pacific beach tour

Bae Area and Beyond

27 Local Things To Do In Pacific Beach San Diego

Is Pacific Beach worth visiting? Pacific Beach has a lasting reputation as the wild part of San Diego, known for its bars, parties, and young crowds.

While, from a Southern California local’s perspective, this is very much accurate, this is not all that PB has to offer. 

Planning your trip to Pacific Beach San Diego? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals: 

📸 Best Tours In San Diego:

• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (for up to 12 people!)
• San Diego 4×4: Border Wilderness (travel the off-beaten path)
• Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour (all-inclusive)
• The San Diego Highlights Tour (all the top sights + free time to explore)
• San Diego Whale Watching Cruise (check out the 2 guarantees!)

😴 Best Hotels In Pacific Beach:

• The Beach Cottages (💲) (7-min walk to Pacific Beach)
• Tower 23 Hotel (💲💲) (4 miles from SeaWorld San Diego)
• Pacific Terrace Hotel (💲💲💲) (hot tub & heated pool with ocean view)

🚘 Best Car Rental In San Diego: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)

This sun-soaked beach neighborhood is full of fun activities and places to visit for any visitors, no matter their age or interests. Keep reading for the 27 Best Things to do in Pacific Beach.

Table Of Contents

Best Things To Do In Pacific Beach

1. spend the night at a luau .

The Catamaran Hotel is a fun, family-centered stay that includes a large pool, in-house arcade, beautiful Polynesian theme, and weekly luaus on the beach.

2. Relax in a luxury beach home

Pacific Beach is full of luxury vacation rentals right on the beach that will make you never want to leave.

3. Or enjoy a luxury stay

Tower 23 is a beachfront luxury boutique hotel that offers top-notch views and amenities. 

4. Rent a pier-top vacation cottage

The end of Crystal Pier is home to a cluster of rental cottages :  a beautiful and unique option for those looking to stay right above the water.

5. Easily book private whale and dolphin-watching tours

Whale-watching tours take you right off the coast of PB to enjoy whale migrations from June to September.

6. Hit one of PB’s hottest bars for a night of dancing

Firehouse is a popular restaurant by day, and by night, it is one of Pacific Beach’s most lively clubs.

7. Cool down with a classic treat

Mr. Frostie is a local landmark where locals flock on summer days to get soft-served ice cream and other treats.

8. Escape the party scene at North Pacific Beach

If you’d like a mellow beach day with your family or even for yourself, North Pacific Beach is out of the way of the younger and wilder crowds.

9. Rent a few bikes and cruise around

Bike rentals are easily available throughout PB, and beach cruisers are a fun way to explore without having to worry about traffic or the price of Ubers.

10. Dine on coastal cuisine

Head to World Famous , which has been a well-known restaurant in Pacific Beach since 1970.

11. Enjoy beach views from the boardwalk

The Pacific Beach boardwalk is a little over 3 miles long and is an easy and beautiful way to travel the coast.

12. Get out in the waves for surf lessons

San Diego Surf School is a well-known group of guides who will show you the ropes for the day.

13. Soak in a truly eclectic shopping experience

Pangea Outpost is known for its mixture of the most strange and amazing treasures from over 70 vendors.

14. Dine in at San Diego’s #1 breakfast spot

Kono’s Surf Club Cafe offers huge portion sizes and modest pricing so you can fill up after a morning in the water.

15. Enjoy some local shopping

While Pacific Beach is not known over other neighborhoods for its shopping, there are plenty of stores to browse in the area.

16. Take a walk along Crystal Pier

This historic pier offers shops, restaurants, and beautiful ocean views.

17. Grab a pair of skates and get rolling

Roller skating has made a resurgence in San Diego, so you’re likely to happen upon some experts who can teach you a trick or two.

18. Spend a day playing games on the sand

Try your hand at cornhole or the popular game, Spikeball. 

19. Enjoy Mexican food and a party atmosphere from one of PB’s best rooftop views

El Prez is a hotspot known for its Mexican food, endless cocktails, and rooftop parties. 

20. Join a game of beach volleyball

Bring your own volleyball and gather a team, or ask to join an existing game.

21. Visit a bowling alley the whole family will enjoy

Break Point ; unlike most bowling alleys, also offers great food and cocktails. 

