arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin
Discover

Ocean Beach

All are welcome to this funky vintage beach town, including surfers, skaters and furry friends

Find your Groove in Ocean Beach

Just north of Point Loma, this small beach town is a favorite among locals for its blissful mix of activities and pastimes, including surfing, sunbathing near the pier and strolling among the many surf shops, taco stands and unique local boutiques. Ocean Beach boasts a throwback vibe of vintage SoCal, coupled with friendly locals, great dining and microbrews, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Where to go

  • The Pier at the foot of Newport Avenue is one of the longest piers in Southern California, extending a half mile out to sea. The Ocean Beach Pier is one of the few places in San Diego where you can fish without a valid California fishing license. (Note: The Ocean Beach Pier will be closed until at least Spring 2024 for repairs and maintenance.)
  • Dog Beach is wedged between the Mission Bay Harbor Channel and the jetty at the north end of Ocean Beach. Here, pets are not only allowed on the beach, but are permitted to play leash-free with other canine beach-lovers.

Parking

  • There is a public parking lot located at the foot of Voltaire Street, another lot at the north end of the beach and Dog Beach, one at the foot of Santa Monica Avenue next to the main lifeguard station, and a large lot at the foot of Newport Avenue next to the Ocean Beach Pier.
  • Street parking is available along Newport Avenue as well as in surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Lifeguards, Bathrooms & Showers

  • Ocean Beach has lifeguard-supervised swimming and surfing areas, restrooms, showers and assistance for disabled patrons.

Popular Activities

  • Surfing, swimming, sunbathing.
  • Shopping, dining and nightlife along Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street.

Directions

  • Take Interstate 8 west to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, and turn right on West Point Loma Boulevard.

Ocean Beach

What to Love

  • Hodad's on Newport Avenue, one of San Diego’s most celebrated burgers.
  • There are plenty of places to dine and shop adjacent to the beach.
  • Watching the waves break at Sunset Cliffs.
  • Free fishing on the pier—no fishing license required.
  • Wednesday Farmers Market

What to Know

  • O.B. is eccentric and that's a great reason to visit. Although there is a vintage vibe to the main street, Newport Avenue, new and exciting businesses, restaurants, and events are always popping up.
  • Several new tasting rooms and award-winning breweries have opened their doors in the past several years, adding to the unique mix of old and new.
  • Don't miss annual events including the O.B. Street Fair & Chili Cook-off, Oktoberfest, and 4th of July Fireworks from the iconic pier.

What to Love

  • Hodad's on Newport Avenue, one of San Diego’s most celebrated burgers.
  • There are plenty of places to dine and shop adjacent to the beach.
  • Watching the waves break at Sunset Cliffs.
  • Free fishing on the pier—no fishing license required.
  • Wednesday Farmers Market
  • Live music and theater at the OB Playhouse

What to Know

  • O.B. is eccentric and that's a great reason to visit. Although there is a vintage vibe to the main street, Newport Avenue, new and exciting businesses, restaurants, and events are always popping up.
  • Several new tasting rooms and award-winning breweries have opened their doors in the past several years, adding to the unique mix of old and new.
  • Don't miss annual events including the O.B. Street Fair & Chili Cook-off, Oktoberfest, and 4th of July Fireworks from the iconic pier.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Deals just for you

Wineries

Wine Tour Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 9, 2024 - ongoing

Delight your loved ones with the gift of unforgettable experiences in San Diego! Our exclusive gift certificates are now available with a fantastic 10% discount.  Call for your discount:...

Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

Wineries

Romantic Wine & Food Tours-Year Round!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

PERFECT FOR VALENTINES DAY OR ANY DAY! Receive a gift for your Loved One  when you sign up for this deluxe, romantic tour! Give your love the gift of adventure aboard the ...

Related Articles and Features

What's Nearby

Beaches Region

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish