San Diego, California--Ocean Beach is home to sunbathing, surfing,
fishing, sailing, shopping, pier strolling and lots of fun. When we took a photo
of surfer at Ocean Beach "OB", it was so popular that photograph appeared across
the Sandiegopoly game board! Locals equate OB with surfing. But they also
think of Dog Beach, volleyball, sunbathing, pier fishing, shopping and THE
BEACH, most of all.
Though San Diego's Ocean Beach is located across the bay
within view of the popular Sea World theme park, visitors might never see
this friendly neighborhood hangout known as "OB". Seven miles west
of downtown, it is home to the southernmost public beach on the Point Loma
peninsula. Two tourist favorites, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach,
garner greater attention. And though many have tried to turn Ocean Beach
into a similar commercial success, it's geographic location makes it less
accessible, and ultimately, more popular to locals. With
SeaWorld just two miles away, and within view from Ocean Beach, there's a
lot to love about San Diego's neighborhood with its own events, associations,
and personality that's slightly beach funky.
It is fitting that Ocean Beach, with a primary artery
named Voltaire Street, maintains a unique character and independent
identity reminiscent of French author Voltaire's philosophy. A tourist
visiting this tucked away treasure will discover colorful light pole banners,
artistic flags and a signature logo of a bird flying over the letters "OB"
on signs and on car window stickers. There seems to be great pride among
locals who adorn property with the OB symbol. OB is their town, their home and
they love it.
Where to stay: There are several hotels in and around Ocean Beach and over
40 pet friendly hotels to accommodate your visit with your dog to OB's dog
beach.
We
like to stay just over a mile away at a place near and dear to the
hearts of those who have stayed here over the years,
San Diego's Hilton Resort on Mission Bay.
What is there not to love about Ocean Beach? First
of all, there's a fantastic beach with great surfing, a huge pier with
fantastic fishing and a dog beach where you can let canines roam. There's a
shopping region, too, with restaurants, bars, shops and a feel that's real.
The sandy beach contains
fire pits
for bonfires available on a first
come first serve basis. The pier is an interesting, T-shape structure that
slopes upward toward the top of the T. Fishing is popular on this pier. An
average weekend sees hundreds of people with buckets, poles and bait fishing
for the great catch. A restaurant on the pier called Ocean Beach Pier Cafe
offers indoor and outdoor seating with ocean and harbor views. They serve
sandwiches, salads, fish and soft drinks, coffee and cocoa that you can
purchase at a take out window. The pier contains numerous benches to
sit and relax and watch forever views of the ocean, bay and Point Loma
peninsula.
A weekly Farmer's Market at the 4900 Block of Newport
Avenue sells flowers, food and baked goods locally grown and produced. There are free concerts during the summer
months and no admission charge to the Farmer's Market. To get there, take
Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and turn west onto Newport Avenue.
Ocean Beach was named by developers Billy Carlson and
Frank Higgins in 1887. They built streets, drew up lots and threw a big
mussel roast on the beach to sell property. As the town grew, it became
part of California's 2nd largest city, San Diego. A Municipal Pier which
was constructed during the 1960's, offers a restaurant with great views
and free fishing. Beneath the pier, surfers ride the waves which provide
a show for beach goers and dog owners who bring their pets to the popular
OB Dog Beach.
Coronado Island
< Ocean Beach > La Jolla
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Ocean Beach is part
of the City of San Diego
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