22. Treat yourself to a spa day

The Catamaran Spa offers Asian and South Pacific-inspired spa treatments right along the sand.

23. Make an Instagrammable coffee stop

You may have seen Better Buzz Coffee tagged on Instagram before, but the hype is valid because they serve some unique and tasty drinks.

24. Take one of San Diego’s many amazing yoga classes

San Diego is full of highly-rated yoga studios to help you find your zen.

25. Indulge your sweet tooth

Baked Bear is a popular dessert shop that sells an assortment of cookies and ice cream for all lovers of sweets.

26. Cast a line and catch some fish

Crystal Pier is home to a bait shop and the perfect vantage point to drop a line into the water below.

27. Invite friends for a picnic with a view

Kate Sessions is a favorite spot of locals . A grassy park high above the city offers the most beautiful views imaginable.

Where to Stay In Pacific Beach San Diego

San Diego has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options in and near Pacific Beach:

Budget-Friendly Option:  The Beach Cottages

Mid-Priced Option:  Tower 23 Hotel

Lux Option:  Pacific Terrace Hotel

Best Tours In San Diego

Looking for the best tours in San Diego? Check out these top-rated & reviewed tours on Viator: 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I spend a day in Pacific Beach?

🏖️ An idyllic day in PB often starts with a trip to the beach for surf lessons or to one of the area’s many yoga studios as a great way to set the mood.

🏖️ After this, recharge with one of San Diego’s famous California Burritos, which is known for containing French fries. If this doesn’t sound like your type of breakfast, there are tons of great brunch spots in the area.

🏖️ Midday is a perfect time to take a bike ride on the boardwalk and take in the scenery. Maybe even stop to join a pickup game of beach volleyball.

🏖️ After this, there are countless authentic Mexican food restaurants in the area that are an integral part of the San Diego experience. 

🏖️ After watching one of the West Coast’s incredible sunsets, take a shower in your hotel and choose one of your favorite outfits for a night on the town.

🏖️ Get dinner at one of many restaurants and if you want to extend your night, ask some locals what bars will be the most fun that particular night. Extra points for finding live music performances. 

What is Pacific Beach known for?

While Pacific Beach is undoubtedly known for its bar scene and nightlife, this is not all it has to offer.

PB is also recognizable for its location directly on some of the best stretches of sand in San Diego, as well as its unique shopping and food options. Pacific Beach is lively and exciting year-round.

Is Pacific Beach a party area?

Pacific Beach is absolutely famous for its wild bars and clubs and the crowds who inhabit them.

While other areas, like the Gaslamp Quarter, are also hot spots for going out, Pacific Beach tends to attract younger crowds, consisting mostly of college students and recent graduates from the surrounding area and schools.

Downtown typically attracts a slightly older crowd in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties.

Is San Diego safe?

San Diego is widely known to be  one of the safest cities  in the nation for its size. Although some levels of crime are a given, and some of its neighborhoods are safer than others, the crime rate in San Diego remains below the national average. 

Can I visit San Diego in the winter?

If you conjure up images of endless summer and salty surfers when told to think of San Diego, you’re not alone. Although this city is known widely as a summer vacation destination, San Diego has  its draws during the colder months .

Can I visit San Diego without a car?

Visiting San Diego without a car  is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this. 

If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.

How many days are needed for San Diego?

Because  San Diego has so much to offer , I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo.  But if you can,  plan a 5-day trip to San Diego  to see the best of San Diego and not feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re interested in visiting Pacific Beach for spring break to experience its famous party scene or looking for a peaceful family vacation, this neighborhood has more than enough to keep you busy while you’re in town.

We hope that this post about things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego has made your itinerary creation just a bit simpler.

You will surely enjoy your visit as this sun-soaked, fun atmosphere is full of energy and embodies the San Diego lifestyle. 

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

• Meeting Planners
• Meet the Team
• Services & Resources
• Service Providers
• Hotel & Venue Search
• Convention Center
• Travel Trade
• San Diego Specialist
• Trade Offers
• Request Images
• Hosting Assistance
• Press Releases

• Things to Do >
• Beaches & Bays >

Pacific Beach

Three miles of boardwalk and an endless beach party vibe keep this beach town moving, the endless summer beach party.

