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Imperial Beach
Camping, clamming and shell collecting.
It's fitting that Imperial Beach is the site of the annual U.S. Open Sand Castle Building Contest, which draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and competitors from around the world each July. The creations range from fairytale castles to science-fiction landscapes to fantasy mermaids and other inspired forms. The party lasts all weekend, with a street fair on Saturday and main event on Sunday, but its fruits do not. Inevitably, the tide comes in and washes the beach clean again.
Imperial Beach is an incorporated city and a predominantly residential one. Homes and condos line the long beach where surfing, bodyboarding and swimming are good and popular throughout the summer. There's a fun seafood restaurant on the end of the pier and other attractions around Portwood Plaza at the end of Evergreen Avenue. The fishing pier, grassy parks, public sports facilities and year-round lifeguard service make I.B. a popular choice among South Bay residents and visitors alike.
Tijuana Sloughs and Border Park are the large and largely impassible marsh areas south of Imperial Beach Blvd. The estuarine lagoons and river mouths here comprise a National Wildlife Refuge of special interest to bird-watching enthusiasts, and the parks service offers guided nature hikes and visitor information. Aside from their environmental appeal, the beaches here offer little and swimming is not recommended.
DirectionsFrom the 5 FWY exit Palm Avenue west, left on Seacoast Drive. The Pier is a few blocks south at the foot of Evergreen Avenue.
OfferingsFamily-friendly swimming and surfing beaches with lifeguards, bathrooms, parks, playgrounds and a fishing pier. Parking availability is fairly good except during busy summer days and big civic events. Restaurants and shops centrally located on and around the pier. Alcohol is prohibited, as are dogs and overnight camping. Call: 619-423-8328 for more info.
ConsiderationsThe beaches closer to the border can be unsuitable for swimming due to the large, hazardous surf conditions that prevail in the winter and water contamination from the Tijuana River, particularly after periods of sustained rainfall. There are no permanent lifeguard towers or other facilities there. The beaches around the pier are clean and safe for swimming year-round. A great place to get away from it all. If you're looking for action try Mission Beach or P.B. instead.
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San Diego Beach Guide - San Diego's Best Beaches
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