Family friendly beaches in SD

[kra0125]

Hi all, planning a trip down to San Diego in October and was wondering if you had any suggestions for nice family beaches down there. Kids are both under 7 and want to play in the water some, but also would like to look for shells. I have read a little about Silver Strand and the beaches in the La Jolla area, just wanted some other opinions.

Thanks!

[samsma]

We have visited 2 beaches in the area, and liked them both.
Mission beach has Belmont amusement park, and is a good people watching, lots of activity kind of beach. San Diego/Mission Beach-Pacific Beach - Wikitravel

Then there is Coronado Island (over the bridge). The hotel is beautiful, and has an old fashioned carousel inside.
It is a much cleaner beach.
Coronado Island on Peninsula in San Diego, California

Hope this helps.

[caesarboxfan]

We like Torrey Pines State Beach, it doesn't get too crowded there. There's a hiking trail and a museum.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

[spunkymonkey]

I second the beach in Coronado, very clean and the water is perfect for children. the only drawback is there is no Public restroom. You have to walk across the street to the community center (which is probably the nicest community center I've ever been to).

[snorkeld]

I like La jolla shores, Small playground for the kiddies. Plus pretty much always small surf. Plus if you time it right you can snorkel with leopard sharks.

[Athlonacon]

I'm a North County resident so I kind of like the Carlsbad beach personally, it's very close to Legoland and Fidel's (I guess it's called Norte now, but it's still Fidel's). The famous Casa de Bandini is now in this area too, but like all great restaurants that uproot and move (think George Burgers in San Marcos), it's just a shell of its former glory. For areas around downtown San Diego, you can do no better than Coronado though, that little island is just beautiful and has a "get away from it all" type of feel even though downtown San Diego is a stone's throw away. Coronado is not a true island, but you can't really tell once you're there.

It's easy to get to too, you just take the Coronado Bridge across the bay and you're there... the problem lies in finding a parking spot! You used to have to pay to use the bridge, but they took that toll down years ago thankfully.

In any case, San Diego has the best Mexican food you'll ever taste outside Mexico, it would be a shame not to try one of the places around here before you go.

[crownguy]

I recommend the main beach in Coronado as well. Although, I am a little biased, since I live here. It is always on the top 10 best beaches in America list (Travel Channel, etc), especially for families. It has a wide beach with plenty of room to spread out and it's right next to the Hotel Del Coronado. Parking is a challenge in the summer. But, if you're coming in October, it really won't be a problem. There are public restrooms on the main beach, even though there was a post indicating otherwise. It sounds like they were on the beach at Coronado Shores a little farther south. You can get to the main beach by going across the bridge from San Diego, turn left at the first signal on Orange Ave. Go straight down Orange through town until you see the Hotel Del Coronado and turn right on R H Dana Pl and you're there. You can also check out what's going on at Coronado Island (eCoronado.com) - Coronado Island's #1 Community Website & Online Newspaper. Hope you have a great time!

[kra0125]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! It sounds like I have some pretty good beaches to choose from, I think after reading all the posts I have it narrowed down to Coronado or La Jolla with Coronado pulling slightly ahead.

Crownguy, are there good shells on the beach there? That is what my little one is most excited about, well and of course the water. I am hoping the water won't be too cold, we were at Huntington Beach last October and they went in the water with no problems.

[findingmickey]

with the parking at La Jolla shores being really bad.. Coronado or the Silver Strand might be a little better. Although, like CROWNGUY says, the parking might not be much better.

there are tons of shops, boutiques and restaurants (though pretty expensive) in La Jolla. the little "village" around the Hotel del Coronado is nice, there's a Ralph's and a Wendy's on Orange, a few blocks from the beaches. also, if you guys are military, there are two bases close by.

hmm... shells? we've been on grunion runs right there near the hotel del... on the north side, the shells are pretty tiny, since the beaches are pretty busy. might have better luck on the Silver Strand. they also have camping there, but not sure about the permits.

[crownguy]

kra0125, not sure about finding shells on the beach. Coronado is a very popular beach with many people especially in the summer. Most of the shells are going to be picked over. There may be some shells further north toward North Island and dog beach, since it is not as crowded. Of course, the many shops in town would be more than happy to sell you some shells.

[kra0125]

Thanks you guys for your help. I think we are heading to Coronado, is there a fall break in California that might increase crowds? We are heading over first part of the month.

[steamboatpete]

For a change of pace, consider going across the water (actually, around the harbor) to Point Loma. There's a lot for kids to see there, including a museum, some tidepools and the old lighthouse. And you can look across the mouth of the harbor and see Coronado Beach and say "There's our beach, kids!"

[sailerm]

I'd say Mission Beach, and though not a beach Balboa Park, and Sea Port Village, and please, please please stop by an Alberto's have have some cheap Mexican Food!!