Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach
4
About
This beach in San Diego is a popular spot for its sun, sand, and surf. Other than its lively surfing scene, you can bring your furry friends to the dog-friendly beach, or take a stroll along the pier to watch the waves and try your hand at fishing—it's one of the only places in San Diego where you can fish without a license. During low tide, head down to the tide pools and see what creatures you can spot, or check out the cool shops along Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street.
Explore Ocean Beach and other spots on a beach tour in San Diego, hop on a whale-watching tour, or drive through the neighborhood on a go-car adventure.
– Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Ocean Beach
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457 within 5 kms
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230 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- HealthProfessor1 contributionOB not for meWe stayed in a lovely cottage near the beach. Not a swimming beach. Didn't feel safe due to all the mentally ill, homeless folks going through trash cans outside our Airbnb and all around the area and town. Lots of substance use. Reeked like marijuana and urine as we walked to the coffee shop in the OB town. The town is a party town. Not my cup of tea!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 18, 2023
- dennis b1 contributionocean beachthe homeless have taken over this area. Any time of day you would have to step over people sleeping on the sidewalks-public urination (male and female) was common even though public restrooms were a few feet away. Was probably a nice area some time ago.Visited September 2022Travelled with familyWritten August 30, 2023
- Paradise612379562254 contributionsNo way would I go back! Very dirt and LOTS of VagrantsExtremely dirty and lots of vagrants and homeless. Our family of 4 felt very uneasy and unsafe during our short stay. It didn’t take us long to realize we were not going to stay there and left within 4 hours of being there. We relocated to Cordova, CA and it was incredible and exactly what we were looking for!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
858 reviews
Excellent
395
Very good
259
Average
107
Poor
55
Terrible
42
Paradise61237956225
4 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Extremely dirty and lots of vagrants and homeless. Our family of 4 felt very uneasy and unsafe during our short stay. It didn’t take us long to realize we were not going to stay there and left within 4 hours of being there. We relocated to Cordova, CA and it was incredible and exactly what we were looking for!
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travels With Martin
Boston, MA18 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
I love staying here any time I come to San Diego. It's nice to watch the surfers as the sun sets over the pier. Lot's of good shops and restaurants. There are plenty of folks living on the street down there, but they are mostly good people and mind their own.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennis b
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Family
the homeless have taken over this area. Any time of day you would have to step over people sleeping on the sidewalks-public urination (male and female) was common even though public restrooms were a few feet away. Was probably a nice area some time ago.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dolydd
USA4 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Stayed in a nice bnb, and bars and restaurants
(good but expensive) were the highlights.
Absolutely filthy, stinking of urine and feces. Dog crap everywhere, even when it was picked up and put in a bag... the bag was just discarded on the street.
Beach looked filthy. Lots of homeless sleeping on the street or wasted in a doorway.
(good but expensive) were the highlights.
Absolutely filthy, stinking of urine and feces. Dog crap everywhere, even when it was picked up and put in a bag... the bag was just discarded on the street.
Beach looked filthy. Lots of homeless sleeping on the street or wasted in a doorway.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HealthProfessor
1 contribution
Jul. 2023 • Couples
We stayed in a lovely cottage near the beach. Not a swimming beach. Didn't feel safe due to all the mentally ill, homeless folks going through trash cans outside our Airbnb and all around the area and town. Lots of substance use. Reeked like marijuana and urine as we walked to the coffee shop in the OB town. The town is a party town. Not my cup of tea!
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CTR
1 contribution
May 2023
The beach is dirty and disgusting. The street is just horrible. There is trash, urine, vomit, and feces all over the place. You’ll be lucky if you don’t step in any. There were homeless people laying all over the street, had to Walk around them, several of them harassed us as we walked by. Dirty clothes and socks, and underwear hanging in the bushes.
The city of San Diego should be ashamed by this. I hope that they can offer some services to the homeless people. I’ll never go there again.
The city of San Diego should be ashamed by this. I hope that they can offer some services to the homeless people. I’ll never go there again.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lily a
1 contribution
Apr. 2023 • Solo
I’m a kiwi and have lived in Sydney and New Zealand and I think this place is dirty and not beautiful by any means. The beach isn’t swimmable, trash everywhere, you can smell weed everywhere and it’s just chaotic. It’s a funky place so if your into that vibe then def for you but it’s not a relaxing or chilled place at all and do not reccomend staying near the water as they party all night. For what the place is I can’t believe how expensive this place is. They need to clean it up and crack down on the drugs . I wouldn’t feel safe walking at night
Written April 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy B
9 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
My husband and I rented a house on Ocean Beach with another couple who have a young child. There were "campers" all around our property and all along the beach. Strange activity during the day but especially after dark. Yelling, loud music, burning trash to name a few. Down stairs we were afraid to open our doors or even the curtains. The smell of Marijuana day and night. It's just a rough area period. We spent Beach time at Coronado Beach to relax and not be stressed by all of the crazy things going on by our Beach house. Keep your children close to you and don't go out after dark. I have stayed on both Mission Beach and Mission Bay and felt safe. Avoid Ocean Beach!!!
