What's a good beach in San Diego--to swim or maybe just walk along--& easy to get to & from the airport?

Question

We'll be in San Diego this Saturday & I have a strong craving to see the ocean, walk along the sand & possibly change into a swimsuit & splash in the surf. San Diego, its airport, & its public transportation have the worst websites I've ever seen for planning a visit. Can anyone help me find a beach that's easy to get to & from the airport, & maybe a good place to eat lunch along the beach?

Answer 1

good beaches:

Oceanside Pier

Torrey Pines National Park Beach (has tidepools you can walk to)

Answer 2

I would recommend La Jolla Shores because it's beautiful, clean, well guarded, has free parking and I think, exceptionally easy to get to. From the airport, go to the I-5 north. It's only about five exits to La Jolla Parkway, which is a one way exit. It will take you left up and over the I-5 and into La Jolla. You will see a gas station up ahead on your right. Turn right there onto LJ Shores Drive . Go to the first light and turn left onto a small business street. Follow this until Del Oro street and turn right. After a couple blocks you will see a green park and the beach. The parking is further up the street on your left. Not sure when you'll be going but some better times, parking wise, are around 9-10 a.m. and in the early evening like 6:00. The little burger shop on the street you came in on is good and reasonable. Great sandwiches too.

There are other beaches closer to the airport, but the Shores is by far the easiest, and fastest to get to. Don't let a cabbie talk you into Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, both closer, but you'll spend way too much time in traffic and at stop lights.

And you're right, the transit website is atrocious. No experience with the others you mentioned.  

Answer 3

mission beach is the easiest by car  --- not the closest  - a bus would take about an hour to get there

Coronado is closer kinda take the #2 bus (i think) downtown then transfer to the bus that goes to coronado or take the water taxi that's located on the boardwalk at seaport village downtown. it crosses the bay to coronado island. you can play in the bay water and walk around the area or rent a bike at one on the shops and pedal thru a beautiful area to the beach near the hotel del.. Really nice!!

Try www.cheap-fun-family-travel.com for more help

Answer 4

Coronado is not far from the airport and is one of the best beaches in all of Southern California.

Answer 5

Ocean Beach. It's casual, and has a lot of shops (mapquest newport ave.) and places to eat (my favorite: BBQ House). You can swim, walk around,etc, and it's only about a $15 cab ride from the airport.  

Also, Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach.  More walking paths, and still lots of good places to eat.