One of the beaches in San Diego's Mission Bay & Beaches region , P.B. (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for college students and young adults enjoying the party atmosphere, frequenting the area’s restaurants and bars—some just steps from the sand. P.B. comes alive at night, too, with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region’s many clubs.

Where to Go

• Tourmaline Surfing Park where the rugged headlands of La Jolla end abruptly, is a surfing-only beach, popular with novice surfers. With slow, “slopey” waves, beginners, longboarders and (when the wind is up) windsurfers and kiteboarders favor this beach over other spots in the area. There's a medium-capacity parking lot here with bathrooms and a small picnic area.
• North Pacific Beach from Tourmaline to Crystal Pier is a calmer stretch of beach families tend to prefer, thanks to its lifeguard-supervised swimming areas and facilities at the ends of Law and Diamond Streets.
• Pacific Beach from the Crystal Pier to Pacific Beach Drive offers bathrooms and pockets of dedicated parking at Grand Avenue and P.B. Drive. You can find anything from bicycle rentals to biker bars along the coast here, and more of the same as you head inland up Garnet Avenue for many blocks.
• Parking is a challenge throughout Pacific Beach, but not impossible. Best bets are the lot at Tourmaline Street, and side roads on the north side of the pier. There are also paid lots scattered throughout, which may be a good option if you’re staying for the whole day.

Bathrooms & Showers

• There are plenty of bathroom and shower facilities around the pier at the end of Garnet Avenue, as well as around the lifeguard stand at the end of Grand Avenue.
• Lifeguard stands are staffed year-around from North Pacific Beach, down to Mission Beach. The main lifeguard tower is located at the end of Grand Avenue.
• From the 5 Freeway take Garnet Avenue west all the way to Mission Blvd.

What to Love

• Breakfast at Kono's Cafe at the end of Garnet Ave. for good food, large portions and local vibe.
• Fishing on Crystal Pier - bring your own tackle, bait and a fishing license and drop a line.
• Watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean.

What to Know

• Alcohol is not permitted at any time.
• There are plenty of good dining options on the boardwalk and within walking distance in the community.
• The boardwalk here is very busy on summer weekends - be careful with children riding bikes or skates.

Find a place to stay

Deals just for you, dana for dogs package.

Eat, Fetch, Love your way to Happiness! Make the Dana on Mission Bay your four-legged-family members home away from home as well, with this special pet-friendly package. PACKAGE INCLUDES: Daily...

Sun, Sip & Savor Package

Relax & unwind at Pacific Terrace this winter season! Enjoy a special package sure to warm you up and make your stay memorable. Book our Sun, Sip & Savor Package and receive: -...

Fun in the Sun Package

Connect with your inner child during your next visit to San Diego with our Fun in the Sun Package! The package includes:   Accommodations for two  1/2 Day Bike Usage...

Related Articles and Features

San diego dog beaches and off-leash dog parks.

Find dog-friendly beaches and off-leash dog parks in San Diego that are great for your dog to perfect its doggy-paddle, play fetch, or have a snore-fest on the warm sand.

Rob Machado

Australian-born, California-raised, pro surfer Rob Machado has spent most of his life atop a surfboard. Still one of surfing’s most iconic and beloved figures, he never strays too far from his favorite San Diego swells.

San Diego Beaches FAQ

Make the most of your visit to one of San Diego's stunning beaches by understanding the rules and responsibilities required of beachgoers with this handy FAQ.

The Best Beaches, According to Kids

San Diego's 70 miles of coastline offer families a variety of beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, sandcastle building, and any other family beach activity.

What's Nearby

Beaches region, areas of interest, where to stay, sharing is caring.

Like what you see? Share with your friends, family, and the world!

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

• Things to Do
• Downtown & Urban
• Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert
• Baja California
• Neighborhood Maps
• Getting Around
• Travel Guides & Apps
• Family Travel
• International Travelers
• Destination Weddings
• Visitor Information & Services
• Hotels & Resorts
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Camping & RV Parks
• Vacation Rentals
• Other Accommodations

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

Or use google translate.

Pacific Beach

Price & Hours

• Facilities 2.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

Pacific Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. Families looking for a quieter stretch of sand may want to venture a little farther south to Mission Beach . Pacific Beach is a popular surf spot that's home to Tourmaline Surfing Park, which is known for its slow waves that are ideal for novices. This section of Pacific Beach is not swimmable, but even if you don't want to try your hand at surfing it's still a fun place to watch others ride the waves, according to past travelers.

