By Audrey Hancock
Staff Writer
San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and one of the most popular activities for locals during summer is to go to the beach. It’s no secret that some beaches are better than others and these are some of the best, including La Jolla Shores, the Cove, Marine Street, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Del Mar, and Coronado.
You are probably a local if you frequently spend time at Windansea or Marine Street. Windansea and Marine are some of the most beautiful beaches. Sophomore Olivia Bailow said, “It’s always fun to go with friends there, because it’s where everybody hangs out. Plus, go if you want to get some gnarly waves and see cute boys.”
La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores have so many activities. At La Jolla Cove is where you can walk around and see all the pretty scenery, go paddle boarding, or participate in many other activities. “La Jolla Cove is San Diego’s best spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The water is calm and ecologically protected, providing a safe home for colorful garibaldi, yellowtail, rays, and even leopard sharks,” according to La Jolla’s beach guide website (lajollabythesea.com).
Sophomore Rebecca Raoufpur said, “Pacific Beach has the best food; Sushi Kuchi is super good.” “There’s Board and Brew, Baked Bear, there’s even a Denny’s across the street from the beach,” added Sophomore Allison Weast.
“PB (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for many college students and young adults enjoying the party atmosphere, frequenting the area’s restaurants and bars — some just steps from the sand,” according to a San Diego tourism website. It’s not just a great place to be at during the day but also at night. The website continued, “P.B. comes alive at night, too, with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region’s many clubs” (sandiego.org).
Mission Beach is a great place to go with your friends, whether you want to go to the beach, go to Belmont Park, or even go shopping. The rides at Belmont Park are sensational and exciting. It would also be a great date if you ever want to take that cutie from math class out. According to a website about Mission Beach’s attractions, “Wave House surf ride… creates a simulated wave for people to surf on and of course great food and places to eat like Canes Bar and Grill, which has awesome second story views looking over the beach, ocean and boardwalk areas” (missionbeachonline.com). Most of the rides at Belmont Park are geared towards children, but some good ones are the Big Dipper Roller Coaster, Beach Blaster, Control Freak, Octotron, and bumper cars, along with a few others.
There are many cool activities to do in Coronado. It has historic landmarks like the Hotel Del, with a cute neighborhood close by where everything is within walking distance. “Action Sports is a full-service supplier for all your water activities and beach needs. Rent a bike, segway, kayak, on of their full assortment of boats, wave runners, stand-up paddleboards, or go on a sport fishing trips,” according to a website about Coronado’s attractions (coronadovisitorcenter.com). There are four main beaches which are Central Beach, South Beach, Silver Strand State Beach and North Beach. These beaches connect to miles of sand and ocean along Coronado island. Coronado has a proud military history and you might even see some Navy training activities along the Silver Strand.
A San Diego tourism website describes Del Mar beach by saying the following: “With stunning views from historic coast Highway 101, wildlife reserves, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and coastal bluffs, picture perfect oceanfront parks and plenty of shopping and dining” (sandiego.org). Del Mar Beach offers both family and dog-friendly beaches where you can lay back and chill, pack a picnic with some great food from the local shops, and do some serious relaxing.
“Del Mar is also known for the popular activities beyond the beach, “where the surf meets the turf.’” The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is woven into the fabric of San Diego history, hosting the finest horse racing event every year since 1937, when Bing Crosby welcomed the track’s first guests. The beautiful facility is located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home to yet another popular summer tradition, the San Diego County Fair,” explains the same tourism website (sandiego.org).
There are many beaches to explore in San Diego, but these are some of the best beaches and beach-side activities to enjoy this summer vacation with your friends and family!