Beach Communities
Seventy miles of coastline, sandy beaches, great surf, and gorgeous weather are just a few of the many reasons over three million people call San Diego home. If you can’t get enough of the ocean and dream of catching a few waves in the morning before going to work, you’ll love living in one of San Diego’s quintessential beach communities.
Between La Jolla and Point Loma, you’ll find three unique neighborhoods: Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. All three are bounded by the Pacific Ocean and the waterways of Mission Bay, giving you endless ways to play and catch some sun. From surfing to boating to sea kayaking to beachcombing, salt air and sunshine are baked into the coastal way of life.
Pacific Beach, or PB as its commonly known, is a vibrant community with a fun and festive atmosphere. A popular choice for college students attending UC-San Diego, San Diego State, or the University of San Diego, Pacific Beach also attracts people who love its walkability, proximity to the beach, year-round events, and abundance of great local restaurants. The quieter micro-neighborhoods of Crown Point and North Pacific Beach are particularly popular with young professionals, families, and retirees. With its classic California pier and beachfront boardwalk, a stroll through Pacific Beach will remind you of other great Golden State beach towns like Santa Monica and Santa Cruz. PB’s unofficial main drag is Grand Avenue with its colorful restaurants, fun bars, and eclectic local businesses. Even if the bar scene isn’t your thing, the food in Pacific Beach is outstanding. Start your day with a breakfast burrito at Kono’s or French Toast at Fig Tree Café. If you’re in the mood for fish, you must check out Oscars Mexican Seafood near the beach or sit on the patio at the Pacific Beach Fish Shop. Looking for something more upscale? JRDN restaurant serves up modern oceanview dining with a great menu and delicious cocktails at Tower 23 Hotel.
Mission Beach offers many of the same attractions as Pacific Beach but is a bit quieter in comparison. The neighborhood’s smaller in size though just as dense, giving residents a unique blend of coastal urban-suburban life. Pacific Beach’s boardwalk stretches down through Mission Beach, making it a popular recreational choice for walkers, joggers, and bikers. Although Mission Beach doesn’t have the plethora of festivals and annual celebrations that Pacific Beach has, it holds its own when it comes to entertainment. Be a kid again at SeaWorld San Diego, where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and more. Plan a party on the beach at Fiesta Island, where you can bring your dog, go standup paddleboarding, and roast marshmallows over a beach bonfire at night. Step back in time at Belmont Park, where you can ride their giant wooden roller coaster, eat funnel cakes, and win great prizes playing games on the Midway. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to World Famous for fish tacos or grab pancakes at the Mission.
Sometimes called the “Haight-Ashbury of San Diego,” Ocean Beach is one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods. Filled with antique stores and boutique shops, Ocean Beach (or OB) has resisted the incursion of larger chain stores. Its charming downtown is highly walkable and features San Diego favorite restaurants, Hodad’s and South Beach Bar & Grille. If you love being outside, consider a move to Ocean Beach. A popular spot for surfers, OB has previously hosted the World Surfing Championships! This neighborhood also has its own pier, one of the longest in California, which is open for fishing. Dog Beach is another popular area attraction, one of the few places in San Diego where dogs can run around off-leash both day and night. If your pooch likes to swim, this beach is great because the waves aren’t too strong. Love to pop an ollie? With over 40,000 square feet of concrete course, nearby Robb Field Skate Park is considered one of the best in Southern California for skaters. When it comes to real estate, Ocean Beach is one of the more affordable beach communities. It’s also a great option for real estate investors, especially those who are looking for 2-4 unit options. Situated at the end of I-8, Ocean Beach is convenient to both Mission Valley and Downtown San Diego.
Whether you’re looking for a home with a rooftop view deck or a condo close to the beach, you’ll find it in one of San Diego’s beach cities. Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach offer a variety of housing options to fit every price point from beach bungalows to duplexes to oceanfront homes. Prospective real estate investors should pay careful attention to these three neighborhoods. Short-term and long-term rentals are highly desirable here, making it easy to maintain a consistent flow of guests or tenants. San Diego home prices are on the rise and in neighborhoods like these, your investment will only continue to grow. Ready to take the next step? Give me a call and let’s start your search for your new San Diego coastal home.
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