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freespirit20002021
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Aug. 2022
My husband and I visited San Diego for a friend's housewarming but also wanted to visit the beach before flying back home the following day. Researching a beach close to the San Diego Airport, we found Ocean Beach to be the closest. Glad we did. We took a walk on the pier and wanted to try Walking On Water Cafe but unfortunately, they were delayed opening the morning we were there. So we found Breakfast Republic, which we loved. I would recommend anyone who is flying into the area and would like a quick trip to the beach that is close to the airport to visit Ocean Beach.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve A
1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Couples
The condo I rented was very good and the pier was nice but the area needs to be cleaned up. Everywhere I went, I'm stepping over homeless people. Wife didn't feel safe walking by the beach because you would have groups of kids blocking the path. The beach itself was fine but I wouldn't go back.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loves2eatvegas
Las Vegas, NV144 contributions
We are thinking about making a 3-4 day trip with our pup. We have been to the OB a few other trips and know about dog beach. But overall, are most places dog friendly? We don’t want to leave him behind all the time.
kristenkupfner
Knoxville, TN15 contributions
Our family of 5 (3 teenagers) will be staying in OB for a week this month - our flight comes in early however our check in is 4pm. Looking for recommendations on how to spend 6+ hours... hopefully some of the time indoors.
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
Do you have a rental car? If so, drive down the peninsula to visit the beaches to the south of ocean beach. There are some great rocky areas you can join out into the ocean. This is against the law. I would only advise to do it if the locals are doing it. The waves hitting the rocks are great there!!!! You're hotel would probably let you check in a little early. Give them a call to find out. Of course, you're near Sea World which is a fun place to EXPLORE our oceans.
Kaye S
Coronado, CA2 contributions
Dear Judith, I am looking for a one day "getaway" to do some brainstorming with a writing partner. Can you tell me about the accommodation?
Dean A
Orlando, FL386 contributions
If you drive down the peninsula that Ocean Beach is the basis. You can drive South towards the end of the peninsula. The area is FANTASTIC with the strong Pacific Ocean waves hitting the coastal rocks. This area inspires my with deep thought of relaxation. If I was a writer, this section of the coast line can give a lot to expiration of the beauty of our oceans.
Jamie J
3 contributions
Wondering about safety and family environment. Anything we should know before we book ? Thinking about ocean beach hotel ?
Corinne F
San Diego, CA49 contributions
I think Ocean Beach is great! There are some homeless in the area, which is common for beach areas. I don't think you should have any issues.
Ekarika05
8 contributions
Are there places nearby that rent out fishing poles or beach canopies?
Hot48cricket
Seattle, WA75 contributions
Crystal Pier Bate and Tackle on the Crystal Pier rent poles!! I'm not sure if there is a place that rents canopies.
Lorenabat80
Milan, Italy1 contribution
is possible to go from Ocean Beach to La Jolla by bike?
Cortney W
Ardmore, OK22 contributions
We are planning on visiting with family March 1-5. We have many things planned and really want to fish off the pier during our visit. I know it is open 24 hours. Is it easy to see at night? We will be getting there around 5 and are excited about watching the sunset. But I was a little worried about fishing so late. Any advice?
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Claim your listingOCEAN BEACH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Ocean Beach:
- San Diego Life at the Beach Tour (From C$142.69)
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (From C$1,594.50)
- GoCar 3Hr Tour: Point Loma Adventure (From C$156.66)
- San Diego Whale Watching Tour (From C$88.33)
- Drive the San Diego Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From C$20.37)
- Hotels near Ocean Beach:
- (0.02 km) Ocean Beach Hotel
- (0.02 km) OB Pier 1
- (0.02 km) OB Pier #3 - Dog-friendly beach condo surrounded by restaurants
- (0.02 km) OB Pier 3
- (0.02 km) OB Pier #1 - Dog-friendly, waterfront duplex with beach access & private patio!
- Restaurants near Ocean Beach:
- (0.04 km) Ob Surf Lodge
- (0.05 km) Wonderland Ocean Pub
- (0.05 km) South Beach Bar & Grille
- (0.05 km) Mike's Taco Club
- (0.05 km) Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt
- Attractions near Ocean Beach:
- (0.13 km) Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
- (0.15 km) Ocean Beach Surf School
- (0.12 km) Surf Camp San Diego - Day Lessons
- (0.11 km) San Diego Surf Lessons
- (0.11 km) Sunshine Company Saloon