Pacific Beach earns high marks from reviewers for its beautiful views and clean shores. Others appreciate the variety of eateries that sit within walking distance of the sand. Aside from Mission Boulevard, you can find a heavy concentration of bars and nightlife options on Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). 

It is free to access Pacific Beach. Facilities include restrooms, showers, beach volleyball and lifeguards. Due to the beach's popularity with tourists and locals, expect to drive around a little before finding a parking space, especially during the weekend. Locals suggest you start your parking search at Tourmaline Street, and then try the side roads on the north side of the pier. For more information, visit the city of San Diego website .

Popular Tours

San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise

(815 reviews)

from $ 118.01

San Diego Whale Watching Tour

(1050 reviews)

from $ 65.00

San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

(1829 reviews)

from $ 54.00

More Best Things To Do in San Diego

#1 Balboa Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

Explore More of San Diego

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

Los Angeles

# 4 in  Best Food Cities in the U.S.

Santa Barbara

# 17 in  Best Places to Visit in California for 2024

Long Beach, CA

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

• skip to Main Navigation
• skip to Main Content
• skip to Footer

Pacific Beach

As part of the incredibly popular beach area known as The Strand, Pacific Beach lies between North Pacific Beach and Mission Beach in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego. As you would expect from a beach in Southern California, this place has sun, sand and surf just waiting for you.

You’ll find this beach tucked along Mission Boulevard and Grand Avenue. It runs from Crystal Pier in the north to Pacific Beach Drive (PB Drive) in the south. It is worth noting that both the pier and PB Drive provide for some of the best surfing in The Strand.

Along the backside of the beach is Ocean Front Walk. This boardwalk is made of concrete and is very popular for runners, walkers, bikers and skateboarders. It runs down to the end of the peninsula at Mission Beach . Along the boardwalk, you’ll find a number of restaurants and bars, along with shops to meet all your beach needs.

Pacific Beach is quite popular due to its wide and clean sands and friendly surfing conditions. It is also very welcoming for families due to having lifeguards on duty every day of the year. Generally, they are there from 9:00 a.m. to dusk, but hours can vary so always check in with them for details. Pacific Beach is also featured in the Best 14 Places to Watch the Sunset in San Diego .

Surfing is one of Todd's favorite Pacific Beach pastimes. Tour beaches with great surfing conditions like PB Point and Tourmaline Surf Park, and save on surfboard rentals with the Go City San Diego pass.

Save BIG with Go City!

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Things to Do

Highlights That Will Make You Want to Visit

If the idea of warm sun, refreshing crystal blue waters and soft sandy beaches is not enough to immediately have you packing up to head to Pacific Beach, then find out what makes people love this beach.

The Downlow on Surfing

To begin with, this is an amazing surfing spot. It is not one of the most exciting areas, but for a mellow and cool time, it is ideal. That makes this perfect for those just learning how to surf or for a more experienced surfer who wants a laid-back day on the water.

Even though the waves aren’t always the best, the atmosphere at Pacific Beach is lively. The surfers here are always up for welcoming new people.

Sometimes, during low tide the waves will die, but generally, you can find inviting waves that give you just enough to really coast along. What you won’t find are rough or difficult waves.

You’ll find the best waves at PB Point if you are more experienced. This area can have its flat moments, but when there is swell, you can catch an amazing wave. For beginners, the best break is Tourmaline Surf Park where the waves are soft and gentle. Both of these waves are in the neighboring beach of North Pacific Beach . They are walkable from the main beach in Pacific Beach.

If you want a little more of a thrill, you can try Crystal Pier. Some good waves really come off the pier when they hit to the north. They will hold their shape fairly well, giving you a chance at a longer ride. However, if you crave large waves, you will have to come in winter when the swells are coming from the right direction to produce large surf.

The wind can be a concern here, especially when it is coming from the south. With that in mind, the best time of year is in the fall and winter because you get healthy northwest winds. Spring and summer will leave you at the mercy of the south wind.

You should come prepared with a wetsuit as the water can be chilly even in the warmer months. Other than that, though, there aren’t any real hazards in Pacific Beach. It is a safe surf environment.

