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.
Note: The Sun and Sea Festival in Imperial Beach has replaced the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. It is typically held in July.
Updated November 6, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures
San Diego Imperial Beach California - Photo Credit Gary White
Directions to Imperial Beach California: see below | Google Map
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.
The world famous Imperial Beach Sand Castle Competition was last held in July 2011 at Imperial Beach, California. This event is no longer held. Please join in the fun at the Sun & Sea Festival.
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.
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North San Diego County Beaches
Some beaches are best explored at low tide. Check out the tides and find maps and directions to the popular beaches below.
These are the top beaches in San Diego, listed from north to south:
Blacks Beach (Nude beach)
Blacks Beach (Surfer beach)
La Jolla Seals at Children's Pool
These are the top beaches in San Diego’s North County, listed from north to south: