Come and visit San Diego Imperial Beach California, home to the world-famous U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition each summer (usually in July). Imperial Beach is located just south of San Diego CA.
December 11 2011 updated Imperial Beach California.
Imperial Beach, San Diego California Photo Credit Gary White
Imperial Beach California is the home to the famous U. S. Open Sandcastle Competition, and it is said to have the best California beach sand! The beach is ideal for swimming, jogging, sunbathing and surfing, and is popular among South San Diego residents and tourists. Imperial Beach San Diego CA should be on your list for a sand castle contest or for a nice day at the beach.
The Imperial Beach Pier is a great place to take children fishing for the day, and no fishing license is required. The Tin Fish restaurant is located at the end of the pier.
2012 Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition
The 2012 Sandcastle Competition date is TBD. Here is the information from the 2011 event.
The world famous Imperial Beach Sand Castle Competition was held on Sunday July 24 2011 in Imperial Beach, California with a Festival on Saturday Jul 23. On Saturday the festival included a Kids-N-Kastle Competition, entertainment, food, arts, crafts and the beach! On Sunday, the professional and amateur sand carving teams competed with their sand castles and other sand sculptures from 9 AM to 2 PM, with viewing until 4 PM, until the tides start to wash them away. For more information see 2011 US Open Sandcastle Competition.
Join in the fun Sandcastle Dance - Friday July 23 2011 in Imperial Beach Boys and Girls Club. This San Diego event is 21+ only. Due to alcohol and beverage control regulations, the Sandcastle Dance on Friday is now 21 and up. Don't forget your ID!
San Diego Imperial Beach General Information
Imperial Beach Pier Photo Credit Gary White
Location: 950 Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach, California 91932
Parking: 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, beach volleyball, barbeque at nearby Dunes Park and Pier Portwood Plaza, picnic lunch on the beach, dine in restaurant with ocean view.
Things to See: Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Imperial Beach pier, Ocean Riders bronze sculpture.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, trash cans, Dunes Park playground, picnic tables, volleyball area
Services: Many restaurants, shops, bars, surf shops, rental shops and hotels along the beach.
High Tide Access: Good access to this deep, wide beach.
Lifeguard: Lifeguards during summer. Call 619-423-8328 for more information.
Dogs: No dogs allowed.
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, occasional poor water quality after heavy rains.
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge Border Field State Park
Further south in the town of Imperial Beach, California near the border with Mexico is the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, the largest salt water marsh in Southern California. The California Border Field State Park occupies part of the refuge. There are nice hiking trails and horseback riding on the beach, but swimming or surfing is not recommended due to poor water quality.
Imperial Beach Cal. Directions: From San Diego CA go south on Interstate 5, exit Palm Avenue. Go west (right) all the way to the end. At a stoplight near the Goodwill store you will need to veer left. To reach the Imperial Beach pier, at the end of Palm Ave. turn left onto Seacoast Drive for four blocks.
