Beaches and Bays

San Diego is famous for its beaches and bays, and for the many water activities available. Whether you want to enjoy water sports, explore coves and tidepools or simply spend a relaxing day in the sun, San Diego has a lot to offer.

Ocean-Front Beaches

With 17 miles of coastline, San Diego offers a wide variety of beaches and amenities. For more information, see the Lifeguards Services website: www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches. Also, make sure to follow rules and regulations to make your beach visit safe.

Mission Bay Park

With more than 4,235 acres of land and water, Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country. For more information, visit the City’s Parks and Recreation website: www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/missionbay

For information about lifeguard protection and other safety information at Mission Bay, visit the Lifeguard Services website: www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/mbay

Shoreline Parks

For information about facilities at City shoreline parks in La Jolla and Point Loma, visit the City’s Parks and Recreation website: www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/shoreline

San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay, including the portion within the San Diego city limits, is overseen by the Port of San Diego. For more information, visit the Port’s website at https://www.portofsandiego.org.

Torrey Pines Beaches

• Torrey Pines City Beach, also known as Black's Beach, includes the Torrey Pines Gliderport atop the cliffs overlooking the beach.
• Torrey Pines State Beach is within the San Diego city limits, and owned by the state of California. For more information, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=658

Permits

• Park Use Permits include those for City shoreline parks and beaches.
• Special Events Permits are required for organized activities that incorporate the use of City public parks or other City public property; and/or City public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way.

Dogs at Beaches

In general, dogs are allowed on San Diego beaches after 6 p.m. from April 1 to Oct. 31 or after 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 to March 31. Also, there are two designated, all-day leash-free exercise areas at San Diego beaches: Dog Beach in Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island at Mission Bay. For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation Department website www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/dogs/bchdog

Alcohol Ban at Beaches and Parks

By City ordinance, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all public beaches, bays and coastal access, view point and bluff rights-of-way and all coastal parks south of Tourmaline Surfing Park. In addition, consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited or limited at certain public parks. To read the full ordinance and for more information, visit the City Attorney’s Office website at www.sandiego.gov/cityattorney/documents/alcoholban