Pacific Beach

 

Welcome to Pacific Beach

Energetic seaside neighborhood with many hip hangouts

Pacific Beach is a hip San Diego neighborhood bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Mission Bay to the south. This bustling community has a young and energetic vibe with chic cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, and boutique shopping.

Pacific Beach’s diverse real estate includes immaculately-preserved 1920s Spanish-style homes, stylish apartments and condominiums, and stunning contemporary custom-builds. Ocean views are common and every home is within easy reach of the beach and the community’s many shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

What to Love

• Youthful energy

• Great beaches

• Hip bars and restaurants

• Diverse housing options

People & Lifestyle

Pacific Beach has a youthful population that includes many university students and young professionals. With its laid-back atmosphere during the workweek and bustling weekend vibe, it’s no wonder San Diego residents from other areas flock to Pacific Beach’s sandy oceanfront and happening nightlife spots. The area is also a hit with young families, offering good local schools and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and recreation options.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Garnett Avenue runs east-to-west through Pacific Beach, leading directly to Crystal Pier and the sand-covered Pacific coastline. The luxurious Tower 23 hotel overlooks the beach and has a stylish restaurant and sushi bar. Mavericks Beach Club is a hotspot near the beach that features live music, five bars, an outdoor patio, Baja-style eats, and live sports on 38 television screens. PB Fish Shop is the go-to place for fresh seafood, offering build-your-own tacos, locally-brewed beers, and wine corkage. Backyard Kitchen & Tap combines spiked punch cocktails and classic American comfort food with indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Baked Bear is a great place to indulge in a custom ice-cream sandwich, while Mr. Frostie is another must-visit ice-cream spot—there’s always a line but the delicious dipped cones are worth the wait!

Other businesses on Garnett Avenue include a Trader Joe’s and numerous nightclubs. Mission Boulevard runs north-to-south along Pacific Beach’s western edge, leading to a narrow spit separating Mission Bay from the Pacific. Mission Boulevard is lined with cool clothing stores, laidback bars, and excellent restaurants.

Things to Do

Law Street Beach is one of San Diego’s most accessible beaches. Popular with surfers and sunbathers, it also has great views of Crystal Pier. Located to the north of Pacific Beach, Kate Sessions Park’s elevated 79-acre green space boasts some of the community’s best views, taking in a sweeping panorama of Mission Bay, San Diego, and the Pacific Ocean. This dog-friendly park is a popular spot for picnics, barbeques, game playing, and sunset watching. Sail Bay Beach forms a sandy crescent around the Mission Bay shoreline to Pacific Beach’s south, while Fanuel Street Park is a pretty green space located beside the beach with beautiful views and barbeque pits.

Held in early October, Pacific Beachfest is one of San Diego’s hottest beach festivals. This full-day family-friendly festival features three stages of live music, a DJ lounge on the beach, 5K and kids’ 1K fun runs, an arts-and-crafts village, a fish taco contest, and a beer garden. Mid-December’s PB Holiday Parade sees crowds line the streets to watch floats travel from Garnet Avenue and Haines Street to Bayard.

Schools

Public schools within Pacific Beach are operated by the San Diego Unified School District, where both Pacific Beach Elementary and Middle are especially sought-after by local families.

• Barnard Mandarin Elementary School, Public (Magnet), K-6

• Pacific Beach Elementary School, Public, K-5

• Kate Sessions Elementary School, Public, K-5

• Pacific Beach Middle School, Public, 6-8