The 19 Best Things To Do In Ocean Beach San Diego (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Ocean Beach is a great neighborhood in San Diego to visit on a day trip or the perfect weekend getaway.
There’s so much to do in San Diego, that a great way to see and do it all is by exploring one neighborhood at a time.
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Best Things to Do In Ocean Beach San Diego
Here are all of the best things to do in Ocean Beach.
1. Explore the Pier
One of the best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego is to explore the OB Pier.
It’s a great place for fishing, sunbathing and exploring the local shops.
2. Visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
This popular area offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from its rocky cliffs, ideal for whale watching during migration season.
There are also plenty of trails to explore and take in the scenery.
3. Chill at Dog Beach
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach then Dog Beach should be top on your list!
Not only can you and your furry friend enjoy a day out by the sea but there are also several nearby cafes and restaurants that offer delicious food.
4. Shop ‘til you drop
Ocean Beach is a great place to go for shopping, with plenty of unique boutiques, vintage stores and quirky galleries.
5. Visit the Farmer’s Market
Every Wednesday from 4 pm – 8 pm there is a farmer’s market held at Robb Field in Ocean Beach.
Here you can browse through fresh produce, buy artisan foods, handmade crafts and more!
6. Stroll along Newport Avenue
This main thoroughfare of OB is a great spot for browsing shops and restaurants or just taking in the ocean breeze while people watching.
7. Check out the lively nightlife
Ocean Beach has several bars and nightclubs that offer an array of entertainment options including live music, pool tables, and plenty of drinks!
8. Catch a wave
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a surf lesson and try your hand at catching some waves?
There are plenty of surf schools in Ocean Beach to choose from.
9. View the local murals
Ocean Beach is home to many unique murals that feature colorful images of sea life, landscapes and more!
Take time to appreciate all the artwork as you walk around town.
10. Explore the tide pools
With low tides in Ocean Beach during summer months, it’s a great opportunity to explore all the fascinating creatures living inside the tide pools near Dog Beach.
Visit Restaurants in Ocean Beach San Diego
While you’re in Ocean Beach, there are a ton of great restaurants to try out with a variety of cuisines.
11. Hodad’s
Location: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
This popular joint is a must-try for all burger lovers!
12. South Beach Bar & Grille
Location: 5059 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Relax with a cold beer and some delicious seafood at South Beach Bar & Grille.
13. Raglan Public House
Location: 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Enjoy one of the best fish and chips in town at this local favorite.
14. OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
Location: 2218 Cable Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Satisfy your cravings for ramen, dumplings and other Asian favorites from this long-running restaurant in Ocean Beach.
15. The Joint
Location: 4902 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
If you’re looking for something different, try out The Joint’s unique menu featuring burgers, wings, pizza and more!
16. Mr. Moto Pizza
Location: 1929 Cable Street, San Diego, CA 92107 (PERMANENTLY CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION – OTHERS OPEN OUTSIDE OF OCEAN BEACH)
Stop in for some pizza, calzones, garlic bread, and more.
Be sure to try the pizza of the month while you’re there.
17. Mike’s Taco Club
Location: 5060 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
As one of the best rated restaurants in town, it’s a must visit.
You’ll get large portions at a fair price.
Be sure to try a California Burrito while you’re here.
18. Rincon Reservation Road Brewery
Location: 4836 Newport Ave, Unit A, San Diego, CA 92107 (PERMANENTLY CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION – OTHER LOCATION IN VALLEY CENTER)
This brewery tasting room celebrates the Native American heritage of the local area.
They are known for their Oasis Blonde Ale, Chief IPA, Luiseno Hazy IPA, Rez Dog Hefeweizen, Red Rattler Amber Ale, plus some seasonal brews.
Happy hour is every Monday through Friday from 3 pm – 6 pm.
19. Winston’s Beach Club
Location: 1921 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Winston’s Beach Club is a live music venue with drinks on tap.
They have shows all throughout the year and you can check their schedule in advance to see who’s playing while you’re in town.
Best Places To Stay In Ocean Beach San Diego
Stay overnight or make a weekend getaway out of your visit and stay right in the middle of Ocean Beach.
✅ The Pearl Hotel
Located in the heart of OB, The Pearl Hotel is a great option for those who want to stay near all the action.
It has a rooftop bar with stunning panoramic ocean views as well as a restaurant serving up delicious dishes.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Pearl Hotel Today!
