With its 70 miles of glowing Pacific shoreline, San Diego is an aquatic paradise. However whereas the area beckons wave-lovers with such world-class surf breaks as Swami’s and Windansea, San Diego additionally boasts loads of gentler spots which might be excellent for even the littlest guests to benefit from the wonders of our waters. Right here’s a take a look at seven San Diego seashores that can delight small swimmers and their households.
Kellogg Seashore
Tucked contained in the southern “hook” of Shelter Island, not removed from the doorway to San Diego Bay, is this gem of a seashore that’s in style with locals within the neighboring La Playa neighborhood of Level Loma. The comfortable spot, solely about two blocks lengthy, is effectively protected against waves and wind, and affords loads of sand for epic bouts of castle-building, in addition to a mild entrance to the water and nice views of passing boat visitors. There aren’t any public restrooms and parking is street-only, however outlets and eating places are a brief drive away, as are public amenities on Shelter Island.
Ventura Cove/Sail Bay
San Diego’s Mission Bay is the biggest aquatic playground of its type on the planet, and a few of its most interesting seashores line the world generally known as Sail Bay alongside the western fringe of this 4,600-acre park, whose waters are fed by the Pacific. Ventura Cove and Bahia Seashore (subsequent to the favored Bahia Resort Lodge) each provide absolutely protected shorelines in addition to restrooms and different amenities, and are a fast stroll from such customer favorites as Belmont Park and the Mission Seashore boardwalk. And the world close to the attractive Catamaran Resort Lodge & Spa simply to the north affords likewise calm waters and an inviting strip of sand, with the ocean simply a few blocks away.
Jap Mission Bay
On the alternative aspect of Mission Bay from the Sail Bay space, a string of protected seashores provide nearly every little thing children and their households might need for an amazing day by the water. Tecolote Shores boasts a brand-new, interactive play space, a sandy shoreline and huge expanses of grass for picnicking or kite-flying, with public restrooms close by. Slightly farther north is the San Diego Mission Bay Resort, which affords a number of eating places and bars plus a motorcycle and boat rental service subsequent to the waterfront pathway that winds alongside the attractive bayfront. An added bonus of beachgoing on this space is that it’s shortly accessible from Interstate 5, and near SeaWorld San Diego and different customer favorites.
Coronado Ferry Touchdown
It could be laborious to discover a patch of sand anyplace on the planet that matches Coronado Ferry Touchdown’s seashore for the sheer spectacular-ness of its skyline views. Nestled subsequent to the dock the place ferries drop off guests in Coronado after the quick experience from Downtown San Diego, the seashore affords views straight throughout San Diego Bay to the town’s towering skyscrapers and such likewise placing sights because the San Diego Symphony’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. It’s additionally an amazing spot for a household seashore day, with quite a few outlets, eating places, recreation leases, parks, public restrooms and extra simply steps away from the sand.
Glorietta Bay
For a quieter household seashore expertise, make sure to take a look at Glorietta Bay Park Seashore, positioned on the bay on the southern finish of Coronado, simply throughout the Silver Strand from the ocean. The views are stunning and the facilities are plentiful at this properly protected seashore — together with a playground, restrooms, picnic tables, a grassy space, showers, firepits, even a spot to lease kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. (Parking is offered on adjoining Strand Approach.) The Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill is a brief stroll away, and a bit farther north is the grand Lodge del Coronado, a beloved San Diego landmark that’s effectively price a go to.
La Jolla Cove
Ranked by TripAdvisor as one of many Prime 10 seashores within the nation for 2023, the Cove is a justifiably well-known jewel of a seashore set into the dramatic sea bluffs of La Jolla. Though it’s on the ocean, the Cove faces northeast and is tucked into a pointy bend within the coast, defending it from most wave motion. It’s probably the most in style spots on the West Coast for snorkeling, significantly because it fronts what is called the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve. Nevertheless it’s additionally splendid for both bathing within the mild waters or simply sunbathing on the sand. (Be aware: The Cove can get very crowded in summer season, and parking is proscribed on the encompassing streets.) There are public restrooms on the seashore, and a grassy park above. And the remainder of La Jolla — considered one of California’s most stunning seaside communities — affords a wealth of eating choices, purchasing, lodges and rather more.
Carlsbad Lagoon
It might sound a shocking place to discover a sandy, family-friendly seashore, however proper subsequent to Interstate 5 on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon within the coastal North County neighborhood of Carlsbad is an inviting spot generally known as Comfortable Harbor. The placement, about 25 miles north of Downtown San Diego (and fewer than 10 minutes from LEGOLAND California), features a marina, kayak and boat/board leases, picnic and celebration areas, restrooms and a comfortable stretch of sand. Whereas the lagoon is fed by the ocean, the waters listed here are utterly protected and calm. To be taught extra in regards to the lagoon’s ecology, take the quick drive to the Agua Hedionda Discovery Heart, which affords interactive reveals on native crops, wildlife and extra.