|
|
Pacific beach is located off I-5 and Garnet
Ave. The beach area south of Crystal Pier is known as Pacific beach.
It is a two-mile stretch of sandy beach packed with people,
fun waves, an active boardwalk and plenty of space to sunbathe. North
Pacific beach is located north of Crystal Pier, a public pier good for
strolling and fishing.
The city of Pacific Beach is vibrant and hip. The main streets of Garnet
and Grand, which lead to the beach, are lined with shops, bars, restaurants
and novelty stores. The Pacific Beach crowd really is unique and make
for a fun beach experience. |
It’s an eccentric community, which
ranges from the casual surfer to the tattooed punk rocker to the average
college kid. Needless to say it’s a fun place to people watch.
The boardwalk parallels the beach and is lined with shops, restaurants,
beach rentals
and some apartments for the lucky few who get to enjoy a beautiful beach
sunset from
their doorstep and a crazy and exciting town just around the corner.
The boardwalk is
popular all throughout the day and a great place for cycling, jogging,
walking or rollerblading.
at this beach from surfing,
to boogie boarding,
swimming and skim boarding. Surfing is popular at this beach. The waves
are fun and depending on the conditions can be suitable for all levels
of surfing. There are however separate areas for surfing and swimming.
Flags are usually posted to indicate the
designated surfing areas. Lifeguards are on duty year round.
Almost anytime of the year you will find Pacific beach packed with people
and it
usually caters to a younger crowd. But like most California beaches,
summertime is the peak season. Bonfires line the beach during the summer
months and are on a first come, first serve basis. If you are lucky
enough to seize one, it is a great place to bring a group of friends
for a night out at the beach. Alcohol may be consumed on the beach (not
on the boardwalk) from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm but the Pacific Beach bars
are just a few feet from the beach and open until 2am.
Parking is anything but easy for this beach. There are several parking
spaces with time
limits along side and residential streets, but are usually occupied
by shop customers,
residents and employees. There are a few spaces at the base of Grand
Avenue
designated for beach goers but your best bet is to search out parking
a block or
two east of the beach in the residential areas.
By far, the best time to visit Pacific beach is in October, during the
Pacific BeachFest.
There are concerts, sand castle building, a variety of food stands and
booths and fire
works in the evening. It is an entertaining day that brings people of
all ages down to
the Pacific shoreline for a huge street party. The tail end of spring,
usually mid-May is
another fun PB event. The Pacific Beach Block Party draws a huge crowd
to an
amazing street fair with several hundred vendors, carnival rides and
concerts along
Pacific Beach’s main street, Garnet. Pacific Beach is a festive
town and is at its best
during its most festive occasions.
- No vehicles on the beach
- No camping
- Dogs are allowed from 6pm-9am but must be on a leash
- Alcohol may be consumed on the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
- Restrooms and showers are available (Grand Ave)
|
|
