Pacific
Beach is a community within the City of San Diego. It has its own business
association, pier, shopping mall, festivals and character and charm which
make it a city unto itself, though technically it is not. Pacific Beach
shops tend toward new wave with bright colors and great names, though the
brand name stores and shops are visible along Mission Street, the busy
thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach.
Recreation
Between the ocean, the bay, and
nearly 3 miles of bike paths not to mention year-round sunshine
Pacific Beach offers a myriad of recreational activities for
families, weekend warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts. Surf, swim,
kayak, or body board in the blue waters of the ocean. Bicyclists,
skaters, walkers, and joggers have miles of paved paths winding
between the ocean and Mission Bay. The paths afford spectacular
views of both; they also offer up a slice of local life at Pacific
Beach, including neighborhood basketball games, family picnics,
Frisbee, and kite activities, and lots of outdoor barbecues.
Sunbathing opportunities abound on the ocean, the bay, or a quiet
grassy knoll.
Coronado Beach Historical Museum
Housed within a
1898 Cape Cod-style home is the history of this charming island
portrayed through historical photographs and artifacts. Visitors can
see the step-by-step construction of the historic Hotel del
Coronado, Naval Air Station North Island, the ferry boats and the
beachside summer tent city created by sugar magnate John D.
Spreckels. There is a small giftshop on the premises.
San Diego Zoo
This world-famous establishment is clearly no
ordinary zoo. Walk or ride a double-decker bus throughout this
expansive park, home to over 4,000 rare and exotic animals exhibited
in beautiful garden habitats. More than a park, this zoo is a major
research facility although it is cleverly disguised with
entertaining shows and inspiring exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge and
Hippo Beach.
Pacific
Beach's boutique shopping district features hundreds of choices for
shopping and plenty of opportunities to find treasures amongst the sand.
From local brand name locations such as LA Rack, Starbucks, and American
Apparel to local favorites such as Great News and Pangaea Outpost, Garnet
Ave. is a shopper's paradise in a neighborhood setting. New and resale
clothing stores, salons, and retail stores make up the majority of the
shopping district, which is also sprinkled with restaurants and beach
friendly services.
Night Life
Pacific Beach restaurant community is as diverse as a coral reef with
colors and flavors that give diners the largest variety in San Diego. It
features everything from gourmet pasta, traditional beachfront faire,
fusion Thai, and Seafood beyond compare. As the sun goes down and the
tides change, Pacific Beach reawakens with dozens of nighttime hotspots
coming to life. Dancing, live music, and San Diego's hottest beach bars
are all within easy walk from hotels and the beach. Some times swimming
with the "sharks" is a good thing.
