San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in California. Families can enjoy plenty of sun, sand and surf at any of these 11 family friendly beaches.
With so many great options, it can be hard to decide which beach to visit first. Here are our picks for the best beaches in San Diego for families.
#1: La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a great option for families. This beach has plenty of amenities and activities to keep everyone in the family happy.
There are lifeguards on duty, a playground, picnic areas, and even a kelp forest. La Jolla Shores Beach is also a great place to go whale watching.
One perfect day at La Jolla Shores beach might include swimming, body-surfing, kayaking, sunbathing, and a picnic lunch. The wide, sandy beach is great for kids and the rocky reefs make for great snorkeling.
#2: Mission Beach
Mission Beach is one of San Diego’s most popular beaches. This beach has it all, from a boardwalk to a roller coaster. It’s also a great place for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and various exciting watersports.
Mission Beach is a great place to take the whole family for a day of fun. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for kids and there are plenty of shops and restaurants close by if you need a break from the sun.
There are plenty of rental companies to supply you with jet skis, paddleboards and so much more!
#3: Coronado Central Beach
The Coronado Central Beach is a beautiful beach with a wide variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. This beach has a playground, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a fishing pier.
Coronado Central Beach is also a great place to go swimming with your family. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.
Moreover, the golden sand and stunning views make this beach a perfect place to relax and enjoy the day with the kids.
#4: Del Mar Dog Friendly Beach
Del Mar Dog Friendly Beach is a great place for families and fur babies alike to enjoy the sun and sand. This beach has plenty of amenities, including showers, picnic areas, and a playground.
The Del Mar Dog Friendly Beach is also great for swimming. The waves here are gentle and perfect for families with young children. Plus, the wide beach makes it easy to find a spot to relax in the sun.
There are public restrooms and other public amenities nearby, making this beach a convenient place to spend the day and get your furry friends some much needed exercise!
#5: Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is also among the best beaches in San Diego for families. This beach is known for its wide variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, and fishing.
It is among the only beaches where you can take your pets with you, so it’s perfect for animal lovers. However, ensure your pets are vaccinated. There is also a great area available where you can picnic, relax, and take in the incredible views.
With its close proximity to the Downtown area, Ocean Beach is also a convenient place to spend the day and get some delicious food at night at one of the many hot local eateries.
#6: Moonlight State Beach
Moonlight State Beach is a beautiful beach with plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. This beach has volleyball courts where you could keep yourself busy, a playground for the children and if you feel like taking a nice long walk this place also has a designated area for that.
Moonlight State Beach is also great for swimming and surfing. The waves are usually gentle, making them perfect for families with small children. There are also lifeguards on duty, making this beach a safe place to swim.
There is even a surf school and camp here if the little ones are feeling adventurous!
#7: Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach is yet another beach perfect for families. This beach is known for its beautiful views and its convenient location close to San Diego.
There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy at Torrey Pines State Beach. This beach has a playground, a pier for fishing, and a kayak launch. Due to its close proximity to Torrey Pines State Reserve, this beach is also a great place to go hiking.
#8: Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach is a beautiful beach located in the heart of San Diego. This beach has everything from a wide variety of neaarby activities to a beautiful ocean view.
Silver Strand State Beach is perfect for swimming since the water is usually calm. The beach also has a playground where the kids can burn off some energy.
For the adults, there are volleyball courts and a fishing pier. Take advantage of cheap beach rentals and spend the day at Silver Strand State Beach, one of the best beaches in San Diego for families!
#9: Tamarack Beach
Tamarack Beach is a great place to take the family for a day of fun in the sun. This beach is also known for its beautiful views and convenient location.
This beach has a wide variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. There is a playground for the kids. You can also jog or take a ride on the bike path.
The beach is also great for swimming and surfing. The waves here are usually gentle, making it perfect for families with small children. Plus, there are restrooms and showers available on site. It is part of Carlsbad State Beach, making it easy to find.
#10: Tide Beach Park
Tide Beach Park is a beautiful beach that is perfect for families. This beach is known for its stunning views and convenient location.
This beach has a wide variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. It offers you a good environment to enjoy beach games like volleyball. You can also relax on the sand and take in the incredible views. The beach is also great for swimming, fishing, and surfing.
The beach park is also known to have a very clean and well-maintained environment. The staff is also very friendly and helpful, making it a great place to spend the day.
There are a number of surf shops nearby too in case you forget some necessities at home!
#10: South Ponto Beach
South Ponto Beach is another beach perfect for families. This beach is known for its beautiful views, convenient location, and a wide variety of activities.
This beach is great for swimming and sunbathing. The waves here are always gentle, making it perfect for families with small children.
You can also find a variety of beach rentals here. Carry your volleyball net down to the sand and enjoy a game with friends. South Ponto Beach is definitely a place you will want to visit and finishes off our list of 11 best beaches in San Diego for families!
That’s Our List Of The Best Beaches In San Diego For Families
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California. These beaches offer a wide variety of activities to keep the whole family busy. Whether you are looking for a place to swim, surf, or just relax on the sand, there is a beach for you. The next time you are looking for a family-friendly beach destination, be sure to check out one of these beaches in San Diego.
So pack up the kids, your beach gear and don’t forget the sun screen, because you’ve got a great list of family friendly beaches to hit this summer!
Also, don’t forget about our San Diego yacht rental or ticketed cruises option. Come aboard the Triton this summer for an experience the kiddos will never forget, on the largest catamran yacht in all of San Diego!
To learn even more about renting a yacht in San Diego, please visit our articles page!