South County San Diego Beaches

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Location: San Diego County Coastline from South San Diego Bay to the Mexican Border (11 Miles – 18 Miles South of Downtown San Diego)

Features: Learn about the Beaches in the South Bay, Each With Its Own Character; Get Information on Attractions Near Each Beach, including Horseback Riding on the Beach.


Silver Strand State Beach – Sits south of Coronado on a remote stretch of sand between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Good area for camping (self-contained vehicles only), fishing, boating, cycling, and kite boarding. The entry fee is $8 per vehicle. Directions from Google Maps to 5000 Silver Strand Boulevard in Coronado, CA 92118. (11 Miles / 20 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)

Imperial Beach – Famous for hosting the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition each July. There is a playground for children and horseshoe pits for the adults.  You can also walk out over the ocean on the Imperial Beach Pier. Directions from Google Maps to Dunes Park at 700 Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach, CA 91932. (15 Miles / 20 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)

Border Field State Beach – This beach sits on the southwestern corner of the United States. You can visit the monument marking the southwestern border with Mexico.  This beach is the only one in San Diego County that allows horseback riding.  It is a remote beach surrounded by a wildlife area to the north and Mexico to the south. Learn more about Border Field State Park and its limited accessibility, especially for vehicles. (18 Miles / 25 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)

More San Diego Beaches – To find information on more San Diego County beaches, select the “Beaches” Theme below.

San Diego Beach Information

Beach Weather – Visitors can enjoy the beaches in San Diego year-round. However, finding ideal beach weather during the winter and spring is hit or miss. The best beach weather occurs from July to October. Ocean water temperatures are usually around 70 degrees during the summer and 60 degrees during the winter. Learn more about San Diego weather.

No Smoking – Most beaches and parks in San Diego County prohibit smoking.  However, state operated beaches do permit smoking.  There are giant ashtrays available for visitors to properly dispose of their cigarette butts and avoid fines for littering. Rules can change so be sure to check all posted signs for the most current information.

No Alcohol – All public beaches in San Diego County prohibit alcohol during the summer. Silver Strand State Beach allows overnight campers to have alcohol withing their personal campsite but no longer allows it on the beach. Del Mar beach in the North County area allows alcohol during the winter months, starting two days after Labor Day through the end of February. Rules can change so be sure to check all posted signs for the most recent information.

Find More Attractions with Similar Themes or Location: Beaches & Surfing, South Bay |

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