Silver Strand State Beach

Learn about Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado. This is a popular San Diego beach with both locals and tourists. Find out why people love it so much.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Enjoy a Campfire & Stay the Night in Your RV at Beautiful Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
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

Deserted Beach at Silver Strand State BeachBeach Umbrella and White Water at Silver Strand State Beach

Along the long, thin strip of land connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach lies Silver Strand State Beach. This beautiful park and beach is notable, in part, because it spans the width of the strand. It is actually two beaches: one on the oceanside and one on Crown Cove in the San Diego Bay.

The sand on the oceanside of the beach is expansive and beautiful. On the Crown Cove side, there is a little less beach area, but the waters are wonderfully calm thanks to being in a cove inside San Diego Bay.

Within the state beach area, there is also a campground and the Crown Cove Aquatic Center. There is also a 10-mile bike path that continues all the way along the isthmus.

It is one of the few beaches in the area that officially allows overnight camping with RVs. You’ll regularly see campers enjoying multiple days by the beach, including some regulars who keep coming back.

The beach is named for the silvery oyster shells that wash up on the beach and dunes in the area. Combining the beach for these can be a fun way to pass the time.

Overall, this is a beautiful beach that offers a lot of the best aspects of the Coronado peninsula. If you want a relaxing and fun beach experience, this is a good choice.

Things to Do

Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Camping
Camping
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

Why You’ll Love Visiting Silver Strand State Beach

San Diego is littered with beautiful beaches; so, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Silver Strand State Beach has a lot to offer beyond its unique layout. Whether you like swimming, sunbathing, surfing or camping, you’ll enjoy visiting this beach.

Swimming

The Crown Cove side of the beach is a great place for swimming. The protected waters within San Diego Bay are consistently calm. It is a very safe area to swim, even for younger or less experienced swimmers.

Many of the beaches around San Diego face right out into the Pacific Ocean. While this is great for surfing, it can make swimming difficult. If you want to enjoy a few laps or just want to splash around in the shallows, you should strongly consider visiting Silver Strand State Beach and Crown Cove.

Local Tips
Did you know?
The Strand, as known to locals, is on a narrow 7 mile isthmus that connects Imperial Beach to Coronado.

Sun and Sand

The oceanside of the beach offers a lot of sand and plenty of room for sunning. The water on this side is significantly choppier, so there are fewer swimmers. However, it is still a very popular spot with locals for sunbathing and relaxing on the sand.

It can get pretty popular on the beach during busier days. If you want to get a spot, consider heading to the beach earlier in the morning. This will help you to secure a prime position for relaxing in the sun.

Gentle Surf

The surf off Silver Strand State Beach is consistent and accessible to surfers of all experience levels. The waves are left and right beach breakers. They come in over a smooth, sandy bottom.

While this beach does not offer the world-class waves of some of the other beaches in the area, it does have some fun surf. Additionally, unlike places like Black’s Beach, even beginners can get on their boards here.

Camping and Bonfires

This beach is well-known for allowing camping overnight. Although the campground is essentially just a parking lot and tent camping is not allowed, enjoying a bonfire on the beach makes the whole experience worthwhile.

If you are looking for a more casual and flexible experience in San Diego, consider setting up camp at Silver Strand State Beach. You can even bring your furry friends to the campground.

Don’t Have an RV? Stay Nearby at Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Just across the spectacular Coronado Bridge spanning San Diego Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is uniquely situated to offer supreme comfort and privacy yet proximity to the many wonderful activities the San Diego area offers.

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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

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

Popular Activities

The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
Explore San Diego Bay
Explore San Diego Bay
$59 per person
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How to Get There & Parking

Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Neighborhood Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Silver Strand State Beach

If you are coming from the north, get off I-5 at Chicano Park. You can exit right onto the Coronado Bridge. Follow this and turn on Orange Avenue.

Follow the road all the way down the isthmus. You can’t miss Silver Strand State Beach because you will drive right through it.

From the south, get on Palm Avenue. Follow this as it becomes Silver Strand Boulevard. Stay on the road all the way up the peninsula until you reach the beach.

Parking at Silver Strand

There is a paid parking lot within the state park that serves the beach. You may also be able to find street parking in the nearby neighborhoods.

Featured Activity

Gray Whale during Whale Watching Tour in San Diego
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
Enjoy a 3.5 to 4-hour expert led tour departing from beautiful San Diego Bay on a two-story whale watching yacht. Take in the views, enjoy the marine life, dolphin & marvel at the majestic gray whales as they migrate along the coast.
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Know Before You Go & Tips

Firepits
Firepits
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Tips for Enjoying the Beach as Much as Possible

Dogs Allowed in the Campground

If you want to camp and have a canine companion, you can bring him or her with you. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach. Also, don’t forget that you need a leash.

Facilities Nearby

The beach is well-supported with restrooms, showers, picnic tables and more. This is a popular beach and enjoys great amenities because of it.

Lifeguards

Silver Strand State Beach is patrolled by lifeguards. There is also a tower on the ocean side of the beach.

Local Café

Silver Strand Beach Café is a popular spot for dining during the summer. It is right by the beach and has all sorts of summer staples.

Silver Strand State Beach
is Known For:
Swimming
Swimming
Know This:
Fire Pits
Fire Pits
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

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