More on the Water Fun

Surfing isn’t the only fun you can have in the waters at Pacific Beach. It is also a nice place for paddle boarding , kayaking, body surfing and swimming. Those winds that can hold you back when you try to surf make this beach excellent for kiteboarding.

Fun on the Sand

Maybe you’d rather spend your time at Pacific Beach staying dry. This beach is a top spot for running and walking. The sands make awesome sandcastles or a nice spot for some volleyball. If you want a more laid-back game, try some cornhole, which is also very popular around here.

If you don’t really want to break a sweat, try sunbathing. This is the ideal spot to soak up that hot California sun. You can also watch people. With the diverse crowds, this is one of the best places to just take in what other humans are doing.

Stay Nearby & Enjoy More of the Beach

Staying at the beach has its many perks. The The Wayfarer San Diego is the perfect place to stay while visiting Pacific Beach. The hotel is located right on the border of Mission Beach & Pacific Beach so you can enjoy both beaches at the same time! Wake up in the morning and go for a morning jog on the boardwalk that is right in front of the hotel or go for a walk on the sand next to the water and watch the surfers.

Popular Activities

How to Get There & Parking

Getting to the beach at Pacific Beach isn’t difficult. You can either come in on Mission Boulevard or Grand Ave. Parking is a bit tougher, but that’s Southern California for you. Parking is always a challenge.

Parking near the Beach

Most of the parking in this area is on the street, but most streets offer plenty of parking spaces for free. There are some paid parking lots in the area as well, they are mostly along Garnet, the main shopping district of Pacific Beach .

To avoid having to park far away and ending up with a long walk to the beach, just start out early in the day. Another option is public transportation, which is accessible from the beach area.

Featured Activity

Know Before You Go & Tips

Tips for the Best Experience

Dogs allowed on leash during off hours.

When visiting Pacific Beach with your furry pal, do note that all dogs must be on a leash at all times. You also can only have your dog on the beach before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. in the winter. or 6:00 p.m. in the summer.

The Beach can be Lively

You should know that this can be a lively area, especially later in the day. However, it is family-friendly during daytime hours. Some beach rules, such as no alcohol and no loud noise, help to keep it from getting out of control.

Facilities Available

One last tip for you is there are public restrooms and showers available. You’ll find them off Grand Avenue and also on PB Drive and the beach.

Stay Nearby

Similar Beaches

• San Antonio
• St. Augustine
• Washington DC
• HOME Main nav menu item
• MAPS & STOPS Main nav menu item
• Things to DO Main nav menu item
• SCHEDULE Main nav menu item
• FAQS Main nav menu item

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

1433 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours 4.6

PLAN YOUR TRIP

No tour dates currently available. Please check back in 2024.

Crashing waves & glimmering sunsets.

No matter what time of year you read this, families will be picnicking on local cheeses and artisanal breads in Scripps Park, setting up the perfect panoramic shot of San Diego atop Mt. Soledad, and a scraggly, blonde-haired kid will tame a tasty wave at Windansea Beach. These are the many beaches and beach towns of San Diego, California and they are open for business 365 days out of the year. Join us in this strikingly beautiful, immensely livable city whose consistent year-round temperature highs between 65-70 degrees make it a favorite destination for visitors year ‘round. You’ll be treated to some of the most photogenic vistas you’ve ever seen.

About The Tour

Experience the magic on Old Town Trolley’s La Jolla and San Diego Beaches Tour. Board our colorful Beach Cruiser and be transported to the top of Mt. Soledad, 822 feet above sea level. There, you will be treated to a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. You will disembark the Trolley for about 20 minutes for a spectacular photo opportunity! Then, you will re-board the Trolley and descend into La Jolla, “The Jewel” of San Diego, past the Cove and the famous Children’s Pool and into the heart of the Village where you will step off and spend the afternoon on your own experiencing Paradise by the sea! Your trolley will drop you off 0.6 miles from La Jolla Cove.

Later, the Trolley will pick you up to continue your journey along the coast and through the beach towns of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. You will pass the surfers at Windansea Beach, the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at Belmont Park, and the SkyTower at Sea World as you return to Old Town and your starting point. Throughout the tour, you’ll see rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, reefs and tide pools, seals and surfers and lots of happy people enjoying the best that Southern California has to offer.

