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Things to Do in Ocean Beach, San Diego

Nancy from Around the World at the Weekend shares her expertise on the best things to do in Ocean Beach, California.

Ocean Beach is the perfect place to visit. The unique shops and hippy vibe make it an unusual and laid back choice with a ban on chain stores and an amazing farmers market.

In this article, we will explain exactly why this is the perfect retreat from real life.

How to Reach Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a 15-minute drive from Downtown San Diego which is well serviced with an airport, Amtrak railroad station, Greyhound bus links, and multiple freeways. Ocean Beach is about a two-hour drive from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Although you can spend a day there (or visit as a day trip), a long weekend and a booking in an Airbnb, within walking distance from the beach, is the perfect way to relax and enjoy everything this awesome place has to offer.

Things to Do in Ocean Beach

Here is what we recommend doing in this fun neighborhood.

Dog Beach

This beach is located at the mouth of San Diego River, and, as the name suggests, it allows dogs to roam off-leash. This are welcoming news to pet owners. There is a very friendly community of fellow dog walkers to chat with as well. 

In addition, the nearby Dusty Rhodes Park has a fenced space where dogs can run freely.

Ocean Beach

Don’t panic if dogs aren’t your thing because next to Dog Beach you will find the neighborhood’s main beach. The glinting blue sea and the soft sand makes this the perfect place for a relaxing day. It’s also a great beach for surfing, but kids can paddle too. There are places set up for beach volleyball if you are feeling athletic.

Be warned that parking can be difficult.  Our top tip is to either head to the beach early or park a couple of blocks up from the beach and walk down.

Photo by Nancy

Visit Unique Shops

Ocean Beach has banned chain stores, so you won’t find a Starbucks or McDonalds. Rather you will find comic book stores, shell sellers, and unique little gift shops. This gives Ocean Beach a really unique flavor – almost like going back in time. 

It also means that it has a real community feel to it as all the shop owners know each other and many of the residents have been living in Ocean Beach for decades.

We became totally addicted to the machines outside the comic book store (Galactic Comics) up the main drag from the beach.

Other stores worth visiting include Botanica Home and Garden, Ocean Beach Antique Mall, Beach Sweets, Pride Surf & Skate, and People’s Organic Food Market.

Photo by Nancy

Try the Delicious Ice Cream

Newport Avenue, the main strip, is full of shops and restaurants. There you can get anything from fish tacos to ice-cold beers. You absolutely have to make a stop at Lighthouse Ice Cream. Like everywhere else in Ocean Beach, it’s independent and has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. The Moosetracks comes very highly recommended.

The shop offers about 20 ice cream flavors regularly, seasonal flavors, and sugar-free, non-dairy, and soft-serve options.  You can customize your order with over 20 different toppings.  

Top Tip: The other frozen treat to have in Ocean Beach is shave ice from Wailua.  This establishment is located two blocks from Lighthouse Ice Cream.

Photo by Nancy

The Pier

No visit to Ocean Beach is complete without a sunset walk down the pier. The pier has little bits of sparkling glass embedded in it, which makes it magical. Near the end of the pier, there is a little cafe and shop with a couple of kids fairground rides.  

There are fishermen on the pier too (They don’t appreciate too much noise). But, the best thing is the light. If you are looking for the perfect selfie, just wait.  The golden hour has never been so golden or so beautiful. And, of course, the views of the ocean, the sand, and the palm trees are perfect. Some days, there is a man selling homemade jewelry. Do not miss taking a look at his sea glass and shell offerings. My experience at the pier was enchanting.

Top Tip: Definitely wait for the evening to walk down the pier. The light is amazing.

Photo by Nancy

The Farmers Market

The farmers market takes place every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is filled with even more Independent and unique businesses. From flowers to international street food to fresh fruit and veggies, it’s a perfect place to while away a couple of hours.  Leave some space on your stomach for the mouthwatering pies and pastries offered by vendors. It’s busy but fun and everyone is very friendly 

Top Tip: Go hungry! There’s so much delicious food to try.

Fish Tacos

I am from the U.K. and I had never tried a fish taco before! I certainly will again. Mike’s Taco Club, underneath Ace Tattoo, is an excellent place to try this tasty treat and, although I don’t have a great deal of experience, I suspect you would be hard-pressed to find a better fish taco in the whole of California. They were simply divine. 

Photo by Nancy

The Sunset Cliffs

The Sunset Cliffs are a short drive south from the neighborhood. As the name suggests, they are a massive evening attraction. Along the cliffs, you will find lovers, groups of friends, families, and single individuals appreciating the magical sunset. If you are a keen photographer, bring your camera. If you want to propose, this is the place to do it.

Top Tip: Make sure you check when the sun is going to set and arrive with plenty of time to find your perfect location.  Keep in mind this is a popular spot during summer and weekends.

Read More: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

View of the Point Loma Peninsula Cliffs, San Diego, California

Explore the Tide Pools

To the south of the pier, there is a rocky area full of tide pools.  During low tide, it is possible to find sea creatures like anemone, crabs, starfish, and urchins. Exercise caution since the rocks may be slippery.  Do not give your back to the ocean!

Top Tip: This is a great spot to photograph the pier.

Go on a Mural Walk

I have always loved places where murals and street art abound.  Well, Ocean Beach is one of those places.

