Imperial Beach City Beach & Imperial Beach Pier

Imperial Beach City Beach offers four miles of sand and surf for beach activities of all kinds. Enjoy world class surfing, swimming, pier fishing and more.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Take in Miles of Sand for Sunsets, Strolls and Activities for the Entire Family
City Beach & Pier
Overview
Things to Do
See More & 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

Imperial Beach City Beach SunsetBird at Imperial Beach City Beach

Imperial Beach City Beach runs the length of the waterfront in Imperial Beach. At just five miles north of the Mexico border, the beach is a wonderful location for watching the sunset, strolling, fishing and more. From the Imperial Beach Pier, you can see the Los Coronados Islands, which are islands off the coast of Mexico and are known for scuba diving.

Imperial Beach City Beach including the area around the pier have year-round lifeguards on duty. Restrooms and other amenities are available for beach comfort. The four-mile stretch of beach has dozens of activities, from surfing, pier fishing, birdwatching and more. There’s even horseback riding along the coast. Beach volleyball and bicycling are also popular activities along the beach.

The Pier is the best place to start if you’re new to the area. You’ll find picnic tables, a basketball court and kids play area close by. The views from the Imperial Beach Pier are astounding.

Make sure to find the IB Outdoor Surf Museum, an art project that tells the story of surfing and what it means to the community. It’s located below the 10 surfboard benches.

Things to Do

Fishing
Fishing
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

What Makes Imperial Beach City Beach the Place to Go

Tijuana River National Estuary

IB is home to the Tijuana River National Estuary, where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s the largest saltwater marsh in Southern California. You’ll find many different species of birds and other wildlife, some of which are endangered. Birdwatching is a popular activity at the Tijuana River National Estuary.

Fishing in IB

Imperial Beach Pier offers fishing without a license. Surf fishing, fishing off the beach, requires a license for any adults over the age of 16. Kids under the age of 16 don’t need a license. With plenty of places to rent fishing gear and buy bait, if you didn’t bring a pole, you’ll still be able to enjoy tossing a line into the ocean. Common fish that are caught off the pier include, surf perch, croaker, mackerel, bonito and halibut.

Local Tips
Did you know?
The Imperial Beach Pier is a public pier and no fishing license is required to fish off of this pier. California halibut are a common catch her at the IB Pier.

Surfing in IB

Imperial Beach features beach-break waves for surfers of all levels. It’s a popular beach, on both weekdays and weekends. The wave quality is considered “Regional Classic.” Unfortunately, the beach is also known for being polluted. Make sure to check the local lifeguard report for the water quality.

Annual Events in IB

IB hosts many annual events, from triathlons to fish derbies. The Sun & Sea Festival in July features sandcastle building competitions and entertainment is a wonderful celebration of the beach. The Friday Imperial Beach Farmers Market is the only beachfront farmers market in San Diego.

Stay Nearby at the Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection

The Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection is located walking distance from the Imperial Beach Pier and it is the perfect resort to stay at while visiting Imperial Beach. If you’ve always dreamed of waking up in the morning to the gentle sounds of breaking surf, make a reservation at this breathtaking hotel for an unforgettable experience.

Go Historic with Go Pass!

Whaley House
Historic Whaley House Museum
The Whaley House Museum is located in historic Old Town San Diego. With your Go Pass, take in one of the most visited attractions in the area. The complex is made up of multiple houses and museums that offer something fun for the whole family.
Buy Now
Local Tips
What are the best Go City San Diego pass deals?

Some of the best deals with the Go City San Diego pass include access to San Diego’s most popular attractions.

Discount admission is offered to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, USS Midway Museum, Belmont Park rides and more!

Want to save more? 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
LEGOLAND Hopper Ticket
LEGOLAND Hopper Ticket
$127 per person
Learn More

How to Get There & Parking

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

Getting to Imperial Beach City Beach

Take the I-5 freeway. Exit Palm Avenue west. Take a left at Seacoast Drive. Drive a few blocks farther south to get to Imperial Beach Pier at Evergreen Avenue.

Parking at the beach in Imperial Beach

There are some public lots available. You can also find street parking in residential areas.

Featured Activity

La Jolla Surfing Lesson
Surf Lessons in La Jolla
Ride the waves in La Jolla, a premiere surfing destination! This 90-minute lesson is fit for both beginners & intermediate surfers, with a choice of private or public lessons. All necessary equipment is included. Surfs up!
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Dogs
No Dogs
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Helpful Tips

Beach Warning Flags

Pay attention to the beach warning flags. Red flags mean no swimming. Although the beaches are generally safe, there are times when beaches do close to weather conditions or a strong undertow in the area. Checkered flags indicate the boundaries between surfing and swimming. A yellow flag with a black ball in the center indicates no surfing in the area.

Fishing Off of the Pier

Ask the local shops about fishing off the pier to get the right equipment for where you’re fishing. The best time to fish is when the tides are changing. Make sure to follow any regulations, limits on size and number, for example.

Weddings on the Beach

If you want to get married on the beach, you must apply for a permit, regardless of the size of your wedding. There are designated areas on the beach where weddings can be held. You cannot hold a wedding reception on the beach.

Dogs on the Beach

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between IB Blvd. and Palm Ave. However, there is a small dog beach area at Seacoast and Carnation.

No Alcohol on the Beach

Glass bottles and alcohol are prohibited on the beach.

No Camping in IB

Although you can’t camp on the beach itself, however you can RV camp on the Silver Strand State Beach.

Imperial Beach City Beach & Imperial Beach Pier
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Pier
Pier
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

Stay Nearby

Sand Castle Inn
Beachfront
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Sand Castle Inn
from $215 / night
View Hotel
Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection
Beachfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection
from $188 / night
View Hotel
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