1. San Onofre State Beach. A staggering 2.5 million visitors annually make San Onofre one of the top 5 most visited state parks in California. You'll find San Onofre State Beach north of Oceanside, past Camp Pendleton, in the northernmost part of San Diego County, and partially in San Clemente, Orange County.
Pacific Beach is a San Diego staple, and its pier includes vacation homes at the base before ending at a point with a restaurant, fishing areas, and great views of the city. This is an extremely walkable beach that can be reached by walking on the boardwalk area all the way from its southern counterpart, Mission Beach.
Known for its laid-back hippie beach vibe, Ocean Beach, San Diego—also referred to as “OB”—is a favorite of locals and visitors looking for a chill, off-the-beaten-path experience in Southern California. Located just north of Point Loma, the small coastal neighborhood sits at the very end of Highway 8.
La Jolla Cove BeachBecause there aren't usually strong waves, and it's right in front of La Valencia and a few other La Jolla Cove hotels, it's a popular spot for families with small children. The sandy area isn't huge and can get crowded during the summer.