Beach walks / trails and restaurants near Pacific beach

Question

Hello, we are a couple from the UK staying in the pacific beach area. We love a coastal walk and a nice restaurant and cocktail!

Just looking for general advice and tips. I have looked at La Jolla, Torres pines, boardwalks, sunset cliffs. We won’t have a car so will use uber or public transport where needed.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Pacific Beach in San Diego is a lively area with a mix of beach culture, scenic coastal walks, and great dining options. Even without a car, you can easily explore nearby neighborhoods and attractions using Uber, rideshares, or public transit.

For coastal walks and trails near Pacific Beach:

Pacific Beach Boardwalk: A classic stretch along the beach, perfect for a leisurely walk, people-watching, or renting bikes. It extends from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach, offering ocean views and easy access to cafes and shops.
La Jolla Shores & Coast Walk: Accessible by Uber, La Jolla Shores offers sandy beaches and a scenic coastal walk along the bluffs to La Jolla Cove. You can see seals, sea lions, and tide pools along the way.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: For a more nature-focused hike, Torrey Pines is about 20–25 minutes by car. Trails range from easy cliffside walks with ocean vistas to longer, more rugged hikes through the reserve.
Sunset Cliffs: Ideal for a romantic walk, especially at sunset. The cliffs provide dramatic ocean views and are about 15–20 minutes by Uber from Pacific Beach.

For restaurants and cocktails near Pacific Beach:

The Fishery: Fresh seafood and casual atmosphere, great for lunch or dinner near the boardwalk.
Crushed: Modern American small plates with craft cocktails, located in the heart of Pacific Beach.
Mavericks Beach Club: A fun spot for drinks with an ocean view, popular for sunset cocktails.
Puesto La Jolla: If you head towards La Jolla, Puesto offers gourmet tacos and excellent margaritas.

Additional tips:

Uber or rideshare is convenient for reaching La Jolla, Torrey Pines, or Sunset Cliffs from Pacific Beach.
Plan walks in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun and heat, especially in summer.
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for walking along both boardwalks and cliffside trails.
Check local events or street markets, as Pacific Beach often has seasonal activities along the boardwalk.

Overall, you can enjoy a mix of relaxed beach strolls, scenic hikes, and vibrant dining experiences without needing a car, making Pacific Beach a convenient and enjoyable base for your San Diego visit.

Beach walks / trails and restaurants near Pacific beach

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