Best Beaches in San Diego | Alison Hatch Photo
Hey there! If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, let me be your beach guide! San Diego’s beaches are a dream come true for families, couples, and solo explorers alike, each with its own vibe, landscape, and local charm. Whether you want wide sands, cliffside views, or a bit of classic California surf culture, these beaches have something for everyone. Here are my favorite beach spots to check out!
Oceanside Beach - Pier Side
Imagine a wide, sandy stretch with the classic SoCal pier standing proudly over the water, a landmark you’ll spot from a mile away. Oceanside Beach has that easygoing vibe, with lots of space for families to spread out. The waves here are gentle, perfect for splashing around with little ones or just strolling along the shore.
Why Families Love It:
There’s a big playground right by the sand and tons of grassy areas where you can set up a picnic. Oceanside Pier is fun for a family walk – you’ll see surfers catching waves, locals fishing, and you might even spot dolphins in the distance!
Nearby Treats:
Grab a taco at Sancho’s, or treat the kids to a scrumptous donut at Parlor Donughts just a few blocks away. And don’t miss the California Surf Museum, a cool spot to learn about surfing history and check out some epic boards.
Moonlight State Beach, Encinitas
This is a family favorite with a relaxed vibe, a wide sandy shore, and plenty of amenities to keep everyone happy. Moonlight Beach is clean, open, and super welcoming – it’s easy to find a spot to settle in with a beach blanket and a cooler of snacks. Encinitas has a breezy beach-town feel, with the kind of mellow energy that feels instantly relaxing.
Why Families Love It:
There’s a playground on-site, lots of picnic tables, and even fire pits to make s’mores as the sun sets. Moonlight’s gentle waves are just right for beginner boogie boarders and splash-happy kids, and the beach has lifeguards to give you extra peace of mind.
Nearby Treats:
Head over to Leucadia for pizza. If you sit on the covered patio, you have a view of the ocean. Perfect for sunset dining! Or, if you need a caffeine boost, stop by Better Buzz Coffee just up the street for a “Best Drink Ever” (that’s literally its name).
Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve, Torrey Pines
This is the beach to go to if you want stunning coastal cliffs and that wild, untouched beauty. Torrey Pines has a beautiful, rugged landscape – imagine sandy paths lined with unique trees, cliffs towering over the ocean, and waves crashing against the shore. The hike down to the beach is half the adventure, with panoramic ocean views every step of the way.
Why Families Love It:
Kids who love exploring will have a blast here! There are trails galore, and you’ll come across educational plaques where you can learn about the native Torrey pine tree, unique to this area. It’s ideal for families with older kids who love hiking and adventure.
Nearby Treats:
After hiking, stop by Jake’s Del Mar – they have a kid-friendly menu and a great view of the ocean! Or grab a treat at Baked Bear, where you can build your own ice cream sandwich (a huge hit with families).
Windansea Beach
Windansea is one of those spots that photographers adore, thanks to its dramatic rocks, stunning waves, and golden sands. There’s a bit of everything here – soft sand, rocky formations, and even a charming little palm-covered shack that’s become a local landmark. It feels secluded, almost like you’ve found a hidden gem.
Why Families Love It:
The tide pools here are amazing, especially for older kids who are fascinated by sea creatures. It’s also a lovely spot for a family photo session or sunset viewing – this beach practically glows in the golden hour.
Nearby Treats:
The Promiscuous Fork in La Jolla is a casual, family-friendly eatery with tasty sandwiches and burgers, perfect after a day at the beach. For a sweet treat, swing by Bobboi Natural Gelato – their handmade gelato is delicious, with unique flavors that’ll please every palate.
La Jolla Shores
This beach is one of the most popular family beaches in San Diego, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a wide, welcoming stretch of soft sand with gentle waves that are perfect for young swimmers and boogie boarders. Plus, it’s one of the best places in San Diego for snorkeling – kids will love spotting colorful fish and playful sea lions in the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Why Families Love It:
La Jolla Shores is like a beach playground with plenty of picnic areas and even a playground nearby. Families can rent kayaks, go paddleboarding, or take a guided snorkeling tour – this beach is all about adventure for every age!
Nearby Treats:
Just a short walk away, The Taco Stand serves up delicious tacos that the whole family will love. For a post-beach treat, check out Scoops La Jolla, an ice cream shop where the flavors are as colorful as the beach day memories you’ll make.
Coronado Beach
The sand here actually sparkles – it has tiny flecks of mica that make it glitter in the sun. Coronado Beach is famous for its views of the grand Hotel del Coronado, an iconic spot you’ll recognize right away. The beach is expansive, with plenty of room to set up a big family base, play in the sand, and take a stroll along the shoreline.
Why Families Love It:
Kids love running on the shimmering sand, and the calm waves make it an ideal spot for young swimmers. The grassy areas nearby are perfect for a picnic, and the hotel hosts fun family-friendly events throughout the year.
Nearby Treats:
Stop by MooTime Creamery for hand-scooped ice cream – they even have fun flavors like “Cake Batter.” Or, if you’re hungry for more, head to Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a diner-style spot where kids can get waffles and pancakes and parents can get great coffee!
South Ponto Beach
This beach in Carlsbad has a more low-key vibe and is one of the last beaches in the area with a wide sandy shore that feels spacious and uncrowded. South Ponto is perfect if you want a chill, laid-back day with plenty of room to set up games, play beach volleyball, or just hang out.
Why Families Love It:
There’s a lot of space here, so even on busier days, you won’t feel crowded. The waves can get a bit bigger, so it’s great for confident swimmers and older kids. Lifeguards keep an eye on things, and there are bathrooms and showers to keep everyone comfortable.
Nearby Treats:
Just up the road, you’ll find Pizza Port in Carlsbad, known for its family-friendly vibe and delicious pizza – perfect for a post-beach bite. Or, for something sweet, try Carlsbad Strawberry Company for fresh strawberries and sweet treats the kids will love!
Beacon’s Beach
If you love hidden gems, Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas is for you. It’s tucked away at the base of cliffs, with a winding staircase leading down to a cozy stretch of sand. This spot feels like a local’s secret, offering gorgeous sunset views, excellent surfing, and beautiful tide pools for exploring.
Why Families Love It:
Families with older kids who don’t mind the walk down will love exploring the tide pools and watching the surfers. The views from the cliff-top trail are breathtaking, so bring your camera!
Nearby Treats:
Encinitas has plenty of beachy bites – try Pannikin Coffee & Tea, an artsy little spot for coffee and pastries that adults and kids alike will enjoy. For a more healthy meal, Kia Ola sushi is super fresh and oh so yum.
These beaches are just the beginning – every San Diego shore has its own magic. So grab your beach bag, hit up some local eateries, and let these spots fill your vacation with all the best of SoCal. Can’t wait to see you out there!
And while you're here, why not make this trip extra memorable with a family photo session? San Diego’s beaches make the perfect backdrop for capturing your time together – the golden sands, sparkling water, and vibrant sunsets add that special touch to every shot. As a photographer, I love working with families on vacation because it's one of those rare times when everyone is relaxed, together, and having fun! A family photo session on one of these beautiful beaches means you’ll take home more than just memories; you’ll have keepsakes that bring you right back to this trip every time you see them. If you’re interested, I’d be thrilled to help you capture this special time together! Reach out, and let’s make your San Diego visit unforgettable!
Hi there! I’m Alison Hatch
If you're looking for a photographer who knows San Diego's best spots and truly understands how to capture family moments, I’d love to help! I’m a San Diego-based photographer with a passion for capturing authentic, joyful family memories. My work has been published and featured in various publications like Heartful Magazine, Front Steps Project, 35 mm, and more. With years of experience and a deep love for what I do, I’m here to create beautiful, lasting memories for you and your family. Let’s make some magic together!
