Top 5 beaches in San Diego

With the weather warming up it’s time to move your bikinis out of hibernation and into the blue water of the Pacific Ocean. From nationally ranked beaches in America, to local hidden gems. Here is a list of the top five beaches San Diego has to offer visitors and locals! 

1. Windansea Beach

Located in La Jolla, Windansea is known as a local favorite and is by far one of the best beaches in San Diego. Marked by the famous shack, Windansea is famously known for their mesmerizing surf breaks. This is the perfect place to be if you’re a surfer and body surfer,.

Directions: From I-5 South exit La Jolla Village Dr., westbound then turn left on Torrey Pines Rd. Follow Torrey Pines Rd. and turn right at Pearl St. Turn left on La Jolla Blvd. then turn right on Nautilus. From I-5 North exit La Jolla Parkway. Continue on as it becomes Torrey Pines Rd. Follow Torrey Pines Rd. and make a right at Pearl Street. Turn left on La Jolla Blvd. then turn right on Nautilus.

2. Tourmaline Surfing Park

Another local favorite is Tourmaline Surfing Park. This San Diego beach is very secluded and accessible only by a road making its way down a hill from La Jolla Blvd to the parking lot. A popular spot for sailboarding and surfing, this is one of the oldest surf hangouts in San Diego.

Directions: From I-5 North & South exit Grand Ave./Garnet Ave. and merge onto Mission Bay Dr. Turn Left toward Grand Ave., then turn right onto Grand Ave. Turn right onto Mission Blvd., then make a left on Loring St. Loring St. then becomes La Jolla Blvd. Turn left onto Tourmaline St.

3. Carlsbad Beach

With seven miles of breathtaking beaches Carlsbad is perfect for lying out in the sun or taking a dip in the ocean. If you’re in the mood to explore the waters, Carlsbad is a great place to snorkel or scuba dive. The Carlsbad Seawall is  one of the best spots to watch the infamous California sunset.

Directions: From the I-5 North exit Tamarack Ave. Then turn Left onto Tamarack Ave. From the I-5 South exit Tamarack Ave. Then turn right onto Tamarack Ave.

4. Coronado Beach

Ranked as the number one beach in America, Coronado Beach is the perfect place to layout on the sparkling sand and watch the sail boats pass by. The beach offers gentle waves perfect for those learning to boogie board.

Directions: Take the I-5 South to the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge exit (California Highway 75). Cross the bay and drop down onto Coronado Island. The first stoplight is Orange Ave. Turn right to the Ferry Landing or turn left to the central business district, the beach and the Hotel del Coronado.

5. La Jolla

Another La Jolla favorite is La Jolla Shores. This beach is perfect for families. With gentle waves La Jolla is a great place to paddle board, kayak, scuba dive, or just wade in the water.

Directions: From the I-5 South exit at La Jolla Village Dr. westbound. Turn left at Torrey Pines Rd. and follow the road to La Jolla Shores Drive. From the I- 5 north exit at La Jolla Parkway. Turn right at La Jolla Shores Dr., then turn left at Avenida de la Playa. Turn right on Camino del Oro.