Ocean Beach Pier at Sunset is breathtaking.
Ocean Beach is the authentic beach town. Palm trees line the streets of this historical Southern California community. It’s kissed by the sun, romanced by the Pacific Ocean and has a personality all its own. A good reason for discovering Ocean Beach is its casual, small-town charm with its diagonally parked cars along the main street of Newport Avenue. This centrally located three-block-long shopping district has much to offer—and has no parking meters!
Ocean Beach has a lot to offer. If shopping is your way to relax, take a walk down Newport Avenue and browse through one unique shop after another offering TONS of microbreweries, surfboards, shells, beads, boutiques, unusual resale treasures and one of the large antique zone. Plus, the majority of merchants are residents, so expect to receive a friendly smile and good old-fashioned service.
Hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Ocean Beach delivers whether it’s a first-class meal with an ocean view or a simple bite to eat.
The streets of Ocean Beach are also dotted with friendly pubs. They are ideal for catching the sunset from a deck, watching your favorite sporting event or celebrating with a friend over a house specialty. You’ll definitely feel like a native at one of these relaxed, friendly establishments. Most of these places are in the third block of downtown Ocean Beach, which is nearest to the ocean.
Here too is Hodad’s (5) at 5010 Newport Ave. (619-224-4623). They claim to have the world’s best burgers. They’re also proud to announce that they have served under 99 gazillion. Yes, you’ll find plenty to do on Newport Avenue.
WHAT TO DO IN OCEAN BEACH
If it’s action you want, swim or surf in Ocean Beach’s big blue backyard. Ocean Beach is proud of its beautiful main beach, which is patrolled year-round by San Diego City Lifeguards. Plus, there are designated areas along the beach specifically designated for swimmers, dogs and for surfing.
If you want to buy a surfboard, there are several shops near the beach including South Coast Surf Shop (6) at 5023 Newport Ave. (619-223-7017). You can also find a good selection of Hawaiian shirts and swimsuits here too.
You can also stroll the 1,971-foot landmark Ocean Beach Pier (4), which is the longest concrete fishing pier on the West Coast. There is a bait-and-tackle shop here where you can rent a pole, bait, tackle, net and expert advice. Then you can dangle a fishing line and catch some fish while enjoying the ocean air and great coastal views. While on the pier have a bite to eat at the Walking on Water Cafe (4).
Plus, at low tide you can spend literally hours just discovering the many tide pools south of the pier. For low and high tide information, call (619-221-8824). The tide pools are at the foot of the pier.
You can also rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades, jog or just enjoy walking on the miles of sandy beaches. End a perfect day by watching the sun melt into the horizon from beautiful Sunset Cliffs near Hill Street (see map).
Tennis, soccer and baseball enthusiasts will be happy to discover Robb Field (1) (619-531-1563), an expansive recreation center. It comes complete with a fee based weight room and fitness center. This all-purpose athletic park also boasts Robb Field Skate Park (1) with 40,000 square feet of curves, bowls, jumps and rails. Admission is free to the park. Robb Field is where I-8 ends and Ocean Beach meet.
OCEAN BEACH HAS A DOG BEACH
Ocean Beach also has a quarter mile of beach dedicated to your furry four-legged friends. It’s the world famous Dog Beach (3), where you can bring your canine companion for a walk on the beach with or without a leash. It’s located next to the jetty at the foot of the San Diego river.
In addition to Dog Beach, Ocean Beach abounds with pet-friendly hotels, dog washes and a lot of businesses will leave water bowls out for your pooch.
FARMERS MARKET
This is the 24th year for O.B.’s Farmers Market (8) on the 4900 block of Newport Ave. Open every Wednesday from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. in Summer, and till 7 p.m. in the Winter. Pick up sunflowers and sample exotic fruit, vegetables, breads, pasta or wonderful desserts at this award-winning certified farmers market. Where else can you ride a llama, listen to live music, enjoy a fresh crêpe or have your child’s birthday party?
