IMPERIAL BEACH (9.6 miles)

Imperial Beach is the site of the annual U.S. Open Sand Castle Building Contest, Imperial Beach draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and competitors from around the world each July. The creations range from fairy tale castles to science-fiction landscapes to fantasy mermaids and other inspired forms. Along the residential strip lining the long beaches of Imperial Beach, surfing, body boarding and swimming are good and popular activities throughout the summer. Tijuana Sloughs and Border Park are the large and largely impassible marsh areas south of Imperial Beach Blvd.

CORONADO ISLAND (10.4 miles)

Coronado Island is situated just across the Big Bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is most notably known for two famous structures, the historic Hotel del Coronado and the distinctive San Diego-Coronado Bridge. But beyond these architectural marvels, the quaint island community of Coronado offers visitors an experience that is a world apart. Coronado's coastline offers gentle surf and sparkling sand beaches (courtesy of the mineral Mica) that draw in visitors from around the world. Add to this a charming small-town quaintness, with elegant gardens, old-world mansions, unique shopping experiences, and dining options with spectacular ocean views, no wonder it's been dubbed as "The Crown City" (Coronado is Spanish for "the crowned one").  Coronado is connected to the mainland by the Silver Strand. Silver Strand Boulevard (California route 75) begins off of Palm Avenue in San Diego's South Bay and becomes Orange Avenue once you hit the central area of Coronado.  

BELMONT PARK AT MISSION BEACH (16.6 miles)

Mission Beach is a community built on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. It is part of the city of San Diego, California.  Mission Beach spans nearly two miles of ocean front. It is bounded by the San Diego River estuary on the south, Mission Bay Park on the east, and the community of Pacific Beach on the north. A boardwalk runs along the beaches on both the ocean and bay sides of the community. The main artery through Mission Beach is Mission Boulevard. The community is divided into South Mission, a peninsula, and North Mission. At the south end of the beach a jetty, with grass, parking and a walk, extends into the ocean.

PACIFIC BEACH (17.7 miles)

Pacific Beach is a favorite spot among college students and young adults living the California Dream, Pacific Beach is the iconic Southern California beach town. With three miles of boardwalk and a lively atmosphere, P.B. (as the locals call it) is a great place to find fun in the sun, and pleasures after dark. From funky beach bars and taco stands that welcome sandy toes, to sleek modern hotels, sultry night clubs and fine dining establishments, Pacific Beach offers a variety of things to do beyond the miles of sandy beaches.

LA JOLLA SHORES (21.1 miles)

La Jolla Shores is a beach and popular vacation/residential community of the same name in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The quaint La Jolla Shores business district is a relaxed, mixed-use village encircling Laureate Park,on Avenida de la Playa in the village of La Jolla Shores.  The beach is approximately one mile long and stretches from the sea cliff's just north of La Jolla Cove to Black's Beach south of Torrey Pines State Park. Shores meets the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus and Kellogg Park, encompasses the Scripps Pier and borders the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve to the south. The beach is a popular launch point for kayakers as it is the only beach boat launch in the San Diego city limits. The beach is also popular among stand up paddlers, swimmers and snorkelers. During certain times of year you can see leopard sharks, stingrays and other sea life.