San Diego family guide

Things to Do in Imperial Beach with Kids

Imperial Beach is San Diego's laid-back southernmost beach town, anchored by its nearly-1,500-foot pier and a wide, uncrowded sand beach. Just south, the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center opens onto one of the West Coast's largest coastal wetlands — a gentle, birdy nature walk for little legs.

Curated by Punita Patel

Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

💡 Local tip: The flat, car-free south end of the Bayshore Bikeway is ideal for young riders. Check the water-quality postings near the pier before swimming, since the estuary is just to the south.

Things to do in Imperial Beach

Parks & Hiking

Imperial Beach Pier

California's southernmost pier stretches nearly 1,500 feet over the Pacific — a step-free, stroller-friendly walk perfect for watching surfers and pelicans. Kids love spotting fishermen's catches, and it's a classic spot for ice cream and a sunset. Come early on summer weekends for the best beachfront parking.

Free

Parks & Hiking

Imperial Beach

This wide, gently sloping sand beach flanks the pier and stays refreshingly uncrowded compared with beaches farther north, with lifeguards, showers and volleyball courts for an easy family day. Check surf and water-quality postings near the pier before swimming, since the estuary is just south.

Free

Parks & Hiking

Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center

This free visitor center is the gateway to one of the West Coast's largest coastal wetlands, with hands-on exhibits and gentle interpretive trails great for little legs. Grab a bird checklist inside and see how many herons and egrets your kids can find. Bring binoculars and go on a cool morning when wildlife is most active.

Free

Parks & Hiking

Imperial Beach Sports Park

A well-loved neighborhood park with a playground, ball diamonds, basketball courts and shaded picnic tables just a few blocks from the sand — an easy, free spot to let kids burn energy after the beach. Pack a picnic and claim a table early on weekends when local games fill the fields.

Free

Parks & Hiking

Dunes Park

A small oceanfront pocket park right on Seacoast Drive with grassy areas, picnic tables and quick beach access — a calm alternative to the busy pier area for a snack break with a sea view. Look for free parking along Daisy Avenue rather than circling the busier lots.

Free

Parks & Hiking

Bayshore Bikeway (Imperial Beach)

The flat, car-free southern end of the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway starts near Bikeway Village and hugs San Diego Bay with big skyline and Coronado Bridge views. Its level path is ideal for young riders and bike trailers — ride out and loop back to skip the on-street sections farther along.

Free