Best Family Beaches in San Diego

Coronado · Beaches & Coast

Wide, sparkling-sand beach beside the iconic Hotel del Coronado, great for swimming and sandcastles.

Free (paid parking)

San Diego · Beaches & Coast

Dramatic Point Loma sea cliffs famous for tide pools, sunset views, and coastal walking paths.

San Diego · Beaches & Coast

Laid-back beach with a wide sandy stretch and a long fishing pier (pier periodically closed for repairs).

San Diego · Beaches & Coast

Lively oceanfront boardwalk for biking, skating, and swimming along miles of sandy beach.

San Diego · Beaches & Coast

Popular family beach with gentle surf, Crystal Pier, and a walkable boardwalk full of eateries.

La Jolla · Beaches & Coast

Wide, gentle-surf beach ideal for young swimmers, sandcastles, kayaking, and beginner surfing.

Del Mar · Beaches & Coast

Calm family beach next to a grassy bluff-top park with a playground and ocean views.

Free; metered parking

Cardiff-by-the-Sea · Beaches & Coast

Mellow beach known for beginner surf, tide pools, and the famous "Cardiff Kook" statue nearby.

Encinitas · Beaches & Coast

Family-favorite cove beach with lifeguards, a playground, volleyball, fire pits, and easy facilities.

Carlsbad · Beaches & Coast

Wide sandy beach with a seawall promenade, gentle surf, and tide pools at low tide.

Oceanside · Beaches & Coast

One of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, great for strolling, fishing, and beach play below.

Free; food and rentals extra