Beach Communities
The San Diego County Coastline is made up of several towns and communities, each with its own character, history and size. Over the years, most towns have undergone growth and new development. Yet, they have retained much of their quaintness and charm. Cool breezes, tranquil water and soft sand beaches attract recreational enthusiasts to the Mission Bay area all year round.
Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay Park is a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, the largest park of its kind in the world. It boasts 27 miles of meandering shoreline with a variety of waterways, inlets and islets to explore. Water sports from laid-back sailing outings to action-packed kite surfing provide ways for people of all ages the ability to play in the water.
La Jolla
With its dramatic coastline and spectacular views, it’s no surprise that La Jolla was one of the first San Diego neighborhoods to be settled, and has since become some of the most prized real estate in the nation.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla has a mediterranean feel and enjoys a unique microclimate which rarely drops below 50 degrees or exceeds 90 degrees.
The bustling business district offers one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, and the surrounding residential community is a charming mix of turn-of-the-century Spanish architecture, eccentric modern designs and everything in-between.
La Jolla’s big draw, for locals and tourists alike, is the sea. In the summer and autumn months, the surf is relatively gentle, the water warms into the 70s, and the beaches at La Jolla Shores, The Cove and Windansea are busy with swimmers, scuba divers and surfers. In the Winter and Spring, the coast takes on an ominous mood with billowing fogs and powerful winter surf crashing on the rocks.
Coronado: The Crown City
Situated across San Diego’s Big Bay, Coronado’s elegant gardens and mansions, the omnipresent U.S. Navy and small-town quaintness combine to make the “Crown City” a seaside paradise of relaxation and recreation. Shop along Orange Avenue while enjoying the city’s unique charm, or head to a local resort for an upscale experience.
Defined by two famous structures, the historic Hotel del Coronado and the distinctive San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Coronado offers the essence of an enchanted island, exuding romance, mystery and intrigue, and providing guests a fairytale vacation like no other.
Mission Beach – Pacific Beach
Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego, a unique marine life adventure park that provides entertainment for the whole family with world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable face-to-face animal encounters.
Nearby Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are popular with families, students and surfers alike. Along the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, you’ll find funky shops, beach bars, restaurants and nightclubs; a variety of upscale resorts and family hotels; Belmont Park amusement park and entertainment center; as well as plenty of joggers, rollerbladers, tourists and locals.
