Ocean Beach San Diego

Fun Relaxed Beach and Dog Beach

Visit the cozy, laid back community of Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA. This friendly, small-town of O.B., or Ocean Beach, California, is right in the heart of San Diego, close to all the popular places to go, but in its own relaxed community near Point Loma and the San Diego River. It boasts the longest concrete pier on the west coast and the original dog beach.

Updated December 18, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Ocean Beach

Sunset photo of Ocean Beach Pier

Ocean Beach stretches from the Ocean Beach Pier at the south end to the famous original California Dog Beach at the north end.

Ocean Beach California Information

Dog Beach at north end of Ocean Beach San Diego

Location: Pacific Ocean between the San Diego River and Point Loma, San Diego, California

Directions to Ocean Beach San Diego: see below | Google Map

Parking: Free parking near Dog Beach at West Point Loma Blvd. and Voltaire St. Other small parking lots and street parking available.

Getting There: Short walk to the beach from parking areas.

Things to Do: Walking, jogging, sunbathing, swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, fish off the pier, walk your dog at Ocean Beach Dog Beach.

Things to See: Young people at the beach, sunset over the Pacific Ocean, view from the pier.

Facilities: Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, trash cans, coffee shop and tackle shop on the pier.

Services: Many restaurants, funky shops, surf shops, rental shops and bungalows along the beach and nearby Newport Ave.

High Tide Access: Good access to this deep, wide beach.

Lifeguard: Lifeguards during summer.

Dogs: Leashed dogs are allowed before 9 AM or after 6 PM (4 PM from Nov. 1 - Mar. 31) on the main part of Ocean Beach San Diego, but the original San Diego Dog Beach Ocean Beach is right next door, where unleashed dogs are welcome 24/7.

Things NOT to Do: No alcohol, no glass containers, no smoking, no littering, no disturbing noise, no overnight sleeping, camping or parking.

Disability Access: Some disabled parking and access.

Hazards: Rip currents.

Ocean Beach Pier San Diego

Take a walk on the Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego, for some spectacular views. You can also fish off the pier without a fishing license. There is a tackle shop midway on the pier, and if you are lucky an Ocean Beach old-timer to advise you on the best fishing spots.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach - Original California Dog Beach

Photo credit Jennifer Wilbur - A Dog's Beach

Ocean Beach Dog Beach, located at the north end of Ocean Beach near the San Diego River, is the original California dog beach, open 24 hours, and unleashed dogs are welcome. A visit to Ocean Beach in San Diego should include a stop at Dog Beach. It is a very popular San Diego dog beach with lots of room to run around.

Don't be afraid to get dirty, because nearby is the Ocean Beach world-famous Dog Beach Dog Wash, a self-service dog wash open 7 AM - 9 PM. Located at 7733 Voltaire St. just two blocks away from Dog Beach Ocean Beach, California. Ocean Beach is definitely a dog-friendly doggie beach town!

Directions to Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach San Diego Cal. Directions - from Interstate 5 north of downtown San Diego, go west on Interstate 8, west to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. then right on West Point Loma Blvd., which will bring you to the north end of the beach. There is a large free parking lot at the end of Voltaire St. near Dog Beach. Alternatively, continue on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and turn right on Newport Blvd. to see the shops and restaurants on you way to the main entrance of the beach near the Ocean Beach Pier San Diego.

Directions to San Diego Ocean Beach from Mission Beach, Mission Bay or Seaworld - Ocean beach sits across the San Diego River, just south of Mission Beach and Mission Bay. Take Mission Bay Drive, Sea World Drive, or Ingraham St. to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. then right on West Point Loma Blvd., which will bring you to the north end of the beach. There is a large free parking lot at the end of Voltaire St. near Dog Beach. Alternatively, continue on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and turn right on Newport Blvd. to see the shops and restaurants on you way to the main entrance of the beach near the Ocean Beach Pier San Diego.

Google Map

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