Staying in the heart of Pacific Beach will get you close to many of San Diego’s most popular activities and attractions. With La Jolla and my family’s favorite aquarium, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps just to the north and Mission Bay to the south, your base at the Diamond Head Inn will have you exploring San Diego in no time!
Whether at one of the Pacific Beach beaches or in the surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll have plenty of options to entertain you and your family.
Aerial Shot of La Jolla Cove
Onsite Activities
The Diamond Head Inn isn’t a resort offering on property activities, a gym, fitness classes and the like. However, with the beach across the street, there are plenty of activities that are just a short walk away.
World Famous Beaches
While staying at the Diamond Head, you’ll be perfectly placed to visit popular beaches like the aforementioned North Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and the beaches in La Jolla.
If you’re here to surf, chances are, that image you have of California surfing surrounded by a laid-back atmosphere is, in fact, PB! Pacific Beach offers some of the best, and most iconic, places to surf in San Diego and I’ll tell you more about that below.
Pacific Beach is also home to some great kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, and swimming. Of course, if you prefer staying dry, you’ll find plenty of places perfect for strolling or sunbathing as well.
Surfing Pacific Beach and Beyond
San Diego has a deep history of surf culture and Pacific Beach is a huge part of the scene.
If you want to go surfing, head to Crystal Pier or PB Point if you’re an experienced surfer. If you’re a beginner or just looking to practice, I’d recommend the surfing only beach at Tourmaline Surf Park. There you’ll find that the gentle waves are perfect for honing your skills.
Read our article Pacific Beach vs Ocean Beach Neighborhoods to learn more about PB and why it’s synonymous with San Diego’s surf culture.
Private Surf Lessons
If you’ve never surfed before, as a surfer myself I can tell you that catching your first wave is exhilarating! If you’d like to give it a shot, I recommend the 90 minute Private Surf Lesson which will have you in the water and on your board before you know it.
If you're completely inexperienced, a beginner, or intermediate just trying to get better, you’ll get direct tailored one-on-one instruction to accommodate your goals. Plus you’ll learn surf etiquette, water safety, and the proper techniques needed to get you on, and staying on, your board.
A wetsuit, rashguard, and surfboard are all included with the lesson.
Coral Market at Seaworld San Diego
Nearby Things to Do
While the beaches are a huge draw that you should surely visit and enjoy, the surrounding area has a lot to offer as well!
World Class Attractions
The Diamond Head Inn is a perfect home base to explore the city and the area’s popular attractions.
Get up close with marine life at SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay Park, spend time in the beautiful Balboa Park, or visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and go on a wildlife adventure.
SeaWorld San Diego is less than 5 miles away and usually takes less than 15 minutes by car or rideshare like Uber or Lyft. The world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is about 11 miles away and is about 30 minutes from the Diamond Head Inn.
Save with a Go City San Diego Pass
If you’re looking to visit more than one attraction in the city, I always recommend my friends and family look into the Go City San Diego pass. It provides access to San Diego’s top attractions, tours, and gear rentals for one low price.
So whether that’s enjoying thrill rides at Belmont Park, taking a Bay Harbor tour, or renting a paddle board, you’re in for the ultimate San Diego experience at the lowest prices available.
Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF for even more savings.
More Outdoor Fun
Kayak through nearby Mission Bay to discover coves and hidden streams, or paddle board across the water, just a few steps away from the Diamond Head.
Once you’re done, take a stroll or enjoy a bike ride along the boardwalk. There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and just relax as you make your way down the boardwalk trail in front of the hotel.
Fun fact! If you bought your dog with you, Kate Sessions Memorial Park is dog friendly!
Dining Options
If you’re craving fresh caught seafood, PB is the place to be. You’re only steps away from Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, Taco Surf, and Cannonball.
Not into seafood? No problem! Grab a plate of the best wings in town at Dirty Birds, enjoy classic Southern California cuisine at Kono’s Café, or sip on a cocktail at World Famous.
Even better, enjoy a meal at one of my favorite spots, the JRDN Restaurant, and enjoy a margarita with a side of Pacific Beach view. Cheers!
Visit a Brewery
San Diego hosts a vibrant and diverse craft beer scene. You can explore some of our world-class breweries, sip on award-winning beers, and immerse yourself in the local beer culture.
From barrel-aged beers to rich stouts and hoppy IPAs, you’ll find San Diego’s breweries have the tours and tastings perfect for you.
If you don’t know where to start, check out our article covering the 10 Best Food & Beer Tours in San Diego which will point you in the right direction.
Go Shopping
With the Diamond Head Inn as your home base, you can explore some of my favorite malls, boutique shops, and small businesses to find the perfect gifts and souvenirs.
I suggest Westfield UTC Mall San Diego and Fashion Valley Mall for classic indoor/outdoor mall experiences or head down to Seaport Village for unique and locally made handcrafted goods.