OCEAN BEACH ANTIQUE ROW
Newport Avenue is also home to many antique dealers (9), which comprise thousands of square feet of space, making Ocean Beach the largest antique district in San Diego County. Simply park your car along Newport Avenue and start browsing. Most stores are open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily and all accept credit cards.
For starters, it’s not your traditional stereotype grandmother’s antique store, yet you’ll find some classic antiques from that era. The selection is much greater and all-encompassing with lots of classic trends such as mid-century modern, shabby sheik, retro (which is very popular these days), industrial, primitive, Indian artifacts and the list goes on and on.
Also see the Ocean Beach Antique Association page and video.
If you need a break from antiquing, stop in at Culture Brewing Co, at 4845 Newport Ave., a popular brewery that showcases local artists on their walls.
If you prefer, sample some wines across the street at Gianni Buonomo Vintners Winery and Tasting Room (9) at 4836 Newport Ave. (608-212-8551) [gbvintners.com]. This award winning winery is open Wed. and Thurs. 2 p.m.– 9 p.m., Fri. 2 p.m.– 10 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m.– 10 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m.– 7 p.m. Also ask them about joining their wine club because once you’ve samped their wine and don’t live nearby, you can have their wine shipped you.
The Sunset Cliffs Inn (7) at 1370 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. (619-222-7901) [the Innatsunsetcliffs.com} is at the south end of Ocean Beach at the foot of Pt. Loma Avenue right at the water’s edge. So, expect the crashing waves to put you to sleep. Most definitely, plan to take a walk south along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at sunset, which is a favorite pastime for locals living in the Pt. Loma area. Besides discovering Ocean Beach, must visits should be to Cabrillo Monument, Shelter Island and Liberty Station discovered by reading the Pt. Loma Chapter.
RESTAURANTS
Ocean Beach is home to American, Chinese, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Japanese and Mexican restaurants. Three have ocean views and offer romantic sunsets.
A landmark restaurant celebrating over 50 years in business is Poma’s Italian Deli (12) at 1846 Bacon St. (619-223-3027). For over 54 years, Poma’s has been serving the best subs and homemade Italian specialties you’ve ever tasted. Instead of eating in, most people take their sub and head up the street to the world famous Ocean Beach Pier at the end of the block. With the wind blowing thru their hair, they find a bench and sit out on the pier and watch the surfers glide under the pier, sunbathers on the beach and enjoy an Ocean Beach moment.
Adding to the laid-back atmosphere of Ocean Beach is Pizza Port (14) at 1956 Bacon St. (619-224-4700). It’s a popular microbrewery and pizza joint. Try their “Swami’s” India Pale Ale with a pepperoni pizza pie.
The South Beach Bar & Grille at 5059 Newport Ave. offers an incredible view of the pier and the ocean while you enjoy your favorite libation and tasty fare. The view is second to none.
Wonderland Restaurant at 5083 Santa Monica Ave. undoubtedly offers the best view of the Ocean Beach Pier. So grab a booth and enjoy a nice meal in a laid-back atmosphere that is vintage Ocean Beach.
San Diego’s County’s #1 ranked Award Winning German Restaurant is in Ocean Beach, too. Kaiserhof Restaurant (2) at 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. (619-224-0606) is famous for its authentic German cuisine and popular biergarten. It’s open for lunch Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.. and dinner Tues. – Sun. 5 p.m.–10 p.m. and closed Monday. Also popular is their Happy Hour Tues.–Fri., 4 p.m.–7 p.m. See Restaurants.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
For more information on these events, call or visit the Ocean Beach Main Street Association at 1868 Bacon St. (619-224-4906) or [oceanbeachsandiego.com].
Every Wed.: O.B Farmers Market 4 p.m.
2nd Sat each mo.: Dog beach clean-up (9 a.m.–11 a.m.)
July 4: O.B. Fireworks off the Pier
Oct. 11-12: O.B. Oktoberfest
Oct. 29: O.B. Halloween Carnival
Nov. 12: O.B. Restaurant Walk 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Dec. 12 Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
May 9 Ocean Beach Kite Festival
June 22: Annual Street Fair Chili Cook-Off
OCEAN BEACH WALKING & DRIVING TOUR
