Ocean Beach San Diego

Hang out in a classic San Diego beach neighborhood.

Ocean Beach is 7-miles northwest of San Diego's downtown. 

It has a relaxed vibe, with plenty of surf shops and casual restaurants along palm-lined Newport Avenue. Vibrant murals give this quirky beachtown an artistic flair.

There's a strong community spirit here, with lots of locally owned businesses, and people who have deep roots in the community.  

Ocean Beach started out as a resort community in the 1920s with cute bungalows and craftsman cottages that eventually became permanent residences. This was followed by a post WWII population explosion, then an influx of hippies in the 1970s.  

Surf or swim at Ocean Beach, or walk out along the longest pier on the West Coast of America.

5 best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego

1. Plan a fun beach day at Ocean Beach, patrolled by lifeguards during warmer months.  

This 1-mile beach is broken up by two rocky breakwaters, and is popular for swimming and surfing.

Dog lovers will be thrilled with the 24-hour off-leash dog area at the far north end of Ocean Beach, accessed from the Dog Beach Parking Lot on West Point Loma Boulevard.  There's also some volleyball courts at the north end of the beach, and other amenities like restrooms, and a grassed area with picnic tables.

The Bench Park also has some picnic tables scattered about on a grassy park, located on the corner of Ocean Front Street and Saratoga Avenue.

2. Stroll out along the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, visited by over 500,000 people each year.

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was constructed in 1966, and is the longest concrete pier in the world. The Pier extends 1,971 feet into the water with a t-shape at the end.  The length of the pier enables fisherman to reach depths of up to 30 feet, and avoid kelp beds closer to the shoreline.  

There's a quaint, nautical-themed cafe at the end of the pier with comfort food, bait and gifts.  

3. Visit the trendy OB Surf Lodge Restaurant on Abbott Street.

The OB Surf Lodge restaurant is a great place to soak it all in, with wonderful ocean views and gentle sea breezes through open air patios. 

4. Check out other restaurants, pubs and rooftop decks along bustling Newport Street.

You can find all kinds of comfort food along Newport Street - steak, shrimp, fries, and burritos, all washed down with a margarita or cold beer.

#1 GUIDE to San Diego Ocean Beach

Discover a big selection of relaxed restaurants along Newport Avenue.

What to do in Ocean Beach San Diego

Bravo's Mexican Food on Newport Avenue has tacos, burritos, tequila shots and draft beer in a casual setting.

Ocean Beach San Diego things to do

The Holding Company is a 7,000 square foot venue, with live music, and a rooftop deck perfect for a sunset cocktail.

VISITOR GUIDE to Ocean Beach San Diego

The OB Brewery is a sleek 3-story brewpub that also has a gorgeous rooftop deck overlooking the ocean (on the right with the red umbrellas).

5. Stay at local Ocean Beach hotels like the Ocean Beach Hotel or Ocean Villa Inn.

Know before you go

• Location: 7-miles northwest of San Diego's downtown.
• Parking: The south parking lot is at 1962 Abbott Street, and the north parking lot is on West Point Loma Boulevard.
• Main shopping/restaurant street: Newport Avenue.
• Pier: yes.