This 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve is a short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego and promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. The reserve is dedicated to the preservation of its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and the surrounding wildlife, but visitors and locals alike come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, as well as the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines isn't a well-kept secret, but there's a reason why people flock here.

The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all cars entering must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10 to $25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass), depending on whether you park in the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind that the visitors center is currently closed, and guided hikes are not currently available.

Coronado Beach is well-deserving of its place on the list of best beaches in America, with its sparkling, pillow-soft sand, ample clean, sandy beach, and Zen vacation getaway vibes. Driving over the Coronado Bridge makes you feel as if you're leaving San Diego and traveling to a completely different location. Coronado is a popular San Diego beach, with soft sand, water sports, and a ritzy hotel as a backdrop. It's not a hidden gem, and you might get stuck in traffic trying to leave, but it has that California vibe that movies have always promised.

Head to the historic Hotel del Coronado for a sustainable seafood dinner at Sera or happy hour at Sun Deck Grill, and keep an eye out for a sunken ship peeking out of the water during low tide. Coronado's Dog Beach, located on the north end of the island, is popular with those who want to let their dog run free. On Ocean Boulevard, free parking is available (arrive early to secure a spot), and you'll see families unpacking everything from surfboards to coolers. Beach wheelchairs are available for free at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower.

With facilities and rentals for everything from fishing to volleyball, this beach will keep you busy. Parking can be difficult to find, but once you arrive, you'll see that the effort was well worth it. This is the most family-friendly of the San Diego beaches. It's not a quick stop, but it's worth it for a beach day with the kids.

In the summer, Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas is the place to be, especially during its free concert series in July and August. Visit the concession stand, volleyball courts, numerous picnic tables, tiki umbrellas, large restroom facility, equipment rental stand, and children's playground area. It's difficult to find parking, but once you do, it's well worth it. Use the unofficial drop-off and pick-up point where passengers unload with beach supplies before drivers head to residential streets to find a spot—you'll notice where everyone is doing it.

Cardiff State Beach is located on scenic South Coast Highway 101, directly across from the San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area, and has a rugged beauty that stands out on the coast. This state beach is known for having some of the best surfing in San Diego, as well as a laid-back crowd. Cardiff Reef, located on the north end, is where pro surfer Rob Machado and other locals catch their waves. Pacific Coast Grill, just a few steps away, has two levels of ocean views and delicious lobster tacos. At low tide, visit the tide pools to see hermit crabs, sea snails, and other sea creatures.

Cardiff Reef, located on the north end, is where pro surfer Rob Machado and other locals catch their waves. Pacific Coast Grill, just a few steps away, has two levels of ocean views and delicious lobster tacos. At low tide, visit the tide pools to see hermit crabs, sea snails, and other sea creatures. Surfers will find some of the best breaks in the city here, as will non-surfers looking to escape the crowds of other beaches. Even with all of the Pacific Coast Highway road trippers stopping by for photos, the crowd is relaxed and has a very local feel to it.

In La Jolla, there is a well-known but tucked-away surf spot with strong waves. Strong waves, large rocks, and a required climb make for an unspoiled gem of a beach. Follow surfers to The Shack Bar & Grill, named after the Windansea surf shack, for fish tacos and a pint after a day at the beach. This is not a laid-back beach, and swimming is not recommended due to the large wave breaks. There are no public restrooms or other amenities, and those in the water are only experienced surfers. Windansea is a popular location for wedding ceremonies and photos, thanks in part to its historic palm-covered surf shack, which can be used as an arch or canopy.

Large rocks on the beach are ideal for climbing, sunbathing, and picnicking, whereas others are in close proximity to wave breaks. Follow surfers to The Shack Bar & Grill, named after the Windansea surf shack, for fish tacos and a pint after a day at the beach. Windansea's small parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early or plan to walk a short distance. Entering the beach requires climbing a flight of stairs or walking downsloping sand and rock mounds. Swimming is not recommended due to the large wave breaks, and there are no public restrooms or other facilities. Those in the water are only experienced surfers.

