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Ocean Beach

All are welcome to this funky vintage beach town, including surfers, skaters and furry friends

Find your Groove in Ocean Beach

Just north of Point Loma, this small beach town is a favorite among locals for its blissful mix of activities and pastimes, including surfing, sunbathing near the pier and strolling among the many surf shops, taco stands and unique local boutiques. Ocean Beach boasts a throwback vibe of vintage SoCal, coupled with friendly locals, great dining and microbrews, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Where to go

  • The Pier at the foot of Newport Avenue is one of the longest piers in Southern California, extending a half mile out to sea. The Ocean Beach Pier is one of the few places in San Diego where you can fish without a valid California fishing license. (Note: The Ocean Beach Pier will be closed until at least Spring 2024 for repairs and maintenance.)
  • Dog Beach is wedged between the Mission Bay Harbor Channel and the jetty at the north end of Ocean Beach. Here, pets are not only allowed on the beach, but are permitted to play leash-free with other canine beach-lovers.

Parking

  • There is a public parking lot located at the foot of Voltaire Street, another lot at the north end of the beach and Dog Beach, one at the foot of Santa Monica Avenue next to the main lifeguard station, and a large lot at the foot of Newport Avenue next to the Ocean Beach Pier.
  • Street parking is available along Newport Avenue as well as in surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Lifeguards, Bathrooms & Showers

  • Ocean Beach has lifeguard-supervised swimming and surfing areas, restrooms, showers and assistance for disabled patrons.

Popular Activities

  • Surfing, swimming, sunbathing.
  • Shopping, dining and nightlife along Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street.

Directions

  • Take Interstate 8 west to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, and turn right on West Point Loma Boulevard.

Ocean Beach

What to Love

  • Hodad's on Newport Avenue, one of San Diego’s most celebrated burgers.
  • There are plenty of places to dine and shop adjacent to the beach.
  • Watching the waves break at Sunset Cliffs.
  • Free fishing on the pier—no fishing license required.
  • Wednesday Farmers Market

What to Know

  • O.B. is eccentric and that's a great reason to visit. Although there is a vintage vibe to the main street, Newport Avenue, new and exciting businesses, restaurants, and events are always popping up.
  • Several new tasting rooms and award-winning breweries have opened their doors in the past several years, adding to the unique mix of old and new.
  • Don't miss annual events including the O.B. Street Fair & Chili Cook-off, Oktoberfest, and 4th of July Fireworks from the iconic pier.

What to Love

  • Hodad's on Newport Avenue, one of San Diego’s most celebrated burgers.
  • There are plenty of places to dine and shop adjacent to the beach.
  • Watching the waves break at Sunset Cliffs.
  • Free fishing on the pier—no fishing license required.
  • Wednesday Farmers Market
  • Live music and theater at the OB Playhouse

What to Know

  • O.B. is eccentric and that's a great reason to visit. Although there is a vintage vibe to the main street, Newport Avenue, new and exciting businesses, restaurants, and events are always popping up.
  • Several new tasting rooms and award-winning breweries have opened their doors in the past several years, adding to the unique mix of old and new.
  • Don't miss annual events including the O.B. Street Fair & Chili Cook-off, Oktoberfest, and 4th of July Fireworks from the iconic pier.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

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Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

AARP Members or guests 55+ enjoy a discounted rate. Valid AARP Membership card or ID required.  

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