up your rental in-store or have it delivered to you. If you are looking for add-ons, they have those as well!
Plan Your Vacation to Pacific Beach Today!
As you can see, our part of San Diego is charming and filled with fun. Thinking of coming to California soon? Consider renting a vacation home from us at Penny Realty. We have rentals all over Pacific Beach and beyond. They come in all shapes in sizes, ideal for any group size. Contact us today and be our neighbor, even if it is only for a week!
Pacific Beach is a special spot for vacationers or long-term renters in the winter and summer. Penny Realty offers a wide variety of California vacation rentals and long-term rentals. You can browse our rentals online today. You’ll find photos and full descriptions with every property listing to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.