In 1999, a local artist called Rich James started to use his talent to beautify the neighborhood. James’ colorful murals depict daily scenes and symbolism evocative of the ocean.

After James’ passing, the murals have been conserved and other artists have built upon his works.

There are murals all over town but you will find big concentrations on Bacon and Cable Streets. Find a detailed map here.

Get a Taste of the Beer Scene

San Diego is the craft beer capital of the United States.  If you want to get a taste of what the city offers, head to one of the tasting rooms in the area.  I recommend Mike Hess or Belching Beaver.

Pizza Port is a family-friendly restaurant, hangout, and tap house.  In my opinion, the food is not that great but people do not seem to care (it is all about the beer and atmosphere).

Make Good Use of the Park

Sometimes, when I visit the beach, I prefer to set camp over grass (instead of sand).  If you are like me (or if you are looking for a picnic spot), extend your towel at one of the nice parks found around the neighborhood.

You can visit Ocean Beach Park, Collier Park, and Bill Cleator Community Park. Dusty Rhodes Park has a soccer field, tennis center, dog park, skate park, and playgrounds.

Ocean Beach Restaurants

We have already discussed some great places to eat but here are more suggestions.

Hodad’s – In a way, Ocean Beach is synonymous with Hodad’s.  People drive to the neighborhood to eat there.  This notorious joint has been pleasing customers with its humongous burgers for over 40 years.  Some claim this is the best burger to have.  I have talked with people who drive from Arizona or Mexico to have one of the iconic burgers.  Due to this place’s fame, expect long lines and wait times.

Top Tip: Order your food to go and eat it at the beach.  There is a dedicated line for people who want to order to go.  This line is usually way shorter than the dine-in line.

Photo by Nancy

OB Noodle House – This Asian fusion restaurant serves pho, vermicelli noodles, pan-seared crispy egg noodles, teriyaki plates, fried rice, Korean short ribs, and Hong Kong-style chow fun.  They are also known for their big selection of craft beer and cocktails.

Raglan Public House – Even though this spot is known for its burgers (another burger joint recommendation?), I had to include it on my list of favorite places to eat in Ocean Beach.  The thing is that the burgers in here are New Zealand-inspired and made from organic, grass-fed beef. You will find burgers topped with mango chutney, coconut raita, roasted peppers, and peanut dressing.  The brunch offerings are to die for too.

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill – This place serves red snapper, yellowtail, seared ahi, halibut, mahi mahi, swordfish, and other fish as tacos, sandwiches, salad or with side dishes.  You can choose how you want the fish prepared.

Things to Do in Ocean Beach – Nearby Attractions

Ocean Beach is a 15-minute drive from San Diego’s gorgeous Downtown. In addition, it’s ten minutes away from the famous San Diego Zoo, a short drive from Sea World and less than half an hour from Mexico – we went to Mexico for lunch!

Other nearby attractions/areas include:

Liberty Station – In this area, the former Naval Training Center has been developed into a mixed-use space.  In there, you will find a public market (full of eating options), art galleries, museums, artist studios and a large beer garden.  If you are visiting with kids, do not miss the Corvette Diner.

Cabrillo National Monument – This monument commemorates the voyage that placed the first Europeans in Alta California soil.  A statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the expedition’s lead, oversees the San Diego Bay.  You can learn all about Cabrillo, and other explorers, in the visitors center.  In addition, you can visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and hike.

Read More: Cabrillo National Monument

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach – If you want to keep exploring San Diego’s beach scene, head north to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach.  In here, you will find another pier, a long boardwalk, an amusement park, eateries, and access to Mission Bay.

Old Town San Diego – For something a bit different, head to Old Town. This historic park will transport you to the colonial times.

Things to Do in Ocean Beach – Details

Go early to the beach or be prepared to walk

Try to visit on a Wednesday to experience the farmers market

Don’t expect to find any chain stores and be prepared to try new things

The atmosphere is laid back. So go with the flow.

Nancy is a high school teacher from the U.K., married to Mark also a teacher from New Zealand. As they are from opposite sides of the globe they love to travel with their family. When they can’t get away they pretend to travel all over the world. You can read all about their pretend travels at Around the World at the Weekend. 

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You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best

Comments

  1. Taylor says

    Ah I love San Diego and have enjoyed evenings in Ocean Beach. Sunset Cliffs is so beautiful along with Cabrillo National Monument. I also enjoyed my time at Pizza Port too. Such a fun place! I also really like Moniker General, which is a lovely coffee house.

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  2. Shelley says

    Ocean Beach is so pretty! I visited once many, many years ago & hope to go back one day. I’m saving & Pinning this post for later… when we can safely travel again.

    Reply

  4. Agnes says

    OB is such a unique part of San Diego, but quintessential San Diego at the same time. There are definitely some characters there! 🙂 It’s also our dog Kimmy’s favorite dog beach…even though she hates the water!

    Reply

  7. Lavi says

    I would LOVE some fish tacos from Ocean Beach right now! San Diego is so amazing and your guide really makes me want to go back! Hopefully soon!

    Reply

  8. Lavi says

    I would loooove some fish tacos from Ocean Beach right now! San Diego is amazing, saving this for inspiration for when I go back!

    Reply

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