Located 7 miles from downtown San Diego, Ocean Beach is a nearby beach city with a sandy beach, boardwalk and one of the longest concrete piers in the world. Severely damaged in some rare winter storms it was first scheduled to be demolished but currently planned to be remodeled and opened in the future. The main street Newport Ave is lined with restaurants and shops and of course the famous Hamburger restaurant, Hodads.
Ocean Beach is a favorite of surfers and since recent renovations of the main tourist area a family friendly spot to visit. Hotels and new restaurants have really turned what was not a tourist area, into a booming, fun and interesting place to spend the day.
Long known as a left over hippy hangout, Ocean Beach while not the premier beach area, is certainly more than the somewhat taboo place it was. Many of the eyesore buildings have been restored and the past issues of abundant drug related crimes are in little evidence now.
Shops include cozy spots for tea, food and people watching. Extensive tattoos and body piercings in every conceivable spot is not a rare site here. There are many fairs and drum gatherings all year round.
Water sports and the nearby Sunset Cliffs beautiful views have made this an exciting area to live or visit.
Pictured above local surfers congregate to enjoy the waves bordered on side by the Mission Bay Canal and the Ocean Beach Pier on the other.
Ocean Beach is a much more relaxed beach than San Diego’s other beaches. Parking is much more available with street parking and large public parking lots near the boardwalk.
The epitome of the Southern California “Beach Life” lifestyle is something that is highly evident to any visitors.
The colorful Samesun Hostel is on the main street of the tourist area and is popular for our young European travelers.
Hodads is an extremely popular hamburger restaurant and has been spotlighted by the Food Network and is a favorite of food television host Guy Fieri. It i a great place for kids who will be entranced by the 60s era VW car parked in the restuarant itself and available to be used as your dining table.