Pacific Beach San Diego is today a thriving beach community, which has developed over time along the stretch of beach facing the Pacific Ocean and bearing the same name.

How it all started

It was the coming of the railroad that changed the face of things. In 1885 the East Coast and San Diego were connected. Advertisements paid for by the railway companies and chambers of commerce drew visitors who soon turned into ever increasing number of immigrants. Land speculators grabbed the opportunity, lots were sold at high prices and real estate business boomed. 1894 saw the extension of the railroad to La Jolla which furthered the connection with the distant world.

The first decade of the twentieth century saw advantageous land deals being struck. Properties were developed, people started settling down in Pacific Beach San Diego. By 1920, the population mark reached 500. Road constructions again led to a greater influx of people into the Pacific Beach area and thereafter World War II did the same. By 1950, the population had grown to 30,000.

What we have today

The rate of development continued. Businesses grew, markets were established and various theme-based water parks came up. It all conspired to create present-day Pacific Beach which carries the pulse of the young. Teeming with the college crowd and single professionals, Pacific Beach San Diego currently has a demographic of approximately 41,000 and is a much-favored beach destination. Summer weekends see the population figures swell by another 100,000 or so.

What to put on your to-do list

The Pacific Beach is by no means relegated to being just a summer hot-spot. People travel to Pacific Beach San Diego throughout the year with varied purposes. From swimming to adventure sports, fishing to picnicking, walking to visiting theme parks – you name it!

• Tourmaline Surfing Park, in the North of Pacific Beach, is as its name suggests the favorite haunt of surfers. It is also witness to the most fabulous sunsets.

• SeaWorld is an oceanarium within few miles of Pacific Beach. The exhilarating and innovative rides and the several species of marine animals ensure your delight.

• Law Street Beach to the north of Crystal Pier is ideal for boogie boarding. The beach is at the feet of a 25-foot cliff. A park atop this cliff commands some scenic beach views.

• Mission Beach in the south is a good place for swimming and scuba-diving or for simply cycling along the boardwalk. Riviera Shores on this beach is an especially quiet relaxing spot where the sea is as calm as any lake.

• An amusement park, Belmont naturally comes with its share of thrills in the form of roller coasters and other fun rides.

• The Mission Bay Park offers all sorts of water diversions. It is also a sought after location for picnics.

• Least active of all pursuits but most engaging to those so inclined, there is ample scope for people watching too. The Lahaina Beach Club even provides the setting for it.

Putting up at hotels, motels or vacation rentals like condos; eating at the innumerable sidewalk food joints that dot the Pacific Beach, participating in the strident nightlife on Garnet Avenue or simply breathing in the sea air and engaging in aquatic activities: you can be a part of the Pacific Beach San Diego crowd and just indulge!