Pacific Beach is a beautiful suburb of San Diego, just 15 minutes north of the city proper. It’s a beach town through and through, with locals spending most of their recreation time on the water. However, short commutes to surrounding cities bring residents easy access to museums, galleries, theme parks, and zoos. With great schools and plenty of outdoor space to explore, Pacific Beach is a great place for singles or families to relocate. So if you’re considering Pacific Beach homes for sale and want to know what to expect when you move there, keep these essential amenities and activities in mind.
Things to keep in mind about Pacific Beach
Life in Pacific Beach
Life in Pacific Beach is centered around the water, with most recreation taking place in the sand and surf. Placed in the top 20 best San Diego neighborhoods to live in, Pacific Beach boasts top public schools, fantastic nightlife, and high ratings from families. Anyone looking into Pacific Beach homes for sale will find that the area is primarily residential, with a mixed urban and suburban feel. Homes come in various styles, from Spanish and Mediterranean Revivals to Modern Farmhouses, Ranches, and Contemporary homes. Seasonal festivities like the annual PB Pumpkin Patch or the Pacific Beachfest draw in locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Pacific Beach while they connect with their neighbors. With so much to do on the water and by visiting the surrounding towns, Pacific Beach is a great landing place for those who want to be connected to the amenities of San Diego without living right downtown.
Best things to do in and around Pacific Beach
Photo Courtesy of Safdie Rabines Architect, Rose Creek BikewayWhen shopping for Pacific Beach real estate, know that you’re investing in a true beach town. Residents can take their pick of Pacific Beach, North Pacific Beach, or Tourmaline, all of which are easily accessible from downtown. Pacific Beach tends to be the most populated, with visitors coming from surrounding towns to grab a bite or take in a beautiful sunset from the boardwalk. Separated from Pacific Beach by the Crystal Pier, North Pacific Beach attracts an eclectic crowd for sunbathing and swimming. For the best surf, you’ll want to visit Tourmaline, the furthest north of the beaches in the area.
Once you’ve had your fill of the waves, take to the trails around Pacific Beach to explore the local flora and fauna. The Rose Creek Bikeway is a local favorite that connects bike paths in the city to the Rose Canyon. Take the trail 1.5 miles to the Campland and pitch your tent or enjoy the views of the creek on a quick afternoon jaunt.
Families can also easily drive to the San Diego Zoo, home to more than 12,000 animals on 100 acres of land in Balboa Park. Visitors can easily navigate between enclosures like the Asian Passage and the Owens Aviary with the zoo's app. In addition to its many habitats, the San Diego Zoo also offers unique experiences like Animals in Action, where guests can get up close to various species.
Nearby arts, entertainment, and culture
Photo Courtesy of The San Diego Union-TribuneWhen looking into Pacific Beach real estate, keep in mind that the beach isn’t the only highlight of the area. There’s also plenty of access to a thriving arts and culture scene, especially when exploring surrounding neighborhoods. A short 15-minute drive to La Jolla will bring you to a branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Take in art by local and national artists set against beautiful ocean views. Or, visit the Visions Art Museum in Point Loma Heights, which has unique displays of multimedia and textile-based art.
Photo Courtesy of Eater San DiegoFor science lovers, the Fleet Science Center is 15 minutes southeast of town. It offers science clubs, IMAX shows, and permanent exhibits like Illusions, Kid City, Power Play, and the Space Gallery. You can enjoy live music at 710 Beach Club and Moonshine Beach. Listen to local musicians in a variety of styles while you dine by the water. For theater, Pacific Beach locals can head to the Vantage Theater in La Jolla or the La Jolla Playhouse or visit the Mission Bay Theater. Friends can get together for an evening of fun at Quicksand Escape Games in town or spend the day at Belmont Park, a beachside theme park on Mission Boulevard.
Dining and shopping
One of the best parts of relocating to an oceanside town is having access to fresh seafood all the time. Try The Fishery on Cass Street for ocean-to-table eats, including sushi, grilled oysters, and market squid. Or take a look at their market to get ingredients to take back home. For a quick bite, Palmys Cafe on Felspar Street is only a few blocks from the beach. They serve breakfast all day, with local favorites like the eggs-your-way Surfer’s Breakfast and the tasty Breaky Burrito. Located on the boardwalk, the Baja Beach Cafe serves sandwiches, tacos, and burgers. Or, stop by after dinner to sip a margarita while you watch the sun go down over the water.
Photo Courtesy of Tripadvisor, Fashion Valley MallWhen it comes to shopping, Pacific Beach is close to all the shops and boutiques that San Diego offers, including the Fashion Valley Mall, which is just 10 minutes away. Closer to home, Garnet Ave has several shops, including Bouluci Boutique and Mileage Clothing. Just about 15 minutes north, locals can also shop at the Westfield University Town Center, featuring shops like Tiffany & Co. and J.Crew.
Ready to relocate to Pacific Beach?
Pacific Beach combines the best of beachside living with easy access to all the best things to do in surrounding areas like La Jolla, Mission Beach, and downtown San Diego. Families interested in Pacific Beach real estate will find no shortage of activities to enjoy on the weekends, especially if surfing is a favorite family pastime. To find the best Pacific Beach homes for sale, hire a professional realtor who knows the area well. Once you’re ready to start looking at properties, contact agent Tiffany Torgan!
