"The Home of Crystal Pier" Pacific Beach by lmkluque

Pacific Beach Travel Guide: 65 reviews and 86 photos

Entrance to Crystal Pier and it's Cottages

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PLEASE RETURN LATER.

Welcome to my Pacific Beach page,

Pacific Beach, known locally as "PB," is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego! It is a perfect spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing right off the Crystal Pier. The photo is taken from the south of the pier with a view north.

Beach lovers from all over the county come here all year round and there are some tourists too. Such popularity creates a maze of small traffic jams which makes it difficult to get into or out of PB on weekends and during the summer. There is a bit of public transportation, but it is the car that is most effecient when coming to this beach and parking is at a premium. Grand and Garnet are the main two east/west streets that will reach from the I-5 freeway to Ocean Boulevard which runs along the beach in many but, not all places.

A large part of PB is residential and most business in this area are geared for daily living needs. However, the few blocks west of the beach are full of restaurants, hotels and little shops that appeal to a tourist as well as local beach-goers.

Crystal Pier is the longest pier in California, I don't remember how long, but will try to find out. On this pier anyone can walk out to the end and drop down a fishing line. However, there are small cottages on both sides of the pier for rent and anyone wanting to live just above the ocean has the opportunity. Most of the time two or three nights stay is required at these cottages and on-pier parking is offered to cottage guests.

Directions:
Interstate 5 to Garnet Ave.; west to Mission Blvd.

Hope you enjoy your visit,
Linda

View From North To South

Photo:George Penman

This photo is from a postcard by RoadRunner Card Co. in San Diego and shows what PB is like during the summer months. This is not my idea of fun, but for those of you who love mingling this is the place to go!

The ocean water is rarely ever really warm, sometimes by late August or early September it will be warmer. Any other time it may seem disappointingly cool when you dip your toes in, especially if you've experienced a smaller body of water like the Mediterranean Sea. However, even when the water seems a bit cool, once you jump in and get moving around it is pretty nice and refreshing. Of course during a really hot day, the cooler water is a blessing!

Pros and Cons

Pros:One of the most popular beaches in S.D.
Cons:One of the most popular beaches in S.D.
In a nutshell:If you love crowds and traffic, you'll love PB!

Last visit to Pacific Beach: Feb 2006
Intro Updated Mar 1, 2006
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Reviews (23)

Restaurant / Bakery Restaurants (7)

The French Gourmet is a popular catering company and this is it's "open-to-the-public" restaurant, bakery and grocery... more travel advice

For all your surfing needs! Shopping (1)

In the market for a custom built surfboard? Wet Suit? Accessories? Lessons? Rentals? Or do you just want to browse? This... more travel advice

Raggae or Rock & Roll Nightlife (2)

Are you a Melon Head? Yes or No, the answer doesn't matter. This is a lively night spot. The focus is on music and the... more travel advice

The whole in the center is where a dolphin went in - Pacific Beach

PB is Nightlife!! Nightlife (2)

Pacific Beach is not what I consider a "romantic" spot. More of a party community, especially along the beach area.... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Mustange Convertable
Hotels (4)
See All PB Residential @ The Beach!
Off The Beaten Path (1)
NOTHING IS OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN PB!
Things to Do (2)
See All The Place To See!

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 8, 2003

1 photo

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Comments (6)

Basaic Feb 5, 2008 at 1:18 PM Report Abuse

Had an adventure or two here some years back. Thanks for the revisit.
MalenaN Nov 24, 2006 at 11:29 PM Report Abuse

I visited Pacific Beach 16 years ago, but have no photos from that occation. It was very nice to see your photos and read your good tips. The sunsets in the Pacific Ocean looks great!
tvkid Aug 9, 2006 at 7:57 PM Report Abuse

I'll never do business with Bob's shop. I reserved a board to pick it up today and they had already sold it when I got there. They also lost the paperwork for my reservation. That's some horrible business practice. I don't recommend this shop at all.
kris-t Mar 11, 2006 at 7:38 AM Report Abuse

Hello Linda! Good tips, thank you for sharing! K&T
matcrazy1 Mar 4, 2006 at 11:45 AM Report Abuse

I'd rather ride a bike than roller blade (never did it) to get there (although that Mustange Convertable looks great :-) and I'd prefer to see than to be seen :-))). Very nice page with great updayes, I need a beach and sun now!
keeweechic Mar 10, 2003 at 1:01 PM Report Abuse

I like the sound of those cottages to stay in. Sounds very popular and looks it too:-)