Short on time for a day trip to La Jolla?  Just tell your driver and stay on the trolley to continue your tour returning back to Old Town!

Watch Our Video

Tour highlights.

Here is another opportunity to make you crazy with anticipation!

POINTS OF INTEREST

Here’s a taste of what to expect when you climb on the Old Town Beach Cruiser for a day in the San Diego sun!

Old Town Market

Mount soledad, mission bay, soledad mountain road, la jolla cove, coast boulevard, windansea beach, la jolla boulevard, north smr boundary, law street beach, camino de la costa, belmont park.

• A Old Town Market
• B Mount Soledad

La Jolla: The Jewel Of The Crown

Of the 70 miles of sandy coastline, the stand-out among the many inviting and appealing San Diego beach towns, La Jolla remains exceptional. La Jolla’s beauty only begins on its sandy shores facing the Pacific. Take a stroll inland through the center of town and you’ll be treated to some of the finest shopping, galleries, and dining anywhere in Southern California. This is one of our main stops where you’ll have the time to indulge in this truly magnificent destination!

THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO

Check out the seawall at the Children’s Pool where the local seal population hangs out or explore the mystery and awesome beauty of the 7 Sisters Caves. There’s a lot waiting for you in ‘America’s Finest City!’

Things To Do In San Diego On Vacation

Travel Planner

Know Before You Go

Tickets & Schedule

TOUR DURATION

Approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes* long.

BOOTH LOCATION

Old Town Market 4010 Twiggs Street San Diego, CA 92101

DEPARTURE TIME

Daily at 10:15am. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

See  online reservations for dates and times.

*Reservations are required. Guests must check in with our sales rep at the ticket booth 30 minutes prior to departure. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved seat. First to check-in, first seated. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time by calling 619-298-8687.

PARKING & BOARDING

The downtown area has numerous parking opportunities in paid lots. There is no designated free parking to board the tour.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Reservations for accessible Trolley must be confirmed 24-Hours in advance. Please call customer service at  629-208-0200 .

Shuttle Service

We are pleased to provide shuttle service for guests staying at select hotels and downtown locations.

The shuttle will pick up once each morning from the depots listed below:

• Embarcadero – 9:00 am
• Seaport Village – 9:05 am
• Marriott Marquis and Marina Hotel – 9:10 am
• Horton Plaza – 9:15 am
• Gaslamp Quarter – 9:20 am
• Hilton San Diego Bayfront – 9:25am

Shuttle will take guests to Old Town to catch the 10:15am tour.

The Shuttle returns downtown once each day leaving Old Town at 3:45pm.

Reservations are required. Guests must check in with our sales rep at the ticket booth 30 minutes prior to departure. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved seat. First to check-in, first seated. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time by calling 619-298-8687.

#TROLLEYBEACHTOUR

Take a look at some social media pics

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Pacific Beach, San Diego

Top things to do in pacific beach.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Pacific Beach
• Balboa Park
• Mission Bay Park
• Ocean Beach
• East Village
• Little Italy
• Mission Beach
• Mission Valley / Hotel Circle
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mission Beach

2. Pacific Beach

3. Tourmaline Surfing Park

4. The Promenade at Pacific Beach

5. Kate Sessions Memorial Park

6. San Diego Sand Castles

7. PB Ale House

8. Fanuel Beach Park

9. Quicksand Escape Games

10. Capehart Dog Park

11. Kiwi Spa Organic Facial Innovation

12. Pacific Surf School

13. Mission Bay Golf Course

14. Bad Axe Throwing San Diego

15. Crown Point Park

16. Healing Arts Massage & Wellness Center

17. Rocky's Crown Pub

18. Barrel Republic

19. Dizzy's

20. San Diego Surf School

21. Bare Back Grill Pacific Beach

22. Cass Street Bar and Grill

23. Boardwalk Electric Rides

24. Longevity Lounge

25. The Silver Fox

26. Pangea Outpost

27. Ray's Rentals

28. Baja Winery Tours

29. The Tavern at the Beach

30. Water Sports San Diego

What travelers are saying.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Beach Tours & Trips in Pacific

Explore a wide diversity of beach tours through Pacific. We have 63 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.

