what area to stay
hi traveling first week of august with 3 teenagers. what is the best area to stay? on/ very close to a beach walkable restaurants etc
For a first-time visit to San Diego with teenagers in August, staying near a beach with walkable restaurants and activities is ideal. The weather will be warm and sunny, so being close to the water allows for easy access to swimming, surfing, or just enjoying the sand.
Some of the best areas to consider are:
- Pacific Beach: This is a lively area popular with families and teenagers. It has a wide boardwalk, plenty of casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and beach rental options for bikes and surfboards. The vibe is energetic and walkable.
- Mission Beach: Known for its classic boardwalk and Belmont Park amusement area, Mission Beach offers fun rides, arcades, and easy beach access. Great for teens who enjoy activities alongside swimming and sunbathing.
- La Jolla: Offers a more scenic and upscale experience with beautiful beaches, tide pools, and shops. It’s quieter than Pacific or Mission Beach but still has restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Ideal if you want a mix of relaxation and sightseeing.
- Coronado Island: Features wide, flat beaches, a charming small-town feel, and restaurants near the beach. It’s very safe and pedestrian-friendly, though a bit farther from the central San Diego attractions.
Additional considerations:
- All these areas have public parking and sometimes paid lots, so if you plan on renting a car, check parking availability in advance.
- Walkability is key in these areas, especially with teens who may enjoy exploring on foot, renting bikes, or skating along the boardwalks.
- Proximity to restaurants: Pacific Beach and Mission Beach have the most casual, teen-friendly eateries, while La Jolla and Coronado offer more upscale and scenic options.
Overall, for a fun, active, and walkable beach experience with teenagers, Pacific Beach or Mission Beach would likely provide the best balance of activities, beach access, and nearby dining. La Jolla and Coronado are excellent if you prefer a slightly quieter, scenic atmosphere with still decent walkability.
More San Diego Travel Questions
- Single Mom trip w/teen daughter
- Sandcastle building lessons
- Coronado Island and La Jolla advice
- Recommendations for lunch/dinner ideas for La Jolla
- Restaurant suggestions
- restaurants
- surfliner
- Happy Hour and Best Tacos and Margaritas
- What to wear?
- Hotel Del or La Jolla vrbo?
- parking
- Hotel on blue line or shuttle for UCSD graduation
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- Vail early December.
- Transportation and lodging in Granby
- Whale watching
- Point reyes
- Heard anything recently about Samoa Cookhouse?
- More questions about my route and National Parks
- Trip Report-Consider Renting a Car for Cruise Ship Stop
- Holland America Denali Lodge (Mckinley Chalet Resort)
- Picnic areas?
- Transportation
- From Page to Kanab ..Marble Canyon, Lee's Ferry? other ideas
- Fishing lodge fly in or in Yakutat area