San Diego Surfing Travel Guide

San Diego Surfing Travel Guide

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Surfing Destinations Near San Diego

Travel Guides Near San Diego

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Aerial view of the cliffs at Coronado Reefs in San Diego, California
The cliffs of Coronado Reefs, San Diego (Glowimages/Getty)
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San Diego Surfing Travel Tips

By Ludmilla Alexander

  • Seek out Pacific Beach—also known as The Strand—the most popular beach in San Diego.
  • Follow the signs: Designated surfing and swimming areas keep crowds manageable.
  • Bring your furry friend. Canines can roam leash-free on Dog Beach, at the north end of Ocean Beach.
  • Visit the "Sugar Shack," an open-air, grass-roofed hut built in the early 1940s.

San Diego Travel Guide

Over the past 2 decades, San Diego has evolved past its old reputation as a slow-growth, conservative Navy town graced with 70 miles of fabulous sandy coastline. Of course, the military link is still present today, with a handful of large bases throughout the county. But the city—California's first and the nation's eighth largest—now hosts a diversity of neighborhoods and residents to rival Los Angeles. San Diego reflects its Spanish-Mexican heritage in every corner; you won't forget that bustling Tijuana is just across the border, less than 30 minutes away. San Diego also boasts one of the nation's priciest housing markets and a biotech/tourism/telecom economy that's firing on all cylinders. A full-fledged building boom is transforming formerly seedy downtown neighborhoods and architecturally rich suburbs into upscale wonders. And the stylish young residents and shop owners they attract are, in turn, updating and enriching San Diego's dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Read More

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13 Questions | 18 Answers
  • Going to be in San Diego Nov 14 thru the 16th for our sons graduation at Camp Pendleton, husband and I are looking for some romantic things to do for 3 days, like dinners, possibly boat rides, a nice dinner theater would be nice, any suggestions? And possibly the zoo?
    Know the answer? Answer this question
  • We are planning a family trip to San Diego in the spring with two kids (4 and 2), but we don't travel much, and never have with the kids. The zoo is definitely on our list, but I'm not sure what else should be. Thinking maybe 4 days...
    Know the answer? Answer this question
  • Husband and I are visiting san diego, staying at the marriott in mission bay. Wanted to know what activities we can do. We have tickets to sea world already. Husband wanted to do something with the sea, cruise, dinner etc. We will be visiting from October 23rd till October 28th 09. PLease help with ideas,I want to make it a relaxing, fun and mostly romantic trip!! Thanks!!
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Hotels

from: $295

Hotel del Coronado, a KSL Property

Best Resorts & Lodges
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118 Map

Distance: 2.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Surfing
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
5.0

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

4000 Coronado Bay Road
Coronado, CA Map

Distance: 6.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Good For Surfing
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
from: $110

Catamaran Resort & Spa

3999 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109 Map

Distance: 7.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

Good For Surfing
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0
All San Diego Hotels »
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Attractions

Silver Strand State Beach

expert favorite attraction
Good For Surfing
Coronado
5000 Highway 75
San Diego, California

Distance: 5.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Silver Strand State Beach is a popular spot for camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, fishing, and picnicking. There are 130 campsites and fire rings for cookouts.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

La Jolla Shores Beach

expert favorite attraction
Good For Surfing
8200 Camino del Oro
La Jolla, California

Distance: 11.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach approximately one mile long, adjacent to a residential area. In... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Ocean Beach

Good For Surfing
1950 Abbott Street
San Diego, California

Distance: 6.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Ocean Beach is a beachfront neighborhood located on the California Coast near San Diego, known for its eclectic assortment of antique stores, bars, restaurants, and various other attractions. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
3_0
All San Diego Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
San Diego-Lindbergh Field Airport 2.0 map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport 77.6 map
Ontario International Airport 96.1 map

Other Smaller Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
Palm Springs Municipal Airport 86.1 map
El Centro/Imperial Imperial County Airport 92.8 map
Long Beach Municipal Airport 95.5 map

Flight Deals to San Diego

Originating From
San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN) $106
Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN) $124
Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (SAN) $124
San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN) $145
Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Diego (SAN) $157

Feature Articles

See All Feature Articles on San Diego »

San Diego Vacation Rentals

check rates
from: $125

PACIFIC BEACH

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 5
Amenities: BBQ, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Full kitchen, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Utensils, VCR
check rates

Mission Beach House

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: Garage, Laundry, Oceanfront
check rates

VERONA COURT - Beachfront San Diego Home

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: Air Conditioning, BBQ, Balcony, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Garage, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Jacuzzi, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Oceanfront, Pets OK, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Toaster, Toaster Oven, Utensils
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Other San Diego Beach Travel Guides

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