63 beach Pacific tours with 451 positive reviews

Galápagos – Central and East Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos – West and Central Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager

Excellence in every respect. We will use this company again and will recommend it to friends.

Hawaiian Discovery (11 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galapagos Voyager: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

• In-depth Cultural

Feejee Five

Had an amazing experience! … It is very self guided and I did do the tour by myself (I did think it would be with a travel group), so you do have to actively interact and meet people. Nevertheless, I met the most amazing people and the locals and staff at each island you stay at were in incredible. 10/10 experience and would highly recommend.

• Kayak & Canoe

Cook Islands Adventure

Best of Hawaii (10 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

Hawaii with Oahu & Maui (Classic, With The Big Island, 10 Days, Intra Tour Air Honolulu To Kahului)

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Classic

I had a nice time traveling to the Galápagos Islands. Highly recommended!

Best of the Hawaiian Islands

Great trip with a lot of adventure!

Rangiroa Dream - Cruise in Tuamotu Archipelago

Easter Island Experience 4D/3N

Excellent communication and explanation when visiting heritage sites

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galapagos Island Hopper (Start Quito, End Quito, 6 Days)

• Island Hopping

Galapagos Island Hopping - 7 days

Honolulu Hawaii Experience 4D/3N

Bamba Travel was the only tour operator which responded and agreed to help me plan my tour in Hawaii. Although I would have liked a more thoroughly organised tour like pick up from the cruise terminal and transport to the Kualoa ranch organised, I had to take the public bus by myself. It was a bit daunting but Bamba gave me some instructions. At Hawaii it quite easy and safe to take public transport during the day. Bamba was helpful at every step. A bit slow with regards to correspondence bec of time differences as they are in the USA but they would respond daily. Thank you Bamba for helping me organise a tailored plan to meet most of my needs. I had a great time in Hawaii.

What people love about Beach Tours in Pacific

I had an absolutely amazing 10 days trip in Fiji. The tour was perfectly organised, with a lot of activities. Everything was perfect. I had such a great full immersion in the Fijian culture. Highly recommended a tour with them.

Travel Styles

Other types in pacific.

• Group (389)
• Fully Guided (315)
• Family (279)
• Explorer (257)
• Christmas & New Year (210)
• Wildlife (157)
• Active (133)
• Personalized (121)
• Partially Guided (117)
• Ocean Cruise (104)
• Sailing (58)
• Private (57)
• In-depth Cultural (52)
• Historical (34)
• Island Hopping (26)
• Sightseeing (26)

Pacific Beach residents prepare for second San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

If time spent talking to artists, viewing their art studios and touring their homes and gardens sounds like the trifecta of a great day, you won’t want to miss the San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour.

This year’s tour, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, includes five locations — three in Pacific Beach and two in La Jolla — and features more than 30 professional artists.

The free, self-guided tour will allow visitors to see professional working artists’ studios, as well as their gardens and homes. Multiple artists, each with a different preferred medium, will be at each site.

“We chose to have five locations instead of six this year so that everyone can easily get to all of them and not feel rushed. We want everyone to be able to talk to the artists and have a fun time,” said artist Dot Renshaw, tour co-organizer with artist Leah Higgins.

This year’s tour — the second for the group — benefits the National Cheers Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to empower women to live life vitality, free from the five primary health threats of heart disease, mental illness, cancer, osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases.

There will be no shortage of artwork on display and available for purchase, Higgins said. Categories range from realism, abstract, watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, mixed media, plein air, pastels, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics, wood, gourds, sculpture, stained glass, glass art, metal sculpture, mosaics and metal garden art. Sizes range from small to monumental.

“All the participants are accomplished, award-winning artists and this is an invitational art show,” Renshaw said. “We really do our homework to make sure everyone here offers quality work.”

“People are looking for more art and color in their lives, and this is a great place to find both,” Higgins added.

Each home and studio on the tour has a unique look, history and guest artists on site. Three of the homes belong to longtime Pacific Beach residents.

Renshaw and her husband, Zack, purchased their 1920s PB anchor home more than 40 years ago, due to her love for Moorish architecture, she said.

Want to go?

