Is Pacific Beach a good place to stay in San Diego?

Pacific Beach is the place to stay if you want a lively beach holiday. The boardwalk runs right along the sand past Crystal Pier, the surf is a few steps from the hotels, and Mission Bay's calm water is on the other side. Downtown is about 20 minutes away by car.

The area is a classic Southern California beach town. Surf schools, bike rentals and beach bars line the boardwalk, Garnet Avenue is packed with taco shops, breweries and bars, and Mission Boulevard has beach motels and surf shops. Days are spent in the water or cycling around the bay, and evenings at sunset bars by the sand.

The downside is that PB can be crowded and rowdy, especially at weekends and in summer, when the bars fill with a young crowd. Parking is hard, public transport is limited, and sightseeing downtown or in Balboa Park means a drive each time.

What makes Pacific Beach special is its energy. You can surf in the morning, cycle along the boardwalk, eat fish tacos for lunch and watch the sunset with a drink in your hand. For young travellers and groups of friends, it's San Diego's most fun beach base.