Ocean Beach - Beaches

The shores of Ocean Beach are a great vacation destination. Head into the ocean to surf the jetties or play fetch with your dog at the pet-friendly beach.
Todd Sarouhan
Ocean Beach - Beaches
Overview
Save on Gear
The Neighborhood
Known For
Dog Park
Surfing
Stay Nearby

Exploring the Coastline at Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is an excellent spot for vacationers looking for a seaside trip and locals seeking a weekend getaway. The beaches here are beloved, but they’re just one part of what makes Ocean Beach so special.

Much of Southern California and San Diego is rife with surfing opportunities, and that’s equally true at Ocean Beach, which has become known for its exceptional jetties and beach breaks. Rent a surfboard before you hit the beach, or head to a surf school for some lessons before tackling bigger waves. There’s no better way to learn about San Diego surfing culture than to get out there and experience it first-hand!

If you’re enjoying the beach, why shouldn’t your dog get to enjoy it too? Ocean Beach has its own pet-friendly beach where you can let your dog off their leash to explore the sand, splash in the shallows, and make new canine friends.

The beaches here are sandy and fairly wide, with lots of space for sunbathing and setting up umbrellas for shade. There are only a few rocky outcroppings that stretch out into the water, so the beaches are easy to get around with few hills.

Aside from surfing and the dog beach, Ocean Beach is also a popular spot for fishing off the pier. If you’re looking for a relaxing end to your day or a romantic sight you can share with your significant other, be sure to spread out a beach towel and settle down to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Kayak Ride with Go Pass!

La Jolla - 90-Minute Kayak Rental
La Jolla 90-Minute Kayak Rental
When visiting La Jolla, use your Go Pass and hop on a tandem kayak ride! This 90-minute ride from La Jolla Beach takes you on an adventure to see all the area has to offer. Check out the famous seven caves and sea lions while enjoying the SoCal sun!
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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%!

The Ocean Beach Area

Ocean Beach is about a seven-mile drive from Downtown San Diego, which puts it in close proximity to many popular Southern California attractions. This also means you don’t have to travel far from the San Diego International Airport either, which is even closer at just four miles away.

The neighborhood has a bohemian feel to it, which helps it stand out from many other beaches across the area, while still giving it a distinctly San Diego vibe. There are plenty of trendy stores, antiques shops, brewpubs, and organic grocery stores and restaurants lining the streets that see plenty of business from residents and tourists alike.

Since Ocean Beach is so close to Downtown San Diego and popular attractions like those in Balboa Park, it’s a great idea to visit the San Diego History Center or San Diego Zoo during your trip, and an even better idea to buy a Go San Diego Pass. The pass provides a discount on gear rental and admission prices for many attractions, and you can get an additional discount with our link.

If you’d like to stay close to the beach, consider booking a few nights at the Ocean Beach Hotel. It’s a beachside, family-friendly resort with free WiFi in the lobby and rooms, as well as free lodging for pets. This pairs perfectly with the local dog-friendly beach.

If you’re looking for more great hotels across San Diego that are accommodating and excited to welcome you and your pet, check out our article on the ‘Best Pet Friendly Hotels in San Diego’.

Surfing and Visiting Dog Parks in Ocean Beach

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Fishing
Fishing
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Skateboarding Allowed
Skateboarding Allowed
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Tide Pooling
Tide Pooling

The beaches in Ocean Beach are well-known for having good surfing with consistent waves. The Ocean Beach Jetty, often shortened to OB Jetty, is a break that draws plenty of surfers throughout the year. You can really experience San Diego’s surfing culture, whether you grab a board or you decide to just watch more experienced surfers ride the waves.

The pet-friendly Ocean Beach Dog Beach has achieved some notoriety as well for being one of the first beaches in the United States to allow dogs to roam off-leash. If you’re vacationing with your pet, it’s a must on your travel plans.

Dog Park

Doges Chasing Frisbee at Ocean Beach Dog Beach Series 2 of 3
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly beach, try the Ocean Beach Dog Beach. You and your dog can walk or run along the shore, splash in the waves, and play fetch, all off-leash. The beach is also home to the well-known OB Jetty, which is a popular spot for surfers.

Surfing

North Side of  OB Pier
Ocean Beach Pier & City Beach is the best surfing spot in Ocean Beach. There are great beach break waves, and lifeguards are present. If surfing isn’t your thing, walk the pier, check out the boardwalk, enjoy the fire pits, go fishing, or cool off with some swimming.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Ocean Beach - Beaches
are Known For:
Dog Park
Dog Park
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
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

Ocean Villa Inn
Near SeaWorld
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
Ocean Villa Inn
from $125 / night
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Ocean Beach Hotel
Beachfront
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
Ocean Beach Hotel
from $181 / night
View Hotel
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