Best San Diego Beaches?

ExcitedMama

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 29, 2013
We didn't find any nice beaches in SD outside of the pricey Coronado hotel on our last trip. We are just looking for a nice sandy beach to walk on, build sand castles and get feet wet. Is there a good place for this? Hoping to avoid the pricey parking too. Would any have clean bathrooms? Or with the hepatitis outbreak should I just have the kids avoid those? If so, any beaches near clean and safe areas with bathrooms I could take them to? Thanks!
 
It's been a few years, but I think Mission Bay would work. The waves in the bay are small so no worries about getting flattened. Lots of beaches. Maybe ask on the San Diego Trip Advisor forum? I got a lot of good info from them.

PHXscuba
 
It’s a drive more north, but La Jolla Shores was nice and clean when we went a few months ago. The sunset was so pretty, and I’m almost certain parking was free!
 


Even farther north is Oceanside City Beach - exactly what you're looking for; free parking, clean bathrooms, safe area.
I agree that Mission Beach fits your needs - most parking isn't free but if you get there early you'll find free parking.
Moonlight State Beach is north of SD in Encinitas. It has free parking and bathrooms and exactly the kind of beach you're looking for.
Closer to SD is Ocean Beach. Parking isn't free but everything else fits your needs. If your kids aren't afraid of dogs, Dog Beach is perfect. If they are, park closer to the pier.
 
I was just there this summer....My favorite was corondado but followed closely by La Jolla....Oceanside very cute and clean....I think any of these 3 would be super. La Jolla was a bit crowded and parking tricky get there early.....
 
Oceanside with the pier is a good bet, Ruby's on the pier (Burger joint) if you want to grab a quick bite to eat.
 


Hotels in coronado can be pricy but the beach is not. There is a lot of sandy beach there and one of my favorite San Diego beaches. Parking is free and although can be tricky to find parking during peak seasons with a little patience you'll find some. All the beaches can be tricky finding parking if you don't want to pay. If you don't mind paying, Silver Strand SB is located just south of Coronado and it's quiet and the bathrooms are close and clean. It costs $10 per car for parking.

Pacific Beach, close to Crystal Pier, is a good option if you can find parking. It can feel a little busier then Coronado though. It also depends on how far north and how far south you want to go.
 
We stayed at an a Airbnb in Encinitas and we really enjoyed Moonlight Beach. It was a perfect family beach!
 

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