8 Best San Diego Beaches for Your Summer Bucket List (2024)

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With our perfectly situated location along the Pacific Coast, the city of San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in the state of California and the U.S. Our 70 miles of pristine beaches in San Diego, near-perfect weather, and amazing local landmarks make our popular seaside community the perfect place for a beach vacation this summer.Guests can choose fromsuites, junior suites, or well-appointed guestrooms at one of the best San Diego beach hotels in the Southern California area, The Dana on Mission Bay. Overlooking the water, our pet-friendly San Diego hotel offers a plethora of amenities, including a full-service marina and easy access to all the best beaches in San Diego for a perfect summer beach trip for family, couples, or groups looking to have some fun in the sun.

8 Best Beaches in San Diego, CA

Mission Beach (1.4 Miles to Hotel)

Right around the corner from our Mission Bay hotel, Mission Beach San Diego offers a relaxing beach day with a great family atmosphere everyone will enjoy. From volleyball courts and bike rentals to restrooms and lifeguard stations, Mission Beach has it all, including a 7-acre, 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk and playground called Belmont Park. Established in 1925, the seaside amusem*nt park has carnival rides, arcades, and casual beach bars and restaurants to enjoy. The best family beach in the area, Mission Beach, offers a variety of options for fun by the water.

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(Photo:@beachhousesd)

Ocean Beach (2.1 Miles to Hotel)

Ocean Beach San Diego is the perfect place for spending summer days soaking up the California sunshine and summer nights building a bonfire. Less crowded than most beaches in the area, Ocean Beach offers a quiet time along the shore that locals love. Expect lifeguard stations, free parking lots, as well as restrooms and outdoor showers for beachgoers. Ocean Beach is a perfect choice for beach lovers who like to gather for games and relaxation along the shore.

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(Photo: @jamie.tomlinson_photography)

Bermuda Beach (2.8 Miles to Hotel)

Follow the stairs down to the soft, inviting sand at Bermuda Beach for an uncrowded, relaxing day by the water. Plan for a calm and slow-paced afternoon as you enjoy this quiet stretch of sand that’s far away from the hustle and bustle of the activity-filled beaches near the Boardwalk. Views of the Ocean Beach Pier can be seen in the distance while large moss-covered rocks line the surf for easy exploration during low tide.

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(Photo:@tillycake)

Pacific Beach (2.8 Miles to Hotel)

Looking for a classically upbeat good time? Then make your way to Pacific Beach. A young, energetic and fashionable crowd convenes on Pacific Beach’s shoreline in order to enjoy the yoga studios, cafés, boutiques, nightclubs, bars and niche restaurants along the boardwalk, ensuring that there’s truly never a dull moment anytime you choose to visit.

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Sunset Cliffs (3.5 Miles to Hotel)

Located in Sunset Cliffs National Park, this beach offers some of the most beautiful shoreline in California. The 68-acre beach park is perfectly situated along the northwestern edge of Point Loma and the views are stunning with features like dramatic cliff formations, tide pools, and coastal sea caves. Water access is limited, but the views are worth the trip! Be sure to stay for sunset and join the locals as they enjoy one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean in the state.

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Coronado Beach (9.2 Miles to Hotel)

Coronado Beach is renowned for its sparkling sands, courtesy of the mineral mica. This family-friendly beach offers gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. With wide, flat shores, it’s perfect for activities like beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls.

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La Jolla Cove (10.7 Miles to Hotel)

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect beach in San Diego, La Jolla Cove is consistently voted as the most beautiful beach in the U.S. With its near-perfect location by popular La Jolla Village with restaurants and shopping as well as a secluded cove that has great swimming, sunbathing, and sea lions playing, this San Diego beach is a must-see when visiting Southern California.

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Torrey Pines State Beach Park (16.9 Miles to Hotel)

Located in La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Beach Park has gorgeous views and ideal wind conditions for paragliders and hang gliders. Guests who enjoy beautiful cliffs and aerial views of the coastline will love this beach. Torrey Pines State Beach Park is the perfect place to spend the day exploring and taking in the unique views offered at this magical beach location in California.

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Ready to Book One of the Best San Diego Beach Hotels This Summer?

The Dana on Mission Bay is ready to make your summer trip to San Diego one of the best vacations ever. Our waterfront location on 10 acres with a stunning tropical landscape is convenient to all the best beaches in Southern California and our team is ready to make your visit an unforgettable one. Book your waterfront San Diego accommodations today and plan the best California beach escape for your next summer vacation. With resort-style amenities, an onsite marina, and proximity to the best beaches in San Diego, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at The Dana on Mission Bay today!

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8 Best San Diego Beaches for Your Summer Bucket List (2024)
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