San Diego Surfing Travel Guide

San Diego Surfing Travel Guide

Other Guides for San Diego

Surfing Destinations Near San Diego

Travel Guides Near San Diego

Pacific Coast Surfing States/Provinces

Beach Travel Destinations

advertisement
Aerial view of the cliffs at Coronado Reefs in San Diego, California
The cliffs of Coronado Reefs, San Diego (Glowimages/Getty)
Submit a travel tip

Submit a travel tip about San Diego.
Read Our House Rules

On This Page:

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

Ask a Question

Do you have a travel question about this destination or can you provide a tip to a fellow traveler?

ask a question

Join the discussion with Away.com's in-house experts in our travel Q&A.

11 Questions | 17 Answers
  • 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!!
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • My husband, two kids, 10 and 4, and I are going to San Diego the day after Christmas for eight days. We have never been there before. We plan to go to Disneyland for the first time with a four day pass. We're renting a car at the airport and will be staying at one of our time-share condos. We are also getting a three day Go San Diego Card to see the zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, and maybe a few other smaller things. We will get some beach time in there somewhere. Although I plan, we are a laid-back family that does things of schedule too. That all said, do you think all that is do-able? I guess you're the expert for that area. I know it's a lot to do, but is it too much? Thanks, Amy T. Washington State
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • Planning a family trip to california this December. the kids are 3, 12, and 9 years old. Wanted some advice from families on what to "not miss". What to avoid and any suggestions on where to stay. Thinking about San Diego, The Redwood Forests. We have about 10 days. Thanks for any advice
    Read 2 answers or Answer this question
  • Read all questions and answers »

Photos

Photo Galleries

Hotels

from: $279

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: $22

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 »
advertisement

compare rates

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 »

Other San Diego Beach Travel Guides

Sailing
»  All Beach Guides

Compare Rates

Powered by Trip.com
advertisement

Traveler's Currency Converter

Foreign Currency
U.S. Dollar Amount
$

Country
convert Currency

Powered by eZforex
advertisement