North Pacific Beach

The beach area north of Crystal Pier extends approximately one mile from the north end of the community of Pacific Beach to the south end of the community of La Jolla. This beach is bordered by cliffs up to 75 feet in height. A sidewalk traverses the cliff-top along much of the south end of the beach. In this area, parking is very limited.

At the north end of the beach is Tourmaline Surfing Park which includes a public parking lot and limited facilities. This area is heavily used by surfers and sailboarders year round.

Lifeguard Protection:

Lifeguards are staffed at this beach year round, generally from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Check with lifeguards for specific staff hours.

Rip Currents:

Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

Water Activity Zones:

This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with lifeguards for details.

Surfing:

Surfing is permitted at this beach.

Scuba:

This beach is not recommended for scuba due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf.

Restrooms and Showers:

Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Diamond Street and Law Street on the south end and at Tourmaline Surfing Park on the north end.

Disabled Accessibility:

Due to the natural cliffs bordering this beach, disabled accessibility is limited. Pacific Beach at the foot of Grand Avenue, just south of Crystal Pier, would be a better alternative.

Beach Fires:

Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches.

Regulations -- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply, with the following modifications:

• The consumption of alcohol at this beach and park area is prohibited at all times. Includes the boardwalk, on or against the seawall, or parking lots. City Attorney's Fact Sheet (PDF: 30K)

Directions:

Take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue or Garnet Avenue exits. Proceed westbound on either avenue to Mission Boulevard. Turn north (right) and look for on-street parking north of Garnet Avenue or continue north to La Jolla Boulevard and turn left on Tourmaline Street to the public parking lot.

Public Transit:

Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.

Parking:

A 175 space parking lot with 3 disabled spaces can be found at the foot of Tourmaline Street. In summer, this lot fills to capacity by mid-day. All other parking is limited to on-street parking in residential areas.

Large Groups:

The basic rule of thumb is that any gathering of over 50 people requires a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. A permit is also required for a wedding, water event, athletic event, voice and/or music amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.) For permit information call Regional Parks at (619) 235-1169.