San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 Where: three homes in Pacific Beach, two in La Jolla, all within a 3-mile radius Cost: Free, but donations accepted at each home for the National Cheers Foundation Good to know: locations and artists’ details available starting Sept. 1 at sdcoastalartstudios.com

She added a 20-foot-tall art studio to the home, which has a window overlooking a garden filled with huge stag horn ferns, fruit trees and flowers. She consulted with Don Adams, a well-known Del Mar architect, to enlarge the house from 1,050 to 2,500 square feet and match the original style.

She also added a 21-step custom spiral staircase to the home, patterned after the one in the movie, “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” and left a gap between floors to allow for ocean views.

Renshaw paints coastal art in oils, pastels and plein air. She often chooses locations others might miss, such as small trails, camping spots and neighborhood canons.

Higgins’ Pacific Beach home was purchased by her father in 1947 and was the first custom home of famed horticulturist Kate Sessions. The home was built in 1926 by well-known architect Irving Gill.

Higgins was born and raised in the house. After trading homes with her mother as an adult, she and her husband, Patrick, moved into the house in 1982. Her detached studio and renovated grounds are highlights of the property. She specializes in homes, landscapes and portraiture, but enjoys a wide variety of subjects for her work.

“We’ve spent years paying homage to Kate Sessions, maintaining the property ‘Kate’s way’ — not too prim, but keeping the nooks and crannies and the freeform style she had,” Higgins said.

The two-acre property contains numerous plants and mature trees from Sessions’ original garden, such as podocarpus trees, jacarandas, Torrey pines, rock pines, eucalyptus, palms, cedars and cypress, as well as succulents, jades and a cactus garden.

Although the final home in Pacific Beach is described as a “no-frills 1940s beach house,” visitors will be treated to the feel of a New York artist.

Approximately 40 huge paintings are displayed over the fences and in the backyard, where the artists can usually be found working. The outdoor studio is described as “alive with color.”

It is the home of two artists — Eliza Principe who uses oil paints with vivid colors and shapes, while Martin Cervantez, a retired Army artist and photographer, paints ultra colorful yet precisely constructed abstracts.

“This stop is sure to have a lot of color and a variety of styles to enjoy,” Principe said.

Two homes on this year’s tour belong to La Jolla residents.

The home of artist Dottie Stanley and her husband, Dave, is part of the La Jolla Corona Estates. Each of these houses were built with amazing views and unique architecture, Stanley said.

“My home has a Spanish flair to it, with the arched doorways, Spanish tile roof and wrought iron railings,” she said. “The house sits on a small hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, parts of the bay and the City of San Diego; views can be seen from most rooms of the house.”

Painting for more than 50 years, she also paints florals, still life, seascapes and landscapes. The house is filled with art, as the couple collects the work of many local artists, including Dottie’s own award-winning pieces.

Multiple vignettes of mythical statues adorn her garden.

“There are windows and art everywhere; it’s like going into an art museum,” Renshaw said.

The second house belongs to artist Jane Fletcher. Her 1970 TechBuilt home was built in 1970 and she has lived in the area since 1971.

From the 1960s to the 1990s, TechBuilt built more than 10,000 upscale homes from La Jolla to Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe and other areas.

The house was remodeled in the late 1990s to include the artist’s studio, where she paints and works in wood and glass.

Custom-made front entry doors and a four-panel carved screen in the entry greet guests. Her hand carved doors and glass works may look familiar as they are found in many local homes.

Fletcher’s paintings can be found internationally, in both homes and businesses. Her 400-square-foot entry doubles as a gallery space to reach her 300-square-foot studio.

Renshaw said guests will travel through Fletcher’s house to reach the backyard, and enjoy multi-panel carved screens, etched glass, unique touches and dozens of paintings for sale along the way.

“People love that our event is small enough to be personable, but big enough to have a wide array of studios, gardens and artists. Our community is so rich with talented people and it’s so fun to get to meet everyone,” Higgins said. “We can’t wait to do it again this year.”

Starting Sept. 1, visitors can find details for each studio location, artist and their work at sdcoastalartstudios.com . They are within a 3-mile radius of one another and organizers say street parking should not be a problem. Tours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Studios can be seen in any order. Dogs are not allowed.

Though the tour is free, donations boxes will be set up at each location; 100 percent of every donation goes to this year’s charity, NationalCheersFoundation.org .