This popular surf spot gets its name from the view of the water as you descend the wooden stairs, which are flanked on both sides by palm trees. A narrow, yet seemingly infinite stretch of beach at the bottom is backed by ice plant-laced cliffs. Onlookers gather on the stairwell to watch a swarm of surfers dotting the horizon. After you've worked up an appetite from the climb back up, head over to Fish 101 restaurant and try the day's fresh catch. Grandview extends as far as the eye can see in both directions, though sunbathers should visit during low tide.

Because there are no restrooms or other facilities, most visitors leave after taking in the view from the stairs or going for a quick beach walk before moving on. All of this means less crowded waters, which surfers will appreciate.

Fletcher Cove's crescent-shaped beach is protected by cliffs on both sides and is located near South Coast Highway 101. Backing the beach is a well-kept park with public facilities that feel decidedly more upscale than your average city-owned playground. For group outings, head to Fletcher Cove and take advantage of the many public facilities available at the well-kept beach and park. Basketball courts, a playground, outdoor showers, and picnic areas will appeal to families with children.

There are a few areas in Fletcher Cove dedicated to panoramic beach views, including one with built-in binoculars. Check out Culture Brewing's nearby tasting room for hoppy IPAs and nitro milk stouts after a day at the beach. Paved paths down to the beach make Fletcher Cove much more accessible than other small beaches in the area, and the numerous facilities available are an added bonus. There is on-site parking available, but visitors can also get off the Solana Beach train at the nearby stop.

La Jolla Shores is a crescent strip of sand with gentle waves, and its sea caves and underwater canyon make it popular for SCUBA diving and kayaking. By night, bonfires light up the sand (there are six fire pits, available first-come, first-served). Kayakers visit the La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve to explore sea caves on kayak tours, and SCUBA divers should head to the two underwater canyons. During the summer, harmless leopard sharks are known to congregate in La Jolla Shores and can be easily spotted by divers or snorkelers.

Rent kayaks or join a guided tour from La Jolla Kayak, La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, or Bike & Kayak Tours La Jolla, all of which are nearby. Those interested in participating in the underwater action should book a guided SCUBA dive tour with La Jolla Dive or SD Expeditions. Beachgoers who want to lounge or swim can simply find a spot on the sand and take in the scenery.

Mission Beach has everything you'd want to see on the cover of a Beach Boys album: a bustling boardwalk, a colorful amusement park, and a buzzing mix of locals and tourists. Belmont Park, an amusement park with the long-running Giant Dipper roller coaster, bumper cars, and other classic carnival rides, is the most popular Mission Beach attraction. The main thoroughfare in Mission Beach is the intersection of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard, near Belmont Park.

Several businesses, including bike and surfboard rental shops, Draft restaurant on the boardwalk, and Miss B's Coconut Club tiki bar, are within walking distance. Mission Beach never sleeps: if you want to be where everyone is, especially the 20-somethings, this is the place to be in San Diego. If you're looking to "just get away from it all", other beaches that aren't as developed may be preferable.

Visitors are greeted by a patchwork of greenery on the sloping hills and long surf breaks crashing in the sea below as they wind down the sandy path to Beacon's Beach. This beach is a local favorite because it has a neighborhood feel on the sand and plenty of it for sunbathers. That walk, on the other hand, tends to keep crowds at bay, so you'll have plenty of space to yourself once you get down to the water. Because of the effort required to get down to the water, this is not a beach frequented by families. Some of San Diego's beaches can have a universally appealing, vanilla vibe. Beacon's Beach is not one of them; it lacks the crowds but is just as beautiful as San Diego's most popular beaches.

Because there are no restrooms and beach access is difficult, this is not a beach frequented by families with children or those with mobility issues. There is a small parking lot and limited street parking, so plan on a short walk. However, once on the beach, that walk means you'll have plenty of space to yourself.