Ocean Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego.  It’s known for its expansive shoreline, great waves for surfing, and lovely sunsets.  If you’re planning on visiting Ocean Beach, there are a few things you need to know before you go!  

We will discuss everything you need to know about Ocean Beach so that your visit is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Overview

Ocean Beach is located in the northwest corner of San Diego and is accessible from Interstate Highway-805.  The beach is approximately two miles long and stretches from Mission Bay to Point Loma.  

The northern end of the beach is known as Dog Beach, which is a popular spot for dog lovers and their four-legged friends.

Brief History

The beach’s name originally was Mussel Beach, which referred to the mussels available there. Developers Billy Carlson and Albert E. Higgins gave it its current name, Ocean Beach, in 1887.

Ocean Beach was once known as the San Diego Haight-Ashbury.  The community attracted hippies, who were eventually embraced by many local business owners.

On Newport Avenue, a Black headshop opened, as well as the Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market.

In 1916, at Ocean Beach in San Diego, surfing was introduced when a local lifeguard borrowed a board from Duke Kahanamoku.  By 1966, the activity had grown sufficiently that the World Surfing Championship was held in Ocean Beach.

Demographics

The population of Ocean Beach is just over 19,000 people, with a median age of 35.8 years old.  Of this number, 50.48% are males and 49.52% are females.  US-born citizens account for 91.26 percent of the population in Ocean Beach, while non-US-born folks make up 5.21%.

The average yearly household income is $91,500.

Most of the population is 77% White, 13% Hispanic, 4% of two or more races, 3% Asian, and 3% African American.

Popular Restaurants in Ocean Beach

Things to Know Before You Visit

San Diego’s Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, which opened in 1966 and is 1,971 feet long, is the world’s longest concrete pier and California’s second-longest ocean pier.  The pier has a restaurant (Ocean Beach Pier Cafe) near the end of the pier that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At low tide, you’ll frequently find a large number of people squatting down and hopping from rock to rock beneath the pier.

Lifeguards are on duty in Lifeguard-protected swimming and surfing sites, as well as restrooms, showers, and services for disabled visitors.

It’s easy to get around Ocean Beach by car, despite the fact that you’ll have to look for a parking space on weekends.

There are two bus lines that will get you from one end of Ocean Beach to the other on public transportation.  The MTS Bus 35 originates at the Old Town Transit Center, while MTS Bus 923 begins in Ocean Beach and proceeds downtown.

In late June, the Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cookoff invite visitors to sample chili while listening to live music.

In late September, the Newport Jazz Festival offers a day of music.

The Ocean Beach Christmas Parade is held on New Year’s Day. On the third Saturday of May, the Ocean Beach Kite Festival brings kite makers from all around to show off their creations.

Points of Interest

The Pier at the foot of Newport Avenue is one of Southern California’s longest piers, stretching out to sea for a half-mile.  At Ocean Beach Pier, you may fish without a valid fishing license, making it one of the few locations in San Diego where you can do so.

The dog beach is located between the Mission Bay Harbor Channel and the jetty at the northern end of Ocean Beach.  Pets are not only permitted on the beach here but they’re also encouraged to do so without their leash and join with other canine wave crashers.

Catch the feral parrots and their descendants in large numbers on Ocean Beach, as well as adjacent to Point Loma. Parrots thrive in sub-tropical climates.  The parrots are most active and vocal during the light of day, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

If you’re looking for something to do, be sure to check out the OB Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Wednesday from noon until sunset.  The market features local produce, food trucks, live music, and more!

Robb Field Athletic Field is a fantastic spot for the whole family to spend their day along the San Diego River.  Complete with an Adult Fitness Club, two lighted outside basketball courts, eight softball fields, five unlighted multipurpose fields, twelve lighted tennis courts, four lighted outdoor handball courts, one tennis practice wall, picnic area, permanent rugby goals, portable soccer goals, skateboard park, and one meeting room as well as recycle bins.

With a walking tour of the most colorful, vibrant murals in this area of town, you may indulge in all of that with your family.  The simplest approach to ensure you don’t miss a thing is to download the Ocean Beach Main Street Association’s prepared-made mural walk map.

Conclusion for Ocean Beach

San Diego’s Ocean Beach is a world-famous beach that stretches for more than three miles that will make for a beautiful beach to relax, sunbathe, surf, and swim.  Followed by a number of restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect spot to spend a day or evening.

Sunset walks, farmer’s market, and cotton candy skies. Can you picture a magical day here, all in all?

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