✅ Ocean Beach Hotel
Located just steps away from the Pier, Ocean Beach Hotel could be your perfect home away from home if you’re looking for a cozy place to stay during your visit to Ocean Beach San Diego.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Ocean Beach Hotel Today!
✅ Samesun Ocean Beach
Samesun Ocean Beach is a hostel located in the center of the action in Ocean Beach.
They offer private and shared rooms. However, they do not allow locals to stay in the hostel.
So if your ID has an address within San Diego county, you can’t check in.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Samesun Ocean Beach Today!
Where Is Ocean Beach San Diego?
Ocean Beach San Diego is located in the heart of San Diego County, on the west coast of California.
It is bordered by Mission Bay and Pacific Beach to the south, Point Loma to the north, and Old Town San Diego to the east.
It’s just a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego and convenient to many popular attractions such as SeaWorld, Balboa Park and much more!
So come explore all that Ocean Beach San Diego has to offer today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocean Beach San Diego
Here are the most frequently asked questions we see about Ocean Beach San Diego.
What is Ocean Beach San Diego Known For?
Ocean Beach San Diego is known for its laid-back beach culture, stunning ocean views, and vibrant local businesses.
It’s a surfers paradise, with great waves to enjoy all year round.
The sandy shores are perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles on the shoreline.
There are also several parks in OB to explore, including Dusty Rhodes Park, Dog Beach, and Robb Field.
Local restaurants offer delicious seafood dishes and craft beers while shops and boutiques line the streets selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing.
For more information on choosing the best restaurants, check out these guides:
- The 5 Best Birthday Restaurants in San Diego
- The 11 Best Restaurants in San Diego With A View
- The 13 Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
- The 15 Best Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
Plus, don’t miss out on the tide pools during summer months – they’re full of fascinating creatures just waiting to be discovered!
Check out these guides for more things to do in and around San Diego:
- San Diego Weekend Itinerary
- San Diego Zoo and La Jolla Day Trip
- The 21 Best Things To Do In North Park
How To Get Around Ocean Beach San Diego
If you’re planning to explore Ocean Beach San Diego, here’s how to get around:
☑️ Walking
The most popular way to get around OB is on foot as many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
☑️ Biking
Biking is another great option if you want to get around a bit faster.
There are plenty of bike lanes throughout the area and you can rent a bicycle from one of the local shops.
☑️ Public Transportation
There are several bus routes that run through Ocean Beach San Diego and can take you all over town for just a few dollars per ride.
☑️ Taxi/Uber/Lyft
Getting around by taxi or rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft) is also an option, although this can be quite expensive.
☑️ Car Rental
For those who want to explore further afield, renting a car is another great way to get around Ocean Beach San Diego.
No matter how you decide to get around OB, you’re sure to have a great time.
What is the weather like in Ocean Beach San Diego?
Ocean Beach San Diego typically enjoys mild temperatures year-round.
The average high temperature in the summer months (June through August) is around 75°F (24°C), while the winter months (December through February) have an average high of 65°F (18°C).
Rainfall is usually lighter in OB than other parts of San Diego County, with most of the rain falling from November to April.
However, Ocean Beach still experiences some hot and sunny days throughout the summer months.
In general, if you’re planning a trip to Ocean Beach San Diego it’s best to bring light clothing for warm days and layers for cooler evenings.
Be sure to also bring sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses, hats or umbrellas – as the sea breezes can be deceivingly strong!
You’ll also want to bring some comfortable sandals or flip-flops for walking around OB’s many shops, restaurants and attractions.
So come explore Ocean Beach San Diego today and experience its unique beach culture, beautiful ocean views and vibrant local businesses!
When is the best time to visit Ocean Beach San Diego?
The best time to visit Ocean Beach San Diego is typically during the summer months (June through August).
During this period, OB enjoys mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine – perfect for days spent at the beach.
However, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, visiting Oceanside in the spring and fall can be a great option as well.
If you’re visiting in the Fall, check out these guides on fun things to do that are available on this time of year:
- 16 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In September
- 23 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In October
- 15 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In November
These seasons tend to have less rain and fewer crowds than in the summertime, so you can explore all OB has to offer without having to jostle with other tourists.
Whichever season you choose for your visit, make sure to bring along appropriate clothing and sun protection so that you can enjoy all the best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego.
Conclusion: Things To Do In Ocean Beach San Diego
From the food to the activities and the year round sunshine, there are a ton of fun things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego.
