Photo: South Carlsbad State Beach

San Diego has miles of sandy beaches. In North San Diego County, you could literally walk from Oceanside’s Harbor Beach to the south end of La Jolla Shores. There would only be a few minor detours over some nearby bridges to cross over the water inlets.

Farther down on La Jolla peninsula, the beaches are very different. The beaches are small, isolated small strips or patches of sand, hidden by cliffs and rocks. The best known of these beaches are La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool.

Like with North County beaches, the beaches along Pacific Beach and Mission Beach form a long, continuous stretch of sandy beach, about 4 miles. At the north end is Tourmaline Surfing Park and south end is South Mission Beach. The famous Oceanfront Boardwalk runs parallel to these beaches for about 3 1/2 miles.

Across the San Diego Channel, Ocean  Beach Park is an isolated sandy beach. Beyond that farther south is Sunset Cliffs, which has two small isolated sandy beaches.

Coronado’s resort-style beach is probably the best beach in San Diego and one of the best in the world. Silver Strand State Beach is a long, sandy beach, isolated along The Silver Strand.

Imperial Beach is the southwestern most beach in the USA. It is a long, sandy beach, good for walking or any other beach activity.

Get more information on San Diego Beaches, including the best San Diego beaches, family beaches, walking beaches, romantic beaches, beach dining, beach events, the San Diego beach directory and much more at San Diego Coast Life.