About
Ocean Beach (?OB? to locals) has been ? and pretty much still is ? a hippie, liberal, middle-class beach community that loves dogs and isn?t terribly fond of big business. Locals have protested against the likes of chains such as Starbucks.
You won?t find any fast-food chains here either. What this eclectic beach community does offer is a long fishing pier, a beautiful shoreline, tons of fun beach activities, and a dog beach for canine companions to roam freely without fear of the long arm of the law. Swim, surf, play some volleyball, or picnic; Ocean Beach is casual and hip, and it has some interesting characters, antique stores, surf shops, assorted shops, and restaurants along Newport Avenue.
Like the locals and visitors, we enjoy Ocean Beach?s casual, laid-back beach culture and atmosphere. More than any other beach community in San Diego County, Ocean Beach allows you to be you ? whatever that may be!
Check out the tide pools south of the pier. At the south end of the pools, you?ll find the beginning of a concrete walkway that runs south along the oceanfront. The walkway is perfect for a romantic stroll or a casual walk. Locals practice an art known as ?rock balancing? along the walk.
Amenities
The beach attracts a good mix of families, visitors, locals, and fishing folks. It has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and disabled access. It also has separate swim and surf zones. Ocean Beach has public lots at the end of Voltaire Street, Santa Monica Avenue, and Newport Avenue. Street parking is scarce on summer weekends.
Getting There
Take I-8 west until it ends and turns into Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and then continue west. A right turn on Narragansett will take you directly to the pier.
Tips & Suggestions
On peak days when other beaches become crowded and parking is scarce, Ocean Beach is still quite accessible, especially if you arrive early and don?t mind parking several blocks from the beach. Check out ?The Black,? a hippie -era, tie-dye, smoke shop on Newport Avenue that has an eclectic mix of clothing, gifts, and posters that carry on the spirit of the 60s. Newport Avenue is Ocean Beach?s shopping and dining district, with many unique shops, eateries and clubs. We especially enjoy South Coast Surf Shop for its awesome selection of surf gear and clothing. The boardwalk north of Newport Avenue is a great way to take in the local flavor. Stop by Qwiigs Bar & Grill (5083 Santa Monica Avenue) for excellent seafood and gorgeous views of the Pacific.
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