Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island

If you can access it, Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island is a unique experience. Enjoy an uncrowded beach with a friendly atmosphere.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Stretch Out with Your Family at the Private Military Beach
Breakers Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Explore & Save
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Fence Blocking Access to the Private Military Beach Breakers Beach at Naval Air StationSunset Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island

Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island, on Coronado Island, is a unique beach in San Diego. You can only access this beach if you are in the military or have connections in the military because it is a private military beach.

The restricted access provides a secluded and peaceful getaway that is difficult to find on other beaches in the area. Some other area beaches are notorious for large crowds, especially at peak times, but Breakers Beach never has this problem.

You’ll find it is one of the cleanest beaches in the area as well since the military maintains it. The remote shoreline remains a calm and serene place to go with your family for a day in the sun.

Things to Do

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

Family-Friendly Fun and a Breathtaking View

Peaceful Getaway

It is best-known for being such a peaceful getaway. No matter when you visit, the wide beach offers enough room for everyone without having that crowded feeling. It helps that it has limited access.

Breakers Beach features amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the historic Hotel del Coronado, the lighthouse and Point Loma. At night, you can even see the lights from Mexico across the water.

Depending on when you visit, you also may see military training crews and aircraft carriers coming and going from the port. These massive ships are thrilling to those of all ages.

Great Wedding Spot

The Breakers Beach dock is a great outdoor venue space. It is popular with military couples as a wedding hot spot. It features covered and uncovered areas.

Local Tips
Did you know?
Along with Breakers Beach, Gator Beach just south of South Beach in Coronado are both private military beaches.

Beach Volleyball

The beach also has volleyball courts. Feel free to rope anyone nearby into playing a game or two. You’ll find many willing participants.

Facilities Available

The beach has a lot of amenities to offer. You can put up a tent if you like, but it also has cabanas for rent. There are areas with fire pits and permanent BBQ grills.

There are also public restrooms and outdoor showers. The military keeps them clean and updated for your comfort and convenience.

You Can Surf but it is not Great

If you want to surf, then you can do it here, but be aware it isn’t a super exciting spot. It is good for beginners or for boogie boarders. The waves are soft without a lot of pizzazz. It’s nice if you want an easy surf just to get out on the water.

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How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Breakers Beach

Remember Breakers Beach is only accessible by military personnel. You must go through the Naval Air Station North Island to get to the beach.

Be ready to show your military ID to get access. So, if you do not have a way to get onto the base, then you cannot visit. Military personnel can invite family and guests, so just come with someone who does have access.

You will enter through the base entrance at the north end of Ocean Boulevard by Sunset Park. It’s a quick drive through the base on Rogers Road to the beachfront parking area.

Parking at Breakers Beach

It isn’t usually very crowded, so you shouldn’t have trouble parking. There isn’t a long trek to the beach, so don’t be afraid to bring everything you need, from umbrellas to baskets carrying a feast for your beach picnic.

Featured Activity

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Know Before You Go & Tips

Firepits
Firepits
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
Weddings Available
Weddings Available

Helpful Tips

No Alcohol, Except with a Permit

You’ll find most of the beaches in the area do not permit alcoholic beverages. You can drink on this beach, but you must have a permit. You need at least two weeks to secure your permit through the application process, so make sure you plan ahead.

No Lifeguards

Lifeguards are hit or miss here. The official word is that there are no lifeguards on duty, but many visitors say they are there during daylight hours. Prepare to have to monitor your children in and near the water on your own in case there is no lifeguard on the day of your visit.

Be mindful of stingrays along the water’s edge. They often come in with the tide later in the day, but watch out for them at all times.

Next to Coronado’s North Beach

Breaker’s Beach is right beside the North Beach on Coronado Island. There is a fence separating the area, but you may have to deal with noise as that beach hosts incredibly large crowds during peak times.

Breakers Beach at Naval Air Station North Island
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Fire Pits
Fire Pits
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February
Mar
56°F / 69°F
Sunny in March

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